Raising a Star: The Parent's Guide to Helping Kids Break into Theater, Film, Television, or Music

by Nancy Carson, Jacqueline Shannon

Overview

So your child wants to be a star? But what does it really take? Money? Looks? Tons of time? Not necessarily.

Nancy Carson, a children's agent who has worked in the industry for more than twenty-five years and has guided the careers of such celebrities as Britney Spears, Mischa Barton, and even a young Cynthia Nixon, dishes the facts on what it takes to break your child into the entertainment industry. The first parents' guide to getting kids into the business written by one of the industry's top children's agents, Raising a Star is a complete step-by-step guide that will help parents navigate the murky waters of show business. From how to find the right representative to what producers and directors are really looking for in children today, Nancy Carson offers practical advice and anecdotes culled from her years of experience.

Raising a Star is the most candid and informative guide for parents who want to help make their child a star.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781466851313
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/30/2013
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	320 KB

About the Author

Nancy Carson is one of the top rated children's agents in New York city. She launched the careers of such legendary mega-stars as Britney Spears, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and many others. A frequent guest on such television shows as The View, The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, Nancy conducts hundreds of workshops and seminars throughout the country teaching performers and their families what it takes to be a star.

Nancy Carson is one of the top rated children's agents in New York city. She launched the careers of such legendary mega-stars as Britney Spears, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and many others. A frequent guest on such television shows as The View, The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, Nancy conducts hundreds of workshops and seminars throughout the country teaching performers and their families what it takes to be a star.
Jacqueline Shannon contributed to Raising a Star from St. Martin's Press.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	xi
1	A Script for Success	1
2	How You Can Help Your Child Succeed	24
3	Building a Strong Foundation	45
4	Moving Ahead	65
5	Finding the Right Representation	83
6	Finding Work	99
7	Making It in the Music Scene	131
8	Putting Together a Support Team	161
9	So Your Child Landed the Job: Now What?	193
	Appendix	223

Editorial Reviews

"I wish I had read this book when Leelee was first starting her career! Of course, we were most fortunate to have the real Nancy Carson personally guide us. Nancy knows and shows the world of show business kids from a unique perspective. Once the mother of school age actors herself, Nancy has become one of the most successful, respected and beloved agents for children in the performing arts."
--Elizabeth Sobieski, mother of actress Leelee Sobieski

"Raising A Star is not only a perfect 'how to' book, but, just as importantly, how not to - how not to waste a lot of time and money while giving your child a career in show business that won't sacrifice his sanity...or yours."
--Todd Graff, actor and writer/director Camp

"Raising a Star is the best written, most truthful and informative book on the subject I've ever seen. This isn't just practical tips (though it is all that). This book has soul, and most of all hope. Nancy Carson has the experience to teach and the heart to help. Read with eyes to see and go change the world."
--Charlie Peacock Producer of Amy Grant and CeCe Winans

"Raising A Star is a fantastic and complete guide to helping kids become professional performers. Nancy Carson's wonderful understanding and caring for kids is evident in every page. It is enjoyable to read and full of clear insights and guidance."
--Cynthia Samuelson Owner Stagedoor Manor Camp and Performing Arts Training Center

"In Raising A Star Nancy Carson shares truthful words of practical wisdom. She has years of experience as an agent and really cares about young actors and their families. This is a "must read" for anyone new to show business."
--Diane Hill Hardin Owner of The Young Actor's Space and partner in Hardin/Eckstein Management

"With an absolutely right blend of knowledge, experience, and love for her clients, Nancy Carson has produced a definitive guide for children and teenagers in show business. Parents, easily confused by the maze of information out there, will seize upon this smart, insightful,
f0often amusing trek through the talent-strewn world of entertainment."
--Jules Feiffer, playwright, artist, author

EBOOK COMMENTARY

Carson, a leading children's talent agent in New York City, helped launch the careers of Britney Spears and Ben Affleck-impressive credentials that inform this useful, step-by-step guide for parents looking to break their kids into show business. Chapters cover building a strong foundation, finding the right representation, putting together a support team, and what to do if your child does land a job, with anecdotes from industry leaders on the topic at hand. Notes are included at the end of each chapter to reiterate key points. In addition, terminology is defined throughout the text, and the appendix includes performers' unions and web sites, along with a sample resume. The next Lindsay Lohan is waiting to be fostered-and parents in public libraries will no doubt flock to this recommended resource.-Kari Ramstrom, MLIS, Plymouth, MN Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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