KidsCasting.com is an online platform that allows casting directors, filmmakers, and talent recruiters to post casting calls with the purpose of hiring talented kids that are suitable for their projects. Parents are notified about the new casting calls, and they can submit their kids to any project they’re interested in. From there, a recruiter will typically review all submitted profiles and contact the best candidates directly by sending them a message.
Talent recruiters can also perform a customized talent search and contact the potential candidates directly, even if their parents haven’t submitted them. So make sure your child's main photo is of high quality and stands out from the rest. If your child fits the role, their main photo can be all that’s needed to get invited to an audition.
To register with KidsCasting complete the online registration form here www.KidsCasting.com. Registration is available for parents only.
Go to www.KidsCasting.com. In the upper right corner you will notice a designated field for username and password. Type your username/email and password and click the "log in" button. This will log you in.
To register as a Casting Director, sign up at https://kidscasting.com/agents
To request your username and password, click here, or click on "forgot password" link below login form in the upper right corner of the page.
Here are the first steps to help you get started:
STEP 1 - Set up your child's profile.
Make sure to enter accurate and true information about your child, their skills, background, and experience. Casting Directors search for talents based on age, gender, location, height, and unique skills.
STEP 2 - Upload your child's photos.
Only upload clear, well-lit, close-up and medium photos of your child. These photos are the key element to get your child noticed.
STEP 3 - Submit to casting calls.
This is the most important advice we can give you — submit to as many casting calls as possible within your area. It's really a numbers game. The most successful members are pro-active, persistent and never give up. They submit to a variety of casting calls just about every day to gain valuable experience.
For more tips, click here.
When completing or updating your child's profile, you may have noticed a little star with some numbers right next to your kid's photo. This is KidsCasting Talent Rating — it puts you in a priority position in the talent search. The higher the score, the better.
The best way to get this number growing is by being active on KidsCasting platform — update your child’s profile info and photos, post your success story; having a subscription plan will also move you higher up the talent ladder.
Another effective way to improve the score is to create an easy-to-remember and personalized web address on your KidsCasting profile (also called a public profile URL). Take advantage of this feature – it will make your child’s profile stand out from the rest!
Talent Rating is updated every 24 hours.
Comp card (composite card) is an actor’s or model’s business card with several photos, physical description, and contact info. It’s used in auditions and for self-promotion purposes. Comp card is an important resource in addition to a headshot because it allows the casting director to see the person’s range and different looks.
Comp card allows you to introduce your child to industry professionals in a much more diverse way than with a headshot alone.
A comp card is a PDF made out of your child's portfolio. Go to portfolio page and click on Download Comp card link/button. Make sure all the main photos are uploaded, otherwise your child's comp card will be empty.
A casting call is a job posting seeking child actors, extras, dancers, models, musicians, and other talents for various types of productions, such as TV shows, movies, commercials, modeling and other entertainment-related projects. The casting call notice includes such information as the name of the production, a brief description of the project, location, date, time, the type of kids they’re seeking and the pay to be expected if any. You can search and view all the casting calls from the Casting Calls page.
Child extras are kids in the background of a scene. They generally don’t have any lines, so previous acting experience is not required. Extras can make up to $250 a day just by standing or moving behind the main actors in movies, TV shows, music videos, and commercials. There’s a huge demand for extras all over the country. To check for opportunities in your area, go to the Casting Calls page.
1. Log in to your KidsCasting account
2. On the upper navigation menu, click on "Casting Calls" or click here.
You can search by zip code, keywords or perform an advanced search. We recommend experimenting with all the available filters to see what gives you the best search results.
When you find a casting call that's right for your child, click on the title of the casting call. You’ll see the casting call description and breakdown. Under the “Contact info” section you’ll find the submission type. You can do one of the following:
There are also the so-called open casting calls, where you have to show up at a specific time in the location indicated under "Contact info."
Child labor laws are designed to shield minors from exposure to dangerous occupations, while recognizing that as teenagers get older they are capable of working longer hours or in more challenging employment.
Child labor laws vary between states, often quite significantly. States may have different rules as to minimum ages for employment, the maximum number of hours that can be worked by a minor, hours during which minor employees are not permitted to work, and when a minor must obtain a work permit before starting a job.
It is important to check for specific state laws and restrictions before hiring a minor. Most states provide websites, brochures, or posters that summarize labor laws, rules and restrictions. Source: https://www.expertlaw.com
In many jurisdictions, before a minor can obtain employment the minor must produce a work permit, usually issued by the school the minor attends. The principal purpose of the work permit requirement is to ensure that employment doesn't interfere with school performance, and that minors who are having trouble in school aren't being overtaxed by the demands of a job.
A few states require a physical examination before a work permit may be issued. Some states have never required work permits. Other states, having concluded that schools don't actually exercise any real oversight or fear that troubled students will drop out if denied the opportunity for employment, have dropped the requirement for work permits.
Source: https://www.expertlaw.com
You can contact our member support department by calling 1-800-981-1902 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm PST or emailing support@kidscasting.com.
Basic membership allows you to create a talent profile and search for casting calls in your area. You have to be a Premium member to communicate with casting professionals and submit to casting calls.
KidsCasting Guarantee applies to subscribers who have signed up for a 6-month or 12-month plan. If a casting director or an agent does not contact you within 6 months, we'll give you ADDITIONAL 6 MONTHS at no extra cost for you to continue your search. More info can be found here.
First of all, utilize all of KidsCasting's services. Upload high-quality photos of your child and keep their profile updated.
Apply to all the casting calls in your area that suit your child. People who apply to several casting calls every week have a much higher chance of finding work than people who only apply to one or two. Perseverance is key!
However, make sure that you are submitting to the castings that are right for your child! If you submit to every single casting call on the site, you're just going to irritate a lot of casting directors that may have otherwise cast your child in the future.
If your child has no acting experience but shows interest in acting or modeling, we recommend that you start exploring this field by submitting to casting calls that seek extras or background talent. Usually, no experience is needed. It's a great way to get some experience on the set and learn how the project comes together. We also recommend looking into auditions for short films or student films or joining the local community theater. There are thousands of casting call opportunities that require little or no experience — these projects can become a foothold in the entertainment industry.
Make sure your kid's profile is filled properly and the photos are up to date. Be persistent, be positive and stick with it. For more advice, check out our Parent Academy section.
NO. It is unethical and, in most states, illegal for an agency to charge any upfront fees. An agency makes money by charging a commission on the job they help you get. Under no circumstances should you ever pay an agent an upfront fee of any kind.
Another common trick is for agents or managers to refer you to expensive photographers. You always have the right to choose your own photographer. Beware of an agent or manager who insists that you use theirs.
Please keep in mind KidsCasting.com is NOT an agency.
An agent will arrange your appointments with clients and photographers. They will handle your schedule, take bookings, and negotiate rates and any other fees involved in the particular project.
An agency will promote you with all of their clients in a variety of ways: through an agency book, over the Internet, and by sending your comp cards to their clients for specific campaigns and any other pending jobs. They will collect fees on your behalf, and, in some cases, may advance you money.