Colette Palmerio is the owner of CP Talent Management located in New Jersey. Her talent has been seen in numerous theatrical and commercial projects, as well as in print, Broadway, and more! Colette recently spoke with us about what she looks for in the children she represents, the NY market, and being a manager. Make sure to visit the CP Talent Management website, as well as follwing them on Twitter and liking them on Facebook!

1. How did CP Talent come together?

I worked for a management company for sixteen years (New Talent Management). It had started as a high school job and I was hired as a receptionist. We were bi-coastal managers. Through the years I learned the business and started handling the print department of the company. As I got to know the children I started to handle the commercials as well as the print. Around 2005 the owner started spending more time in LA and I became in charge of the entire East Coast. Four years later the owner decided he would stay out in LA and he suggested I opened up my own company. He closed the New Talent name, and opened up under his name in LA. He called the agents and clients we worked with and explained that this was a mutual decision and so after all the paperwork was completed I opened up CP Talent Management (2010).

2. What are the differences between a management and an agency in the NYC market?

This is an excellent question and one I get often. Agents and mangers work very closely together. A talent manager literally manages every aspect of a talents career. Managers organize the day for a talent. I usually know their schedule before they do! Agents call managers with auditions and managers help supply talent for certain calls. So any agency I work with my talent also works with – thus increasing their auditions.

3. What are some of the biggest Do’s and Don’ts of the business?

Do’s: Be ready. Book out if you are not available. Answer your messages. Update your photos. Updates your child’s sizes. Communicate. Keep your child’s permit up to date. Send us your vouchers on time. Remember two is the slowest age in the industry. Be excited when your child books- we are!

Don’ts: Don’t let your child’s permit expire. Don’t think a photo a few months old is acceptable for submissions (this is for babies). Don’t listen to others. Don’t forget we are working hard for your child.

4. How often do you typically hold open calls, and what should parents bring with them?

We hold open calls about 4-5 times a year. Parents should bring a snap shot with them (or a picture or resume if they have one), dress is casual. The process is very much like an audition. I can tell with in a few minutes if a child is right for the business.

5. What do you look for when selecting infants and toddlers to join CP Talent?

As long as an infant or toddler is cute, happy and willing to go with strangers (will not cry when mom/dad/guardian isn’t holding them) they will probably do well. Of course someone has to be flexible enough to travel into the city for auditions as well.

6. What do you look for in children and teens when adding new talents to CP Talent?

As children get older we look for outgoing, good looking children. Someone who is going to walk in and command the room. Also, if someone has a special talent (sings, an amazing dancer, bi-lingual, etc). Once again someone has to be flexible enough to travel into the city for auditions. They also have to be a good student (the permit has a spot for the school to fill out).

7. After being selected to join the CP Talent family, what should parents and children expect?

After you are accepted we will begin submitting your child on castings. Please be available. It is very easy for someone to lose interest in you if you are constantly unavailable. Appreciate the opportunity. A lot of people would love to trade places with you.

8. What types of projects can your talent be seen in?

We have children in magazine ads such as American Baby, IBM, Parents Magazine, Lands’ End, The Children’s Place, Rice Krispies, McCalls Patterns, Toys-R-Us, Babies-R-Us, Scholastic, Kiwi, Aeropostale, Cottonelle, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, OshKosh, Monnalisa, Nautica, Ser Padres, Amscan, Little Me, Earnshaw’s, Hasbro, Avon, Huggies, 20/20 Eyewear, to name some.??

Some recent TV Commercials are NY Health, MasterCard, AT&T (multiple spots), Radio Shack, Radio City, Cheerios, E-Trade, Pampers, Georgia Gas, HCL Technology, Sprint, Comcast, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Pandora, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Chuck E. Cheese, Kraft, T-Mobile, Tonka, Toll Brothers, Bank of America, Treasure Hunters, Amazon, Toys-R-Us, Home Goods, Macy’s, to name some.

Some television shows are One Life to Live, All My Children, Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, Nurse Jackie, Gaffigan, Little Airplane, to name a few.

Some films: Jack Attack, Left, Danger Word & The Picture Show, to name a few.

We also have placed children on the broadway stage, The Grinch & Beauty & the Beast (tour).

9. What are some of the most rewarding aspects to being a manager?

Seeing my talent on TV, in magazines or on stage is so amazing! The feeling is indescribable. It never gets old. As amazing as that it is, it doesn’t compare to the fact that we truly are a FAMILY! Everyone cheers each other on. It makes the long hours equally rewarding. I believe we are so successful because people truly care and are happy for one another. I love my talent and consider them part of my extended family. I love seeing my talent outside of work as well. It is great to see how many friendships have been made.

10. Is there any advice you could give to families looking to get started in the biz?

Yes, PLEASE do your homework! There are a lot of amazing people in the business but on the same note there are some places that will take advantage of the novice. NEVER put up a dime up front (agents & managers work on a commission basis on bookings), ask for a license number. Reputable places will gladly give it to you. Be loyal. The business is small and we talk. Your rep is your best resource for answers. They are on your side and your partner in this journey.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The business is fast paced it is important to check messages, emails, texts often. It is important to have updated photos of your child and to know their sizes (exactly). Remember your rep works hard for free until you get a booking. It’s a partnership. Sometimes you may think nothing is going on- but there is a lot of behind the scenes work going on. Have a little faith!

We’d like to thank Colette for participating in our Industry Professionals Q&A series!