Looking for an agency in the North West. please help

[mummyofmylittlestar]

Hi I am looking for an agency for my little DD in the North West, Bolton, Manchester or Liverpool would be useful. I've been searching online but to be honest I am no wiser really. I have no idea which agents are good or cheap or in fact how much this is likely to cost at all. Any help or advice greatfully recieved. It would be wonderful if anyone has any good agents they could recommend to a newbie.
Thanks

[pg]

It will probably be worth your while getting hold of a new or second hand copy of "Contacts", published by Spotlight. (Second hand copies are usually available quite cheaply from on-line booksellers via Amazon - you can get new copies direct from Spotlight or you can get them in larger bookshops like Waterstones). This will list all children's agents and there are a manageable number to contact in the North West.

In my opinion (not shared by everyone ) you should never pay an up-front fee to an agent. You should also not be misled if they try to call the upfront fee something else (like a book fee or a web fee or an administration fee). If someone is charging you money before you have any work through them, I would suggest steering clear. Personally I would also steer clear of an agency that insists that you attend workshops you have to pay for too (though optional workshops might be of interest). If they can make money out of you without you getting any work, they won't have much incentive to find work for you.

Once you have the book, you can ring round all the agents (be aware that inclusion in the book doesn't mean they are good) and ask them whether they are taking anyone on. They will probably ask you to send in your daughter's CV and photo and, if they are interested, they may then invite you/your daughter in for a meeting/interview/audition. If you daughter wants to act (rather than be a model/just go for commercials) then you should only join an agency that insists on meeting you and your daughter before taking you on. An actor's agent can only represent someone properly if they know what the actor is capable of. A modelling agency is a bit different, because this really just depends whether her "look" is in vogue. Hopefully you will be invited in by two or three agents (though you might not be - it depends how many clients similar to your daughter they have on their books) and then you can go armed with a list of questions and make up your mind which is likely to provide the best representation. Don't sign anything on the spot and keep your wallet firmly fastened. If an agent believes they can make money from your daughter's work in the industry, they will wait for you to make a decision!

I hope this is helpful!

[mummyofmylittlestar]

Thankyou. Some agencies require you to pay for headshots and "Spotlight" whatever this may be when signing up. Is this what all agencies require and how much is that likely to cost please?
Thanks

[pg]

I think it's £90 for children. http://www.spotlight.com/join/ChildrensAgentLogin.aspx

The agent doesn't get this money, it goes to Spotlight, which is the most widely used directory in the industry ( a sort of Yellow Pages for actors). You will also need headshots, and it's usually a good idea to take an agent's advice about it, but they should not stipulate which photographer you have to use (though they may have good suggestions). Headshots can cost anything from nothing (if you know a friendly photographer ) to £400-£500. I wouldn't expect any young person to pay huge amounts to the top photographers (most of whom are in London) as they change so quickly and probably have to have new headshots every year. The Contacts book also has lots of photographers listed. You don't have to have professional headshots for your application to an agent - just a clear head and shoulders shot with an unfussy background and your child looking into the camera lens. If you get taken on by the agent, then they will probably want more professional photos and it will probably be worth your while to get some done.

[mummyofmylittlestar]

Thankyou pg for all of your help xx

[mummyofmylittlestar]

Well I decided to send off a couple of applications this morning to Chilli Kids and Kelly Management, though I'm not really sure if they cover the North West or not but here's hoping.
Fingers crossed.

[wildgingerthing]

Pemberton Associates whom I believe are in Manchester send their 2 child clients to some very exciting auditions, although they do have to travel to London for them ofc. Then again, if an agent really likes you and your look is unique they should be able to take you on from anywhere.