Alba’s guide to baby & Child
modelling
From the date of birth
so many people will have said to you that your baby or
child
is gorgeous and really should be a model, and so here you
are and you really do not know where to start? Well we
are here to help you with some advice and our top tips.
Whether you are looking at
this page for your baby, toddler or even your teenager, you
as the parent and guardian will
want to know more about this fun and interesting industry
before you consider entering your child onto the  modelling
scene.
You can now order a copy
of the Baby & Child Modelling DVD guide- this is a fun
and interesting way to see the real world of modelling and
it explains to you the essential information you need to
know about placing a child age from new babe to age 11 years
old. Available now from the Alba Shop.
For older children and teenagers Alba's latest DVD guide to modelling is set for release in 2008/9 and will shortly be available - more details here
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.
The child’s temperament is equally important as
looks – 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 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. top
What sort of work could my child get as an assignment?
Your child might 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
feature on packaging for toys or child medication, in catalogues
for clothes, even on posters on buses even posters for
children’s charities, and in fashion shows .
That’s what
makes baby and child modelling a multi-million pound
industry! top
How much money will my baby
or child make?
Not enough to retire on or earn
a living from for all the family, 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 so
even the most hard-working child will probably only earn
around £500-£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. top
Can
I earn any money from my child modelling?
Only from chaperone fees since the fee your chid earns
can only be paid in the name of the child (however, if
you are a model parent and modelling with your baby then
you will get a fee for the assignment work you have undertaken
paid
to you separately), chaperone and travel expenses are paid
to the parent and as chaperone fees are not always applicable
for the assignment it is best to check with your agency
on this. top
Child Modelling top tips for parents:
1 SNAPSHOT pictures are all you need to send agencies
along with details about your child/teenager. Ensure that
you send an SAE for a reply with the correct return postage
upon the envelope.
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 do
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 7ears 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!
10 Teenagers can fall into an awkward gap from age 14
to 16 years as they are not children and not quite adults,
many child model agencies find work becomes more sporadic
until teens reach 16 when they would if they reach the
correct height criteria, look toward joining an adult model
agencies books.
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! top
For a fun and informative
visual insight into the industry you can order a copy
of the Baby & Child Modelling guide - available from
the Alba Shop. They
make
a great gift for any person with a good looking
baby or talented child.
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