where does the money go?

let me be perfectly frank here...this business cost money! after all, it IS a business! i know many people don't think of it that way, but it's very true...and sometimes, you don't ever recoup what you put into it...why? b/c your child actor may decide they just don't want to do this anymore and would rather play sports! ahhhh...kids...
and honestly, they are kids...that's what they do...change their minds...go from one thing to another...explore all the possibilities in their lives for their future...

for this reason is why we were very, very careful during the first couple of years that our daughter was exploring the business of being an actor...we didn't know how she would feel having to give up after school functions, being part of cheerleading, playing sports, etc.

now don't get me wrong, you can still be a part of those things and be in a smaller market re: being a child actor...but with my experience in nyc and now in l.a., that is almost impossible...auditions are right after school and if you start telling your agent that your child can't make them b/c they have a game, you will soon be "agentless"...

okay, back to the money issue...just as in any business there is an initial outlay of dollars...your little (or big!) actor will need headshots (unless they are very, very young then a digital or snapshot is usually accepted - although i know one agent in nyc who will not accept that and wants a professional headshot no matter what age!)...acting classes...gas to drive them to auditions...and on and on and on...it really mounts up...

but then, your child is speaking to other kids (especially if they are approaching the tween/teen age) and they discover that their friend is going to l.a. for pilot season! omg! pilot season! my child actor is going to make it huge if i could just get them there for at least 2 months...

oh boy! i'm opening a HUGE can of worms now! ummmm...pilot season...not for the faint of heart...not for those that are just starting out...not for anyone that does not have an agent (not just a small town manager)...not for anyone that hasn't already done pretty well for themselves in their own smaller market...and definitely not for anyone who is using their last bit of savings to make their child's dream come true! i know i know...now you think i'm a pessimist! you couldn't be further from the truth...i'm the ultimate optimist, with a realistic bent of course!

and today, i cannot get any further into this without writing another full page and more, so tomorrow, i will discuss our own personal experience with pilot season and the realities of what you face when you arrive in hollywood ready for your child actor to make their mark...it will be a very interesting read...

have a glorious day...and stay cool...
hugs and out~