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How can I get my kid to be a tarento?

By on May 28, 2010

What is a tarento?  A tarento is similar to the English word "talent",  although the meaning slightly differs here in Japan in terms of what it takes to be one.  Get the picture?    

 

If your kid is a foreigner or of mixed racial origin, pleasant-looking, has a well-proportioned build , he/she is, by Japanese standards, a tarento.  He or she is no less qualified to get offers for spot print, TV commercial modelling jobs, or even minor roles in a local TV program calling for a specific "look" or "character", regardless of age, race, gender or whether you can sing, dance, act, or do magic! 

 

Savvy Japanese enterprises rely heavily on aesthetics and presentation in positioning their products or services in the market.  Psychographics,  although loosely defined in marketing strategy, is in fact  broadly applied in Japan.  From a branding perspective, a commercial or advertisement using foreign models is perceived to drive more traffic and enhance a product’s or service’s value, creating demand for foreigners’ services.   

 

So how do you get started?

Have your kid’s pictures taken by a professional.  Steer clear of amateurish- looking shots. Depending on the number of photos you need, you can have a professional photo taken for less than ¥10,000 at Galateya Photo Studio  (2 large photos) and get them on CD for an additional ¥2,000. For more information go to: www.galateya.jp   

 

Shop for modelling agencies to work with, sign up, and wait for calls. No heavy pitching should be required.

 

Check out these sites.

www.avocado.co.jp

www.sugar-spice.co.jp

www.signboard40.com

www.aafocus.com

http://kidsmodel.livedoor.biz

www.angel17.com

www.gallerymodels.jp

www.j-m-a-a.com

 

There is no guarantee as to when your agency will contact you but the more agencies you sign up with, the better the chance of getting a job offer.  When you’ve missed a call from an agency, reply as prompt as possible to ensure that the job does not get passed on to someone else waiting in line.

 

 

You’ve been offered a job.  What else do you need to know?

 

1.  Does the agency require you to pay for lessons before the actual job?  As a rule, expenses are all borne by the agency, where they apply.

 

2. If a location shooting happens to be outside Tokyo, ask for transportation allowance.

 

3. Before committing your kid to the job, clarify if the agency will foot  the cost of renting a specific costume required for a photo shoot, to avoid misunderstanding.

 

4. Go for model agencies that do not charge registration fees.  This indicates that they have a regular client base and income stream.  In rare cases,  even reputable agencies charge a minimum ¥1,000 – ¥5,000 to defray administrative costs in finding you a job, which should be reasonable. 

 

5.  Be prepared to show your kid’s passport & alien registration card. 

 

6. Is the agency recognized by the Ministry of Labor in Japan?

 

7.  Is the agency a member of Japan’s Model Agency Association?

 

8. Lastly, always ask questions when in doubt.  Some of the customary practice abroad may not be the same as in Japan.  Check that you have understood everything before you take on the job.  Good luck!

 

 

www.abiloves.com

www.marcjacobs.com

 

Photos by Galateya Photo Studio

www.galateya.jp 

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