Getting Your Child Into Acting, The Right Way.
A talent manager's insider guide to helping an aspiring child actor or model start safely, avoid the scams, and understand how the business really works, from someone who has spent decades doing it.
What Every Parent Needs to Know First
The entertainment industry is full of moving parts, and just as many people ready to take advantage of families who do not know how it works. The playbook walks you through all 23 topics. Start with the essentials below.
Spot the Scams
Legitimate reps never charge upfront. Learn the exact red flags before you spend a dollar.
Read the free guide →Agents vs. Managers
Who does what, who you need, and how real representation actually works.
Read the free guide →Permits & Coogan Accounts
The legal steps that let your child work, and protect their earnings.
Read the free guide →The Industry Glossary
150+ industry terms, from ADR to Under-5, defined in plain language.
Open the glossary →Ellen Goldfarb
Start Learning Now
A few chapters are open to everyone, because no parent should get scammed for lack of information. The full step-by-step playbook, submission lists, and workbook are in the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do legitimate agents or managers charge upfront fees?
No. Reputable agents and managers earn income through commission on work they actually book for a client, not from upfront fees. Demands to pay in advance for registration, mandatory in-house photos, or required classes are the clearest warning sign of a scam.
What is a Coogan account (child performer trust account)?
A Coogan account is a blocked trust account into which a set percentage of a child performer's earnings must be deposited and protected until they reach adulthood. States such as California and New York require one before a minor can legally work in the industry.
What is the difference between a talent agent and a talent manager?
An agent is licensed to solicit and negotiate work and submits talent for auditions and bookings. A manager focuses on overall career strategy, development, and guidance, usually working closely with a smaller roster. Many performers work with both.
Does my child need a work permit to act or model?
Yes. States including California and New York require a child performer work permit before a minor can legally work on a production. Because bookings can arrive with little notice, parents should understand and secure the permit ahead of time.
What is SAG-AFTRA and when does a performer join?
SAG-AFTRA is the performers' union formed in 2012 from the merger of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Talent generally becomes eligible after qualifying union work and joins once eligible, typically with guidance from an agent or manager.
Can a child realistically earn a living as an actor or model?
Earnings vary widely and success is never guaranteed. The playbook gives parents a realistic view of potential earnings and explains how performers can build meaningful, lasting careers without needing to reach celebrity status.