Casting Kids, Author at Casting Kids

Acting, Modelling

How Safe is an Acting Job for Kids?

Posted on September 25, 2022September 24, 2022 by Casting Kids

25
Sep

As parents, it’s natural to have concerns for the safety of your child in anything they do. Whether it’s sporting events, school camps or other extracurricular activities, you want to know that they’re protected at all times. An acting job for kids is no different. Even though it is a form of paid employment, parents still want absolute certainty that their children are in a safe environment.

So, how safe is the acting world for young people?

Working with children checks

Perhaps the most common way to protect the safety of children is through working with children checks. These are background checks ensuring that anybody working with a child in Australia is considered responsible and safe. The laws vary across Australia, but this is a great way for parents to gain some peace of mind.

You’re well within your rights to ask about an employer’s protocols around this. For example, does the company require that all people working on the acting or modelling shoot hold a working with children check? If not, you may not wish to proceed with the job.

Employment laws

Every state and territory has its own laws regarding the employment of children in general. Every industry must follow these laws. They do serve the purpose of ensuring children aren’t financially exploited.

All companies hiring children for acting or modelling roles are subject to these laws, and there may be certain exemptions that apply. This is because usually, children under a certain age aren’t permitted to hold employment at all.

Protecting against indecency

You must be involved in your child’s acting as a parent. Again, state and territory laws are slightly different when it comes to protecting children from indecent or sexualised depictions. But overall, if you’re uncomfortable with the direction of a television ad, TV show or modelling shoot, you always have the right to remove your child. If you’re not comfortable with the situation, it’s best to get out straight away.

The child’s role isn’t everything here. It’s also the other activity on set. Let’s say you’re filming a movie that includes child actors. If the movie includes adult scenes, children must be kept away.

Use a reputable child talent agency

The best protection against your children coming to harm is always yourself. You’re in charge of making the right decisions for them. That’s why many parents choose to use reputable talent agencies instead of going it alone. When you apply for acting or modelling jobs from unverified sources, you never know what the environment will be like.

Use a reputable agency like Casting Kids. You’ll feel safe that all auditions and jobs are through legitimate clients. If you’d like to know about how Casting Kids can find you the best acting job for kids, contact us today!

Acting

Is Casting For Teens Different Than Casting for Younger Kids?

Posted on August 24, 2022August 2, 2022 by Casting Kids

24
Aug

If you’ve got a teen who is interested in acting or modelling, they will need to get used to casting. Casting for teens is the process of holding auditions to determine who is best suited to a role. For younger kids and babies, auditions aren’t too difficult. But when children become teenagers, the expectations are a bit higher.

We expect a different level of maturity and behaviour from teens in everyday life, and casting directors expect more too. Here are some of the big differences between casting for teens and casting for younger children.

Learning lines

In the case of casting for teens in acting roles, one of the biggest differences is that casting directors expect a little more. That usually surfaces in the form of learning lines. Prior to an audition, teen actors might be given part of a script to learn, because they’ll need to perform it at the audition.

This expectation doesn’t really exist for babies and younger kids, because their roles often don’t have lines. Not all teen roles have lines either, however it is more common. So, if you’ve got a teen who is following their acting dreams, they’ll need to be good at practising and memorising lines

Casting for teens clothing

While appearance isn’t everything, many casting directors indeed want a certain look. Teens who audition for roles should have a good understanding of the character. It could be for a commercial on the beach, in which case, casual beach clothing is expected. The role may call for the teen to wear a suit, so your teen should dress accordingly for the audition.

As a parent, you’re not dressing your teen anymore. However, it pays to be aware of these requirements so you can guide them through the audition process.

Ability to take direction

When younger children attend auditions, they don’t need to take a lot of direction. That’s because casting directors are more just looking for a certain personality, temperament or look. However, as children get older, there’s an expectation they can take direction.

For example, your teen may have learned some lines before the audition. They perform those lines, but the director wants to see a little more. They may ask the actor to perform in a certain way, and they expect that a teen actor can handle that.

It could be showing different emotions, reading different lines or even auditioning for an entirely different role. It pays to be ready for anything when auditioning.

Need help finding casting for teens?

Casting Kids has become known as one of the most respected child modelling and acting agencies. That’s because we have genuine care for our kids, and we also have an impressive list of clients. This means more audition opportunities for your child, and a better chance of success. We’re fully inclusive, and will represent any child from 0-16 regardless of abilities. To find out more about how we can help your child achieve their dreams, contact our friendly team today.

Acting, Blog, Modelling

How Much Do Children’s Agents Cost?

Posted on August 10, 2022August 2, 2022 by Casting Kids

10
Aug

When you’re looking for children’s agents to represent your young one, one of the most common questions is about the cost. There are usually two different fee types that you’ll find when it comes to agents. Both have their positives and negatives, but let’s take a closer look and see how they work. Here are the different costs for hiring children’s agents.

Commission

One way that agents organise their fee structure is with a commission. This means that there are no costs associated with joining the children’s agency. However, if your child secures work, you’d be required to pay a percentage to the agent.

This is quite a common fee structure, and the amount can range from 10% – 20% depending on the agent. In some ways, this is a fair arrangement because as a parent, you only pay for an agent’s services if your child earns income.

On the downside, it means an agency can essentially represent hundreds and hundreds of kids, but only put effort into finding work for the children they think are most likely to earn money.

Children’s agents registration fees

Another way to structure fees is by charging a registration fee. Here at Casting Kids, we prefer this option. We set a standard registration fee of $395 per year. This helps to pay for professional photo shoots, a profile on professional networks and 12 months of representation.

We prefer this because it still gives us a level of control over who we represent. Not everybody can register, and we only take children on if we think we can really find work for them. This way, we work equally as hard for all of our kids. If parents don’t see any results, they won’t register for another year.

So, agencies that charge a registration fee have to work hard for their clients, otherwise, they won’t generate an income.

Which is best?

It really comes down to personal preference. Each system has its pros and cons. We’ve outlined why we prefer a registration fee structure. We feel that it’s better for parents and children, while also keeping us motivated to put all of our children forward for appropriate jobs. It also ensures there are equal funds dedicated to things like photoshoots.

Ultimately, it’s a parent’s choice and in the end, it probably isn’t even the biggest concern. More important is feeling that you’re well represented and that you have a good rapport with the agent. You need to feel confident that they have the relevant industry connections and clients that you’d want your child working for.

While some may argue against registration fees, you generally get what you pay for when something is free.

Looking for the best children’s agents in Melbourne?

If you want high-quality representations from children’s agents who really care about your child’s future, look no further. Casting Kids has been representing children of all ages from 0-16 for many years now. We’ve built an impressive list of clients and we’ve had great success in finding regular work for our dedicated, hard-working kids. To find out more, contact us at Casting Kids today.

Acting, Modelling

4 Reasons to Join a Child Agency in Melbourne

Posted on July 6, 2022July 3, 2022 by Casting Kids

06
Jul

Have you considered getting your child into acting or modelling? It can be a pretty lonely road without the right support. That’s why so many people register with a child agency in Melbourne for a better chance of success.

Access to quality jobs

Of course, the first reason you might consider joining a child agency in Melbourne is to find work. There are plenty of acting and modelling jobs out there for kids, but without representation you may not find out about them. Major clients generally have preferred agencies they use for casting calls. They don’t advertise online because applications and auditions would be a nightmare to manage. So, they contact agencies like Casting Kids and ask for referrals.

If you join a reputable child agency with good clients, you’ll get access to more auditions. And while it’s always up to you and your child to advance their career in whatever way you choose, an agency makes it easier. You won’t need to spend hours scouring online sources looking for work, because your agency should provide regular opportunities to audition.

Safe working environments

The other point about working with an agency is you end up with better jobs. We’re not just talking about finances either. When trying to find jobs online or elsewhere, your child might end up working on non-professional sets, with some productions even asking for free labour in return for exposure.

These environments aren’t great, and some can be downright unsafe. The clients we work with at Casting Kids, for example, are professional and conduct themselves as such. If your child wins a role, you can reasonably expect they’ll be working in a professional, safe environment.

Ongoing support from a child agency in Melbourne

When you join a child agency in Melbourne you don’t just get representation. You also get other things such as access to professional networks, profiles on industry websites, professional photos and more. You can always contact your agency if you have questions or concerns. When you try to go it alone, you don’t get these sorts of advantages.

Advice

The support you get from a child agency usually extends to offering plenty of advice along the way. For example, if your child is being sent to lots of auditions but isn’t winning jobs, you may be wondering why. You can contact your agency and ask for some advice, such as how to prepare better for auditions.

Having support like this can be a great comfort, especially if you and your family are completely new to the industry.

Looking for the best child agency in Melbourne?

Casting Kids loves meeting new kids and families! We’ve been in the business for over 16 years. In that time we’ve developed a huge client list, giving us access to plenty of acting and modelling jobs for kids. Plus, we’re a fully inclusive agency, representing children of all abilities. If you’d like to join a child agency in Melbourne to help your little ones make their way in the entertainment industry, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and we’d be happy to discuss your goals further!

Acting, Blog

The Unseen Value of Melbourne Acting Agencies

Posted on June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 by Casting Kids

17
Jun

If you’re considering getting your child into acting, this article explains why you need Melbourne acting agencies. However, we’re not going to be looking at the standard, obvious reasons you want an agency’s help. Here is some of the hidden value of signing with an acting agency.

Advice and support

Perhaps the most invaluable resource your acting agency can provide is advice. Especially where kids are concerned, they’re not likely to have a lot of experience. Acting for kids is often very different to adult acting where there’s an expectation that everybody has a certain level of proficiency.

For kids, the whole industry is new, so getting some advice from your agency is always helpful. It could be something simple, like giving you ideas on how to improve your child’s chances – maybe acting lessons or participating in local plays. Whatever advice and ongoing support you get from your agency are going to help your child in the long run.

Early notice for upcoming opportunities

When you’ve got an agency looking out for you, you’ve got more chance of finding work. That’s a given, because your agency should be contacting you when auditions come up. But the hidden benefit here is that agents know which jobs are coming up, even before they’re announced. Through their industry contacts, Melbourne acting agencies have the inside word on upcoming TV shows, movies and other larger projects that will be coming up in future.

This gives you an opportunity to plan, practice, and get your child ready for future opportunities. It’s always great to have a little advantage over the competition, and being able to prepare early for upcoming auditions is certainly one of those advantages.

Industry network profiles

While you won’t get it with all Melbourne acting agencies, one of the benefits you often find is having a profile on important industry networks. Here at Casting Kids, we provide all of our registered child actors with a profile on Casting Networks. It serves almost as a resume or portfolio, not to mention some other benefits.

So, if you’re serious about getting your child into acting, consider signing up with a reputable Melbourne acting agency. Having these profiles can mean your child gets more work.

Find the best Melbourne acting agencies today

Casting Kids has been helping children realise their dreams for over 16 years. We’re fully inclusive, signing children of all abilities. We’re also honest about your prospects, so if we feel that we won’t be able to find work for your child, we’ll tell you straight away. We love what we do, and we’re fully invested in helping our kids find work and get their start in the industry.

Contact Casting Kids today to arrange a meeting. We make a point to meet all of our children and their parents before signing, just so that we can understand your expectations and goals, and you can all ask as many questions as you like. To get started, simply call or fill out the registration form today!

Acting, Modelling

Types of Kids Modelling and Acting Jobs

Posted on June 9, 2022June 9, 2022 by Casting Kids

So, you’ve got a little one showing a bit of flair for performance? Of course, we don’t mean the routine performing of tantrums! Many children show a genuine fondness for being the centre of attention. They’re happy, smiling, and live singing or dancing in front of the family. If that sounds like your child, they may be the perfect candidate for kids modelling or acting.

It can be a great way to make a little extra money, whether it’s for school or a car when the kids are older. Plus, they’ll get a kick out of knowing they earned that money themselves. But of course, wanting to be involved in modelling and actually getting involved are two different things. It can be difficult to find work, which is why you should look into a kid’s talent agency if you’re serious about pursuing a career for your little ones.

Here are some of the different kinds of kids modelling and acting jobs available.

Print/online media

While we don’t see as many paper catalogues in the mailbox these days, there is still plenty of work available for child models. In fact, there’s probably more work than ever. Producing a catalogue costs money that many small clothing manufacturers or retailers simply don’t have. But they all have websites that need professional images to highlight their products.

So, there are lots of jobs out there for kids modelling, especially if your little ones love dressing up in new clothes and posing for the camera!

Kids modelling and acting in commercials

The other place we see a need for models and child actors is on the small screen. Television commercials are still widely popular, and again, the digital age has made this area of work even more prevalent. Much like catalogues, getting an advertisement on TV during prime time costs a lot of money, meaning many businesses can’t afford it.

However, they certainly can afford to make short online advertisements that play wither on their own website, social media channels or on YouTube. With so many different sources of advertising these days, kids are always needed for commercials.

TV and movies

It’s a bit of a step up, but TV shows and movies always need child actors. The roles can vary from being an extra to having a lead role, but there are always opportunities out there. For these jobs, you definitely need a children’s talent agency to get involved. Successful child actors usually have some form of formal or at least semi-formal acting training.

If this is an avenue your child would like to pursue, we recommend getting them involved in drama or acting classes, modelling classes, and even singing or dance lessons. The more string your child has to their bow, the more opportunities they will get.

Looking for the best kids modelling and acting agencies?

Casting Kids has over 16 years of experience working with children of all ages. We’re an inclusive agency, registering children with all abilities. For a child’s agency that cares, look no further than Casting Kids.

Acting, Modelling

When to Look for Casting Agents in Melbourne

Posted on May 26, 2022May 26, 2022 by Casting Kids

26
May

Has your child shown an interest in acting or modelling? Do you often get told by others that your child could be on TV? These are both some good signs that you might want to consider looking for casting agents in Melbourne. Of course, just because a child loves being the centre of attention, that doesn’t mean they’re ready for stardom. But it’s certainly a sign that you may want to look further into the performing arts.

Here are a few other ways you might know it’s time to consider an agent.

Your child wants to be an actor

The first one is pretty obvious, of course, and that’s when your child tells you they want to be an actor. Many children say this, however, there are certain kids who really mean it. So, if your child says they want to act, why not explore this further with them?

Ask if they would be interested in taking acting lessons. Maybe there’s a school play they could try out for. Of course, you can try to get an agent straight away, but it’s always a good idea to see if children really like acting or modelling first. They may love the idea of being on TV, but they also might be terrified of performing in front of people, so it’s always best to test the waters first.

They perform well in productions

For most kids, the need for a casting agent doesn’t come out of nowhere. Often, they will already be interested in performing. Whether it’s dancing in front of family and friends, singing in a choir or acting in a school play, there are many ways for kids to show their desire to perform.

If your child is already having fun performing in local arts society plays or school productions and you think they’ve got something special, it might be time to consider a casting agent in Melbourne.

You notice other kids getting opportunities

We don’t suggest that you thrust your child into acting just because other kids are doing it. However, if you notice that other children are going to auditions or appearing in TV commercials, it might be worth thinking about. As long as your child is interested, of course. Acting and modelling are professions you should never push kids into. But if they want to, and they see their friends having fun with it, why not give it a try?

Want casting agents in Melbourne you can trust?

Casting Kids has a long history of representing children with all abilities. Our kids range from babies up to 16 years old. We’ve got a strong reputation in the industry because we always deliver great kids to our clients. This is why so many clients trust us.

If you think your child has what it takes to be an actor or model, we’d love to meet you. We don’t sign every child who applies, because we want to be certain we can find work for them. If we don’t think that’s likely, we won’t take your registration fees. Having said that, we are completely inclusive and don’t discriminate against any child who wants to be a star!

Contact Casting Kids today to find out more about how we can help you and your child. We’re the casting agents in Melbourne you can trust.

Acting

How to Score Extra Castings

Posted on May 3, 2022May 3, 2022 by Casting Kids

03
May

Do you have dreams of one day seeing your face on the silver screen? Well, while only a few people ever get to realise that dream, there are other ways of getting your moment of fame without becoming a Hollywood celebrity. Extra castings are held regularly to find the right types of people to appear in the background of TV shows, movies and even commercials.

If your child is interested in exploring the world of acting but they’re not sure if they want to do it seriously yet, extra castings are a great way to go. They could find themselves in the background of their favourite TV show. Plus, extras get paid, so you can make some good money from being an extra!

Why is it fun to be an extra?

Extras get to go behind the scenes of productions and see how everything works, even if they don’t have a starring role. They may not be credited as a cast member, but their presence on screen still adds to the overall production. So, it’s quite an important job for many commercials, TV shows and movies.

Depending on the production, it can be a lot of fun, especially for kids. They might be required to dress in certain costumes or do something particular in the background of a shot. Plus, if your child is interested in acting already, this can be a great way to get in the door.

It’s also a fun learning experience for kids. They get to see how TV shows and movies are really made. It’s something that many people never get to experience, so it gives them valuable insight into the industry. If they don’t enjoy it, you’ve lost nothing but some time. But if they do, it might send them on a great career path!

How to find extra castings

There are several ways you can go about finding extra opportunities in your area.

Find a child acting agency: If your child is interested in acting, get them signed up to a reputable children’s talent agency. This will help you get the inside word when extras are required.

Search online: There are some productions that don’t use talent agencies, especially for extras. They might put the call out on their website for extra castings, and you can find ones nearby.

Social media: If you know of any production companies or art communities in your area, follow them on social media. You’ll quite often see calls for extras on a wide variety of projects.

These are just some of the ways to find extra castings in your area. It can be a great way for kids to get involved and do something different. They might even earn some money at the same time.

Contact Casting Kids for extra castings and more

Casting Kids is a leading children’s acting and modelling agency, representing children from 0-16 years. If your child wants to get into the world of acting or modelling, contact us today to discuss how we can help!

Blog, Modelling

Why Join a Modelling Agency for Kids?

Posted on April 3, 2022April 3, 2022 by Casting Kids

03
Apr

Some kids seem destined to be a star. If your child loves to strike a pose for the camera or enjoys costume play, then modelling might be the right career path for them.

But when should you consider joining a modelling agency for kids? Here we will discuss when and why engaging the services of a talent agency might be useful.

Is my child serious about modelling?

The very first step when your child shows an interest in modelling is finding out how much they actually want to be a model. How hard are they willing to work? What level of sacrifice are they willing to make? Do they know what it means to be a model? These are extremely pertinent questions that will inform how you move forward.

Because behind the glamourous façade, modelling can be a lot of hard work; long hours where concentration, following instructions, and attending auditions/shoots can mean time away from other after-school or weekend activities.

If your child shows a middling interest, but not much enthusiasm it may be a good idea to wait and see how they perform at some open call auditions. If they enjoy the process, this may spark some passion and eagerness to invest more energy into pursuing a modelling career. At this point, you may find it beneficial to engage a modelling agency for kids.

How do I find a good modelling agency?

Finding the right modelling agency for kids that offers a trustworthy, dedicated service will involve research. Luckily, most talent agencies today have a strong online presence. So, you can find out a lot about their services, requirements, and reputation from social media, reviews, and their website.

A good modelling agency for kids will have a list of highly-respected clients ensuring that your child will be working with some of the most professional and experienced people in the industry. This ensures your child makes great industry connections. Also, the model castings they’re sent for are reputable.

A reliable modelling agency for kids will offer transparency at every stage. You should be assured that your child is safe. Also, that working hours are reasonable, and all relevant employment laws are being followed. This requires comprehensive consultation with your talent agency to determine if they have the level of experience, professionalism, and industry knowledge to protect your child’s welfare.

The best modelling agency for kids in Melbourne

Passionate about finding the right job for your child, Casting Kids is the modelling agency of choice in Melbourne. Our dedicated talent agents work hard to represent your child and promote their skills to industry-leading clients across the state.

Castings Kids is committed to personalised service and has a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity. Our boutique agency offers friendly, professional representation to children of all abilities between the ages of 0 and 16 years.

So, when you are considering a modelling agency for kids, contact Casting Kids today to find out more about our talent services.

Blog, Modelling

Modelling Kids Melbourne: Tips for Winning Auditions

Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022 by Casting Kids

04
Feb

If your child is interested in modelling, there’s one thing you’ll need to help them with above all else. How to succeed at auditions. It’s no secret that auditions are competitive for modelling kids in Melbourne. So, ensuring your kids are at the top of their game gives them a better chance of winning jobs.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your children for auditions.

Be yourself

Perhaps the most important thing above all else is for your child to be themselves. More often than not, casting directors are looking for personality. Certainly, in the case of younger children, personality is key because they likely haven’t developed strong modelling skills. As children get older, they may need to rely on more accepted modelling techniques. However, even then, personality is important.

Don’t pressure kids to act a certain way during auditions, because they’ll have better luck if they are themselves. Let the directors see those bright, beautiful personalities, and let the kids have fun.

Dress appropriately as modelling kids in Melbourne

There is a common misconception that in the modelling world, children should try to look older than their age. This is usually not the case at all, especially if the call is for children of a certain age range. Depending on how old your child is, a small amount of makeup may be appropriate, but it isn’t 100% essential for auditions.

Often, directors are after a specific look. Our advice is that the specific look is almost never going to be that of a 10-year-old child trying to appear as a 15-year-old. The only tie you might consider dressing your child outside of their age range is if they are specifically trying to get parts that require a child who is slightly older or younger than them.

Understand the role

Modelling is different to acting in the sense that there aren’t any spoken lines to learn, or complex character portrayal required. However, even for a modelling job, you may be able to find out what type of products are being advertised or even the intended theme of the ad. Talk to your kids about those themes, and see if they have any ideas how they’d like to approach the audition. It might be wearing certain clothes or even doing some research on similar print media.

Keep it fun

Finally, the most important thing is to keep the process fun. If kids feel nervous or stressed, they can go into their shells. At an audition, they should be carefree and enjoying themselves, because this allows their real personality to shine through.

Want the best agency for modelling kids in Melbourne?

Casting Kids has been helping children realise their modelling dreams for over 16 years. In that time, we’ve developed a reputation as one of the most respected talent agencies in Melbourne. With a strong client list and a commitment to helping our kids find work, we’re the agency you can trust.

Every child is interviewed personally, and we learn about your individual personalities. We represent all kids from babies to 16 years old, and we’re a fully inclusive and diverse agency. As a boutique service, we represent kids with all abilities, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism at all times.

If you’d like to know more, contact us today!