Hi Im still a bit of a newbie and am at the stage of asking my questions rather than answering any one elses, so I apologise but hopefully will eventually repay all the wonderful help.
I emailed both Chilli kids and Kelly management a couple of days ago after looking on here for agencies for my dd and have been lucky enough to get her into the audition workshops on Sunday for kelly . Ive had an email today from Chilli kids asking for a few snap shots that are non professional and wondered if this is likely to be a good sign? I know nothing about them though, are they also based in london? as we live near Manchester I'm just thinking the logistics of all this is a little daunting. If we had to audition there too it's going to cost about £50 for each audition and we aren't even sure if she has any chance of being taken at each..... . Does any one know how the Chilli Kids agency works ? Is it audition?
Thanks xx
I know Viv Darlington, and Chilli Kids is in the NW, don't worry. It became an acting agency because you was being sent so many castings for young actors, and before she began to rep actors she used to send me some of these castings, including one for the role of Mina in Skellig (remember that film? Based on a great book by David Almond), so they definitely send you for some interesting things. Good luck! Kelly Management are more experienced and prestigious though I think.
I don't think Chilli Kids do auditions to get on their books. At least this was the case for my dd. Viv has asked us to send some nonprofessional pics, then we had an email from them saying, that based on the pics she received from us they are happy to offer my dd representation. We needed to organise professional photos to be taken, but as we did have them already done few month ago we sent them straight away. Viv was very happy with the pics, and sent the whole pack of paperwork: licencing, medical feedback form and photographer’s assessment form. This one we needed to send to the photographer who took our latest pictures to fill it up. It was mainly about my dd's performance during photo shoot, her enthusiasm, her preparation and her general opinion of my dd's suitability for this kind of job. When assessment for was sent back to Chilli Kids, we have received the contract. We had to get all paperwork done, sign the contract and send it back to Viv. That's it...
Everything was done thru emails, no hassle, very lovely people to deal with and quick responses to all my emails.
However, we have chosen to go with Mark Jermin Management, hence we have been informed that if we would like to get on Chilli Kids books after tree month - we will need to 'audition' again. But I believe this is quiet common.
i do know that Chilli Kids is very good agency and very well known in the industry as well.
My dd was accepted by Chilli kids when we first started looking for Agents, and we decided not to go with them precisely because she didnt have to audition! I find it very strange that an Agent is prepared to take a child onto their books not knowing what their talents are, if any!! The Agent my dd is with now is fab and we had a comprehensive audition, singing, monologue and improv etc...and a long general chat with her to get an angle on what she was like etc...We are much happier with this and feel her Agent really know her and what her capabilities are.
Hey
I'm thinking of applying to Chilli Kids and perhaps Abacus. I'm London based but could I still be represtented by them? (bearing in mind that both of them aren't London based)
PS: Winldgingerthing- you got sent to the Skellig casting? That's awesome I love the film AND the book.
I am in two minds about accepting the representation with Chilli kids. Ive had a look at their youth section and there are an awful lot of children on there. It seems that only a few of them seem to get the work too which is a little worrying. We are in the process of contacting a couple of agencies in the Manchester area but it is nice to know we do have Chilli kids to fall back on if needs be. xx
. Ive had an email today from Chilli kids asking for a few snap shots that are non professional and wondered if this is likely to be a good sign? I know nothing about them though, are they also based in london? as we live near Manchester I'm just thinking the logistics of all this is a little daunting. If we had to audition there too it's going to cost about £50 for each audition and we aren't even sure if she has any chance of being taken at each..... 
. Does any one know how the Chilli Kids agency works ? Is it audition? 
xx