The Blog

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD GET MORE WORK?

okc-contentBlog, Uncategorized

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD GET MORE WORK?

How can I help get my child more work?

In the main, work is dictated by the industry demand, and what a casting director is looking for, however there are a few things you can do to help give your child the best chance.

  • Updated photos. Your child’s casting card is the first thing a casting director sees, so it is important that the photos are up-to-date and representative of your child. We recommend new photos at least every every 6-12 months for children, and more often for babies as they grow so fast! These can be booked online via our Photos & Supernova page and are held at NQ Photography Studio in Manchester.
  • Up-to-date measurements. For a lot of clothings brands, they are looking to use sample items and therefore require children to be a certain height, or fit specific measurements. If a child’s measurements do not match this, then we cannot put them forward, however they could be missing out if they have just not been updated for a while. These need to be as accurate as possible and updated regularly – especially as children grow so fast!
  • Communication. With some briefs, usually those that are in London, last minute or require confirmed availability, we send out texts to confirm availability before submission. These are never sent to every member of the agency as a blanket text; only to those who fit the strict specifications. We usually have a tight turnaround when it comes to submitting for jobs, so we need replies as soon as possible in order to ensure your child does not miss the deadline, usually within 30 minutes max.
  • Workshops. If we do not see children at workshops regularly, we cannot feel confident submitting them for work and so they may miss out. Obviously the more often we see your child at the workshops the stronger rapport and knowledge of their capabilities we have. Workshops are also a great way of learning how to act at a casting, what to expect and to improve skills and increase confidence – all of which will help your child turn castings into jobs!
  • Supernova. We only accept children onto the books who are ‘more than just a pretty face’ but sometimes it is difficult to portray a child’s energy and personality in photos. That’s why we introduced Supernova. Ology Supernova is a pioneering, innovative and modern showreel showcasing each child’s personality and energy through a dynamic, engaging and creative online video of them for us to be able to send directly to casting directors. Supernova also includes a professional voiceover showreel. Children with ‘Supernova’ videos are more likely to be invited to castings and in some cases, they have even bypassed the casting entirely and been booked for jobs because the Casting Director was so impressed!
  • Spotlight. This is a nationally recognised database of people ‘in the industry’ who are at the top level of their game. Casting Directors will often only choose children who are on Spotlight and your child WILL miss out on certain jobs if they are not a member. It is highly recommended to be a member, especially if you’re willing and able to travel to London for casting, which consists of an annual membership payable directly to Spotlight. See www.spotlight.com for further details.

What should we take to castings?

It pays to be prepared when it comes to castings as you want to give the best possible impression.

There can often be a lot of waiting around, so taking along a book/quiet game could be beneficial, as well as a selection of (non-messy!) snacks and water. When it comes to babies, toddlers and young children, you are likely to be expected to encourage your child to ‘perform’, so anything that will aid with that – for example a favourite (quiet) toy to be held behind the camera to encourage a smile etc. would be a good idea.

If there is a script, please support your child and learn it with them inside out. Even if they say they’re fine – once the adrenaline and nerves of a casting kick in, memory can turn to mush!

Arrive 15/20 minutes early (unless stated and allow for traffic!), we want to ensure that your child is as confident as can be and it also helps to get them used to the casting studio by arriving early and relaxing in the environment. Go through the script and practice the techniques taught in the workshops. Castings are usually on a very tight schedule so do not miss your time slot. You may not get another opportunity. If it looks like you may be late to a casting please call us ASAP!

Take a spare change of clothes, have contingencies, you may get splashed with mud on the way or spill your dinner down your top!

You'll have to turn your device portrait to use this feature.

Save & Share Lightbox
Your lightbox will be saved - send it to yourself or a colleague below, with a link to retrieve it at anytime.
Back Email/Link this Lightbox
Your lightbox will be saved - send it to yourself or a colleague below, with a link to retrieve it at anytime.
Your lightbox email sent successfully :)