At an hour when most kids are still in bed, or watching their Saturday morning TV shows, dozens of youngsters in the Grand Ballroom of the Stamford Marriott are wide awake, dressed in
A preteen girl adjusts her cowboy hat before taking the stage for an evaluation by judges.
A few spots behind her, another girl nervously runs her fingers through her hair as she inches closer to the stage. Two girls standing back-to-back talk to each other about their clothes.
A boy kneels and brushes off his sneakers so they'll look just right when he takes his walk across the stage. Nervous parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters stand offstage, crossing their fingers and applauding the kids. Maybe it's their child, they think, that can be a winner and maybe reach for even bigger things.
Welcome to the world of children's beauty and talent competitions, in this case the national finals of the International Prince and Princess Pageant.
And meet Hailey McGinnis, 6, and 10-year-old Katie Kurata, friends and neighbors from Milford, just two of some 300 competitors, ranging from infants in arms to 28-year-olds, gathered here this weekend.
Though Hailey and Katie are relatively new to this scene this is only their second pageant - the girls have invested hours of practice to get to this ballroom. Their first competition was in November in the state International Prince and Princess pageant. Katie won the state Junior Miss title, for girls ages 10 to 12, while Hailey was the state's first runner-up in the Little Miss division, for girls 6 to 9 years old. Hailey, 6, seems to be the more likely pageant candidate. Her mother, Kim, calls her daughter a "girly-girl" who loves glitter and fashion. "I just like dresses," Hailey says. "They're cool to wear."
-------------------------Sharon Foran, Katie's pageant coach and operator of Lady Cassaday's Finishing School in Milford, was one of the reasons Katie decided to add pageants to her activities list. "I like to do the modeling," she said. "You can do dance moves or turns. You can do whatever you want to do." How long Katie continues with pageants is up in the air, her mom says. While some parents look for modeling contracts and want their girls to be glamour queens, Stacy Kurata wants Katie to be a regular little girl. "She would like to do modeling and commercials. If that happens, great, but I'm not willing to chase it," Stacy says. "I don't want her to give up her childhood for acting."
------------------Competitions within the pageant offer different ways to shine. The modeling portion lets them strut along a catwalk in fancy dresses - or in the case of the boys, clean, fresh suits and the occasional top hat. Most of the kids are poised, working carefully not to step over their feet and trying to maintain a cool smile. When a group is finished on the runway, they line up before judges for review. Almost immediately, a covey of parents lines up behind the judges, shouting encouragement and instructions. "Smile!" a parent yells to her daughter during the Little Miss modeling event. Another yells, "pick up your racket" to her daughter, dressed as a tennis player. The kids smile gamely. Stacy Kurata and Kim McGinnis only offered a few words of encouragement to their girls before their turns on the catwalk. "Have fun up there," Kim said.
---------------- Epilogue:
Kim McGinnis had a feeling her daughter had been bitten by the pageant bug. So they'll pack up and go to Danbury next month for the All-American Boy & Girl Pageant. "She keeps asking when the next one is," Kim says. "She wants to get a crown. She's full gung-ho about it." Read More
Thursday
Saturday
Baby Model Dannielynn
Will Larry Birkhead consider allowing his little infant daughter to follow in mom Anna Nicole Smith's footsteps and model? The baby is adorable, and he certainly would have the connections and the contacts to get baby Dannielynn Hope started.
He would certainly come under some fairly intense scrutiny if he did allow the little infant to model.
Larry sounds as if he has thought about Dannielynn's modeling career though. He tells the weekly entertainment magazine, "I'd have to put her is a little different situation from her mother's - I don't want her to be a celebrity."
He would certainly come under some fairly intense scrutiny if he did allow the little infant to model.
Larry sounds as if he has thought about Dannielynn's modeling career though. He tells the weekly entertainment magazine, "I'd have to put her is a little different situation from her mother's - I don't want her to be a celebrity."
Does Your baby Have Star Quality?
Are people always saying... "Wow, what a beautiful baby you have?" Babies are earning millions acting & modeling in television commercials, film and print ads. Get your child started today! Don't miss out on the search for the new Gerber, GAP, Pampers and Huggies babies. Remember the Olsen Twins were only four months old when they started Click Here!
Wednesday
Monday
Girl Model Sites Crossing Line
Amber seems like a typical 11-year-old girl who loves horses and hates chores. Her website shows her hugging a stuffed white rabbit and playing dress-up.
But her site also contains photographs that are only available to dues-paying members.
For $25 a month, "Lil' Amber" fans can ogle pictures of the little girl coyly hiking up her miniskirt or posing in a bikini on a faux bearskin rug. For $50, they can purchase a video of Amber "dancing and running around" in outfits that leave little to the imagination.
The money goes to her college fund, the site says.
"This is definitely not kiddie porn in any form," said Webe Web spokesman Evan Gordon. "None of our sites have naked children."
Gordon said that the child modeling sites were inspired by a birthday party thrown for a friend's 9-year-old daughter. Pictures of the Spice Girls-themed party were posted on the Internet, and within a week they were getting 20,000 page views a day, he said. read more
But her site also contains photographs that are only available to dues-paying members.
For $25 a month, "Lil' Amber" fans can ogle pictures of the little girl coyly hiking up her miniskirt or posing in a bikini on a faux bearskin rug. For $50, they can purchase a video of Amber "dancing and running around" in outfits that leave little to the imagination.
The money goes to her college fund, the site says.
"This is definitely not kiddie porn in any form," said Webe Web spokesman Evan Gordon. "None of our sites have naked children."
Gordon said that the child modeling sites were inspired by a birthday party thrown for a friend's 9-year-old daughter. Pictures of the Spice Girls-themed party were posted on the Internet, and within a week they were getting 20,000 page views a day, he said. read more
Sunday
Baby Photo Contest FAQ's
The Internet is full of online photo contest assuring recognition of your cute baby. Doing an Internet search can pull up hundreds of sites.
However, many of these are simple contest providing little help to your child's modeling dreams. Thus, the hard part is choosing a baby picture contest and knowing exactly how to go about the process.
This article will attempt to answer some common questions concerning normal baby photo contests.
How do I choose a baby photo contest?
When you are searching for an online baby photo contestto enter you need to get answer to three main questions:
How is the contest judged? Choose a contest where professionals do the judging. Professional judges know what to look for and have a good idea of who could succeed in the modeling world. Plus if professionals are judging the contest you know your child has been seen.
What are the prizes?You want to make sure that the contest is worth your time, especially if they charge a fee. If the internet baby photo contest charges a fee make sure that the fee is comparable to the prizes given to the winners of the baby photo contest. If a company charges a fee of $25 and the winner only receives a $100 then it is not worth your money.
How large is the baby picture contest? Small time contests may look good on your child's resume but they aren't going to provide any exposure. Choose contests that are large enough to attract the attention of professional model agents and talent scouts.
Try talking to other parents or search through forums for suggestions of legitimate online baby contests. It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau before entering a kid photo contest.
Who can enter a kids photo contest?
Different contests have specific requirements so look for an online photo contest that meets your child's criteria. Many contests are only for babies or children up to age three.
Be careful when entering that your child will not pass the age limit before the contest ends, thus disqualifying your child. This is especially important in annual contests.
Few online baby photo contests aren't just for babies. They have categories for children up to age twelve. Other sites offer prizes for things like "cutest smile" besides an overall winner.
How do I enter a photo contest for babies?
In today's digital world entering a baby picture contest is simple. Most sites allow you to upload a digital image directly to their site. If you don't have a digital camera then you can easily take negative images to any photo place and ask them to make a CD of the images. Then you can easily upload the photos to the baby photo contest site.
What can my child win in an online photo contest?
There is a wide range of prizes offered by online baby contests. Many contests offer cash prizes. Some national competitions will feature the winning child on the cover of a magazine. Others just provide a plaque with the winning picture. Before entering a contest find out exactly what prizes they offer and make sure it is worth your time and money.
About the Author
The CuteKid™ is the fastest growing online child photo contest. The CuteKid™ promotes monthly and yearly contests along with seasonal and promotional contests. With $1,000 in monthly prizes and a chance to be the 2007 CuteKid™ of the Year winning a $25,000 College Tuition Fund, our exciting prizes are given away to dozens of contest winners. Besides organizing unique online photo contests; TheCuteKid.com lists useful tips and parenting articles.
However, many of these are simple contest providing little help to your child's modeling dreams. Thus, the hard part is choosing a baby picture contest and knowing exactly how to go about the process.
This article will attempt to answer some common questions concerning normal baby photo contests.
How do I choose a baby photo contest?
When you are searching for an online baby photo contestto enter you need to get answer to three main questions:
How is the contest judged? Choose a contest where professionals do the judging. Professional judges know what to look for and have a good idea of who could succeed in the modeling world. Plus if professionals are judging the contest you know your child has been seen.
What are the prizes?You want to make sure that the contest is worth your time, especially if they charge a fee. If the internet baby photo contest charges a fee make sure that the fee is comparable to the prizes given to the winners of the baby photo contest. If a company charges a fee of $25 and the winner only receives a $100 then it is not worth your money.
How large is the baby picture contest? Small time contests may look good on your child's resume but they aren't going to provide any exposure. Choose contests that are large enough to attract the attention of professional model agents and talent scouts.
Try talking to other parents or search through forums for suggestions of legitimate online baby contests. It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau before entering a kid photo contest.
Who can enter a kids photo contest?
Different contests have specific requirements so look for an online photo contest that meets your child's criteria. Many contests are only for babies or children up to age three.
Be careful when entering that your child will not pass the age limit before the contest ends, thus disqualifying your child. This is especially important in annual contests.
Few online baby photo contests aren't just for babies. They have categories for children up to age twelve. Other sites offer prizes for things like "cutest smile" besides an overall winner.
How do I enter a photo contest for babies?
In today's digital world entering a baby picture contest is simple. Most sites allow you to upload a digital image directly to their site. If you don't have a digital camera then you can easily take negative images to any photo place and ask them to make a CD of the images. Then you can easily upload the photos to the baby photo contest site.
What can my child win in an online photo contest?
There is a wide range of prizes offered by online baby contests. Many contests offer cash prizes. Some national competitions will feature the winning child on the cover of a magazine. Others just provide a plaque with the winning picture. Before entering a contest find out exactly what prizes they offer and make sure it is worth your time and money.
About the Author
The CuteKid™ is the fastest growing online child photo contest. The CuteKid™ promotes monthly and yearly contests along with seasonal and promotional contests. With $1,000 in monthly prizes and a chance to be the 2007 CuteKid™ of the Year winning a $25,000 College Tuition Fund, our exciting prizes are given away to dozens of contest winners. Besides organizing unique online photo contests; TheCuteKid.com lists useful tips and parenting articles.
Friday
Child Models Agency-Minx Models
International modeling agency Minx Models represents female models, male models, child models, petite and plus size models of all ages.
They have over 20 years of experience representing fashion & commercial models in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Milan, London, Spain, Greece, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei
Minx Models have appeared in all the major magazines including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Mademoiselle, Flare, Brides, Self, Elle Girl, Teen Vogue, Modern Bride, Shape, Fitness and more!
Telephone: 403.212.0138Address:Minx ModelsSuite 200, 1311 Howe StreetVancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2P3
They have over 20 years of experience representing fashion & commercial models in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Milan, London, Spain, Greece, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei
Minx Models have appeared in all the major magazines including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Mademoiselle, Flare, Brides, Self, Elle Girl, Teen Vogue, Modern Bride, Shape, Fitness and more!
Telephone: 403.212.0138Address:Minx ModelsSuite 200, 1311 Howe StreetVancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2P3
Thursday
Wednesday
From Child Actors to Superstars
Child actors have always been an essential part of the entertainment world, in movies as well as in television. Although some child actors fail to grow into prominent actors, or later choose to follow a different path (as did Shirley Temple who became a successful public figure and diplomat), many of them flourish into movie stars and/or singing celebrities. Famous child actors who have had successful transitions into the realm of adult actors include Britney Spears, Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Britney Spears
Since she was very young, Britney Spears knew she was destined to be famous. Often singing for family and friends and performing in commercials, Britney made her first public appearance in the 1992 version of Star Search at eleven years old. Although she ultimately lost the competition, Britney would earn a spot on the Mickey Mouse Club. After two years on the show, she pursued other dreams until she became the Princess of Pop.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore began her acting career before she was able to walk. As a baby, she starred in TV commercials, and by three years old, she played her first role on the big screen. Drew got her big break in 1982 in one of the most renowned movies of the decade, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. After playing several roles as the adorable child, Drew soon began taking roles depicting troubled teenage characters, as in the movie Poison Ivy. She excelled in the 1996 blockbuster Scream. Maturity further seasoned her talent, as displayed in comedies such as The Wedding Singer and Fifty Dates. She also starred with fellow angels in Charlie's Angels, an action flick where Drew proved her abilities at playing a hero. Despite some personal struggles, she cemented her staying power throughout her transition from child actor to superstar.
Lindsay Lohan
Born in 1986 into a family of actors, Lindsay Lohan began her acting career at a young age. Although her first auditions did not go well, she was eventually chosen for some television commercials and modeling. Her work led her to a role in the soap opera Another World at the age of ten. A year later, she made her debut on the big screen with The Parent Trap. Lohan's breakout role as a leading actress came with 2004's Mean Girls. She also began her singing career with the Freaky Friday soundtrack, leading to a solo album and chart-topping hits.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are without doubt Hollywood celebrities. Beginning with their debut role at seven months old on Full House, the Olsen twins have grown from the adorable Michelle Tanner into two young women with obvious talent. The girls have released countless straight-to-video movies following their adventures around the world and produced a wide variety of merchandise from cosmetics to accessories. The Olsen twins have shown the world that they are capable of much more than simply being cute.
Dakota Fanning
Born in 1994, Dakota Fanning began acting at an early age in TV commercials. Afterwards, she played on numerous TV shows, the most recognizable being the TV drama ER. In 2001, she was chosen to star opposite Sean Penn in I Am Sam, a role that enabled her to prove her talent as an actress. She went on to appear in Trapped, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hansel & Gretel. Starring alongside Tom Cruise in War of the Worlds brought her international recognition.
From the days of Judy Garland and Shirley Temple, to our present day ever-so-popular Dakota Fanning, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, child actors have fulfilled important roles in the realm of entertainment. Whether they once played the mischievous kid on a television show or characterized the hero of a movie, child actors continue to fascinate and capture our attention.
Jacklyn Moore is the webmaster and content provider for Hollywood Child Stars
Britney Spears
Since she was very young, Britney Spears knew she was destined to be famous. Often singing for family and friends and performing in commercials, Britney made her first public appearance in the 1992 version of Star Search at eleven years old. Although she ultimately lost the competition, Britney would earn a spot on the Mickey Mouse Club. After two years on the show, she pursued other dreams until she became the Princess of Pop.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore began her acting career before she was able to walk. As a baby, she starred in TV commercials, and by three years old, she played her first role on the big screen. Drew got her big break in 1982 in one of the most renowned movies of the decade, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. After playing several roles as the adorable child, Drew soon began taking roles depicting troubled teenage characters, as in the movie Poison Ivy. She excelled in the 1996 blockbuster Scream. Maturity further seasoned her talent, as displayed in comedies such as The Wedding Singer and Fifty Dates. She also starred with fellow angels in Charlie's Angels, an action flick where Drew proved her abilities at playing a hero. Despite some personal struggles, she cemented her staying power throughout her transition from child actor to superstar.
Lindsay Lohan
Born in 1986 into a family of actors, Lindsay Lohan began her acting career at a young age. Although her first auditions did not go well, she was eventually chosen for some television commercials and modeling. Her work led her to a role in the soap opera Another World at the age of ten. A year later, she made her debut on the big screen with The Parent Trap. Lohan's breakout role as a leading actress came with 2004's Mean Girls. She also began her singing career with the Freaky Friday soundtrack, leading to a solo album and chart-topping hits.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are without doubt Hollywood celebrities. Beginning with their debut role at seven months old on Full House, the Olsen twins have grown from the adorable Michelle Tanner into two young women with obvious talent. The girls have released countless straight-to-video movies following their adventures around the world and produced a wide variety of merchandise from cosmetics to accessories. The Olsen twins have shown the world that they are capable of much more than simply being cute.
Dakota Fanning
Born in 1994, Dakota Fanning began acting at an early age in TV commercials. Afterwards, she played on numerous TV shows, the most recognizable being the TV drama ER. In 2001, she was chosen to star opposite Sean Penn in I Am Sam, a role that enabled her to prove her talent as an actress. She went on to appear in Trapped, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hansel & Gretel. Starring alongside Tom Cruise in War of the Worlds brought her international recognition.
From the days of Judy Garland and Shirley Temple, to our present day ever-so-popular Dakota Fanning, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, child actors have fulfilled important roles in the realm of entertainment. Whether they once played the mischievous kid on a television show or characterized the hero of a movie, child actors continue to fascinate and capture our attention.
Jacklyn Moore is the webmaster and content provider for Hollywood Child Stars
Model Scams
Do you or your child have dreams of being a star? If so, beware of modeling and talent scams.
You've seen the ads in the newspaper or magazines. They claim they are looking for "all types of models" or "no experience necessary." But before you rush out to get your photos taken, make sure you are not being taken.
"Everybody's got dreams. Stars in their eyes," Michael Shortt from the Talent Source told WTOC. Shortt sees the dreamers walk into his office every day. "You get all ages, all colors, all sizes, all shapes," he said.
Back in 1987, Shortt started The Talent Source, coming off the heels of the movie "Glory" filming in Savannah. In 20 years, he's seen it all, including the model scams.
"They're preying on your desire to be famous and something you can't be. Filling you with false hopes and ideas," Shortt said. "A lot of people have aspirations beyond their capabilities."
Shortt says most scams start with a newspaper ad. "The general call is they are looking for everybody. That's the number one warning sign," Shortt said. "every job doesn't look for everybody."
Here are some more red flags on modeling scams. Besides the dreaded classified ad, Shortt says avoid casting and modeling calls at hotels.
"Never go to a casting call at a hotel. You need to deal with people who are in town. As I told my mothers, you want people who you can grab around the neck," he said. "typically, they'll have a room full of 400 people and they'll get rid of 2/3 of the people, to make the suckers feel special. We like you."
Also, avoid agencies who charge up front fees or require you to take classes from them. "If they ask for money up front, run. If they make you use a certain photographer or photograph, run. If they make you take a class, run. If they want you to go to a convention first, run," he said.
Finally, if the agency is putting pressure on you to sign or guarantees work and a high salary, chances are, it's a scam.
"There are no guarantees in this business at all, like there is no asteroid hitting Earth tomorrow. Not gonna happen," Shortt said.
Your best bet is to check an agency out with the Better Business Bureau first and be aware of these warning signs.
Ten years ago, Senator Regina Thomas, then a state representative, along with Michael Shortt, proposed stricter guidelines for alleged talent agents operating in Georgia.
An agent doesn't need a license. Shortt is hoping state lawmakers revisit the issue as the governor's office has issued this modeling scam warning (http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6332689'>source)
You've seen the ads in the newspaper or magazines. They claim they are looking for "all types of models" or "no experience necessary." But before you rush out to get your photos taken, make sure you are not being taken.
"Everybody's got dreams. Stars in their eyes," Michael Shortt from the Talent Source told WTOC. Shortt sees the dreamers walk into his office every day. "You get all ages, all colors, all sizes, all shapes," he said.
Back in 1987, Shortt started The Talent Source, coming off the heels of the movie "Glory" filming in Savannah. In 20 years, he's seen it all, including the model scams.
"They're preying on your desire to be famous and something you can't be. Filling you with false hopes and ideas," Shortt said. "A lot of people have aspirations beyond their capabilities."
Shortt says most scams start with a newspaper ad. "The general call is they are looking for everybody. That's the number one warning sign," Shortt said. "every job doesn't look for everybody."
Here are some more red flags on modeling scams. Besides the dreaded classified ad, Shortt says avoid casting and modeling calls at hotels.
"Never go to a casting call at a hotel. You need to deal with people who are in town. As I told my mothers, you want people who you can grab around the neck," he said. "typically, they'll have a room full of 400 people and they'll get rid of 2/3 of the people, to make the suckers feel special. We like you."
Also, avoid agencies who charge up front fees or require you to take classes from them. "If they ask for money up front, run. If they make you use a certain photographer or photograph, run. If they make you take a class, run. If they want you to go to a convention first, run," he said.
Finally, if the agency is putting pressure on you to sign or guarantees work and a high salary, chances are, it's a scam.
"There are no guarantees in this business at all, like there is no asteroid hitting Earth tomorrow. Not gonna happen," Shortt said.
Your best bet is to check an agency out with the Better Business Bureau first and be aware of these warning signs.
Ten years ago, Senator Regina Thomas, then a state representative, along with Michael Shortt, proposed stricter guidelines for alleged talent agents operating in Georgia.
An agent doesn't need a license. Shortt is hoping state lawmakers revisit the issue as the governor's office has issued this modeling scam warning (http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6332689'>source)
Tuesday
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