Why I created The Inside Track

If you’re the parent of a young performer, you’ve probably felt it. You want to help your child, but nobody gives you a straight answer on how. Which agents are genuine? Do you need professional photos? What does a good self tape actually look like?

I’ve spent over 20 years in the children’s talent industry, on the agent side of the inbox. In that time, parents kept coming to me via my agency, Bonnie and Betty, asking me for general advice and I kept having nowhere to send. Industry Parent grew out of that, and The Inside Track is the heart of it.

What it is

The Inside Track is built around a pre-recorded video course for parents, specifically from the insider's perspective of what agents really look for. There are eight video modules alongside a workbook, written guides, a members-only community and monthly live Q&As with me and special guests, where you can ask us anything. You work through it at your own pace, and you keep access for six months, so you can come back to it even after your child signs with an agent.

Premium adds on the thing I kept getting asked about most - a way to apply to many reputable agencies all in one go, with an industry ready, agency approved profile format created for your child.

The three packages:

Foundations (£75): the training on its own. You get the info pack guide, the video modules and workbook, the monthly Q&As and the community plus various discounts and member's exclusives. It suits parents of children who are already represented but need a better understanding of the industry, or perhaps aren't ready for agents yet but want to educate themselves properly before diving in.

Refine (£125): everything in Foundations, plus a full review of your child’s current profile; Spotlight or other. We'll go over all their current material including shots and tapes, CV and skills and everything in between; all with personalised written feedback from me. It suits parents of children who are already represented but want some personalised, honest feedback and potentially advice on a change of approach.

Premium (£175): I work with you 1 on 1 to create an industry ready, agency approved profile on a secure platform, and share it with our list of legitimate and reputable agents in the hope of a representation offer. I take no commission if an agency signs your child. This saves the hassle of individual applications. It suits parents of children who are currently unrepresented or seeking new representation who want to start from scratch.

Foundations and Refine exist because parents asked for them. Plenty of families wanted the support without the agent-facing side, and that’s fair.

Premium exists for those who told me 'I don't know where to start' and want their hand held throughout the whole process.

Why I think it’s so needed

This industry runs on things nobody explains. Parents are expected to know what agents want, how to prepare a profile and how to handle a no, and that gap is where mistakes, wasted money and scams creep in. Stopping parents being taken in by illegitimate agencies was one of my biggest reasons for starting Industry Parent.

Plain, honest guidance from someone who has sat on the agent side makes a real difference. A well-prepared child and a well-informed parent are better for everyone, including the agents reading the applications.

We also give something back. £10 from every Premium sale goes to the National Youth Arts Trust, and there are free bursary places also available on Premium from those who really need it. Because we believe talent should have no boundaries.

Come and find us at the Expo

On the day, we’ll be offering 20% off all the packages and vouchers, plus FREE goodie bags. Come to the Industry Parent stand, ask us anything, and join our mailing list at industryparent.com/subscribe to enter the prize draw for a workshop or shoot place of your choice in 2027.

If you’d like to hear more, I’m hosting a seminar, speaking with Michelle Kirby of Daisy & Dukes in “Confessions of an Agent: How to Be the Perfect Industry Parent” at London Wall Seminars, 10:45 to 11:30 on 7 November.

Bonnie Lia Founder, Industry Parent.

Be in the know.