Infant and Child Modeling
Written by Jacque Pedersen on May 22, 2008 – 2:37 pm -I have written on this before but I don’t think you can hear this advice too many times!
Infant and child modeling becomes a very popular, but increasingly controversial area.
To begin with, ask yourself a few questions about you and your child-
Can I afford to have my child in this industry? With the price of gasoline today you could spend a lot of money going to and from auditions. You can only take the child that is auditioning to the audition so can you get child care for the siblings (if you have other children)? Also getting pictures and resumes printed cost money. When your child is older you will probably have to get a flipper for them (fake teeth) so their smile is perfect.
Are you sure your child is cut out for modeling? Your baby may be gorgeous, but can they handle the stress of modeling and especially the stress of strangers handle with your without you. Also remember that casting rooms can be crowded and filled with lots of other children who are making a lot of noise.
Can you handle the rejection? Your child is going to “not get the job” more times than they “book” the job.
Do you work outside of the home? If so, do you have extended family that can take the child on auditions? Most, if not all, auditions are during the day on weekdays.
Can your child (and you) handle their daily routine disturbed? Are they involved in a lot of activities and can they handle being distracted from school, club activities, team sports, family and friend?
Does your child handle travel well? This is usually short trips to and from auditions but some children do not handle being “on the go”.
Does your child handle change with a good temperament? Naptime, feeding time, these are all things that may get disrupted for an audition or for shooting.
Some web resources that might help you:
http://www.modelingscams.org/childmodelingscams.html
http://www.baby-place.com/infant_modeling.html
http://www.babycenter.com/dilemma/baby/babydevelopment/1358648.html
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm
“”There is not a whole lot of [child] modeling work available outside New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Dallas, so make sure that an agency does not give you false information about who their clients include.” — Parents Magazine”
“You need to be able to travel to shoots and meetings on very short notice — sometimes a few hours. Only people who are local can do that.” — Margaret Pelino, booking agent, Ford Modeling Agency, Manhattan”
Some more tips:
Don’t spend a ton of money on a portfolio, because infants/toddlers and pre-school change too quickly.
Get a couple good photos every 3 months or so. You can do these yourself and have them reproduced (or if you have a great printer you can do them yourself)
Make sure you check out the agency with other people in your area or on the Internet. Most legit agencies/managers have websites that you can look at to see who they represent and what those clients are booking.
Ask for some references from other parents whose children are represented by the agency. Do not ask the agent for referrals as no reputable agent/manager will give out personal contact information on their clients.
There are lots of sites were you can ask other parents about a certain agent or manager.
Good luck!
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Tags: advice, child modeling, infant, kids acting
Posted in Modeling-Acting Resources | 10 Comments »
September 17th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
At 16 months, I do not know of a “modeling agency” that would take her but the print and commercial divisions of talent agencies might be interested. Most agencies do not sign children under the age of 4 and work thru managers who specialize in infants and toddlers. Since this is what I do for a living, I cannot really “recommend” an agency to you as then I would be sabotaging what I and other managers do for a living – hope you understand!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Sorry for delay in responding but I just found out that there were comments on my post!
If you are in the LA area, please contact me (my office # is on our website).
For those of you NOT in the LA area, we are soon opening a division to assist out of town clients. If you are interested email me at chezjacque08@gmail.com
Twins are always in demand especially for commercials, film and TV.
Every state is different when it comes to regulating talent agencies and talent managers. For children under the age of 4 years, most agents will not consider signing that talent and most work thru talent managers that handle infants and toddlers. If you are in a small market, watch local tv and if you see a local merchant’s commercial that has children in it, call the business direct and simply ask how your child can be considered. Same with print. For medium size markets, you can do the same but also pursue finding an agent or manager to assist you. It is very difficult to do it by yourself! Yes, you have to pay a commission, but if you try to do it yourself, you will usually end up spending more time and money and finding less work. THere are many books on AMazon that are great about telling you exactly how to get started and tons of lists on the Internet for agents and managers.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I have a 16 month daughter and i constantly get perfect strangers come up to me and tell me i have a beautiful daughter and i should put her in modeling. I am having a very difficult time finding a good modeling agency. is there any particular modeling agency you recommend in Los Angeles Ca?
I would appreciate any advice
Thank you again
Proud and excited parent
Sally
March 26th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I have a daughter 18 months and everywhere I go people tell me I should get them into modeling put how do you start? I live in Ft. Meade, Maryland and I want to find and agency for my baby. Thanks
January 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I am a proud, first time parent of an 8 month old boy. I have taken some photos myself and some professionaly. Everybody that sees his picture tells me that he needs to model or be on tv some how. I want to start him while he’s young, so that he can grow and develop his skills to last in the tv/modeling industry. Can you tell me how to get started or what to do to get him a portfolio started? I live in the Charlotte, NC area, but am willing to travel or move to help get him started in the industry. Any information will be much appreciated! Thanks Again!
September 7th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Can someone please help me on how to get started I have twin girls and everywhere I go people tell me I should get them into modeling put how do you start?
July 29th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
The site blogs.thecutekid.com is cool resource, tnks, admin.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:45 am
The site blogs.thecutekid.com is interesting resource, respect, owner.
July 20th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Erin…
Good work….
June 17th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Do you know of any modeling agencies in the virginia area. we live near portsmouth/norfolk area.
thanks,
brianna