Many parents would love to have their child become a model or actor. These are key things that the CEO of Craze Agency Troy Lee recommends that will help you to have a great interview with a professional agent.
What is the most important trait you look for in child actors?
The ability to be relaxed, comfortable, disciplined and natural in front of virtual strangers is a hard quality to find. Clients want kids to be real kids not seem like they were forced or coached.
What would be the ideal attire for children to wear to an audition? An interview?
Simple age appropriate clothing not to casual but also not overly dressy for both an audition and an interview. No hats or makeup. We want to see what they naturally look like.
Upon first impression, what might immediately deter you as an agent from selecting a child?
Pushy parents that answer the questions for the child, kids that cannot sit still very long or have a hard time taking direction. Parents who have unrealistic expectations.
What would you say are the perks of a small boutique agency vs. a large company?
Though we have agencies in Utah and Idaho and work primarily in the Intermountain region we also find work in many surrounding markets. Because we are not in a top ten populated market we find work in many areas. Commercial print modeling, Lifestyle print modeling, a little bit of High Fashion modeling, Small budget and Feature films, Commercials, Website Spoke Persons, Brand Ambassadors and Trade Show Modeling. In order to provide clients with appropriate talent, we represent quite a few people that just do this part time and not as a career. We also assist talent in getting larger market representation once they are qualified and ready. I have found that successful agencies in smaller markets cannot specialize as much as most of the larger market agencies.
As an out-of-L.A. agent, what would you advise other out-of-L.A.parents and child actors to do to gain exposure?
Get a reputable agent in your market. It is too hard for an individual to get their foot in the door with most paying clients. Many agencies in smaller markets also rely on training the models and actors for income. This is not always bad but if you want your child also promoted properly, you have to be extra careful because they may make the majority of their income training the talent. Do not worry too much at first about spending a ton of time finding national work for your child. Try to develop their skill level and resume with local jobs. If they want to be an actor research the best film and commercial acting instructors. In our market most theater jobs are low or non-paying so we spend our time with film, TV and commercials. Make sure your child’s head shot and resume are of industry standard quality. Then mail them with a brief cover letter to every ad agency, commercial photographer and casting director in your market. Also it is all about networking so at first do low budget or free projects just to get out there and create visibility and experience. What People are Saying
What is one important thing you feel a parent can do to benefit their child to become more successful in the industry? Or 
what not to do?
Encourage the child but never force them to be in the industry. Educate them on the good and bad points and be realistic. Usually there is not as much consistent work for kids until they get a little older.
At what point would you advise to parents choose to move to L.A.? Is it imperative?
For acting once the child is one of the most booked children in your State, which is a very small percentage. Also if they can be SAG eligible and have 2-3 years of really good experience on their resume. For modeling I would say they probably would also need to be a pretty good actor because there are a ton of cute kids already living in L.A. so they need to be able to do both well to catch the eye of the better child agencies. They should also have some tear sheets of work they have done for companies. Over the years I have had a number of really good actors and models jump too quickly to L.A., even though they were making some good income in our market and developing a nice track record with the local casting directors and ad agencies. Though I counseled them to first further develop their acting skills or modeling portfolio with tear sheets etc. they would listen to many so called industry people advising them they are L.A. ready now. Most of the time they go before they are really ready and end getting discouraged and they just quit the business. For many actors or models L.A. or New York should be the goal, but just make sure you give yourself the very best chance possible to succeed!
How did you get started in the entertainment industry?
I had a high school friend who managed an agency offer me a new faces recruiting agent position even though I had little experience in the Modeling and Acting world other than doing many trade show spokesperson jobs for various companies. After about a year of working for this agency I realized there were better ways to promote and recruit the talent, so I worked hard and opened up my own agency and have now been promoting talent for about 25 years.
What is the most important lesson you have learned working in entertainment outside of Hollywood?
I have had to be extremely diversified to grow and succeed. Sometimes there are a ton of movies all going on or commercials or print jobs and other times almost nothing. We are usually busy all the time because we have such a diverse section of talent that we can find opportunities daily. Also sometimes smaller market agents are just as smart and savvy as major market agents. They have to be just to survive.
Why are you passionate about your agency and/or being an agent?
I have a fantastic team at the Craze Agency that has worked together for years. It really gives me pleasure when I see one of our talents careers begin to flourish. I also love the fact that over the years we have assisted thousands of people in achieving some of their dreams in the entertainment industry.
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Why hire a model or actor from Craze Agency?
Why should a company hire a model or actor from a respected Modeling and Talent Agency?
Don’t take the chance on getting flaky people! Most models that are not represented do not have much to lose if they do not show up for the job or casting.
Quality Modeling and Talent Agencies will screen and individually prepare the talent for your specific needs thus giving you reliable and professional Talent.
An agency will make sure that the models show up on time, healthy, trained and with a great attitude. The Agencies long term client relationship and reputation may be at risk and we know how hard it is to find good clients as well as clients to find good Agencies.
Often models that are not represented are usually not at the level professional modeling and talent agencies accept. This is why they are independent. Unrepresented models often use outdated or unrealistic photo shopped images in an attempt to book a job.
You may be surprised but often the Agency can work within your budget with no added fees. You only need to make out one check to the agency and they can disburse the checks to all of the models saving you valuable time and accounting expenses.
Professional Agencies strictly screen all of their staff to ensure they are reliable and professional to work with. They should be able to handle all of 
the booking details that the client requests
You also only need to make one call and the agent can do the rest. If a model or actor does not show up it is usually too late to find a replacement.
Some of the areas a full service modeling and talent agency can help you with are Models and Talent for Promotional Events, Retail and Exhibition shows across the United States. They also often represent Actors, Extras, Print and Runway Modeling, Film, TV, Commercials and Internet.
If you would like to set up an audition with talent, the larger agencies often have casting space. The agency also can put you with the best Casting Directors if your project calls for that.
Great agencies can also communicate with you on getting as many important details as needed, then sifting through their talent database to find you the very best candidates. If you want to see professional photos and resumes of their talent most good agencies can give you a list of great models immediately. A large Agency with variety can also save you the expense of hiring a casting director. If they have a good eye for talent the can assist you in finding the perfect fit for your project.
If you need assistance or would like to find professional models in your area or referrals call us at 801-438-0067 or 208-433-9511 or go online to
Modeling and Acting advice.
Models and Actors don’t psyche yourself out before, during or after the audition or casting call. Follow these steps and you will get book more jobs.
After promoting excellent models and actors for over 25 years at the Craze Agency, I have witness many otherwise excellent models and actors damper their chances of landing the job or having a successful career.
Many times they don’t even know they do it until it is too late.
Here is a list of things models and actors do and the solution to their problems.
1-Worrying too much about things you cannot control. Often there will be many types of other talent auditioning, some better looking, some skinnier, some with more experience etc. You never know exactly what they want so you just have to go in with the attitude you are confident, professional and the best choice for the job.
2-You think you are prepared for the casting, and then when you audition it does not go the way you envisioned or you blow the audition. Auditioning for strangers and people who actually make the decisions is totally different than preparing in the comfort of your own home and for friends and family. You need to constantly be testing yourself in different settings and situations. A pro can adapt comfortably no matter who or what the situation is.
3-You are not properly prepared or informed for your audition. There is a lot more too being a great model or actor than genetics and talent. If you are not 100 percent confident, educated and prepared you probably will be turned away. Remember paying clients look at this as a business and they hire people that are ready and can make their investment profitable.
4-Some models or actors get discourage because the client doesn’t seem interested in them at one particular casting. Sometimes the client is interested in you but they have a lot on their mind. Sometimes they are not interested but the next client could be the one that helps you become a star. Everyone has different tastes and needs so stick with it and have a tough skin.
5-You become overwhelmed by nerves and the situation. Often nerves are a direct result of inexperience and the unknown. Talents often over analyze the situation, placing too much importance on this one particular audition which creates panic in you. Get a respected coach and practice the correct things over and over again. Being photogenic besides being nice looking, is moving correctly, knowing different poses, listening to the photographer and understanding how you look in front of the camera. For actors there are so many variables you need to work with someone who understands these and can give you the knowledge and confidence.
6-Beating yourself up after the casting call if you do not land the job or receive a callback. Be proud that you first were called for the audition. Many times the client is selective on who and how many people they see. There are so many outside unknown factors that go into each casting that I have witnessed numerous accounts of models and actors going on well over ten failed auditions and getting so discouraged, then the next audition they go on they get the booking and make great money, have a blast and their career gets moving quickly. You just never really know, even the biggest stars had a bumpy road to the top. Enjoy the journey and good things will come!
If you have more questions call Craze Modeling and Talent Agency at 801-438-0067 or go to http://www.crazeagency.org
http://www.crazeagency.blogspot
http://www.crazeagency.wordpress.com
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Questions you should ask and know when performing acting audition
These are some of the questions you should answer when you prepare to perform or audition an acting scene. Be creative and try to think out of the box. Casting Directors, producers and directors respect actors who are original and creative but still are true to the script.
If you do not know the answer below just use your best judgment but please make a choice. There really is not a right or wrong but just your interpretation and ability to demonstrate it to the audience.
By using this list below it should help you to perform and understand the acting scene much better.
Casting directors stress that you need to make and be able to perform strong choices when auditioning.
When practicing your audition do it for a friend or family and see if they are able to answer these questions by witnessing the actual performance.
Always try to remember the audience only knows what you are thinking by performance. Learn to connect with the audience by being able to let them feel and understand what you are thinking and conveying.
Make a worksheet every time you audition and fill in the following questions
What is the physical description of my character?
What is the personality like of my character?
What are my emotions at the time of the scene?
What are the personality traits and my relationship to the other characters in the scene?
Where is the scene taking place? Describe the setting and the time of day?
What type of Film, T.V. Series or Commercial is this (Drama, adventure, comedy, period piece etc.)?
What is my character trying to accomplish?
What does my character want the other character to DO (now)?
What are the other characters trying to accomplish?
What details or nuances that make sense can I add to the scene that can help to make it interesting without changing the scene?
What is the pace of the scene (depending on the situation you can slow down or speed up just as in real life even in the middle of the scene)?
Where are the key shifts in the scene (emotional, mental, physical etc.)?
Do I completely know and understand the scene, (once you really do you can then let the scene flow naturally and live the moment)?
This may seem like a lot of things to think about especially in a short scene, but having the ability to display this will give your performance depth and believability.
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1- When you are booked for any job write down the director, producer, casting director, TV Network etc… You need this info. for your resume. Also remember the part you played. (If it was extra work you must put that in a separate Extra category not acting). Always update your resume the day you do the project. You would not believe the amount of work people lose out on because their resumes are not updated.
2- To insure payment when you are booked on a job, please remember to bring appropriate ID and fill out all forms legibly and correctly. Also keep track of the dates you work and what job it was just in case.
3- Keep your look close to the photos your agent uses to promote you, or you must update the photos. Clients really get upset when you do not match your photo or if we send you out to meet them and you have gained or lost weight, have longer hair or a different color we could lose that client permanently.
4- Never say a negative word on set. Even among fellow actors or models. Even about other agencies. It never helps you or us in the long run! Let’s take the high road even though many people and agencies don’t.
5- A successful Modeling and Acting career is like any other career it takes time, persistence, dedication, knowledge, skill and patience!
6- Many National Clients take time to pay you, even when your agent bills them with a 30 day voucher. We all hate it as bad as you do, (we all have bills to pay). Often they have 2-3 clients they bill to get you paid. Legitimate agents will do everything in their power to collect, but it has always been that way and will probably never change with the big national companies. They know they get a lot of people work so if you harass them too much the client will just use someone else.
7- Do not accept an audition unless you are 100% sure you can make it and be on time. Usually agents are limited in the time slots we have and we do not have time to replace you. We also give the casting director a list the night before and they will too be busy the next day of the audition for us to schedule someone else with them. They just figure you are unreliable.
8- No matter how you feel inside you have to portray self confidence when you are interviewed. Clients never hire people who let them know they are new at this or who are not a polished finished product.
9- Don’t show it or be shocked if the audition is not what you visualized. A pro expects it to always be different and is ready to make quick on the spot adjustments. They almost want it to be tough because they know the amateur will let it affect them. Half of success in this business is
Being very adaptable with each casting situation you encounter. This is why it takes training and experience for many of the jobs.
10- Always just have fun with this business. Clients love to be around smiling, funny, happy people. Many actors, models get too serious when they audition because they feel the pressure.
11- If a client ask you what your rate is say, call my agent or let us know. That is our job and we will make sure to get documents signed if needed and get you the best rate possible for that type of project. Usually clients that do not want to initially go through agents will either never pay or low ball you or work in an unprofessional manner. Plus you are responsible to let the agency know about these projects.
12- If you need an agent research the Better Business Bureau, call your local Film Commission and ask casting directors who they use. If you live in the western U.S. except California contact the Craze Agency 801-438-0067
http://www.crazeagency.synthasite.com
http://www.crazeagency.yolasite.com
http://crazeagency.wordpress.com/
http://crazeagency.blogspot.com/
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i want to be a model! and i am trying to find places that are interested in me and my friend!
Go to http://www.crazeagency.com and apply online. Thanks
Thanks for the good advice it will really help
Keep up the good work Joey!
This is really excellent advice. I’ve been writing a few tips on how to find legitimate and reputable child modeling agencies at my site http://www.childmodelingagencies.net and I think this advice is a great summary.
Appreciate the kind words. It is great to get quality advice out to the newcomers. We also have information on
This is a informative blog that tells tells us modeling agencies play a strong role between modeling agencythe actor and the production company.
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