StarBaby LA

Kortney's Ghost Whisperer Debut

Check out Kortney on Ghost Whisperer.  She's in the opening scene.  Here's a link to the full episode on cbs.com.

Cool Mention - Baby Modeling & Beyond Goes Global

How cool is this??  My book, Baby Modeling & Beyond: From the Stroller to the Red Carpet was mentioned in an article that appeared on a site based in Ireland?  I love the internet!

Two and a Half Men's Angus T. Jones

Check out the LA Times profile of Angus T. Jones.  It's pretty good!

Nicklelodeon's Tweeting Casting Info

Bookmark this, it's another cool casting resource for your budding child actor.  Nicklelodeon tweets its casting opps and other info.  It's billed as "The ONLY OFFICIAL source for Nickelodeon Castings. We will give u the inside scoop on what we r casting & how 2 get ur big break! Look for #TuesdayTips 4 Actors."  Check it out...

Precious

Went to a screening of PRECIOUS and the hype about the Oscar buzz is well-deserved! The movie, based on the book Push by Sapphire, was very intense.  The actors were so natural that I forgot I was watching a movie and instead felt like a voyeur peering into their lives. Interestingly enough, the young star, Gabourey Sibide, went to an open casting call, received a call back for the next day and was hired.  This is her first professional acting gig.  How cool is that? 

Backlog for Work Permits

I called the Division of Labor Standards to see why I hadn't received the renewal for K's entertainment work permit (all children HAVE to have one in order to work on set).  The woman on the phone told me they were working on permit applications  they received last month.  Don't wait until a few weeks before your child's permit expires, send it in a month early.  If your child books a job and you need the permit right away, call the office in the morning and you can pick it up later that day.  Here's the number for the Van Nuys location: 818.901-5484

Stronger Laws Passed to Protect Child Actors

At one time or another many parents have come across questionable folks when trying to get their kids in the business.  I've had one parent email me about a company that recommended her toddler enroll in classes in order to prepare for the biz.  Seriously... 

Now, thanks to a SAG co-sponsored bill, AB 1319, legislature is clamping down on the scam artists.  It is illegal for third parties to charge advance fees for talent representation services to potential actors and models.  The new bill should make it much easier for parents to discern what a company can do for their child. Remember, legit agents will NEVER ask for money up front, they get paid on commission.

Definitely a cause for celebration!

Viral Vid Lands Teen Record Deal With Usher

A viral video of 15-year-old Justin Bieber on YouTube landed the singer an audience with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Usher and Jermaine Dupri.  Read more...

NYC Mamas - GAP Offering Free Photos of Your Lil' Ones

You may have heard about Gap's Casting Call Contest looking for the next mini-model running through October 22nd. Well, this weekend, they're making it easy for NYC mamas to get a cool pic of their lil' ones by offering a free professional photo shoot in their Fifth Ave. store this weekend.  Photo shoots are on a first-come, first serve basis.  Parents will receive a unique code to retrieve the photograph online, which they can then submit online to enter the contest.

Location:      680 5th Ave [btw 53rd and 54th]
               New York, NY 10019 (212) 977-7023 

Photo Event Dates:  Fri., Oct. 16 - Sun., Oct. 18

Photo Event Hours:  Fridays - Sundays: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

BabyTalk Names Winner of Cover Contest

Check out 14-month old Rowan Spracklen, the new winner of the GMA/BabyTalk magazine cover contest.  Read more...