PARENT WORKSHOP
PARENTS:  ASSET OR OBSTACLE?
 
The goal of ProScout is to bring participants in front of agents in the hope that they will be signed and to enable you to learn as much as possible about the modeling industry.  Unfortunately, due to the size of this event, it's extremely difficult for you to address specific concerns that you AS A PARENT might have about the career your child is about to embark on.   We don't want you leaving this event with any unanswered questions. 
 
This is the very first time a Parent's Workshop has been offered in response to requests from parents.  My name is Laurie Sikora and my daughter is Sabrina Sikora.  She is a 19 year old professional model who has been working in the industry since age 14.  Her homebase is Atlanta and her mother agency is L'Agence Model Mgt.  From Atlanta, Sabrina works markets and books jobs all over the world. 
 
In the many years that Sabrina has been pursuing her professional career, I have been her manager.  I am painfully aware of the personal concerns you have about your individual child - because I am the same way.  In this business, ignorance is dangerous and costly and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find someone willing to take the time to speak with you. 
 
I'd like to take about 30 minutes or so to tell you a little background and address some specific situations Sabrina encountered when she was first starting out and how we handled them.  Sometimes incorrectly.  The last 30 minutes, I'd like to give you time to ask any questions you have or any specific concerns that are bothering you.  I do not want you to leave being unclear on any topic.  And since this is the first parent workshop, I'd like you to take an evaluation form to complete and give to Mel so he can assess the value of this session.  If you feel it was important, they may offer it again.  If not, then they won't. 
 
ASSET OR OBSTACLE?
Parents can be the single largest asset or obstacle to a model's career.  I have seen so-so girls book great jobs and experience career success because of a strong, supportive parent.  I have also seen amazing girls give up their dream because a parent did not believe in them.  Their career will demand your time and dedication.  A child or teenager CANNOT do this without 100% of your support.  If you aren't willing to stand behind them as they begin this journey, then very likely your child will not succeed.   I have met both types of parents, those who will and will not support their child.
 
It may sound like I jump around a bit on topics, but as I was considering what to cover, I just used the most frequently asked questions that Sabrina and I get thru her website.  At the end of this workshop, Sabrina has a headshot that she will gladly sign for you and we also sell an 8 page booklet for ONE DOLLAR that will offer tips on how to work this event to your advantage and how best to prepare for tomorrow.  Also, what you can do if you do or do not receive a callback. 
 
AGENCY - FIRST DAYS
I am going to mention several resources and books that I have found over the years that I wish I had read prior to Sabrina signing her first contract.  I would strongly suggest that before you start pursuing this any further, to pick up a copy of Supermodel Roshumba William's book entitled The Complete Idiot's Guide To Being A Model".  $16.95 at Barnes & Noble.  This is by far the best modeling book I have ever read and I enjoyed the chapter written by her mother.  You must know the terminology upfront and impress the agent as caring enough to have done your homework.
 
When Sabrina first signed with Elite, I called them with every little bothersome question you can possibly imagine because I did not know where to look to find answers.  When an agency is open from 9-5, they need to be on the phone with clients taking bookings or they need to be calling models to send on those bookings and castings.  They DO NOT need to be having a 30 minute phone call with the mothers of all their teenage models trying to hold your hand and walk you thru the business.  In fact, they won't.  I would suggest that you put any questions in writing and fax it to the agency, preempting it by saying, "when you have a minute, could you answer the follow question(s) for me?".  They will appreciate this more than you know because they can respond when the phones are not ringing off the hook.  I learned the hard way and they weren't always polite to me.
 
Sometimes you will be told what they think you want to hear just to get you off the phone.  Keep notes when you are in meetings and on the phone so you can refer back.  If any promises are made, get them in writing and be sure to clarify any points that are foggy.  Have any contract offerings reviewed by a contract or entertainment lawyer.   Ask to strike clauses that concern you and NEVER sign a contract longer than a 2 year period.  For NEW FACES, it will generally take a year or two to begin booking the better jobs.