Casting Kids, Author at Casting Kids

Acting, Modelling

Tips for Kids Casting in Melbourne

Posted on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by Casting Kids

19
Nov

If your child is interested in acting or modelling, you’ll need to learn a little about kids casting in Melbourne and auditions. Kids can have a lot of fun with acting roles, and also with modelling. But it can also be a competitive industry, so we’re giving you some tips to help your child get the most out of their performance pursuits!

Make sure your kids really want to try acting or modelling

Firstly, it’s really important that you speak to your kids about acting and modelling. They may see actors on the TV and want to be just like them, but they need to know it’s also hard work. Going to casting sessions or auditions is stressful. They’ll need to learn lines, need to follow direction. It’s not all fun like it may be in a primary school play.

Also, don’t try to push kids into acting or modelling. If they don’t really enjoy it, that will show in auditions. For kids who love acting, it can be a whole heap of fun. For those who are nervous and not confident, it can be an upsetting experience.

Find a reputable agency for kids casting in Melbourne

Once you’re certain that your child is keen to give acting or modelling a try, find a reputable child agency. Look for agencies who have a good client list, and be open-minded about everything they offer. Quality agencies for kids casting in Melbourne will schedule a meeting where you can ask any questions. The first meeting is all about getting to know you and your child, but it’s also a chance for you to do your research. If you don’t feel comfortable, there’s no need to pursue that agency any further.

Prepare for each casting session

Now, for the tips that can help your child perform well at casting and auditions! Really, the key is in the preparation. Every audition is different, so you’ll need to be prepared to help your child get ready. Some will give you some lines to learn in advance. Others are more free-flowing and just want a sense of your child’s personality.

If an audition does include lines, kids who memorise their lines and deliver them confidently usually do well. You can also help them imagine what their character is like, and help them practice delivering the lines in character.

Dress for the part

Dressing appropriately is also crucial to success at auditions. You don’t need to have a full costume supply at home, but choosing outfits that suit the role is important. It definitely pays to have a nice range of clothes, such as casual, formal, beachwear – all the types of clothes kids would wear in everyday life.

Looking for the best kids casting in Melbourne?

Casting Kids represents children from 6 months to 16 years-old. We embrace diversity, and promote our children to a range of respected companies. We can help you get to those elusive casting sessions, and then it’s your time to shine! To find out more, contact us today.

Acting, Blog, Modelling

How to Get Your Child Into Performing Arts

Posted on November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 by Casting Kids

02
Nov

Do you have a budding Oscar winner in your household? What about someone who wants to tread the boards on Broadway when they’re older. Maybe you’ve got the next pop music superstar under your roof. There are so many kids out there with huge personalities and love being the centre of attention. It could just be that they’ve got a career in the performing arts. But before you sign them up to kids talent agencies in Melbourne, there’s a few other things you can try.

Of course, navigating the world of acting, modelling and performing can be a little scary for parents. Especially if you don’t know where to turn. So, to make things a little easier, we’ve got some tips on how to get your children into performing arts.

Speak to your children’s school

Drama is always a big part of school life, because the creative side of children should always be encouraged. Even as part of their regular schooling, most children will be exposed to music, dance, public speaking, choir and drama. Most schools put on some kind of annual performance, and they even have smaller shows as part of special events.

If your child shows a knack for performing, have a chat to the school and find out what sort of opportunities are available.

Look for local performing and drama classes

Quite often, it’s a matter of learning to crawl before they can walk. Not all children can just walk onto a movie set or be the star of the school play. It takes a bit of work, and that’s why classes are great for kids of all ages. Kids talent agencies in Melbourne love hearing that your son or daughter already has some experience, so classes can be great for their ‘resume’.

The type of class all depends on your child’s interests, because some love dancing, others love singing and some want to be actors. Find the best class for their needs, and help them get started the right way.

Find kids talent agencies in Melbourne

Finally, if you feel like your child is ready to take on some paid acting or modelling work, you’ll need the best kids talent agencies in Melbourne on your side. Agencies represent your child, which means putting them forward for auditions and actively promoting them to clients. It’s a great way to get some real-life experience if they love acting or modelling. Plus, if they start getting work, a little extra money never hurts!

Looking for kid’s extra casting?

At Casting Kids, we represent children from 6 months to 16 years, and our main focus is finding perfect roles for our kids. We’ve got several trusted clients who rely on us to send our awesome kids along to auditions, so that’s what we do. We take our responsibility seriously as one of the leading kids talent agencies in Melbourne. If you’d like some help getting your child into acting or modelling, contact us today.

Modelling

Modelling Kids Melbourne: What Types of Jobs Are There?

Posted on October 13, 2020October 13, 2020 by Casting Kids

13
Oct

If you’ve thought about getting your children into modelling, then congratulations! Of course, everybody thinks their child is adorable, but if you really think they’ve got the right look and demeanour for modelling, there’s no time like the present. It can be a really rewarding opportunity for kids, and also great for their confidence. But you’re probably wondering exactly what sort of jobs are out there for modelling kids in Melbourne.

There’s actually a whole heap of jobs out there, but you may need the help of a child modelling agency in order to find them. Understanding the different types of modelling gigs is also important, so you know exactly what your child may need to do. Here’s a brief rundown of the types of modelling jobs kids in Melbourne might get.

Small business catalogue and website modelling

In all careers, very few people come from nowhere and land in the top jobs. The same goes for modelling, because everybody has to start somewhere. Smaller businesses may not have the budget and production scale of their larger competitors, but they still advertise.

Every website that sells clothing, toys and basically anything else needs child models from time to time. Jobs like this can be a great foot in the door and excellent for experience.

Larger business marketing campaigns

As we know, the bigger brands tend to have more money for their marketing campaigns that stretch across web, television, print media and catalogues. The scale of marketing is a bit bigger and more professional, so modelling kids in Melbourne may need some experience for these gigs.

Although physical catalogues are a bit of a dying medium, they are still used by larger companies. The biggest brands frequently send out catalogues to promote sales and special deals, and they all need models.

Television advertisement modelling

Not to be confused with acting, certain types of television commercials use child models rather than actors. You’ve probably seen the ads that basically just show kids wearing branded clothing, usually with a plain white background. It’s a little bit different in terms of production, but ultimately the kids are usually just playing around happily, modelling clothing or other items. Again, this will usually be the bigger brands and department stores rather than small retailers.

Fashion modelling for kids in Melbourne

Fashion modelling for kids in Melbourne does still exist, however it’s not as frequent as other modelling. When most of us think of fashion modelling, we picture glamorous fashion shows and runways for adult clothing. But on the odd occasion there’s a child’s equivalent, so keep an eye out if you think you’ve got the next runway king or queen!

The best agency to help with modelling for kids in Melbourne

At Casting Kids, we represent children from 6 months to 16 years. We treat all of our kids with the utmost respect and work hard get them in front of casting directors for our many clients. Our clients range from smaller businesses through to leading department stores and brands. To find out more, contact us today.

Blog, Modelling

Should You Choose a Child Modelling Agency with No Fees?

Posted on September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 by Casting Kids

29
Sep

When deciding which child’s talent agency you should approach for your children’s career, there’s a lot to think about. Firstly, and most importantly, your child’s safety and security are always the number one concerns. Secondly, you want to ensure the agency is reputable, with plenty of good clients and opportunities for work. You also want to know that they will represent your child fairly, and give them as much chance as their other registered kids.

Interestingly, the agency’s fee structure can play a major role in this last point. So, while a child modelling agency with no fees sounds fantastic, let’s take a look at what that really means.

Different types of fee structures

There are generally two types of fee structures for children’s agents. In fact, most talent agencies in any field have the same two fee structures.

Annual registration fee

Agencies will charge an annual registration fee. This usually includes professional photos, access to industry networks and of course, 12 months of representation. This means referring your child for suitable jobs and providing opportunities to attend auditions.

Percentage of earnings

You may have heard of agent/client relationships where the agent takes a ‘cut’ of earnings. This is usually on a percentage basis, and varies between industries. This fee structure also exists for children, and this is where you may be tempted by claims of a child modelling agency with no fees. In fact, there are fees when your child obtains work, just not a set annual amount.

How do child modelling agencies with no fees make any money?

As mentioned above, a child modelling agency with no upfront fees makes money by taking a percentage of their clients’ earnings. The percentage will vary between agencies, but this is precisely how they make most of their money. The main issue with this, is these types of agencies often attract large numbers of kids. They aren’t selective in who they register, because as long as they’re filling jobs for clients, they make money.

This type of fee structure also doesn’t encourage a fair representation of every child on their books. While all agencies need to be selective in who they send for specific jobs, more reputable agencies will only register and take fees from children they genuinely believe they can find work for. So-called no fee child modelling agencies register heaps of children, but they may only actively represent and promote certain registered children.

The benefits of a modelling agency with fees

When you pay an annual fee to a child modelling agency, you expect a return. If you don’t get a return, if your children aren’t sent for auditions or promoted for jobs, you’re unlikely to stay registered and pay for another year. Therefore, child modelling agencies with fees need to actively promote all children on their books. Without doing this, they lose registered children and likewise their main source of income.

As a result, agencies with annual fees are more motivated to share opportunities equally, and actively represent your child fairly. They will also be more selective about who they sign up, for this very reason.

If you’d like to know more about registering your child, please contact us at Casting Kids for our honest advice.

Acting, Modelling

Can You Get Auditions Without Children’s Agents in Melbourne?

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Casting Kids

14
Sep

Looking for children’s acting and modelling auditions, but don’t know where to turn? Let’s look at whether you need children’s agents in Melbourne to find your child some work.

What do children’s agents in Melbourne do?

Children’s agents in Melbourne serve as a conduit between aspiring young actors and models, and the clients who want to hire them. All agencies are different, but here at Casting Kids we only register the children we genuinely think we can find work for. That gives us the best chance of keeping all of our kids happy by providing real opportunities.

Clients put the call out to their trusted agencies, who refer their best talent for jobs.

The question is, do you really need an agency? While there are certainly other ways to break into acting and modelling, we believe parents need to consider those avenues very carefully. Here’s why.

Safety and security at auditions

While you certainly can answer an advertisement online looking for child actors or models, we would advise to tread very carefully. Your child’s safety and security should always be the number-one consideration. When dealing with an agency, you can usually be assured the clients are legitimate and professional. When answering classified ads, you really have no idea what kind of situation you could be walking into.

The best clients use children’s agents in Melbourne

Acting and modelling is a little different to other jobs. While we don’t want to paint a negative picture of the industry, there’s a big difference between a reliable client and those with less experience. Simply, if your child is selected for an acting or modelling job, you want to know they’ll get paid. You don’t want amateur clients who promise payment ‘if and when this or that happens’.

Usually, the best clients who have their business in order use children’s agents in Melbourne. By working with clients your agency has already vetted, you have peace of mind that it will be a professional operation.

Casting directors prefer kids from an agency

One of the main reasons you should consider children’s agents in Melbourne is reputation. When casting directors put a call out for auditions, they’re more likely to give preference to children who come from an agency. That’s because they don’t have time to waste auditioning every child who wants to be an actor or model.

Children’s agents in Melbourne have a good reputation for referring children who are suitable a particular role. Think of it like the casting agency doing the shortlisting so directors don’t have to. For that reason, they’re much more inclined to hire from an agency rather than ‘off the street’.

Finding reputable children’s agents in Melbourne

Casting Kids has spent several years in the entertainment industry, helping kids of all abilities from age 6 months to 16. In that time, we’ve learned how to truly help our kids achieve success at auditions. We’ve also built up an impressive list of quality, trusted clients we’re comfortable with. If you’re looking for reputable children’s agents in Melbourne, look no further. We’d love to have a chat about your child’s future in acting or modelling, so please contact us today.

Acting

Tips to Ace Casting for TV

Posted on August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 by Casting Kids

31
Aug

Do your children dream of having their name up in lights on TV? Believe it or not, there are plenty of pathways for children to carve out a career in acting, and it doesn’t mean they have to go on reality TV! However, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for kids is the audition. Casting for TV isn’t as easy as it sounds, because it’s a lot more involved than say a modelling shoot, or even advertising auditions.

If you want to help your kids bring their best selves to casting for TV, here are some tips to give them confidence.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Much like everything in life, preparation is the key to getting noticed during casting for TV shows. Most television roles will have a speaking component, which means you’ll be given some lines before the audition. If your child doesn’t quite get the lines right, it’s not the end of the world. But if they can nail it, they give themselves a great chance of winning a role.

We always recommend talking to your kids about the character they’re auditioning for. If you can get them in the mindset of that character, they’ll be able to shine during casting. Kids are exceptionally good at playing roles and having fun with characters, so don’t be afraid to encourage their creativity.

Dress for the part

Casting for TV doesn’t involve full costumes, but there’s an expectation your children will dress appropriately for the part. If the role is for a child living in a country town, don’t have them dress in their Sunday best. Likewise, if the role was for a science fiction film, be creative. You’re not expected to spend hours making alien costumes, but finding something a little out of the ordinary is a great touch.

Again, creativity is the key, and it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. Just consider the role, and dress your child the way you think the character would dress.

Keep casting sessions fun and don’t stress

It might be easier said than done when children are so excited at the prospect of getting a role. But if they’re getting stressed and anxious, they won’t perform as well during casting for TV. Try and keep everything light-hearted and easy on the day. If your child is happy and relaxed, they can really show the casting directors their best side.

Acting skill beats looks every time

Finally, don’t let your children be too concerned about looks. There’s a misconception that ‘showbusiness’ is all about looks, but that’s not really the case. Many of the world’s greatest actors are hardly oil paintings. Encourage your child to focus on their acting skills, memorising lines, and give them the confidence to be themselves.

Do you want casting for TV in Melbourne?

Acting

How to Navigate the World of Acting for Kids in Melbourne

Posted on August 18, 2020August 31, 2020 by Casting Kids

18
Aug

How many children have you heard say they want to be famous? Or they want to be in the movies like their favourite actors? It’s not an uncommon dream for youngsters, but it’s not quite always as simple as getting an audition and snaring a role.

There’s a lot that goes into helping kids pursue a dream of acting, so here’s some tips to help guide you through.

Ensure your child really want to try acting

Firstly, make sure your child is serious about giving acting a try. Wanting to be like Captain Marvel or their favourite TV stars is one thing. But really wanting to get up and perform in front of people is another.

Do your research, and find out exactly what’s involved in acting for kids in Melbourne. Talk to your child about the whole process, and see how they feel. If they’re not too serious about it, it’s better to find out now rather than later!

Find a reputable casting agency

The most important step in starting a career in acting is finding a reputable casting agency. You want to find one with plenty of regular clients, preferably larger names who advertise regularly. This gives your child more opportunities to attend auditions.

Likewise, look for an agency who really cares. Your child won’t get the support they need from an agency solely focused on money.

Preparation is the key for auditions

Once you child starts getting referred to auditions, it’s really their time to shine! However, standing in front of a casting director and being adorable isn’t always enough. If there are lines involved, your child should do everything in their power to learn them and be comfortable saying them in front of people.

For more involved roles, help your child really get a feel for the character and practice performing as them. Help your child dress appropriately for the roll also, and they’ll have every chance of success.

Acting for kids in Melbourne and school

If your child lands a regular gig on a TV show, the questions is always asked whether school will be affected. Well, the short answer is, school will change. Filming may occur during school times, but most productions involving children will help out with tutors. Aside from that, smaller productions and auditions may also occur during school hours. So, you’ll need to manage this effectively. We find that talking to schools in advance is a great option to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind.

Keep checking in with your kids – is it still fun?

Finally, make sure you’re always checking in with your kids. Unfortunately, their interests and passions change quite regularly. If they’re only attending auditions because they think you want them to, they’re not going to have as much fun. Always check in to see if they’re really enjoying themselves and whether acting for kids in Melbourne is still something they want to do.

The best agency to help with acting for kids in Melbourne

Acting

Melbourne Acting Agencies Advice for Kids

Posted on July 28, 2020July 28, 2020 by Casting Kids

28
Jul

Kids of any age who are interested in acting will be very excited if given an opportunity to pursue their passion. However, it’s not quite as easy as getting an audition and hitting the big screen. There’s a lot of work that goes into acting, and sometimes even a lot of disappointment. Likewise, it’s a great challenge and also extremely rewarding. So, if you’ve got little ones who are interested in acting, here’s some advice from one of Melbourne’s acting agencies.

Be comfortable performing in front of people

This might be an obvious piece of advice, but stage fright is a very real thing! Especially during auditions, it’s a pretty daunting experience for anybody. Even if you ace the audition, all acting requires some public performance. Even if you’re not on stage, there are usually plenty of people watching you on set.

So, before you consider acting as a career, make sure you enjoy performing in front of several pairs of eyes!

Make acting about fun, not money

For many, acting is a career. For kids though, you need to maintain an element of fun. Even if your heart is set on having a career as an actor when you’re older, it’s important not to lose your childhood.

Make sure acting is still fun, rather than just a financial pursuit, because you’ll enjoy it for far longer if you maintain that fun.

Be willing to test yourself

Acting is a tough business in the sense that there’s far more actors out there than there are roles. That means you can’t always be too choosy about the roles you audition for. You may not think an opportunity is perfect for you, however like most things in life, acting is all about challenging yourself.

Melbourne acting agencies need you to ‘prepare, prepare, prepare’

Preparation is always the key in acting, because it significantly helps your performance. For auditions, always learn your lines thoroughly. You should also make sure you dress appropriately and really understand the role you’re auditioning for. When it comes to nailing an audition, preparation is everything!

Be able to take direction

If you’re not able to take direction and follow instructions, you won’t have a great career in acting. Most directors have a very clear picture of what they want you to say, do and how to look. When you’re on set, you’ll need to be comfortable following instructions and taking the job seriously.

Missing out on a role is part of acting

Finally, prepare for a little disappointment along the way. There aren’t many actors of any age who are successful in winning every role they audition for. Plus, especially while you’re young it’s all a learning experience. So, if you miss out on a role, don’t get disheartened. Just try to learn what you could have done better, and move on to the next opportunity!

Only work with the best Melbourne acting agencies

At Casting Kids, we represent children from 6 months to 16 years, so for the best Melbourne acting agencies, look no further. To find out more, contact us today.

Acting, Modelling

How to Apply to Talent Agencies in Melbourne

Posted on July 22, 2020July 22, 2020 by Casting Kids

22
Jul

Your children are the most precious thing in your life, so you always want to make the right choices for them. If they’re interested in acting or modelling, you only want to consider trusted talent agencies in Melbourne. Even though you’ll be with your kids the whole time, you wouldn’t trust them to just anybody. So how do you find the right talent agencies to work with? Here’s a few tips to consider!

Firstly, do your research

Doing your research is the most important step you can take when considering acting or modelling for your kids. Of course, you want a great company with lots of industry contacts and clients, but safety is paramount. So, its important to check online for testimonials and ask for recommendations.

Reputation

A talent agency’s reputation is your number one concern. Before you even worry about costs, likelihood of success or any other factors, you want a trustworthy agency to work with. You can check for recommendations online, read reviews, and also read carefully through their website.

Costs

Cost is another consideration when choose representation for your child. Some will ask for a percentage of earnings, while others charge an annual registration fee. At Casting Kids, we favour an annual fee because it ensures we’re working hard for all our kids.

Client base

Naturally, if you’re paying a registration fee, you’d like to know your talent agency has plenty of jobs coming in. While there’s never any guarantee of work, because the decision ultimately lies with the client, a good client base lets you know the agency has a reputation for quality.

Acting, modelling, or both?

Another thing you might like to consider is what your child specifically wants to do. Are they only interested in acting, or do they also want to try some acting? Some may feel comfortable in a modelling setting but not want tackle the acting side of things.

Most child talent agencies in Melbourne will handle both disciplines. However, it’s good to be clear on what your child wants to do, because it makes future discussions easier.

Contact talent agencies in Melbourne directly

Finally, the best thing you can do is contact talent agencies directly. Often, you simply need to meet with them to find out if they’re a good fit. Here at Casting Kids, we always arrange a meeting as a starting point, because we love to get to know you and your child first.

When you meet with any potential agencies, you can ask all of the questions you like, and they will no doubt have some for you too. In any meeting, look for transparency and honesty. Agencies who promise the world won’t necessarily be the right fit. Once you’re comfortable though, you can look forward to a great relationship with your new talent agency in Melbourne!

Acting

Acting for Kids and Other Creative Pursuits

Posted on July 8, 2020July 8, 2020 by Casting Kids

08
Jul

Does your child have a flair for the dramatic? Maybe a super-creative mind? Perhaps they love being the centre of attention and sing every chance they get. It’s so great when kids are able to explore their interests, and as parents we want to encourage them.

The great thing is, these sorts of pursuits are excellent for self-confidence. Whether it’s acting for kids, or taking singing lessons, it’s great to let children express themselves. If you’ve got a little superstar in the making, here’s a few hobbies you might help them explore.

Kids Modelling

Children don’t need to have an amazing desire to walk the runways of Paris to enjoy modelling. In fact, it can be a great way to earn a little money. Put it aside for their education, or a car when they’re older. While modelling for kids is certainly a job that they need to take seriously, it’s also a lot of fun.

If your child loves dressing up, posing for the camera, or just has an infectious smile that everyone loves, see if they’d like to try some modelling! They might end up in catalogues or even on TV.

Acting for Kids

Just like modelling, acting is a great way that kids can earn a bit of an extra nest-egg for the future. You can enrol children in drama classes, get them involved in local plays, or even go straight to a casting agent. If you think your child has the temperament to follow directions, learn lines, and perform in front of the camera, why not seek out a reputable kids casting agency for more advice?

Dance Lessons

It seems like since the dawn of time, kids have loved to dance. It doesn’t matter, boys, girls, there’s something very human about dancing. The great thing is, dance classes are available to kids from a very young age. You could start with ballet, or if they’re a little older and want to try something different, there’s plenty of variations.

Dancing is great for a child’s confidence, and it’s also a healthy pursuit that gives them a great workout!

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Much like dancing, kids always seem to love singing. We’re not all blessed with the voice of an angel, but kids love to sing. Also, music is great for kids at any age. It’s something that stays with them for life. Singing lessons are heaps of fun, and it gives children an introduction to music. Also, any parent who’s ever had a child with a recorder in their house knows that singing is much easier on the ears!

Need help with Acting for Kids?

Getting your child started in acting or modelling is easy, so we’d love to hear from you. Casting Kids have a strong reputation as a child casting agency that really cares. Acting for kids is great fun, and your kids will love getting involved. Contact us today to find out more!