casting agents melbourne Archives

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, Blog

Casting for TV: What do Directors Look For?

Posted on November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 by Casting Kids

19
Nov

When casting for TV, there are some key attributes directors are looking for in their ideal child actors. Television roles, when attached to a successful program, enable your child to have reliable, consistent work for an extended period of time. Depending on their character’s storyline, this can mean many years of ongoing employment. (Think Kate Ritchie as Sally Fletcher in Home & Away). But landing this type of role can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so your child needs to have the range and versatility to play a number of different characters at the drop of a hat.

These tips should assist in audition preparation, and help your child stand out and secure work in television.

Versatility

Character work in TV requires your child to stay on their toes and be adaptable to new situations. Depending on the role, time spent working on the same set can be finite and means your child is jumping from one character to another in very short succession. Therefore, the ability to immerse themselves in a new role quickly is vital to perform successfully in auditions.

When directors are casting for TV, your child’s adeptness at representing a diverse range of characters is something they will be paying close attention to. With particular emphasis on your child’s portrayal of the character in relation to the overall storyline, casting directors are looking for actors who not only recite the scripted lines but embody the essence of the role. With skill and confidence.

Confidence

As mentioned, confidence is a crucial component of auditioning for TV roles. When casting for TV, directors want an actor who is not afraid to put every bit of skill and energy into their character portrayal. Because passion for performance and preparation are two aspects of acting that really shine through. A child who is completely invested and loves performing will be obvious to a casting director.

Increasing confidence in acting and developing the ability to execute a successful audition is difficult. So, your child should take the time to learn as much as possible about the television industry. And even study other performers they admire. Furthermore, your child should hone their skills by practising in front of the mirror at home. Even performing for friends and family, and taking part in local productions to build their self-esteem and confidence. Your child will make the best, most lasting impression on a director who is casting for TV.

Preparation

Probably the most important aspect casting directors are looking for, is an actor who has prepared for their audition. Your child needs to absorb themselves in the character and have the ability to perform the lines without prompting or referring to the script.

Additionally, your child should be prepared to be challenged during their audition. Casting directors may wish to observe your child’s ability to improvise while remaining in character. This shows the director that your child has understood the concept of the story, and is not just reciting lines. Learning about the role and the character will demonstrate your child’s commitment and dedication to the role. And when casting for TV this is something directors will notice and make your child stand out at auditions.

Casting for TV opportunities

When you are looking for casting opportunities for a TV role, get in touch with Casting Kids. Our dedicated talent agents are experienced in finding acting work for children from the age of 0-16 years. Our knowledge of the entertainment industry and list of reputable clients will enable your child to access some of the biggest names in TV.

So, contact Casting Kids today to book a consultation and discuss how we can help your child achieve their acting dreams.

Acting, Blog, Modelling

Casting For Teens: What Directors Look For

Posted on June 30, 2021June 30, 2021 by Casting Kids

30
Jun

So, you are a teen interested in acting? Great! Acting is a fantastic outlet for creativity, boosts confidence and builds useful social skills. Plus, you can start earning some money for yourself! The entertainment industry can be intimidating for a newcomer and having some idea on what to expect can be extremely handy. What is involved? And what are directors looking for when casting for teens?

Generally speaking, when casting for teens directors are searching for many different capabilities and traits during the audition process. However, most will have a few key aspects they will focus on. Here we will discuss some of the main things you should concentrate on when auditioning.

Stand out from the crowd

Personality plays a major role in casting for teens. In most cases, directors are looking for teens with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Whatever the audition, commercial, TV show or movie role, to put your best foot forward you need to show you are eager to work. Turning up to the audition appropriately dressed, lines memorised, with a friendly demeanour will demonstrate to the casting director that you are serious about the audition.

Perform with confidence

Passion for performance really shines through. A confident, self-assured teen who loves performing in front of others will be obvious to a director casting for teens.

You should take the time to learn about the industry, study other performers and broaden your range to make the most of every audition you attend. Practice in front of the mirror, perform for friends, and sign up for the school play to really hone your skills. A teen who has put in the hours prior to an audition, and has the confidence to throw everything into the performance will make a lasting impression.

Prepare and adapt

More often than not, an audition will require you to learn scripted lines. Before the audition, the lines will be given to you so you can read and prepare. Above all else, you need to practice, practice, practice! You can’t over-prepare in the entertainment industry! Preparation is the key to success when auditioning. Knowing the material off-book will definitely put you in good stead for securing the role.

Additionally, when casting teens directors might challenge you by asking you to perform some improvised lines at the audition. Being able to quickly adapt while staying in character will be an extremely valuable skill for you to have. Therefore, preparation will play a huge part in achieving this. Learning the role and a bit about the character itself will help you perform any ad-hoc changes to the script.

Interested in casting for teens in Melbourne?

At Casting Kids, our focus is on finding work for all of our clients. We represent children and teens of all abilities up to 16 years of age, and pride ourselves on our personalised approach to each individual child and their family.

If you are looking for a talent agency that cares, contact us at Casting Kids. As one of the most trusted, professional talent agencies in Melbourne, you can be confident you will receive the best opportunities to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Acting, Modelling

How Much do Casting Agents in Melbourne Charge?

Posted on December 20, 2020December 20, 2020 by Casting Kids

20
Dec

It’s no secret that a lot of children love performing and being the centre of attention. Some of them even want to pursue careers like acting or modelling from an early age. That’s where casting agents in Melbourne come in.

Casting agents are responsible for representing your child to prospective clients looking for actors and models. The jobs could range from modelling products for websites through to appearing in movies and TV series. It’s difficult to get auditions unless you have representation, but there’s always one question people ask.

How much do casting agents charge?

Types of agent fees

Firstly, it’s important to understand there are usually two types of fees. Each have their pros and cons, and we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Annual

Annual registration fees are the preferred option, and it’s certainly how we do things here at Casting Kids. It’s usually the more selective casting agents who charge an annual fee. This means, children’s agencies who won’t just sign any child with a promise of jobs.

When charging an annual fee, agencies are more inclined to actively represent every child in the agency. This is because their main source of income is registrations, and in order to keep parents happy, they need to show they’re actually doing something for the kids.

Our annual registration fee for representation is $395.

Percentage

Another fee structure is by percentage. Meaning, there’s no fee to register, but the agency takes a percentage of any money earned by the child. The reason we don’t like this structure, is there’s very little incentive for agencies to represent all their kids. They get paid no matter who gets the job. While it’s not costing the unsuccessful kids any money, it does give them a false sense of hope that they’re being recommended for jobs when perhaps they’re not.

What to expect from casting agents in Melbourne

As part of an annual registration, you should expect the following things from your children’s agency.

12 months exclusive representation
A professional photographic session
Comp card
Profile on Casting Networks
Access to the Casting Kids password protected website

If you’re not getting this sort of value, it’s time to look elsewhere for proper representation!

Always ask questions before signing

Finally, always ask questions before signing any sort of representation contract. Make sure you’re comfortable that the agent is actually going to refer your child for jobs. Ask who their big clients are. You’re entitled to ask as many questions as you like before signing an agreement, so make sure you’re completely happy with what the agency offers.

Want the best casting agents in Melbourne?

There’s a lot to consider when choosing casting agents in Melbourne. Your children are the most important thing in the world, so you always want to ensure their safety and security. That’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable casting agent like Casting Kids. Contact us today if you want the right agency to represent your child’s acting and modelling career.