STOP! Read This Before Changing Your Child's Representation
Parents, we need to talk. Right now.
I'm seeing something happening in our industry that makes me want to jump through my screen and grab you by the shoulders. It's a mistake that can absolutely torpedo your child's career, and I need you to understand why.
Here's the deal: while building a strong team of representatives is crucial for your child's success, how you go about it matters. A lot. And I mean A LOT. Some of you are making moves that could seriously damage your child's future in this business, and as someone who's been on both sides of this industry, I can't stay quiet about it.
Listen Up: This Industry Is Smaller Than You Think
Let me paint you a picture that might shock you: Hollywood isn't the vast ocean you imagine – it's more like a small pond where every ripple affects everyone. Every. Single. Person.
Those agents, managers, and casting directors you're dealing with? They're not just random professionals who occasionally cross paths. They're:
Former colleagues who worked at the same agencies
Close friends who grab coffee together weekly
Industry veterans who text each other daily
Professionals who trust each other's judgment implicitly
And here's the kicker: They. Talk. About. Everything.
The Move That Could Kill Your Child's Career
Want to know the fastest way to get blacklisted in this industry? Try going behind your current representative's back to find a new one. It's not just unprofessional – it's career suicide.
Here's what you CAN do (and should!):
Add a commercial agent when you only have theatrical
Get regional representation in new markets
Bring on a manager to complement your existing agent
Add voiceover or print representation
But here's what will set off MAJOR red flags:
Submitting to new representatives while under contract with another in the same category
Secretly shopping for a replacement
Trying to play representatives against each other
CRITICAL: Understanding Your Rep's Investment
This part is crucial, so pay attention: Your representatives are betting their time, reputation, and resources on your child WITHOUT GETTING PAID UP FRONT. Let that sink in.
They're:
Fighting for your child in rooms you'll never see
Using relationships they've built over decades
Investing hours of work with zero guarantee of return
Believing in your child's future success
And those big paydays you're dreaming of? They often come years down the road. YEARS.
Before You Even Think About Switching...
STOP and ask yourself:
Are your child's materials outdated?
When was the last time they took classes?
Have you considered that EVERY actor faces slow periods?
Are you being realistic about the industry timeline?
Remember: Your representatives don't make a dime until your child books. Not. One. Penny.
When Change IS Necessary (Yes, Sometimes It Is)
Look, I'm not saying you should never change representatives. But it should be for the right reasons:
Complete breakdown in communication
Clear ethical violations
Consistent unprofessional behavior
Obvious misalignment of goals
Contract breaches
The RIGHT Way to Make Changes
If you've decided change is necessary:
Review your contract (Seriously, READ IT)
Have a direct, professional conversation
Follow termination procedures TO THE LETTER
Wait until everything is properly ended before moving forward
FAQs (Because I Know You're Wondering)
Q: Will my current rep be mad if I add different types of representation?
A: No! This is normal and expected. Just keep communication open and clear.
Q: How do I know it's really time to change reps?
A: When you've exhausted all communication channels and addressed any possible issues on your end first.
Q: What if my child just isn't booking?
A: Brutal truth: It might not be your rep's fault. This industry has ups and downs. Focus on training, updating materials, and staying ready.
Final Word (And This Is Important)
Your reputation in this industry will follow you and your child FOREVER. Yes, forever. How you handle professional relationships today can impact opportunities for years to come.
The entertainment industry runs on relationships and trust. Break that trust, and you're not just closing one door – you're shutting down entire hallways of opportunity.
If you’re already represented, do not submit to this open call. Instead, focus on improving your current rep relationship or ending it the right way before seeking new representation.
Submissions for the Online Representation Open Call are open now through January 26, 2025.
Submit here only if you are NOT represented: http://go.childactor101.com/10k
This industry remembers behavior, good and bad. Choose professionalism every time—you’ll thank yourself later.
