Hello, all!
My child is a 12 yr old child actor after she decided to go professional about a year and a half ago. She just wrapped up a supporting role in an indie feature film (premiere is next month), have done industrial and booked for a regional commercial to film this week.
Her first job was modeling (not her passion, but a great opportunity) right out of the gate, modeling for Justice Stores, and that is the only thing she has to show in a professional manner until after the premiere or until her demo reel is completed (whichever arrives first). Obviously, modeling has no weight in the acting industry, so yeah...useless. I didn't even think to ask for reel when she did her industrial.
She had just returned from L.A. working on her demo reel and voiceovers last week and am simply waiting for their completion (approx 4 weeks). I am chomping at the bit seeing work out there that of course requires a reel. As her "Momager" (note that I don't refer to myself as a cinematographer LOL), I don't want to present her using "homemade films"...am I being too much of a perfectionist? I feel I'm doing what's in her best interest, but I keep seeing posts pushing for the opposite.
Some input from the casting directors out there would be much appreciated! Thanks a million!
I'm not a casting director but the most important part of this equation might be, what should I, as a parent, look for in a Casting Director and a script for ANY child. I often wounder about what children see and experience when acting in projects that are excessively violent or designed to be disturbing, like a disaster movie, for example. Perhaps those giving you feedback could add something about assurances to protect your child ( how do they do that on this particular project?) Obviously, there are many ways to do so, but do they use those ways? What do you need to ask about sooner rather than later?
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I know I may be late however DO NOT present home made reels. If she is a professional then everything you do needs to be on that level. I'd also look for work outside of LA and the hollywood system. Go to the Sundance film festival and network with professional business cards and website with you as a manager and your daughter as a client. Website should cost about $500 ad look awesome. Include the demo reel on the site and on youtube.
Not a CD myself but I've heard that they are a little more forgiving with the youngsters.