Talent Agent Interview
This month we sat down with Don Underwood, the owner/director of Babes 'N Beau's Model and Talent located in Chicago, IL and Richard Delancy, the owner of Richard Delancy & Associates located in Los Angeles, CA and asked them a few questions about the business.

1. What are the different options available for new talent entering the industry?

Don: You can mail pictures, resume, demos, etc. to agencies and request an interview. You will have to be prepared to travel to the agencies if they express an interest and invite you to an Open Call. At the Open Call they may or may not express interest. Another option available would be model and talent searches where you can be seen by dozen of agents, casting directors, etc from around the country in one place at the same time.

Richard: Aspiring individuals should send photos to casting directors and agents, managers and hope to be called for an interview. You may also attend model and talent searches where you know you will be seen in person by respected agencies, casting directors, etc.

2. What advice can you offer parents of minors to protect their safety?

Don: Make sure you are working with a licensed agency and that you or a responsible adult accompanies any minor to castings, auditions, etc.

Richard: Always be aware of whom you are dealing with and the situations you are entering.

3. Is it realistic to expect entering the industry without incurring any cost?

Don: No. If you elect to send photos to agencies, you'll have your photo and duplication costs. You would also need to be prepared if invited to an Open Call to travel to that city. Most major agencies are in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago and cities of that caliber. If you take the model and talent search approach there will also be costs.

Richard: There will be cost in pursuing the industry. You should compare it to starting a business. Just a business would incur initial expenses, letterhead, phones; etc. you will need pictures, resumes, and in the acting field often classes. Watch your costs and whom you are dealing with. Do not overpay.

4. So why are their costs involved?

Don: Remember you are an independent contractor. Photos, reproductions, and traveling to the agencies can be quite expensive. Without photos or being seen by the agents, you cannot be marketed.

Richard: Photos, acting classes, and traveling to meet the scouts will create expenses. You are starting a business. Model and talent searches charge entry fees. Either way you should expect expenses.

5. How would you answer the statement, "If they really like my child we shouldn't pay anything."

Don: Agencies are in business to make money. Your photos, acting classes, etc. can be costly. It is not possible for them to know who will be successful. If agencies paid for everyone's photos, comp cards, acting classes, travel, etc. they would soon be out of business.

Richard: Just because someone likes your child doesn't mean they will front expenses. They don't know what children will succeed. It is unrealistic to expect not to incur costs.

6. What type of cost would be realistic to expect when entering the model or talent industry?

Don: A realistic costs for photos and re-productions, composite cards would range from $400-$600. In addition, travel costs will vary with each circumstance.

Richard: Costs vary from city to city but you should expect costs for photos, duplications, likely for acting classes and travel.

7. What should a model or actor avoid when entering our business?

Don: Never pay an agency to represent you. Agencies make their money from commissions earned as a result of bookings. As previously stated, you pay photographers, printers and if involved in model and talent searches, an entry fee. However, an agency should not charge an up front fee.

Richard: Although it is realistic to expect paying for photos, duplications, training, traveling, entry fees to model and talent searches, you should not pay an agent for representation.

8. Can you tell us what opportunities your clients have received?

Don: Our agency credits include bookings for: Alltel, Kimberly-Clark, Huggies Pull ups, Walgreens, Pampers, Nickelodeon Book Blast, Ginny's Toy Catalog, McDonald's, FAO Schwartz and Dove Premium Ice Cream, just to name a few.

Richard: A few examples would be Days of our Lives, CSI New York, Still Standing, ER, Cold Case, Everybody Hates Chris, The Shield, and Sleeper Cell.

More than a Chance to Succeed!
The Great American Model and Talent Search has other benefits aside from giving aspiring individuals a chance in the modeling/talent industry. While we can't promise opportunities for everyone, applicants (and parents!) have a great time at our events and after participating in them, many children walk away with improved self esteem and even more confidence in themselves. Here's what some parents have to say.

Thank you for the fine service you provide. We decided to enter our daughter who is somewhat shy. It was our hope that it may help her feel more comfortable. This has been great for Isabelle. This has really built a lot of self-esteem, especially the callback. Our weekend was most enjoyable and we look forward to much more in this business.
- Deann Barraza, Indian Springs, Nevada

I want to thank you for the invitation to your search. My daughter and I truly enjoyed the entire program. She was so excited when she received a callback and it turned out to be most rewarding. Thanks again!
- Amanda Mayer, mother of Nicole Mayer, Albuquerque, New Mexico

We're Darryl and Shauna Archer and our daughter Mackenzie has been selected for paid advertisements. It's a lot of fun and we have meet many other parents whose children have greatly benefited. Thanks!
- Darryl and Shauna Archer, Latan, California

My daughter Victoria Glasco has participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search. I see several benefits to the search. The chance to meet so many scouts has provided her benefits within the industry but also personally. The confidence instilled has helped in her school presentations and she is more outgoing as a result of this experience. I think your company helps kids in more ways than one.
- Vicky Glasco, Dallas, Texas

It speaks well of you when your search provides everything and more that you present at the parent's meeting. We've had a blast and look forward to continuing.
- Tim Watkins, Seal Beach, California

Thought you would like to know my feelings on your company. Sam, you offer kids a way to shape their future! You are doing great things for kids and I know many parents feel the same. My child, Kalonni Smith was really excited when he received callbacks during the fun weekend! My mom was the one that heard about your Open Call and suggested that I take Kalonni. I'm grateful for that suggestion. You have a fine team of professionals who work very hard. Continued success!
- Graylonda Shaw, Jacksonville, Arkansas

I want to share with everyone my feelings on The Great American Model & Talent Search. Every moment of the weekend was most enjoyable. Everything you said we would experience was true. Having my son Jagger selected to do a paid ad just made the weekend that much better. I made friends at the search with parents from all over. It seemed that all the comments were positive!
- Michellene Highberger, Pueblo, Colorado

In November I had my baby in The Great American Model & Talent Search. At the end of the search Elijah was called for an immediate print ad. It made a fun weekend even better! Thanks for all you. God Bless you guys!
- Belen Gonzales, Lemoore, California

My son Lucas has participated in the search the past three years. Prior to this year he did print ads and it was a lot of fun! This year, the day after the search, he filmed a commercial that was quite an experience! In all cases, the compensation has been great. More important we have made it a family event and enjoy every aspect of the search. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism and making this fun event possible for the children.
- Robert LeBlanc, Shiloh, Illinois

Thanks for being instrumental in my daughter working in the talent industry. Brittney has so much fun with the business! As you said when we first met it's a time efficient and cost effective way to pursue modeling and acting. After experiencing the weekend I agree with your statement.
- Cashey Embree, Las Vegas, Nevada

I would like to thank Aquarian Associates for the wonderful experience afforded my daughter, Taylor Baloney. The weekend was a great social and educational time for Taylor. She was most excited with her callbacks and we look forward to maintaining contact.
- Colette Choates, Milpitas, California

Recently my daughter Holly participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search. We had a great time at this first-class event. I was most impressed with the professionalism. Holly immediately booked a commercial and the compensation received was more than fair. We look forward to attending again next year. I would highly recommend this search for anyone interested in the movie, modeling and TV industry.
- Rolenda Hassler, Henderson, Nevada

My name is Fuad Rogonich. I came to America in 1997 from Bosnia. My son Adis was born the following year in Denver. He expressed an interest in acting so we entered the model and talent search. Thank you for the time extended at the meeting in Denver. It was nice to know what to expect and to have everything carefully explained. He has had numerous callbacks and this is helping him go forward with his acting.
- Fuad Rogonich, Denver, Colorado

The staff works so well with children and that means so much to the parents. We plan on attending next year's search. I know the girls will continue to enjoy it and it would be great if they could also get involved in commercials. Thanks for making this all possible.
- Michael and Shawna Hollingsworth, Denver, Colorado

I am so blessed!!! We were so blessed to receive an immediate opportunity and two callbacks from the search. God blessed us to attend The Great American Model & Talent Search. We can all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and it was wonderful. My child Treyvon Hamberlin was in the 2-3 year old group. The staff and entertainer made it so much fun for the kids!
- Jacqueline Spence, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Great American Model & Talent Search provided my daughter, Danielle, great exposure to a most impressive group of scouts. She attended the November 2005 Search and again was selected for work. I highly recommend the search and appreciate everything you do.
- Janie Ramos, Round Rock, Texas

My name is Tequila Harris and my daughter is Alexis Kazee. We are from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recently participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search. It was a lot of fun but my daughter was not one of the children called for an opportunity that day. Shortly after, we were contacted about a commercial. Alexis really enjoyed herself and her great paycheck was exciting. I would highly recommend you to anyone. The search is fun and a great experience. What you told us at the meeting was most correct. Thanks for everything.
- Tequila Harris, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My son, Jeremy DeLaFuente, was just in The Great American Model & Talent Search. It was a great experience, not only for my son, but for us parents as well. His callback was most rewarding and we look forward to future successes.
- Ramiro and Jenny De La Fuente, Indio, California

After attending the search I would recommend this event to anyone interested in getting his or her child involved in the talent industry. In a weekend we gained great exposure and my son Tyler was selected for a job. The scouts were of the quality you said and would have been very difficult for us to meet otherwise. Thanks for a great experience!
- Katie Scarpace, Victorville, California

Having my baby in the model and talent search was great! When he was called for an opportunity I was so excited! I'm most pleased he was chosen for a small print ad. The staff was very nice to me and tried to help every way possible. They are really nice people!
- Latonya Hill, Mother of Brian Talley, Oakland, California

After meeting with the model and talent search staff in Oakland, California I decided to have my daughters attend. My one daughter, Claryce Jefferson immediately did print work.

I found the meeting in Oakland quite informative. The film helped me understand what to expect. The explanation about the search was most truthful. I appreciate your truthfulness.
- Latoya Lewis, Oakland, California

My daughter Sabrina Nelson has participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search since she was 4 months old. Each time she has had some type of work including a print ad immediately after the last search. The search people are true to their word, never making false promises. At the meeting they told us of past successes but never promised that for Sabrina. It's great to see so many kids having fun and meeting parents from everywhere. Keep up the good work!
- Marcie Betterton, Salt Lake City, Utah

I want to inform other parents of our experience with The Great American Model & Talent Search. We've been extremely pleased with the entire process. What is explained at the parents meeting is what takes place at the search. My daughter Hadley (Dollie) has been in two searches and each time benefited from paid print work. Keep up the good work.
- Melanie Powell, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

For the past three years my daughter has participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search. We continue to go back because we have found it to be a fun and rewarding experience. Anyone researching the industry would understand some of the top agencies, casting directors, etc. attend. It would not be possible for us to be seen by such a prominent group if it wasn't for this search. My daughter's name is Adelina Savala. Each year the search has resulted with some type of opportunity. We are most pleased with your services and hope to maintain our relationship.
- Melissa Dyer, Sacremento, California

I've had the pleasure of being associated with Aquarian Associates for several years. My daughter Andie has participated in the search and has found it to be most beneficial. It's a great weekend and it has provided Andie the chance to work in the modeling industry. I would recommend the search to anyone trying to have their son or daughter seen by scouts of the highest caliber.
- Melissa Van Horn, Plumas Lake, California

Hi, I'm Mindy Morley from Castle Rock, Colorado. Just wanted to take a moment to express my feelings about The Great American Model & Talent Search. It's everything you explained at the Denver meeting. You said it would be great exposure to agents, casting directors, producers and those doing print ads. We found it to be just that and as you also stated, to be organized and professional. My son Evan has gotten callbacks resulting with compensation. Thanks!
- Mindy Morley, Castle Rock, Colorado

Our daughter Hope Nelson has attended the last three model and talent searches. We'd like to tell other parents about our positive experiences. The quality of the scouts is most impressive. The kids succeeding, as our daughter has, is also impressive. We appreciate dealing with honest and sincere people. Your presentation to us was exactly what we have experienced. We will continue to make a family vacation and enjoy the fine facilities you choose for the search. Thank you so much!
- Randy and Laura Nelson, Las Vegas, Nevada

Thank you for selecting Bobbie to be included in your search. The work he's done is rewarding. You have a great event!
- Penny Johnson, Jamestown, California

My daughter Briana just attended her second Great American Model & Talent Search. After the first search she did not receive any callbacks but we were told sometimes things happen in the future. We found that to be the case when she was later notified about a poster advertisement. Everything that we were told was most accurate. We decided to come back again this year and Briana immediately had two bookings.

Sam, his wife, and the entire staff are most professional, organized and helpful. We were never promised work and when Briana was not selected immediately after her first search they were encouraging and told us not to lose hope. Without Aquarian Associates we would never have the chance to have so many quality scouts see Briana in such a time and cost effective manner. Thanks Sam, you're the best!
- Rene Moore, Plano, Texas

Please let me express my sentiments about your company. Aquarian Associates has been most helpful in opening doors for my daughter. I have found the staff eager to assist in any way possible. Living in Nebraska makes it more difficult to enter the industry. At the search I spoke with Sam and he told me of contacts within a reasonable distance that he would attempt to arrange. Within a week he was back to me and I look forward to these appointments.

When we first became involved within Aquarian I was skeptical because of past experiences with other companies. I have not only been pleasantly surprised but the professionalism of the Aquarian staff, but also completely impressed by the accessibility to the Director. Their phones are answered by “people” not an automated answering system. When I needed to speak to the Director I was given his cell phone number and he was most accommodating. I was most impressed when I left a message and he returned my call promptly. From past experience that seems almost impossible in this business. I've worked in Customer Service for over 22 years. I have found Aquarian's services to be excellent. The firm demonstrates integrity at all levels and I would not hesitate a moment to recommend them to anyone.
- Renee McWilliams, Mother of Gracie Coon, Blair, Nebraska

I wanted to let you know how enjoyable my daughter finds your program. Most of all she has a great time and I believe that is most important. She's had opportunities and the callbacks are most exciting. We look forward to continuing our relationship and appreciate all you do.
- Robert Bengtsom, Broomfield, Colorado

Your search is an awesome experience! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would have, understand any circumstance, since the event is so well done. It was even more pleasurable when Meygan got immediate work. Thanks for making this possible.
- Shaterra Lewis, Dallas, Texas

I'm Caroline Grul from Las Vegas. We've been in three searches and continue to come back. The kids have so much fun and Shelby was able to do some print ads. Thanks for selecting Shelby!
- Caroline Grul, Las Vegas, Nevada

Attending The Great American Model & Talent Search was a great way for my child, Jayvin, to gain exposure to many, many impressive people from the modeling and acting industry. Many children, including Jayvin, were called for jobs at the end of the event. I never thought he would have a paycheck at age 3! Thanks much.
- Sherena Smith-Phelps, Houston, Texas

After attending The Great American Model & Talent Search our daughter Mercedes Watkins had three immediate callbacks and was offered a contract to sign with a well-known agency. Mercedes has been in previous searches with your company and has had success with each. We find the event to be well coordinated and extremely organized.
- Mother of Mercedes Watkins

I'm Holly Kumar from Fairview Park, Ohio. My daughter Mackenzie Salem participated in The Great American Model & Talent Search. I have found the search to be a most legitimate source of exposure into the modeling and film industry. My daughter has had some nice work experiences from the search and we have set up a special account for her earnings. I highly recommend The Great American Model & Talent Search. Everything told us at our initial meeting has been provided. The people involved with the search are very kind and truthful. Thank you, Great American Model & Talent Search.
- Holly Kumar, Fairview Park, Ohio

I'm Tonia Dorsey and would like to thank The Great American Model & Talent Search for the opportunity provided my baby, Harmony. Harmony was in the baby division of the search this past summer (2005). Although many children were called for immediate opportunities, she was not.

We were told at the group meeting that children could benefit in the future, even if they do not receive an immediate opportunity. That was the case with us a few months after the search. She was called for an awesome print ad and was very well compensated. Most of all, it was a lot of fun. The Great American Model & Talent Search provides exactly what they state during their presentation. The search was pure enjoyment for our family and we appreciate working with such a reputable company.
- Tonia Dorsey, Akron, Ohio

Your search is an awesome experience! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would have, understand any circumstance, since the event is so well done. It was even more pleasurable when Meygan got immediate work. Thanks for making this possible.
- Shaterra Lewis, Dallas, Texas