Baby & Child Modelling
WELCOME TO THE ALL 4 KIDS UK BABY & CHILDREN'S MODELLING AGENCIES PAGE. BELOW YOU'LL FIND HELPFUL TIPS AND ADVICE AND FIND A SELECTION OF THE BEST CHILD MODELLING AGENCIES IN THE UK HERE: BABY & CHILDREN'S MODELLING AGENCIES
A Guide to Baby & Child Modelling
How many people have said to you that your baby or child is gorgeous and really should be a model, and you really do not know where to start? Here is some advice and tips if you’re considering it:
What makes one child a model whilst another is turned down?
Child models must be photogenic, happy and smiley, with clear skin and bright eyes. However, not all have to be ‘pretty’ or cute, sometimes a quirky look with plenty of character and sparkle will go a long way for advertising companies that want to sell their client’s products.
It’s also about the child’s temperament – all baby and child models must be good natured and sociable in order to put up with meeting lots of strangers. If you have a beauty that is a bit of a shrinking violet, you may have to wait until they are better at socialising, you could even consider stage school, which does help with interaction with both adults and other children.
All child models must be co-operative, and easy going; temper tantrums or bad manners or sulkiness will not be tolerated. So as the parents you will have to be realistic about your child’s nature.
What sort of work could my child get as an assignment?
Your child could appear anywhere from a cover for a parenting magazine, national TV adverts for parenting products such as nappies for babies, to in-store advertising posters (called at point of sale) for child products, games, toys, in catalogues for clothes, even on posters on buses and also fashion shows.
There’s also the chance to feature on packaging for toys or child medication, even posters for children’s charities.That’s what makes baby and child modelling is a multi-million pound industry!
How much money will my baby make?
Sadly, not enough to retire on, The industry rate for babies per hour is £40- £50 and agencies take 20- 25 per cent of that – the pay for children rises on a sliding scale according to age and also according to the assignment. TV commercials can command a buy out fee along with poster campaigns so what starts off as a small fee may rise into a substantial sum. All modelling fees are paid in the name of the child and chaperone fees and travel are paid to the parent/chaperone.
Most agencies estimate that even the most hard-working child will probably only earn around £2000-£4000 a year which although not a huge sum is great to invest for the child’s future or plans for their education.
Because there is no promise of work, due to the fact that the agency does not decide on who gets assignments, many children make less and as work is sporadic this is not a regular income.
Child Modelling top tips for parents:
2. Steer clear of agents which try to charge any fee up front to the agency for a consultation or interview unless they are Alba recommended.
3. There is no need to pay out for an expensive portfolio for children before joining any agency. It is not required since children are still growing and changing daily – the agency will find a good value photographer to take a few pictures to start off with and then as baby / child undertakes assignments and those working shots will added to build the portfolio.
4. All Alba recommended agencies which deal with children know about and adhere to the Laws on child Licensing, steer clear of any agent which does not. Any person under school leaving age and in full time education must be licensed to work in modelling & entertainment.
5. MANY children & young people are adorable to look at, however not all have the right nature to become a child model. Agencies do not take on a child if they are over shy, nervous of strangers or badly behaved.
6. Genuine agencies always ensure that you can take away and read any paperwork in your own time carefully so don’t rush into signing a contract at an interview, take it home to read.
7. Be wary of answering newspaper advertisements for models of 0-75 years of age, or go to hotel or weekend castings to join visiting “scouting or model agents” these are usually a con and way to get money up front out of you. Genuine agencies DO NOT find their models this way.
8. Parents and children need to have the ability to cope with rejection and don’t take it personally. Be prepared for a lot of waiting around and waiting for the photographic/ film set to be prepared. When a booking is made for two to three hours always put aside extra time in case there are delays. No-one likes a pushy or bolshy parent you must show tact and diplomacy at all times.
9. MOST importantly, your baby, toddler or teenager must enjoy participating – the minute they do not, it is time for the modelling hobby to stop!
Baby & Child modelling is fun and can give you both something wonderful to look back on as your child grows. Even something to show their first boy or girlfriend when they finally bring their suitor home to meet the parents!
So if you think your child has that little something extra…give it a go!
See a selection of the best child modelling agencies here: www.all4kidsuk.com/modelling-agencies
