“Which are the 10 top talent agencies for kids?” If only I had a dollar for every time we’ve received this question.
We all have our favorite talent agents and talent agencies, but what a Hollywood Mom thinks are the 10 top talent agencies for kids may not be what the pros think is best – just ask any mom who has lamented over her child’s agent’s choice of head shots. At the end of the day, one of the opinions that matters most, in terms of kids actually “booking” jobs, is that of the Casting Director.
Zuri Models tells kids “Live the Life you Love!” Modeling for RumPunch Kids.
In 2015, we went straight to the source and asked HMB friend and contributor, Commercial Casting Director Katie Taylor, which agencies she ranks as the 10 top talent agencies for kids (child actors and child models) in Southern California based on her booking sheets, which is not an easy position to put a CD in (or any entertainment professional), but she generously rose to the occasion and gave us “The List,” you’d all been pining for. Now representing young talent myself, I’ve updated the list for 2021 including bi-coastal agencies and taking theatrical bookings into consideration as well as commercial:
Top 10 (2021):
- Abrams Artists Agency
- Paradigm
- CESD Talent Agency
- DDO Kids
- LA Talent
- Zuri Model and Talent
- Osbrink Agency
- Coast to Coast Talent Group
- Take 3 Talent Agency
- Paloma Model and Talent
Top 10 (2015):
- Abrams Artists Agency
- CESD Talent Agency
- Mavrick Artists Agency
- Coast to Coast Talent Group
- LA Models/LA Talent
- Paloma Model and Talent
- Zuri Model and Talent
- Brand Model and Talent
- Daniel Hoff Agency
- Osbrink Agency
Honorable Mention goes to Bensimon. Katie tells us, “They are small and just getting their franchise license, but their kids are phenomenal!”
Bonus List:
- House of Reps
- Major Minors
- MO Kids
- Clear Talent
- Youth Talent Connection
Who’s your favorite agent Hollywood Moms? Did they make the list?
Neat to have a list! What makes these agencies good? Why did they make the cut? What differentiates them from the rest of the pack?
Hi Melissa! I generated this list from my booking sheets and audition reports. Which agencies kids do I call in the most and book with me the most? If you asked another CD, their list might vary very slightly. But for the most part, the majority of agents on this list, are on every CDs list. They are just the highest quality, most successful kids agencies in town with the best reputation and consistent skilled customer service
Great List. I own a model and talent agency and I connect with many other agencies. This is a great list for non New York and L.A. agents to send up and coming talent.
Would love to see a list like this for NY. As a photographer, people ask me which agency to go with all the time. I have a few favs of my own, but I know the big names aren’t always the best and agents can shuffle around.
Which ones do you recommend for teenagers?? Looking for a new agent and manager for a SAG actor…
Thanks so much.
Need some feedback if possible:
I have 2 young boys (ages 2 & 3). Both Osbrink and Coast to Coast want to sign them. We are having a difficult time making up our minds. We are super excited but don’t want to act on impulse. We are trying to do our research before signing, but I feel like there is a toss up in reviews with both agencies. Any suggestions or opinions? Tia!!
What about agency in Georgia, and Florida? Babes and baeus? MPC modeling?
Sylvia – we covered those as well with specific lists http://hollywoodmomblog.com/ask-hollywood-mom-which-kid-talent-agents-and-managers-service-south-florida/ and http://hollywoodmomblog.com/kids-talent-agents-atlanta-ga/ and a national list: http://hollywoodmomblog.com/about-tracy-bobbitt/talent-agents-kids/
Since I’m new to this, are there cost associated with signing with agencies? Where does a parent new to this start?
No upfront cost should ever be involved with signing with an agent or manager; however, once you’ve signed with an agent, he/she will receive 10% of your child’s earnings. Read this article to get started: http://hollywoodmomblog.com/how-to-become-a-child-actor/
Would be very interested in a similar list for East Coast, we are in Philly but could go up to NYC or down to DC. Also, are there agencies who do work with special needs child models? Thanks in advance!
http://hollywoodmomblog.com/tracy-bobbitt-hollywood-mom-blog/talent-agents-kids/
Is there a midwest list? Located in St Louis, okay with kc or chicago commute
http://hollywoodmomblog.com/tracy-bobbitt-hollywood-mom-blog/talent-agents-kids/
What list do you have for Sacramento and San Francisco
http://hollywoodmomblog.com/tracy-bobbitt-hollywood-mom-blog/talent-agents-kids/
We live in Oregon and don’t see a local agent. My son is 9 and has been told by several directors in our area that he has “it”. He acts, sings, and dances and loves the stage. My question is if there is a camp in the Hollywood area that I could bring him to? Hoping that may help with meeting people? Or if you have a recommendation for Oregon?
I received an email from an agent named Carrie Ann Levy and Ashley Mayer at Legend 3 in Woodland Hills, CA for my daughter. Anyone know anything about this agency? When I spoke to Ashley she said Carrie was a former agent at Pantheon and Soverign Talent. Anyone know anything about her or this agency?
how important are the pictures that you initially send to an agency?
Very. Those pictures are your child’s first impression on the agency and your first impression on the agency as to your level of savvy and professionalism. The initial photos do not need to be professionally done; however the photos must be clean (well lit, background that doesn’t distract), clear (child should be face forward, looking into camera), appropriate (no toilet photos, crying babies, etc!) Dress your child in solids without distraction like logos, vulgar sayings, crazy patterns or profusion of florals. Basically, use your best judgement.
How important is it to have the pictures you initially send to be high quality pictures?
Tracy, a talent agen wants to audition my baby girl. I’m super excited but if he wants to actually sign her there will be a photo shoot that will cost me $500. Does that sound right? I’m not so sure.
No Gabriela, That does not sound right at all. No legitimate agent is going to “require” $500 head shots – especially for a BABY. An agency should not send you to one specific photographer. A legit agency will give you a list of their preferred photographers but who you choose is ultimately up to you. Please email HollywoodMomBlog@gmail.com with details so I can better advise you.
Hi – my name is Pam
R there any agencies near Det that r legitamit?
Hi Pam,
Check out DDO Kids in Chicago! And read our agent list here: http://hollywoodmomblog.com/tracy-bobbitt-hollywood-mom-blog/talent-agents-kids/ CHICAGO is the largest market near you in Detroit. Good Luck!
How to you feel about CCA (Coleen Cler Agency)? We were just offered from them and have heard that they are a boutique agency with very good communication with their talent, and that they’re well respected, but not seeing them on this list worries me. Also…I thought that 20% was the standard agency fee…am I wrong?
Hi Giavanna, Please see Katie’s reply to your question. Other Hollywood Moms say Coleen Cler is an excellent agency and that a lot of print kids are represented there. Hope this helps you.
MINC tops Yelp. Any opinion?
Please see Katie’s reply. Our feedback from other parents is that MINC is a hard working agency, good choice for newbies and beginners.
Giavanna CCA is good too and yes 20% is standard for print and non-Union and 10% for sag jobs. And Jeff ,Minc is also good. This is just my top fave list. There are many other agencies that are great too. These are just the ones that tend to book most with me.
Thanks for replying Katie
Hello,
Wondering if you have any agency to recommend in Las Vegas/Henderson area. Thank you kindly 🙂
Hi!, by any chance do you have this list for DC/VA/MD area?
.. we live in Maryland and we would love to have our little girl getting an agency!.. thanks in advance!..
Hi Silvia, Check out this list of talent agents nationwide: http://hollywoodmomblog.com/tracy-bobbitt-hollywood-mom-blog/talent-agents-kids/ – you may want to look for a talent agent in the NYC area.
Hello,
i’m looking for a good agencies in the palm springs area for kids, any recommendations?
Is this list still current? Just wondering about Mavrick, anyone know if they are good? Out of Mavrick, Paloma, and The Beverly Agency…which is top of the list all around?
List is very current – look at date of post Jan. 2015. As for the agencies you mentioned, Maverick, Paloma and The Beverly Agency are all very different agencies. Maverick represents adult & child actors, Paloma represents child models & actors and the Beverly Agency doesn’t even have a kids division that I’m aware of. Is your child interested in acting? Modeling? Both? How did you arrive at these three agencies?
I got the Right Agent handbook and started sending out her picture. Those are some of the agencies that replied with interest in her. She deffinitely wants to act. I would like an agency that is well known, growing, and that can guide her in the right direction…gives her work.
Gloria – You should schedule interviews with Paloma and Mavrick then. You’ll get a feel for which agency you feel more comfortable with during your meetings. I would also suggest researching their current client rosters. Good luck!
Any suggestions/advice for a new mom with a baby under 3 months? Looking into getting her an agent. 🙂 TIA.
Does the Mavrick agency do modeling and acting? If not which would be the best for both?
I have two of my daughters (one 12 and one just turned 18) with Armando at Kathleen Schultz Agency. Good experience so far, several auditions for commercial and television just waiting for their first booking.
Hi I’m looking for a great place to have some head shots done for my 19 month old in the L.A. area? Do you know how much they run and can you recommend one?
Thank you !
Hi my daughter is interested in acting/model she is 7 we live in fl how do I even start. And is there any agency’s in fl we are closer to Tampa area thank you if you can get back to me
http://hollywoodmomblog.com/top-15-kids-talent-agents-florida/
I’m looking for feedback from moms with children who have worked with osbrink and Paloma. And from anyone who might know their record, which agency is better known to for working for the client
Hi! Thank you for putting this together, where should I look for a list in the DC area? Or what should I look for (good and bad) if I start calling places on my own? Thanks!
(I saw on a Google search something similar was asked but was unable to find it in the comments)
Any agencies in las vegas?
Do you have any recommendations for the Cincinnati, OH area?
Hi we got a interview with Coleen cler agency in LA and my daughter is 7 months old. What do you recommend she wear? What should we expect in the interview?
my niece has “made the cut” for Get Connected Talent… does anyone have any experience or feedback about that agency?
Type your comment here…
HELP!! I’m in the process of “interviewing” with Starlets agency..they are not actually an agency but they call themselves the “middle” man…they require about 550.00 some odd $$ to “start up” for ages 0-5 and the contract last for 5 years. They say they promote your child to top agencies. They don’t take any commission. So they only cost being that start up fee. PLEASE let me know if this is legit….I REALLY NEED YOUR OPINION!
Caroline and Concerned auntie, Anyone asking for money upfront is not legit Never pay a company to promote or represent talent. The only money a company should make off of you is a 10%-20% commission of a paying job they get you. Never pay a registration fee or sign with a company that insists on in-house classes or photographers.
to Caroline, personally, I wouldn’t go with that “agency.” They said they’re the middle man… but you don’t need a middle man. They promote your child to agencies? How do they do that? I can only imagine, they send them your info/pic. Which is what YOU can do too. Basically, you’re paying them to mail/email your child’s info, IF they’re doing it, and are will they do it continuously or once? Because what you need is a real agency that will get you the auditions. Go with this list on this site, they’re the real deal. They won’t “promote” your kid, they’ll send your kid to auditions that is fit for them. Personally, I was signed with Wilhelmina (well known), and I DID pay for photos (I had zero professional photos), and other things. The total cost came out to be a bit over $1000, BUT they did that to provide me with every single thing I needed. If I had those things, they would have used it, but I had nothing. They gave me amazing photos, a leather bound portfolio, auditions, jobs, and I even met amazing casting directors and agents from other agencies. They even helped me to get representation in order states in a once a year “business cruise” they have. With the things I paid for (headshots, other portfolio pics, comp cards, portfolio book) I had everything I needed. For the photos, I paid $70 and got amazing shots which were a million times better than a smaller agency for extras, and I paid that small company $250 for ONE picture. But about Wilhelmina, I have nothing bad to say about them. Yes, you should not pay upfront… [on my 2nd meeting is when we discussed the things I was missing] Wilhelmina worked with me and gave me a payment plan), but you have to think. It IS an investment, and their name is WELL KNOWN in the fashion industry! So, make sure you check the reputation with the agency in question. I wouldn’t work with Starlets, not a middle man. Go with a well known agency that is there get to you auditions!
AEF TALENT?
I NEED A PROMOTER FOR MY GREAT LOOKING GRANDSON AGE 4, moving TO CALIFORNIA IN A WEEK AND WANT TO GET HIM STARTED.
Im looking for a reputable agency in Las Vegas for my 4 year old daughter. does anyone have any recommendations?
To Tiffany, hi I have a 6 yr old and I’m looking for an agent for her,u know most agency will tell u ,that u need classes and pay fees, where can I find an agent that will find additions and work for my daughter, ?
I have a 13 year old that has a great acting agent but really wants to get more modeling work. She’s too tall for children’s clothes but a hair too short (but still growing) to model adult clothes. Should we be applying to children’s modeling agencies or adults?
Does anyone know anything about mum and me talent agency? Or casting connections? They are interested in my son and I and are asking $60 for my son for a 1 year contract as well as $56 to join the breakdown express website and $109 from my contact as well as $120 to join the website
I have offers from Mavrick, MO Kids + Youth Talent Connection to rep my toddler. Any advice for how to make my decision and/or which agency would be best for getting started in the industry. Thanks!!
You should never pay someone to rep your child. I have two children that have agents. My five year old is with Abrams and my two year old is with Zuri. No agency that is legit will ever ask you for money.
I have a son a year and a half and trying to find the right place to start. We are in Bay Area and not having much luck finding good agency. Any advice?
Hello my name is Nicole.
I have two beautiful boy!
I want to get them into modeling!
Their both talented in their own way (:
And would be the best!
I hope I hear from you.
Im looking for agency for my 18 monthsbaby
Have two beautiful babies… Boy and girl and I want the world to see how beautiful their soul is through their beautiful faces. Plz let me know where to get in touch with someone!
Anyone know of anything in Charlotte, NC? Thanks!
I need a good agency in n. Y like ford agency for my grandson he is 9 years old. also I need one in miami, fl for my granddaugther. Thank You for your help. Have a wonderful day. chella
Hello my son who is 14 months has MO kids agency and youth talent connection interested in him.. I’m so new to this and need some help.. anyone have info on how to choose?
Greetings,
I’m interested in getting my impeccably beautiful 1 year old daughter into a legit modeling agency. Two weeks ago, I logged into my Ralph Lauren account after browsing clothes that I’m going to buy for my baby; and then I decided to contact customer service. They actually contacted me with information and where to send her resume and pictures. Unfortunately, I have yet to receive the green certified mail card or any thing else, for that matter. I know my baby is destined for stardom. Don’t know what kind just yet, but I know it’s coming. Does anyone have any legit information that they could give me in regards to my requests?? It’s greatly needed and warranted.
Thanks,
Tomeka (Mommy of A’dm L’cor Indira Williams)
My daughter is a dancer and has won many awards for her talent. I am looking for an agent for dance and modeling. She likes the arts and someday hopes to be in that field as a dancer choreographer. I have heads hots and a resume
Lynne – Clear Talent may be a good fit for her http://cleartalentgroup.com
Hello, most of the people that I know that knows a little bit about modeling tells me that Agencies should not charge anything, until your kid books a job. Is this a true statement? there are any fees related to join an agency? I have 2 daughters one is 12 tall/model type and very pretty and a 5 years old that everyone keeps saying that she should be a model full of personality. I never really gave a thought about my daughters becoming models, but I am open for suggestions as long is something that doesn’t require high fees
Hi! I’m glad to have found this site! It is very informative! I have 2 beautiful little girls 5 & 9. We live in South Florida but travel to NY quite often. My 9 year old has a very Ralph Lauren look and people often stop in their tracks to stare at her. She is a regular kid and completely oblivious to how pretty she is. My 5 year old is much more girly and a cutie pie. She has a vintage child look similar to a Shirley Temple type. Who or where would be the best avenue to take to see if there’s a future for either of them in print or commercial work. 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
http://www.cesdtalent.com/ in NYC sounds like a good fit for your kids. Good luck!
Hi, pls tell me more about joy stevenson talent.
Joy Stevenson is a children’s talent manager who has been around for decades. She is a hard worker who is respected in the industry.
I am very excited to have found this! Many people including friends family and strangers have told my husband and I that our little one should be on television. We weren’t sure at first but we finally just said what the heck, no harm in trying!
I am wondering if there are there any specific agencies that look for hair models?
Hello, my niece is 7 and was with LA Models and Paloma , she is moving to Oahu Hawaii, can you recommend an agency?
Thanks so much,
Trichia
Adr Model & Talent Agency
Full Service (All Ages)
451123 KAMEHAMEHA HWY STE D KANEOHE, HI 96744
8889023414
Muller Talent Agency, Kathy
Full Service (All Ages)
619 KAPAHULU AVE, PENTHOUSE HONOLULU, HI 96815
8087377917
Hi, I have a 12 yo daughter that has done and won a couple of pageants and now we are looking into modeling agencies, the only issue is that we live in RHode Island and we don’t have much resource, (other then modeling agencies that charge an arm and leg). We are willing to travel to either Boston or New York, do you have any suggestions? Please help.
Reputable USA talent agencies are listed here: http://hollywoodmomblog.com/resources-for-child-actors/talent-agents-kids/ and this article focuses on Boston talent agents specifically http://boston.cbslocal.com/top-lists/bostons-best-childrens-talent-agencies/
My daughter almost 5, she’s the life of the party. We live close to Martinsburg, WV. Could you recommend a reputable agent that’s not to far out of the region?
My child can truly be the next big star , someone needs to contact me.
Looking for a reputable modeling agent in southern California, for my teenage son.
How do you advise submitting our kids to these agencies? Three photos: head shots & full length? Cover letter? Thank you!
Hello. I am so glad to have found your very informative site. Do you have any information about agencies in Colombia South America for children? I have a 3-year-old son who literally has people stop in their tracks to look at him, comment, and then actually want to take pictures of him. Some just take pics of him on their cellphones, with or without asking. I know he has a great look that people like to see and are attracted to which would be fantastic for potential companies who are looking to market their products because of the reaction he gets everyday in public. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.
We live in Alaska and are looking for a rep for our son who is almost 18 months. We are more than happy to travel to any destination to get him booked with a great agency.
I HAVE AN ADORABLLE THREE YR OLD SON, WHOM WILL BE FOUR THIS MONTH. HE HAS PLAYED T BALL, SOCCER AND BASKETBALL THIS YEAR AND WANTED TO GET HIM INTO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WE ARE IN THE MISSISSIPPI AREA AND ARE WILLING TO TRAVEL, IF THERE IS ANY AGENCIES IN THE SOUTH AREA, PLEASE EMAIL ME VVAUGHN136@GMAIL.COM
Any trust worthy real agencies in the Pacific Northwest ( greater Seattle area) I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old.
Just curiuos! I checked out this place called TCM models but they want money upfront – it sounds like charm school or something! Ok thanks!
I have a grandaughter she’s 5 years old and she love modeling we live in santa rosa california do you know if is some agent can help me with her
Hey everyone!
I am looking to put my 3 month old into baby modelling. She gets so much attention! I live in NC but am willing to travel close, and to Atlanta. Any suggestions?
Hey my granddaughter is very beautiful… live in Atlanta looking for a agency. Anyone have any suggestion?
Hi I have a twelve year old girl… I want her to get into modeling… Where should I start
My daughter just turned 1 and i am looking for a reliable agent that can get my daughter gigs, my daughter is beautiful and deserves to be noticed. everyone compliments her ” should be a gerber model” get that all the time. i live in the cincinnati area and its hard to find a good modeling agency. please give me info on what i need to do here. thanks.
hi, there.
my four year old son enjoys modelling and is very smart….we are in London looking for an agency in which we can trust. please could you give us some links and also tips to get him started? many thanks
I’m looking for a reputable talent agency for my 12 year old daughter in the Washington, DC area.
My daughter is 13yrs old. beautiful and smart with modelling body.I am looking for a trusted agent around Harrisburg.
I have three beautiful children who love the camera. never modeled before. Wanted to see if they would like to try modeling. Don’t know where to start. Ages 3, 4,& 6
Check out our list of talent agents nationwide and send pictures to the agencies located near you.
Hi i have a 10 month old who loves the camera and she is really silly. I would love to get her in to some kind of modeling or acting for babies, but dont know where to start? Any suggestions.
Check out our list of talent agents nationwide and send pictures and resumes to those located closest to you.
I have 3 years old son who is very handsome and would like to try to put him in modeling. We leave in Seattle, WA and don’t know where to start and what to do. Thanks for any tips or help!
Check out our list of talent agents nationwide and send pictures and resumes to those located closest to you.
I have a adorable 11 month old girl, she is the most unique and beautiful baby ever. Please email me any agency you recommend at llaura717@yahoo.com
Check out our list of talent agents nationwide and send pictures and resumes to those located closest to you.
I am looking for a modeling agency for y 15 year old son, he is from southern India, very striking features and a great personality, has had professional training, and have prof. photos up to date. Been with MMG Modeling Agency in NYC, not much happened, live in Midwest, have sent in video tryouts for a few movies as a main character, nothing to date. Which agency would be best for him?
thank you for any information you can give me.
What city/state are you located in Patti?
I have a 7month old boy , looking for a good agency .
Where are you located? City and State.
hello i have a one year old baby and she is so adorable every time we go anywhere she always getting attentions from kids, ladies and gentlemen because she always smile and they always said we are so lucky to have a beautiful cute baby..we are looking for agency ….we live in Los angeles California…
Paloma (on the list) represents babies and toddlers. Contact them.
Hi, I’m looking for an agency close to or in Charlotte NC. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m just trying to get the ball rolling. My son is 10 months as of December 3rd 2015 – I swear when my wife and I go out with our son I feel like I’m with a celebrity… lol… We are ALWAYS getting stopped, so I’m like well maybe lets try modeling of some sort. – Thanks in advance.
Check out our list of talent agents nationwide – there are several located in and near North Carolina.
i want to be come a model or an actor or anything will make me travel to la : im fourteen years old and im from morocco
Hi …I have baby boy 4 months , I’m looking for agencies baby model in north California, anyone know agencies close to Orange County let me know please
i have an 11 year old girl who is beautiful and loves the camera and its her dream to model she practices in front of her mirror every day and i don’t know where to start
What (if anything) have you heard about “Global One Talent Management” My daughter was asked to sign with them, but I am trying to see if they are legitimate or not.