child model agencys (merged)

can anyone out there give me any advice about models direct. my 2 yr old has been offered a contract. but before I hand over any money I want to find out as much as I can. So if anyone out there has worked with them I would love to here your opinion.

Thanks Nicola

[Angela]

The only things I ever heard or read about child modelling is DO NOT HAND ANY MONEY OVER.
If an agancy thinks your child will get work they wont ask you for any money as they will get it if she gets any work.

The agency says it dosn't take commision from any of the money earned by the model. It charges £116 for 3 yrs on their books (£39 a yr).

Scallywags model agency charges u £25 to go and see them. cash only. If u do get on their books it costs about £300 when you've done using their photographs and paid to go in their books. and it take a % of your commision. this one I would steer clear of.

After much research I am steering clear of models direct and advise anybody else to.

[sandra120000]

Models direct were on watchdog a while back!!!

Would advise people NOT to hand over any cash to these agencies.

[AUSTIN]

My son was taken on after I emailed a photo to the people at models direct, I happened to mention to my grandmother about it and she said that they had been investigated on watchdog. The situation as I found it is that they prey on new parents who(rightly so) think that their child is the most beautiful thing to ever grace the earth and they make you stump up money. I told them that I would sign a contract paying them at the end off the term, as an incentive to get my son work but they didn't want to-for obviuous reasons. if they really thing that you child is going to get lots and lots of work(and profit for them) then they will take the child on and not charge.

[Zeldazog]

So.... does anybody know of a reputable child model agency, that doesn't ask you for cash up front?


I remember when me and mate went to Nottingham hotel to an agency day (can't remember the name of the company) - of course, they told us both that our little ones could get loads of work, and of course they wanted money for this and that - my mate was quite tempted, but I pleaded with her not to pay out, as I heard years ago that any decent modelling agency, adult or otherwise, shouldn't ask you for money.

[16011996]

my daughter was picked at a brownie concert, but they wanted £300 up front, told them to stick it. if they wanted her they wouldn't ask for the money, they'd make it back on commision. She now models for a posh kids clothes shop up near us, money goes in a saving account for when she's older, and she love it, no outlay, no pushy people.

[shays_mum]

Does anyone know any reputable modeling agencies for Kids?

[districtline]

Norrie Carr seem to be quite good. their website is http://www.norriecarr.com/

[bylromarha]

I did a quick internet search a few months ago and found lots in the greater london area. However if you live 1 hour + travelling time from London don't bother looking. There were no agencies in Birmingham or other big cities that I could find which I could get to.

Oh well, joy of cheap (er) pints of beer I suppose!

[ashellis]

You could try either Bizzykidz agency or Elisabeth Smith agency. These have very good write ups and have been going for quite a while.
With both of these you can apply online, try doing a google search for them.

They are both around london area, so if you live near here then give it a go, as they will let you know via email if they think you/your kids are suitable etc.
The draw back to Elisabeth Smith is that they charge an annual fee to remain on their books, Bizzykidz do not.

Also Bizzykids do not charge an interview fee, E.Smith does.

Worth googling when you find an agency you think you want to go with as there are alot out there who are rip off merchants.

Good Luck and I hope this bit of info is helpful to you.

[Scarlett1]

I wouldnt recommend the Elisabeth Smith Agency personally, my daughter was taken on by them, I had to pay a £25 interview fee, then £100 for her photos, then another £60 for them to put the actual photos in the model book :mad:

The first year she was offered 1 casting, then they asked me for another year's worth of photograph money for the 2nd year, and money for putting her in the model book :confused:

So in 2 years she was only offered 2 castings, and the pinch of over £300 from my pocket for the pleasure :rolleyes:

[carpool72]

try this site

www.albamodel.info/

for info on pitfalls to look out for, legal info and a directory of reputable agencies. I met the lady who runs it at the baby show and she was v helpful.

[kit]

Not sure where to put this post so have picked here - if anyone wants to move it somewhere more suitable then please go ahead.

I am thinking about registering my daughter with a modelling agency. I know some people dont agree with modelling babies/young children but this is my choice!

Does anyone know of any good agencies that are not going to charge me and do not require me to live in the M25 area?

Thanks
KiT

[bylromarha]

Try this...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=33605

Good luck with the M25 requirement. They all seem to be based in London...

[Viz]

Our daughter has been with Bizzykidz for nearly a year. There are a few charges, but most are optional. Like having the proffessional photo's taken (I forget how much ).

Don't be disapointed if your child isn't accepted. And also if she doesn't get work if sign up. They use different children for different jobs, and at the end of the day, the choice is down to the potential employer of every job.

Our daughter has also been asked to join another agency but we're not sure if we want to continue with it anyway.

Good luck !

[soul sister]

hi kit

i got a approached by a scout that represents littlewoods. they asked me if i was interested in letting my daughter model for there catalogue. not sure if this is the normal way to go about it but declined the offer. some people want this for there children and we all have our own opinions but i do not like the idea!

you could try ringing some of the catalougue companys. most are based in london and are rather expense.

good luck!! ;)

[HappySad]

http://www.elisabethsmith.co.uk/ is a good company. They charge quite a bit £220 which includes the photos and putting them on your books. They are based in London. If you have any professional photos of your child smiling and looking cute then send them a copy of a few and see what they say.

My son has done a bit of modelling with them and they are a good agency to join.

[bonvonnie]

my 2year 5month old boy is with http://www.eka-agency.com/ and they are based in Warrington, and are the main Agecny for the North West and the Midlands.

My boy joned when he was 1 year old, and the COmpnay has just got bigger in time.

[HappySad]

Son just did some more modelling with Elizabeth Smith.

If you child is not clingy and settles down to a new enviroment and new people then they are good for modelling. When you go on some photo shoots you are expected to have your child start work almost as soon as you arrive. (Don't agree with this approach)

I am now going to arrive extra early to get my son used to everyone so that he can work well, being happy and self confident.

[GIRLPOWER]

I have done a goggle and searched the site but all the ones I have loacted want an upfront fee.. :confused: (not a chance!!)

Does anyone know/ use any that do not charge.

We are based in Staffordshire... so central or northwest would be good.

Thanks in advance.

[fatboyonadiet]

You could always ask for the fee to be taken from any work, what's the fee for? It's pretty standard to take one for promotion (going onto website/catalogue) and any basic headshots they want to do (but these aren't compulsory).

[across]

ive been trying to find one for the last four years and even when they say no fees and accept your snapshot inviting you to a photoshoot they then tell you it will cost to get the your child in the books for the photos and im not sure if it was some sort of insurance or permit that one told us to pay for eg, we have been told children are different to adults by tuesdays child in macclesfield they need to pay for something extra(i cant remember if it was permit/insurance )before they can work then we got picked for shoot at manch model agency same again money to lay out, eurokids same again the list is endless they dont like to take it from wages either or else we'd have done it a long time ago and with two kids it is too pricey! they want the money upfront in the post with the tearoff to accept photoshoot, if anyone has any in northwest they didnt fork out for i'd love to know because it seems like you can only model if you have money to start with.

[HappySad]

I have heard that http://www.bruceandbrown.com/Join.aspx are free. You can pay to get your child's photo onto their books or you can just have your child on their books without photos. But you are more likely to get more work if you put a photo on.

[GIRLPOWER]

ive been trying to find one for the last four years and even when they say no fees and accept your snapshot inviting you to a photoshoot they then tell you it will cost to get the your child in the books for the photos and im not sure if it was some sort of insurance or permit that one told us to pay for eg, we have been told children are different to adults by tuesdays child in macclesfield they need to pay for something extra(i cant remember if it was permit/insurance )before they can work then we got picked for shoot at manch model agency same again money to lay out, eurokids same again the list is endless they dont like to take it from wages either or else we'd have done it a long time ago and with two kids it is too pricey! they want the money upfront in the post with the tearoff to accept photoshoot, if anyone has any in northwest they didnt fork out for i'd love to know because it seems like you can only model if you have money to start with.

across.. can I ask how often if they are accepted work comes in??? If they are selected to go to an audition do they get a fee for that or only if they are selected from it and then go onto a shoot from that.

[across]

hiya girlpower, i havent found a model agency for my girls yet who i wouldnt have to pay money to upfront in some shape or form so i cant help you on the actual work done but my husband is a tv/film extra and if he gets a casting for an advert (whereby they maybe looking for a certain look or ask you to do something they are looking for)he wouldnt get money for turning up to that he would only then get paid if he was chosen and carried out the work asked of him so if they dont pick him he gets nothing it same as if you were going for any job in other areas and didnt get it. but most of his work is based on being chosen from the book so he gets work from the photo rather than having to turn up prior to job to be chosen, hope this helps a little i dont know how we'd go on with children as ive never done it yet!

[carpool72]

Try here (http://www.albamodel.info/index.php)- a website set up by a former model to help people avoid the pitfalls & scams. There's info, advice & also a list of recommended agencies by region.

[across]

thanks carpool72 that a very good site but the ones in northwest on it you still have to pay for one of them was £120 for initial photoshoot so they are too expensive
the one mentioned by happysad (bruce and brown)sounds the best no money to pay but it is london so it is no good to us in northwest we dont have any like that up here

[Karnam]

I have heard that http://www.bruceandbrown.com/Join.aspx are free. You can pay to get your child's photo onto their books or you can just have your child on their books without photos. But you are more likely to get more work if you put a photo on.

do you know if they have a written description for babies without photos? cause my little one is half chinese a written description might be enough to get her work....

[fabwitch]

Elisabeth Smith is one of the top child model agencies . All three of my children have worked for them doing photOgraphic work and TV and Cinema comercials. To be honest most Directors will approach Elisabeth Smith and Norrie Carr, also the children get paid for attending auditions as well as a very good hourly rate.PLUS A DAY RATE FOR TV WORK. My daughter had loads of photographic work in the UK and abroad and also did a TV commercial for the USA. Directors from abroad often come ro London to audition for children here for work abroad as they like British children.

[Scarlett1]

I wasnt impressed myself with the Elisabeth Smith Agency, my daughter was on their books for 2 years, from 8 months old until nearly 2. DD wasnt sent for a casting until she was 16 months old, and in that time the agency wanted a second lot of money with the promise of work, but by the time came when my daughter was accepted for 2 photo shoots, one for a well know toy company, and another for a big toy store in london, my daughter was going through the terrible two's and clingy stage so played up at the shoot :o

I paid out just over £400 over the 2 years in fee's and earned back only £60 :mad:

[Jamie1984]

Hi everyone, I know people have posted about this before, but I just wanted to ask whether there was any chance of getting my money back and how I go about it. I hadn't heard of any bad publicity about the company when I signed my daughter up in November, and I hadn't seen the Watchdog program, but I began to search around in forums after I received a very tacky "model i.d. card" that my 8 year old brother could have made and then I didn't hear anything from them, and I found a lot of disgruntled parents who had made the mistake of signing up to them. I only found one person who claimed to have had work from them. I'm just really upset at falling for the whole spiel on the telephone. :(
Is there anything I can do, or do I need to just put it down to a very horrible experience and never be that stupid again? :confused:

[KizzyK]

Alba (http://www.albamodel.info/) is a group that campaigns specifically on up front fees.

And Clive Hurst (http://anactor.net/) is trying (and winning!) to make these charges illegal

[cheggers]

My friend wants to get her baby son (9 months) work as a model in TV ads (nappies and other baby products) or get them in nursery catalogues (like mamas & pappas, mothercare) etc.

Has anyone got any tips how she can get her son into this.

[starlite]

There is a thread on a parenting group about this, they all use various agencies and know which are the best and which are cons so it's a good place to get advice

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=9&threadid=179145&stamp=060615131912

one thing though, unless you live in london you are very unlikely to get work. there are a couple of agencies in manchester and liverpool but not nearly as many opportunities.

www.childmodelling.net

is good too

[black-saturn]

I live nowhere near London (thank God) and my daughter used to work as a child model when she was up to about 3 years old. She has been on the front cover of a couple of baby magazines and in a few catalogues. Work in a nappy advert is very difficult to get though and they tend to only go for the ones who look younger than they are.

Sign up to lots of different agencies. Some of them will want you to bring your baby in to take a picture and some will be happy with your own snapshot. Never hand over money to be a member of an agency or get talked into paying to have a portfolio done. If they are genuinely interested in your baby they will not take any money from you.

[boltonangel]

hi

can anyone recommend a model agency that i could try and register my 3 year old son with?

also, could you give me some advice as to how they are usually set up - ie fee's etc.


thanks

[hobo28]

Cant remember which agency my son was registered with when he was a baby. I do remember tho that competition is tough as every parent thinks their child is the most beautiful. The money wasn't all that either once you take into account all the travelling, hassle, auditions, queueing etc. It was cute for a little while but not worth it in my opinion

[Viz]

We applied for a few for our daughter when she was 2 years old. A couple expressed an interest and we signed up with one.

The money was good. But as previous poster said, theres a lot of travelling, tantrums etc..

I don't think we paid a fee, but did pay to have a small portfolio for the company to use.

It was often short notice to do a job and the money was paid out within 3 months.
We moved home and didn't carry on with modelling as the novelty had worn off.

But it is great to see your child on t.v. or in a book !!

[emmaBZ]

i did some modelling about 4 yrs ago the no 1 rule when getting in to this industry is " NEVER PAY AGENCIES ANY MONEY" if any legitimate modelling company offer you a contract ect then they will not ask for any payment for fees or to "be on the books " ect its a con "trust me " been there got the t-shirt !

[hankc35]

I've been a portrait photographer since 1993 and I know every trick in the book when it comes to scaming parents out of money for photographs (never done it! I just know how its done), because thats all it is generally is, its a way to sell photographs just under the fallacy of some sort of model contract, basically IMHO cute kids are a dime a dozen (yeah I know yours is special :) so is mine) and the harsh reality is unless you live in London your kids not going to be a model. The worst types of scammers are the ones who turn up in Hotels, they are just portrait photographers. The ONLY way to do it is to send a couple of snap shots to the reputable agencies, they will send you an email back, but be prepared to be dissapointed, and if you dont live in London you have no chance.

[Mirtos]

DO NOT PAY OUT ANY MONEY FOR A MODELLING OR ACTING AGENCY. I work in the performing arts business and NO reputable agency will charge you upfront for taking you on. Full stop. Most good agencies will even cover the cost of the photos if they really think you / your child will get work, as then they'll get the standard 10% commission. Check out the Contacts directory published by Spotlight(available from amazon) - it has listings of all the agents etc.. Also, the agents and personal managers association will be able to advise on who's trustworthy. Seriously, I do this for a living, don't pay out money upfront!

[Scarlett1]

DO NOT PAY OUT ANY MONEY FOR A MODELLING OR ACTING AGENCY. i work in the preforming arts business and NO reputable agancy will charge you for taking you on. Full stop.
thats not entirely true, some agencies charge a low fee, others charge a high fee, no matter what there will be a charge somewhere or other along the line.

[Scarlett1]

I've been a portrait photographer since 1993 and I know every trick in the book when it comes to scaming parents out of money for photographs (never done it! I just know how its done), because thats all it is generally is, its a way to sell photographs just under the fallacy of some sort of model contract, basically IMHO cute kids are a dime a dozen (yeah I know yours is special :) so is mine) and the harsh reality is unless you live in London your kids not going to be a model. The worst types of scammers are the ones who turn up in Hotels, they are just portrait photographers. The ONLY way to do it is to send a couple of snap shots to the reputable agencies, they will send you an email back, but be prepared to be dissapointed, and if you dont live in London you have no chance.
sorry dont agree, we dont live in London and my daughter got work, there are other people on this board who dont live in london either and their kids got work aswell ;)

its the photographs that cost a large fee not the agencies, although some do charge a fee for registration.

[Mirtos]

thats not entirely true, some agencies charge a low fee, others charge a high fee, no matter what there will be a charge somewhere or other along the line.
Of course. Agencies are a business after all, but a GOOD, TRUSTWORTHY one will be willing to take their cut from commission rather than upfront. If an agent asks for an upfront fee then that implies they are not confident about finding you/your child work from which to earn commission. Thus, if they can't get you work, why are you signing to them and wasting your money?

[Scarlett1]

Of course. Agencies are a business after all, but a GOOD, TRUSTWORTHY one will be willing to take their cut from commission rather than upfront. If an agent asks for an upfront fee then that implies they are not confident about finding you/your child work from which to earn commission. Thus, if they can't get you work, why are you signing to them and wasting your money?
I think all agencies should just take commission rather than charge a fee, I think the problem is some agencies take too many children on their books, so many kids, not enough work.

There are a couple of agencies that only have a few hundred children on their books, these agencies are well known and dont ask for an upfront fee, the ones that do charge the fee's are the one's that have 1,000 plus children on their books.

A lot of it is greed with a few agencies, if only they were a bit more honest with parents whether their child really does have the look, and how many jobs they really have running at the moment, not what will be coming up in the future.

[owey]

my 2year 5month old boy is with http://www.eka-agency.com/ and they are based in Warrington, and are the main Agecny for the North West and the Midlands.

My boy joned when he was 1 year old, and the COmpnay has just got bigger in time.
I would not touch this agency, as we had our son in it for two years. We got 3 casting the first year a week before Chirstmas in Manchester City Centre with 2 days notice, I think we were asked because someone must of cancelled. Anyway he never got anywere, they also send out forms to fill in but never chase them up if they don't receive them. If they do ring me up when his contract runs out soon, I will be telling them the same. Save your money and spend it on your children.

[hankc35]

sorry dont agree, we dont live in London and my daughter got work, there are other people on this board who dont live in london either and their kids got work aswell ;)

its the photographs that cost a large fee not the agencies, although some do charge a fee for registration.

I expect there are bits and pieces regionaly, but I was refering to top end stuff.

[sticher]

Mirtos, do you know if Spotlight charge to put your photos in? I ask because my son is on the books of an acting agency, who are quite expensive. You have to pay for your photos and for them to be put in Spotlight. Then if you get work they take a commission. i knew all the stuff about not paying upfront, but it seemed quite reasonable to have to pay to put the photos in Spotlight.

My son has only had two jobs in as many years. One was unpaid! - agency said it would just be good experience! The other was for Casualty - fantastic experience for both my son and myself - and brilliant pay.

[sticher]

Owey, many of the castings my son has been on have been less that 1 days notice. Apparently the casting directors are the cause of that, not the agency (that's what sons agency tells us anyway!)

[Mirtos]

Mirtos, do you know if Spotlight charge to put your photos in? I ask because my son is on the books of an acting agency, who are quite expensive. You have to pay for your photos and for them to be put in Spotlight. Then if you get work they take a commission. i knew all the stuff about not paying upfront, but it seemed quite reasonable to have to pay to put the photos in Spotlight.

My son has only had two jobs in as many years. One was unpaid! - agency said it would just be good experience! The other was for Casualty - fantastic experience for both my son and myself - and brilliant pay.
Yup, spotlight charge a fee for their website and casting book service, but they are NOT an agency. In fact, spotlight is one of the best ways to get your face seen. Everyone in the industry uses it (myself included) to look for people for castings. It isn't unusual for actors starting out to work unpaid for the experience and/or contacts. ACTORS always pay for their own headshots too. for models it's a bit different. If he's got a part in casualty already, he can't be doing too badly. Keep plugging away. 99% of working in the performing arts is waiting and rejection I'm afraid!

[Mirtos]

Owey, many of the castings my son has been on have been less that 1 days notice. Apparently the casting directors are the cause of that, not the agency (that's what sons agency tells us anyway!)
Yes that's right. I often invite people to auditions or castings with less than 24 hours notice - that's just the way it works, and to be honest, anyone in the business professionally understands and accepts the need to be available at a moments notice. If you are being sent to castings AT ALL you are doing better than most!

[sticher]

Mirtos, thanks for your replies. It seems my sons agency isn't too bad then after all.

[Mirtos]

No worries. Happy to help.xxx