5/19/23, 7:39 PM Hollywood here I come: Blueprint on how to start your journey | Irvine Moms

Hollywood here I come: Blueprint on how

to start your journey
Nov 24, 2022 | Blog

With close Proximity to Los Angeles, it is often a thought shared by Parents and
interested Kids on how to pursue Show Business.

Many people aspire to be actors but rarely few succeed. According to the
Queen Mary University of London, approximately 98% of people fail to become
an actor, and 90% of actors have no work. Becoming a professional actor and
earning a spot among Hollywood’s top brass is daunting. These tips from talent
agencies can help you become that 2% success story.

We hope your Story is a successful one and positive experience. Here is a

Blueprint that we have put together to help guide you and your talented
children.

Tips from Talent Agencies and Talent

Managers
Ǘ

What do people do to break into show business?

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The most important thing I would say when breaking into show business is to
research the entertainment industry thoroughly źrst. Get acclimated with the
diŷerent casting oŸces, the production companies, and the showrunners who
run the Projects and track deadlines.

Chris Giovanni, President @CGEM Talent

How can parents help their children break into the acting business?

To źnd a good coach or school, ask agents or local actors who they
recommend.Ǘ There are many actors’ groups on Facebook that you can join and
ask questions about.Ǘ Google local coaches and check them out.Ǘ Make sure
they have been around a while.Ǘ Sometimes I see relatively new actors who don’t
know anything trying to sell themselves as coaches. Try out a class and see if it’s
a good źt.Ǘ A good coach can be strict or fun, or both.Ǘ The main thing to look for
is someone who cares about you.

Cathryn Hartt, Owner of Hartt & Soul Studio

What do parents need to know?

If you’re a parent with a child actor, you should źrst have a conversation with your
child

regarding whether this is something they want to do. Then, start them oŷ

with short źlms and commercials, getting them to experience the entertainment
world. Hiring a talent manager and a talent agent is the next step.Ǘ

Chris Giovanni, President @CGEM Talent

What are good signs for a talent manager/talent agency?

Talent managers/agents who are responsive, draft a long-term goal, and show
undivided attention during the interview are all good signs. If you ask the right
questions, you’ll feel when it’s right to sign a contract with a talent manager or
talent agent.

Chris Giovanni, President @CGEM Talent

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How do I źnd a talent agent/agency?

To źnd a legitimate agent, ask around local actors or Google them.Ǘ Make sure
they are SAG-AFTRA aŸliated.Ǘ Check out any scam reviews online. Run, don’t
walk, from anyone claiming to make you a star. Most of the time, it is a scam.
Stay away from big audition hypes that say they are bringing in many agents and
casting directors to look at you. They may bring them in, but they aren’t going to
scoop you up on the spot. These events cost lots of money and give you little
time to shine.Ǘ Spend that money on lessons and headshots.Ǘ Anything at a mall
or hotel is just there to take your money.ǗǗ

Cathryn Hartt, Owner of Hartt & Soul Studio

How do I pick a talent agent?

It’s based on the interview process. You want a talent agent passionate about
representing your child. Many agents and managers will take children to add to
their roster. How is communication with that agent? Can you pick up the phone
and call them freely? These are a few questions that need to be considered
when choosing a talent agent.

Chris Giovanni, President @CGEM Talent

Any other tips, advice, and knowledge for parents?

Parents, please don’t live through your kids!Ǘ But if your kid loves this in their
soul, go for it. You are a part of your child’s career, and they need you to get
them to auditions, training, rehearsals, and źlming.Ǘ Your child will learn so much
through acting. It will build their conźdence, help them ace any interview, build
an excellent work ethic, give them purpose and teach them how to commit and
work hard. I always make sure my clients have purpose and balance. This
business can be fulźlling and fun, but it can also chew you up and spit you out.
Keep your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground.Ǘ And, remember,
there’s never a dumb question, only someone too dumb to ask a question you
need the answer to.

Cathryn Hartt, Owner of Hartt & Soul Studio

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Tips from Acting Coaches

How can my child break into show business?

The short answer is luck; the longer answer is to be persistent. The show
business does not hand out jobs easily, and aspiring actors must be persistent
and lucky. Do not be afraid to be rejected, and always be prepared for an
audition. Don’t get discouraged, as you will be turned down and asked to do
pointless stuŷ.

Deloss Brown, Acting Coach

What is the blueprint to becoming a successful actor?

Make sure you have a professional headshot, and always be ready to audition.
Take an excellent headshot, and take fundamental classes. Basic acting classes
will beneźt your child. Hiring a credible talent agency/agent is a must. Being
prepared will help immensely and invite more opportunities for your child to
break into the industry.

Alexandra Guarnieri, Managing Director @ Michelle Danner Acting Studio

What do parents need to know if their child wants to become an actor?

The parents should know that they are in for a lot of work. The child needs many
lessons; acting, dancing, and singing are basic. The parent also needs to behave
maturely, as the child reŻects the parent’s behavior, which I know because I am a
parent myself. In the end, parents are the most signiźcant factor in developing
their children, so supporting and providing a foundation for them is necessary.

Deloss Brown, Acting Coach

What are the critical factors in breaking into show business?

Train to learn your craft źrst. Actors make it look like it’s real people in accidental
situations. It seems easy.Ǘ But it takes great skill to create and do over and over

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to make it seem like we trip over it.Ǘ Most actors study or have private coaches
their whole careers.Ǘ If you want to be great, you always want to keep improving.

Cathryn Hartt, Owner of Hartt & Soul Studio

How do I pick an acting coach?

First, make sure they have the qualities of a good person. Make sure your coach
is polite, kind, and intelligent. In addition to those qualities, you must ensure the
coach is educated within their źeld and adapts to the current acting landscape.
A good acting coach will prop you up to become successful. Take at least two
lessons with them to see if you and the coach are compatible. Good coaches
also often have a resume, reviews, and recommendations from friends or
acquaintances.

Deloss Brown, Acting Coach

Any other tips, advice, and knowledge for parents?

Get your name out there, and take every opportunity available. Be persistent and
hungry when chasing your dreams. Getting into acting classes or signing with a
talent agent/manager is not a guarantee of breaking into show business. You
must put in the work źrst and reap the rewards afterward.

Alexandra Guarnieri, Managing Director @ Michelle Danner Acting Studio

Tips from Photographers

What is the blueprint to becoming a successful photographer?

Being Żexible and versatile will get you in a lot of places. Learning to capture
diŷerent photographs in diŷerent styles and not stick to one style will help
broaden your skill set and resume. Learn other techniques, and become
uncomfortable using them as a learning experience, which might help you down
the road in your career.

Eloy Rodriguez, Photographer

How do I start my career as a photographer if I have no background?

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Learn the essential technical skills of photography and the fundamentals of

lighting and

composition. Being persistent and consistent is necessary as you develop a

unique style. Build a portfolio within the market you are interested in and źnd
people who do what you want to do, who can mentor you, or whom you can
assist. When you’re passionate about something and keep doing it over and over,
it usually has a ripple eŷect, and more doors will open.

Amina Touray, Photographer

What would a parent need to know if their child is an aspiring photographer?

Buy your kid any camera, even a cheap one. It will allow them to become
acclimated to taking pictures and learn how to work with diŷerent types of
equipment.Ǘ

Eloy Rodriguez, Photographer

What is a realistic number for a starting photographer?

Camera equipment is expensive. It’s hard to give a number because it depends

on how

much you are willing to invest. If you’re starting, you can get used or new
cameras, lenses, and accessories ranging from around $1000 to $ 1500. I would
start with the more professional gear once I knew what I was doing. It’s better to
practice until you feel like you’ve outgrown your equipment.

Amina Touray, Photographer

Any other tips and helpful advice you would like to share with an aspiring
photographer?

Don’t be afraid to experiment with diŷerent shots and lenses. Being versatile is
essential and a critical factor in becoming a successful photographer. Also, go
out and shoot every day. Pick a diŷerent subject each day, and try to experiment.
Get creative with it, have fun, and develop your style.

Eloy Rodriguez, Photographer

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Keep shooting, allow yourself to grow, and have patience.

Amina Touray, Photographer

Heather Mohrman: Momager

Henley Alexa:Ǘ Age 10 Actress

What has been your experience as a Parent in this Industry?

There’s a huge network of like minded parents, so it’s been helpful getting tips
and pointers from more seasoned parents. Overall it’s been fun and interesting.

What role do you take as Parent in your Child’s careerǃ

I would call myself her manager. She has an agent and a PR agent, but I usually
oversee the day to day, scheduling, and making sure everything is age
appropriate.

Please share some crucial tips for parents who want to have their children
break into the Industry?
I would say just to take the leap. It’s a lot of fun and there’s a lot of opportunities
out there. Find an agent and start on social media. The more exposure, the
more rewards.

ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ Daughter/ Actress:
ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃ ǃHenley Alexa:ǃ

Can you share your favorite examples of your work?

I really liked learning how to twirl a baton for a job I had. I had to take lessons
for about a month. Also I really like getting invited to red carpet events.

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ǃWhat are the challenges when it comes to Auditions?

ǗThere’s a lot of competition out there, so calming my nerves and źnding my
voice is a challenge of mine.

What advice can you share with those who want to pursue an Acting Career?
To keep working hard and practicing to get better. Join an acting class or
theatre production. Everyday there’s a chance to get better.

Additional Resources
Now that you know how to break into
show business properly, here are some
resources to help you start your acting
career.
Ǘ

SAG-AFTRAǗ

Join The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio
Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

Talent Agencies:

ǗCGEM Talent. They provide the “TLC” guidance that most management
companies are missing, give feedback from casting oŸces and work with actors
on how to improve for the next audition, create projects from the ground up, and
strive to create a meaningful connection with actors.

Acting Classes for Beginners:

February 5th, 2023 – Sunday from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm for $100 at Michelle
Danner Acting Studio. 10820 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232.

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Hartt and Soul In-Person Classes and Online Classes.

Useful Websites for Photographers:

https://photographylife.com/camera-equipment-for-beginnersǗ

https://clickitupanotch.com/photography-equipment-for-beginners/Ǘ