Weekly Reporter: Sid & Lynn Gold

Sid Gold has been in the Talent Management business for over two decades, is the National Treasurer of The National Conference of Personal Managers and founder of GoldStar Talent Management. GoldStar is a New York-based Talent Management Company representing young adults and children. Sid is also known for his excellent seminars on 'how to break into and maximize opportunities' in the industry.

What does GoldStar look for?
We are never looking for “just” models. We're always looking for multi-talented children, from 7-12, and it's a strength if they look younger or more youthful. The “real” kids are popular on television right now, and are very desirable.

What tells you that a kid has that “spark?”
When you see a kid who has potential in more than one area, like a singing actor or even a “triple-threat,” and they're comfortable performing for an audience. That's a special quality to see in a child.

How impressed are you with the young talent of Nijah / New Faces Development?
I'm very impressed with the children. The Nijah / New Faces Development kids are charming and comfortable with themselves and the auditioning process. They really are above-average.

What do you think about development services?
The coaching and development are necessary for life, as well as, this industry. Nijah / New Faces Development really does an amazing job preparing these kids for a new and foreign world. Clearly, Nijah/New Faces Development is doing something right.

When we meet kids, our process is to interview them and have them read copy. You expect them to be nervous or at least, hesitant, but the Nijah / New Faces Development talent are always prepared. We feel confident putting those children in front of cameras.

Where can we see GoldStar talent?
We have children on television series' and in commercials, feature films, doing Broadway and voice-over work. Some of our talent have been in “Not Another Teen Movie,” “Freaks and Geeks,” etc. Most recently, we signed Kieron Murphy from Nijah / New Faces Development and he landed a national Tyson Chicken advertisement.

What would you say are some of the common mistakes people make when trying to get their kids in the industry?
Specifically with the acting and entertainment industry, people tend to not realize that over-stylization is too much. The trick in acting is to look younger and act older.

A great look with a little spark is as difficult to sell in this industry as an amazing singer with an unmarketable look. For Nijah / New Faces Development to find children that capture both of those qualities, as well as finding child entertainers who can take direction and improve with some development is really amazing. Nijah / New Faces Development have proven that you can excel in this industry when the foundation is there.