Should You Take Your Child to Hollywood to be a Star?
Hollywood insider, Dr. Kathy Joyce Abbott says, Show biz kids have a special something inside them that drives then to do this.
Your child should be a star!
Perhaps someone has said to you Your child is so cute he should be on TV or in the movies! Or someone has stopped you in a mall and said, Have you thought about making your child a star? And then they offered you some classes wither free or for a fee.
How Can You Predict a Future Child Star?
We asked Dr. Kathy, who is a movie and television studio teacher and works only with show business children, how you penile dysfunction who will become a future star. You cant predict it, she says. There is no standard formula. It is a collection of elements, she said, and listed some:
talent (of course)
stage savvy
being in the right place at the right time
having a positive attitude
mysterious forces
What are the Mysterious Forces?
Dr. Kathy explained, We dont know what is going on in the minds of the casting agents the producers, and the directors who select the kids for a role. They may need to match a child with an adult actor, they may have a particular kind of personality in mind for a role, they may emphasize physical appearance, or even the demands of the job.
A Kid Who Couldnt
I saw a child replaced, who Acupuncture in a leading role in a major motion picture, because she got over tired and started to cry right after a scene was shot. She had not been working too hard or too long California child labor laws prohibit that. She just did not have the stamina to handle the role.
Should You Go To Hollywood?
Should parents pack up and take their kids to Hollywood, we asked. I wont say no Sure bits a risk, but it can be a fun one. If you child has bugged you consistently, always wants to put on shows at home, cant stop singing and dancing, they you might want to give it a try. There are scores of children who do succeed professionally. There are also thousands who dont. Still, you wont know until you try.
Things Parents Should Know
If mom and dad do decide to take an extended vacation in Hollywood and try show biz, there are some things they should consider in advance.
Rent is high in the Los Angeles area. Short-term rentals run about $2000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Other property owners want a one-year lease and will not rent for only a few months.
Auditioning is labor intensive. One parent needs to be available all the time for classes, driving to auditions, callback, and wardrobe fittings. These are usually scheduled during rush hour times. Than means spending 2-4 hours on the road just getting places each day
Extra costs will include headshots, more clothing, classes, and possible day care for other children. (You cant take extra family members to jobs.)
You must have an agent for the big jobs. Movies, TV and commercials all hire children through agents. You cannot send your headshots directly to producers, directors, or casting agents
If someone wants you to pay them to act as an agent, turn them down. Reputable agents do not charge until after they get your child a job.
In California, your child cannot work without a California work permit and a Coogan trust bank account.
Do You Iwishiwish a Dream?
Dreams and visions are vital for a happy life, Dr. Kathy says. But you might want to have more than one dream. If show business isnt the right dream right now, there is another better one for you and your child. Its important to be ready for your Hollywood experience financially and emotionally, however. If you get discouraged easily, toughen up and try it later.
Where to Look for More Help
Excellent resources are available on the Internet. Dr. Kathy recommends that parents check out the following web sites:
For complete all-around detailed information, www.childreninfilm.com is outstanding. Children in Film covers practical and legal car insurance prices that parents will need, and will assist parents in getting work permits and Coogan accounts.
The Screen Actors Guild official web site, www.sag.org is an introduction to show business for adults and children
To get the scoop on all the child labor laws and the practical details of being on the set, www.studioteachers.com is the place to go.
For information on doing background work, as opposed to star-type work, http://groups,msn.com/ScreenChildrensMoms is full of information and further references
The Right Attitude
If all the signals are green, then go ahead and try it out for your child. But keep a relaxed attitude and a balanced life, Dr. Kathy says. Stress and obsession wont work. If your child feels he or she was born to be a star and wont give up nagging you about it see you in Hollywood! To help you keep the right attitude about show business and life, to Dr. Kathys web site for free positive images and words, www.freesoulcandycards.com
posted by sekvvam @ 6:12 AM
0 comments
