Sarah and Richard’s precocious son has become quite a little talker.
Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez’s perfectly beautiful baby, Zion the Lion, turned 3 years old recently, so we’re asking the “leading” question, what’s in store for him in 2017?
After all, Niño Muhlach and Aiza Seguerra were both 3 when they most precautiously and successfully made their bid to become local show biz’s top child superstars—Niño in the ’70s, and Aiza a decade later.
Some people think that even thinking of making the 3-year-olds work in the biz to make a mint is a no-no. But, at least on hindsight, Niño would disagree.
After all, he may not be all that busy now, but he can comfortably rely on the monthly rentals that the building his wise and forward-looking dad put up for his future, using his huge talent fees as a kiddie sensation.
And, most of the time, it didn’t even feel like work for the 3-year-old Niño—he was doing what he did best and loved most, spontaneously coming up with droll and smart-alecky observations on this and that and everything in between, with the besotted populace watching with wide, silly grins.
Stellar factor
It’s also relevant to make the general observation that youth is a premium stellar factor in these TV-film parts—the younger, the better and more in-demand.
Local viewers simply dote on the youngest kid talents, and as they age, their appeal and “market value” plunges.
It gets to the point that when the so-called child star who’s actually a pudgy 13-year-old still “trying to pass” for—9?—is sourly rejected and shown the exit door by producers and viewers. So, better leave while you still can.
But that’s at the other end of the age spectrum. Back to Zion the Lion’s precocious instance: Aside from still looking “perfectly beautiful,” he has been adding to his “plus” appeal factors, like his obvious delight in pleasing people with his little song and dances.
He’s also become quite a little talker—perhaps not as quotably droll as Niño was, but at least he isn’t a boring pest.
So, if his parents have show biz in mind for him at all, 2017 is for them to act. They and Zion’s handlers should come up with initial TV and film showcases to make him “officially” popular—and bankable.
They should similarly use the social media in a coordinated and coordinating way to maximize the reach and impact of the new “Zion the Lion” “brand.”
To be sure, there are all sorts of dangers involved, so they have to make doubly sure that he is “protected all over”—while still making sure that he’s “accessible.” Clever handlers who should be paid well are able to do this.
In addition, they have to make sure that Zion gets to be guided by the best directors who know how to bring out the finest natural portrayals from very young talents.
Tall order, you bet. But, we hope that decades later, when he looks back on this entire “child superstar” experience, he will end up agreeing with Niño that it was well worth it.