BY LIZ ROGERS
Kayden Price has got it. Whatever it is. The camera just loves this 11-year-old Mount Eliza boy who has been in front of it since he was six months old. Born in the US to an American father and a Mornington Peninsula girl, Kayden knows how to work the proverbial room. His most recent foray into televisual success is the story-based Westpac Bank ad about family separation where you see him crawling beneath a coastal home in search of lights and gazing out to sea with big brown eyes. You can see why Ford Modelling Agency took him on at such an early age. His mum Jodi explains: “Kayden was born in Chicago. We came back to Melbourne when he was two years old to be with my family. I grew up in Mount Eliza. When we were in the States he did lots of catalogue and online work. He just took to it and it came so easily for him. He just loves it. Whenever he does a job, I just sit back and watch him do his magic. I leave it up to him.” And magic it is. If you’ve ever been involved in the performing arts you just know when someone has that special something. Kayden does. This Piscean water-baby redefines what it means to be a natural. Jodi continues: “He’s signed with a Sydney modelling agency now, but really wants to work for Disney and Nickelodeon in America, so it’s time to look for an acting agency too. He’s working with a dialect coach to fine-tune his American accent. It’s funny. He speaks Australian with me and American with his dad, Ron. When he’s not working on commercials, videos or doing catalogue work, he’s like any other Grade 6 kid at Mount Eliza Primary School. He loves soccer, swimming, tennis and bike-riding. And of course, playing video games and listening to music. Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars are on his playlist.” Kayden’s curriculum vitae is impressive for someone so young. He’s worked with Usain Bolt and Sally Pearson for the Coles School for Sports program, been the principal in a Sony/BMG music video, is in the Melbourne-based Gangster Dreaming web/TV series currently in production in Footscray and Melbourne, and a Taltz Pharmaceutical commercial now screening in the US. He’s also modelled for Target, Ross, Michaels, Kohls and JC Penny. Jodi concludes: “Academy Award-nominated director Garth Davis, who directed the Westpac Bank ad, believes Kayden’s got the potential to go further. It’s very exciting to see where he will go next. It’s been a really positive experience for him and helped develop his confidence. His younger brother, Kian’dre, is also signed with a modelling agency.” I suppose it’s in the blood. This natural ease on the silver screen. We’ll see. Keep your eyes peeled for this young local model, actor and dancing pre-teen who loves to crack a joke. A sense of humour will certainly be an advantage in navigating the world of film and television. His infectious smile won’t hurt either. Right on, Mr Price.
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