Getting started, Talent Agencies

We made the decision last week that we are going to submit Kailah's info to talent agencies.  I have been toying around with the idea for awhile and last week i just decided to do it! If not now then probally never!  We live here where there are a gazillion talent agencies and the market is great for it. Kailah is at the perfect age where she's not raising hell and can sit and just play on the floor and look cute. she's my only baby so I can focus on her and it will be easy to get up and go if she gets a call for the next day.  PLUS she's the most Adorable baby Ever! of coarse! ;)
 So for all of you other mommy's who have the most adorable babies ever! I am posting this for you to help you know where to get started, if interested!
I had NO idea where to start and I know very little about the industry we are applying for so i did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people who have already had experiences in this industry (the good, and the bad!) and this is what I know for now;
In California in able for your child to work in the entertainment industry you must have 2 things; 1- a work permit, and 2- a Coogan Account  This is where I started first since this kind of needed to be done. So I sent in for a work permit for Kailah, this week. It does NOT cost anything to apply for a work permit. Then I looked into a Coogan account, which is a blocked trust account in the childs name that 15% of their paycheck goes to this account and can only be touched when the child is 18 and she/he can do whatever they want with the money since it's in their name.  I am going to use Aftra-sag credit union if Kailah gets any work, I have all my papers filled out so if/when she gets work I can set it up right away since that is required within so many days after your child starts working. it's $50 to open the account and a $5 one time fee.  I know California requires you to have this account but it might not be a must in other states.
Once I got that out of the way I looked into Agents on the the SAG website. you can also look in the phone book under talent agencies. the SAG website is great since they are pretty reliable agencies. I called each agency and asked if they represent infants and if so how to submit a photo? most agencies will let you email them, otherwise you can submit online or mail in a hard copy.  (it's pretty much like finding a job, calling and asking if they are hiring and how to submit and application or resume.)  A lot of agencies do not take children under 5 years so it was good to call and find out so i didn't waste my time or money on sending them stuff.  It's important to know when choosing an agency that, Agencies only get Paid when you do! So If an agency is telling you, your child has to take classes or use their photographer or pay ANY money up front, then they are NOT a legit Talent agency. Agencies get a percentage of what your child makes and that is their ONLY way they make money.
This is where the money part comes in.... For babies you dont NEED a professional picture since they change so often but since I am taking pictures I decided to do some "semi-pro" pictures and compile them on a comp card.  This is what I came up with;

 

I chose my top 4 talent agencies and sent them a comp card and a cover letter or bio.  I also emailed the companies. (make sure to write "new talent" on the addressed envelope or in the subject line of an email.)

I'm excited to say that after submitting Kailah's info we were contacted by the company I was most interested in Zuri Model and Talent and 1 other company we have an interview with, but we decided to go with Zuri and I am really happy we did. I think this is going to be a fun experience.  Kailah already had her first audition the otherday for Preskool.  I will try to blog about any jobs she might get.  Wish her LUCK! :)