"Mother Agencies": Should Your Rising Star Sign Up?

The Ins and Outs of Mother Agencies for Young Actors

You've got a rising star on your hands - a child with unstoppable talent and drive. As their biggest fan and manager, you want to give them every opportunity to shine. That's where mother agencies can come into play. But what exactly are they, and are they the right first step?

A mother agency is typically a smaller, local talent agency that represents children and young performers. They help kids build experience, gain exposure, and develop their skills through things like:

- Acting/dance/vocal coaching

- Submitting for local/regional acting roles

- Creating promotional materials

- Teaching audition techniques

The "mother" term comes from the idea that this agency helps nurture and mother a child's blossoming career from the very beginning.

If your young performer finds success and eventually signs with a larger management firm or agency, the mother agency may receive a small percentage of their earnings for a period of time (often 3-5 years). This "commission" compensates them for initially discovering and developing your child's talent.

However, mother agencies are becoming less common as the industry evolves. With online platforms for self-submitting and video auditions, some families choose to establish their child's career independently first before potentially signing with an agency later on.

If a mother agency contract is on the table, seriously weigh the pros and cons. Get input from other families and have an experienced entertainment lawyer review every detail. You'll want to negotiate firmly on aspects like:

• Commission percentages and duration

• Degree of creative/personal control

• Degree of exclusivity in the contract

• Clear benchmarks for accounting/auditing

  A mother agency can provide amazing support and opportunities for a child actor. But they aren't the only path to success. As a parent, trust your instincts on whether signing is the right strategic move for your specific family's goals and situation. The most important thing is nurturing your child's passion while protecting their wellbeing every step of the way.