Questions and Answers of Lois Miller, Talent Manager

We asked Lauren's Manager, Lois Miller of Star Talent, some questions we thought you would like answered:

Anyone looking for a Personal Talent Manager, can call Lois or mail her a photo with a resume and a S.A.S.E. (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope)

1. What advise can you give to a child who wants to be a star?
Start doing school plays and community theater - audition - audition - audition - don't spend $ on classes.

2. What are the first steps that should be taken if one wants to get into show business?
In addition to doing school plays, community theatre and anything else to audition, send snapshots and resumes to agents and / or managers and mail with S.A.S.E.

3. Is it better to have a headshot or a composite, color or black and white and does this differ for modeling vs, commercials vs, movies, print adds or theatre?
Black and white headshots work best for prospective actors 8" x 10" / color and black and white composite cards are okay for print/modeling.

4. If someone doesn't have a manager or an agent, what publications can they reference to find out about auditions?
Backstage or your home newspaper or call colleges and theaters in your community.

5. Is it recommended that one reference these publications even if one has an agent or manager?
Sure. You can always ask an agent or manager about something you've seen and it's always good to do alot of local theatre.

6. How does one get a manager or an agent?
The best way to get a good manager is by word of mouth. Another way is to read the Ross Reports or the Henderson Guide. Send snapshots (to managers who will accept them)- with a S.A.S.E. Agents are listed in the Ross Reports.

7. What is the difference between a manager and an agent to the client?
Managers should be much more personal and available. They should have fewer clients then agents. Managers take 15% (of the client's earnings), agents take 10 %.. My managerial feelings are different than some. I believe:
a. is the child's mental well being
b. the child's education
c. Show-Biz

8. Is it recommended to have both?
Yes, it is a good idea to have an agent and a manager for certain things and just a manager for some things.

9. What should a child wear to an audition? To an interview? To a go-see?
To an audition, dress similar to the part. For instance, to an audition for a commercial you may dress casual, dressy, business, school, sports etc. as dictated by the part. For theatre, look nice. For an intervew, show "the real you". To a go-see, just look good because they will usually take a Polaroid picture.

10. Does it matter how the parent dresses when they take their child to any one of these?
Parents should stay out of sight enough to dress like they please. Who cares?

11. If a child is talented are they guaranteed to 'make it'?
Talent doesn't always count, "Being the right size, shape and color sometimes counts more."

12. At what point in one's career, if any, should a child actor or actress join a union?
Join the unions when you are forced to (not before). Once you are union, you can't do non-union.

13. How did you become a manager?
My youngest daughter, Lara, did a Broadway tour and Broadway (after doing a lot of community theatre). She did 6 years on a TV sitcom Gimme a Break NBC, a movie, after school specials and a few commercials. So, I learned alot. In 1987, Lara started college at NYU. I turned 50 and didn't have to play the "perfect stage parent" anymore. Everyone I had met, including Lara's agent, told me to become a manager.
I never was my daughter's manager, just her mom. She graduated from N.Y.U., Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated from Fordham Law School and passed 3 bar exams, PA, NJ, and NY.
Lara is back in Show Biz after practicing law in NYC for 3 years. She's the voice of Kari Digimon Fox kids and Digimon movie, guests on The Amanda Show and Nickelodean.
She grew up in Hollywood from 1981 to 1987 and doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs and never did!

14. Is there some type of career training that can prepare someone for your job?
Intern for a good Personal Talent Manager.
Is there anything we didn't ask that you think is important for visitors to our website to know?

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