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Sharing all the kids casting call details from our Carters casting call and tips for you.
WHAT is a casting call?
A kids casting call is when a company selects the talent it would like to hire for an event from a pool of individuals who are auditioning. During my sons casting call experience we provided information regarding our availability, personal sizes and height and the company we casted for took a couple photos. That was it! Pretty easy.
What happens after the casting call?
Great question! This is one that we were curious about as well. For us, our agent contacted us and let us know he had been chosen for the shoot! We had to return to where we were casted and have our son fitted for wardrobe the next day and then we awaited to hear when he would be needed to actually be in the shoot. I believe this can happen as soon as next day but for us it was 3 days later.
If we were NOT selected, I believe our agent still would have let us know as soon as the bookings came out. If you are not using an agent, I’m not sure if you would be notified unless you were chosen.
What should I expect at the shoot?
The actual day of the shoot was a blast! We arrived at our location and were welcomed by a buffet of food. Our son enjoyed a donut because what else would you possibly pick over a donut?! We hung out with the other parents and waited for our turn. Once called back, he changed into his wardrobe and the styling team got him ready to shine!
The size of the crew at an event like this is HUGE! You’ll see stylist, project managers, photographers, and more running around and making the magic happen. They even have “baby wranglers” which are individuals hired to make the kids feel comfortable and have fun! I have to say, I was very impressed by the lady assigned to this position during my sons shoot. She was everything a kid would want in an awesome babysitter.
Once called back to actually perform we found out just how fun the experience was. Because kids were involved, the team did an awesome job of staying peppy and fun! Our son couldn’t believe it was over when his part was wrapped.
Our shoot is over. HOORAY! What now?
Another GREAT question. For us, we changed, double checked that nothing else was needed and we were on our way. Because we work through an agency, we didn’t need to worry about invoicing or anything like that. If you were casted as an individual without an agency, I believe you would need to send an invoice to the company that hired you and wait to be paid.
TIPS FROM OUR KIDS CASTING CALL
- USE AN AGENCY
Unless you are an extremely experienced individual in the world of kids casting calls and talent, going with an agency is your best bet. They do take a percentage of what your child makes but they also make sure your child is submitted for jobs that would apply to them! I would have NEVER known of this opportunity had we not signed with an agency. Our agency is Halo Model & Talent Agency in Savannah, GA.
- FOLLOW THE RULES
Experiences like this are truly a privilege. Yes your child is beautiful and smart and worthy and talented. A lot of other children are as well. So, to give your child the best chance, parents need to make sure they are paying attention to their actions.
Examples?
Do not take photos of the set. It is not your property to share.
Do not bring your entire family if the casting limits to one parent. This shows disrespect for the organization and may cost your child the opportunity.
Do not pressure your child into doing this if it makes them unhappy. Children aren’t great at faking happiness and the casting team will easily recognize a child who does not want to be there.
- CELEBRATE EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS
Seriously, we had no expectations of being casted for this opportunity. Not because we doubted our son but because of how many kids there were and everyone says you only get places if you know someone and we literally knew NO ONE.
After our son went to the casting call we celebrated the event that he was even asked to come in! Keep their self esteem up and teach them that small wins along the way are still wins.
After our son completed the job, we took him out to let him spend a portion of what he made. The rest will go into his bank account once we receive the payment.
- BE PREPARED
Whether its the day of the shoot or the kids casting call, be prepared to set your child up for success.
Get a haircut.
Wear a solid color that they love and that looks good on them.
Be their number one cheerleader, not a drill sergeant.
Pack a bag for emergencies. Have a brush, spray bottle, mint, change of clothes, white/nude undergarments. They are the stars, treat them like it for the day!
- DO NOT RELY ON YOUR KIDS TO MAKE A LIVING
Exploiting your child is NEVER okay. Our family did this for our kids to help them earn income for their savings account and to grow socially. Also because they were interested! This is not something we pushed on them or made them do against their will. The moment they don’t want to do this is the moment we will pull them out of it.
I’m sure other families have great reasons to sign their kids up for a talent agency as well but I think it is so important that your child does not feel pressure in situations like this. I met a couple mothers who sounded as though they were relying on their children for extra income. They talked about their kids bodies and shapes and all sorts of things that were pretty icky to me. This is not okay. I don’t care what the circumstances. Your bills are not your child’s burden to bare. The money your kids earn should be given to them. PERIOD.
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