Would You Do This? - Phoenix,AZ

I'd give it a try and see how it goes. Not every kid is made to do this kind of stuff. You have to sit still and not be cranky and be "on" all of the time. So try it - if you both like it, do some more. If not, no worries!

You can stop at any time. If you think that this one thing might be fun, then do it. Judge each opportunity individually.

I would go for it! It would be a fun experience and a little boost with the college fund is always a great thing!

I would. Either your kid will like it or not and you can use this experience to say yes or no to any future endeavers.

I agree with doing this for all the reasons you state. I wouldn't totally cut off doing further work until after you do this one time. One of my co-workers children did modeling and found it a fun way to earn money. This child handled the attention quite well and was an easy child to be around.

I would go for it! My brother and I were approached when we were little to do a commercial. We did it and it paid for part of college. It did not turn into a big break but it was fun and it generated some good money!

I would do it!

Have fun with it and if its not fun then just chalk it up to an experience

Go for it. If you both like it, keep going. When it's not fun anymore for either of you, stop.

I think it just depends on your kids personality and if they can still look happy and cute while cameras are aiming at them and people are telling them what to do. Sure, you should do it once. Have fun...it'll be a fun story later on for your kid when he is older!

Try it! You can always decline if asked again and say it just wasn't your thing. Enjoy!

Your perception of kids in the commercials or child actores might be grossly misconceived, probably because of trash TV like Dance Moms or Toddlers and Tiaras. Most moms aren't THAT extreme and most of the work little kids do aren't as challenging.

Most likely you son will do his stint, you'll send in his picture/resume into a talent agency and then you won't hear from anyone for another few months.

Let's see, you are in Phoenix? Most child actors/models have to be within at least an hour away from L.A. or NYC for the big parts like what you have in mind, like a GAP commercial or a part in a movie.

Also, I want to clarify something...most production companies don't want bratty kids nor do they want bratty parents/guardians. With all the talent out there, believe me, the last thing they want is a newbie prima donna strutting around. For a commericial, unless they are shooting something specific or working with a specific look or actor, they will most likely chose a child who listens to his parents and are well behaved.

I'm sure you ILs will agree.

Under the circumstances you are talking about.... I probably would.

You never know if your child will love it or hate it. Just make sure if he hates it you never do it again.

As always keep in mind that you DO NOT give anyone any money. You do NOT need a professional portfolio. That comes later in the game if you are working.

I will say that it is a lot of hard work for mom and child if you start going on casting calls, etc and you will be faced with some serious stage moms who are ruthless.

I speak from experience because I have modeled most of my life and my 18 yr old models as well. We do it for fun and if a job sounds like it has to much drama or is too stressful... we just say no thank you.

Knowing someone who knows someone who knows someone is a pretty good way to get your foot in a door. You always have the right to say no thank you if it is too much for you or your child. Of course... all $$ goes to him.

Go for it! You never know!

just try it once at least

GO FOR IT!! Seriously- what do you have to lose?

Your son might get his "acting chops" from this and his life may take a different course...or he might say - "ppppssssaaaahhh" and be done with it.

Any money he makes? Tuck it away like you said for college!!! Don't forget taxes!!!

GOOD LUCK!! HAVE FUN!!!

What the heck give it a shot. Let the casting director look at photos. He may not be interested or he may be. I had a friend do it for a year then quit. Just too much, but if you have an in, try it.

Stop worrying about your BIL and SIL. You want to try this out - it might be lots of fun or it might be a disaster. You may want to continue or you may never want to do it again.

Do you have trouble telling them no to other things? If you do, why?

I don't think worrying about being a crazy stage mother is your problem. The fact that you are afraid of saying no is your problem. You REALLY need to work on that.

Dawn

Being a "stage mom" is a CHOICE.

There are lots of kind, intelligent, caring, boundary setting, NORMAL parents whose children perform.

Then there are the "stage moms".

Having modeled (both kid/adult) and been in sports (competitive)... I'd say the ratio is about 1:7 crazy:normal. Crazy is the minority for sure... But crazy = loud & obnoxious, so they're really obvious / hard to miss. And when you're in a show with 50, or a call of 300, then that means there's rather a lit of crazy/loud/obnoxious... But that's true in EVERY childhood activity. Ya just ignore crazy and move on.

But as far as being the dreaded stage monster?

Its your choice on how you act. :) :) :)
And since that's your big fear... You're good to go. Just don't act that way.

((A lot of the 'normal' staff parents get into the industry JUST like this. They know someone who extends an invitation, they try it out, their kids DIG it, they keep doing it -conversely, a lot of kids don't like it, and they stop. Often to return later when their kids ask to try again. But even those who are actively seeking acting/modeling are often normal. Just. Be. Normal. :))

I would do it. It would be interesting to get a look behind the scenes-for the family. Also, it could be a bonding experience with his uncle-something they could talk about for years.
Don't worry about hurting B and SILs feelings. Once you and your husband make a decision as a family-it's yours and they have no choice but to respect that.
My daughter is 4 and would LOVE it!!

I would do it and see how it goes. If you are afraid that this will lead to more than you are comfortable with, lay down some ground rules the next time they ask (how often you are willing, for what types of product, etc.)

I'd do it in the context you are considering (one time fun thing, not a career....) My opinion is if you try to make it a regular thing, it is hard on the parent and child because these things can be long. Not to mention auditions if you really get into it. I'm also thinking this in terms of my daughters personality. I don't think it would mesh well.

Couldn't hurt to let him pass on his info/photo. I would let my kid do it, if I thought he could...especially since he would have his Uncle as his director, kid would probably have the best possible experience all in all.

I'd totally do it, if it just fell in our lap. Having someone suggest it and you saying "yeah that sounds fun, and it's family" is nowhere near what a "stage mom" is.

You're the mom. They can't hire your son without your permission. You can be upfront with them that this is the only commercial you want to do and are not interested in your son having a career in TV at his age. If he grows up and wants to do it, that's something else. If they push say, "Not interested and not up for discussion".

Remember, a casting director will see hundreds of cute little kids that look just like your son. He may or may not be cast. I'd go for it and not worry til you have something to worry about.

The bonus in doing this is that this is your brother-in-law doing the commercial. The upshot is that it would be a great boost to your son's college fund. Plus... puppies!

I don't see any reason why I wouldn't.

I would do it in a heartbeat.

Updated

I would do it in a heartbeat.

To protect your son get him an agent. You can go to fordmodels.com and upload pictures, just regular taken by Mom not professional pics. Also tell them he has been approached to do a commercial.
There are so many things to consider when doing any type od modeling work. With commercials think residuals, models are paid a flat fee $500-$1000/day for a commercial to run a certain number of times. If the commercial goes for a second run or runs for years the model or actor should get residuals or money each time it runs, this can be huge money. You may not remember the Life cereal commercial with Mikey but that commercial ran for years and Mikey was always about 5 yrs old. Then the news came out that Mikey was now a senior in high school and the commercial was still running. I know that commercial ran for over 12 yrs unchanged and that Mikey never got any residuals.
Did you know the cast of Gillgians Island never got any residuals for the 30-40 yrs of running in syndication? Now the unions and agents have gotten stronger and are more able to protect their clients from being taken advantage of. They are also very conscious of any safety issues on set.

I am not saying your BIL would put him in danger or take advantage of him but why risk it? At least get a consultation with an agent.

I say, "do it!". You can only do it once. If you don't, you'll be wishing you did.

i totally would! why not? stage parents are awful, but it doesn't follow that the parents of every adorable commercial toddler are stage parents.
have fun with it!
:) khairete
S.