Hey good looking!We all think our kids are drop-dead gorgeous, but before you burst through the doors of your nearest modelling agency, take a good look at this. |
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Diva behaviour? It may go against the grain of nature, but child models must be of predictably sunny disposition; a client won’t be too cheery if she proceeds to sulk, cling or whinge. “What is important is that the child wants to model and they have fun being in front of the camera. No matter how cute, if the child doesn’t enjoy it, they shouldn’t be doing it,” says James Fleming, Senior Model Booker with Models Stand Out. All those not eliminated, read on.
Too Cool for Cute! Just because he’s ditched tank-engines for Superheros doesn’t mean he’s outgrown modelling potential. “There is a demand for toddlers right through to mature models, so a child is never too young or old to model,” says James. “But the full support of the parents is everything. As an agency we sometimes find that child models are booked for a shoot alongside their parents!”
So what’s the outlay? “Some agencies will make charges such as admin fees, modelling classes or promotional costs,” says James. “It just depends on the agency; each one will have different terms and conditions and parents will need to do their own research. Look for agencies that can provide details of past assignments, newsletters, and are members of any accreditation bodies.”
Do I need pictures? “Children change so quickly they are not necessarily expected to have professional pictures, but even so great pictures will help your child stand out from the competition,” says James. The agency usually finds a good photographer for some starting-block photos. Assignment photos are added to build a portfolio.
What’s the pay? The industry rate for babies per hour is £40- £50 and agencies take 20- 25 per cent of that. Pay varies according to job and age of child. Sometimes there’s a day rate. It’s not a fortune, but it’s something to invest in their college fund (or clothing allowance!).
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What are agencies looking for in a model?
While all model agencies want ‘the commercial look’ a reputable agency like ourselves will always want something more.
Agencies want successful models but success takes more than stunning looks. Short notice assignments can be hard to fill and our most successful models can be relied upon at a days notice. A successful model should be prepared to travel; limiting your boundaries will limit your career! Successful models manage their career – our busiest models keep in touch with us, regularly scout the Stand Out newsletter and website for upcoming opportunities and keep us updated with their latest images, accomplishments and appearances.
If you have what it takes to be a successful Stand Out model then get in touch at www.modelsstandout.co.uk
or call Stand Out on 0845 108 7870
What happens to your photos and how they get taken in the first place – well, it’s a business that unfortunately attracts the dubious. www.albamodel.info is dedicated to scam-busting and gives us these tips:
NEVER sign anything at the interview stage. Genuine agencies always ensure you can take away and read any paperwork in your own time carefully. Be sure you are not being tied into paying out huge sums of money in the future under unfair clauses.
NEVER go to an agency, which does not know about or adhere to the Laws on Child Licensing. If your child works unlicensed, you can face prosecution from the Child Welfare Department, under The Children & Young Persons Act.
NEVER answer approaches made to you by emails from Internet chat rooms, or meet with anyone claiming to be an agent or scouting for models.
NEVER jump into something without doing your research.
