Children's modeling

[Radiance]

My cousing has a toddler and she got her registered with a modeling agency at $200 per year plus 12% of any incomes.

She gets called here and there for commercials and the like and the average pay is $1500 - 12% = $1320.

What do you think?

[disneysteve]

I don't know what is standard in the field, but that sounds like a nice deal. Paying $200/year is no big deal if the kid gets at least a job or two each year. Even one job give a profit of $1,100.

[paymydebt]

It would be okay if you are guaranteed you would get enough jobs for it to be worth it. But I wonder how many do because modeling can be a tough business. And some parents get too obsessed about it (especially those pageants) and forget kids need to be kids, and not an exhibition or workaholics at a young age.

[momcents]

Reputable agencies don't charge any fee (like the $200 for year). I would think that she should take her child's portfolio to another company which doesn't charge. Most likely the child will be signed given that s/he has worked in the industry before.

[Radiance]

It seems the 200 is for posting her profile on the internet, including photos.
She takes a couple gigs each year.

She is very good at not stressing her child, she only does it as long as the litle one is enjoying herself.... and this is why she doesn't get more calls, they take it easy.

The best are snapshots for commercials because it is a photo session and that is it.

[moneybags]

It sounds a bit shady to me. A reputable agency does not charge any money up front. Also, if you are regularly filming commercials, you are required to join the union, which guarantees you set pay rates for commercials. The pay can run considerably higher than $1500. It depends on how long the commercial runs, how many markets, etc. Print work is a different story.

I would also be wary about posting her profile on the internet. Is it open for public viewing? What type of info about the child is on there? I wouldn't let my kid be posted for hire on a public site.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I'm guessing the $200 does not include actually taking the photos, does it? Do they insist on professional photos and tell you which photographer to use? Will the photographer advise you that you need to have several sessions in order to photograph your child in several novel outfits in a studio with lights, reflectors, backgrounds and props so that you show off your child's expressive versatility and conviviality? Then is the photographer going to talk you into letting him submit copies of your photos to other companies (for a fee) where he might have connections, or where he tells you he is pretty sure they will soon be looking for children like yours? These are just some things to know might be coming.

When I was a child, a friend of mine was in TV commercials and she did enjoy it because she liked knowing she was on TV. She was 9 or 10 when she started, so old enough to have an opinion and old enough to speak up for herself at least a little. But she did not have to be made-up, wear specific clothes, have her hair done, or even speak. A film crew just filmed her doing things like opening up her barn, climbing up on a stall to pet her horse, pitching clean straw into the stall, saddling and riding the horse. Just kind of a glimpse into an idyllic country childhood. She wasn't picked for her own special appeal, either. Her father had connections that all those other county kids did not have.

[Radiance]

I think it is something one can try and see if the kid likes it. My cousin's daughter is 4 and she has a blast on the castings and then on the commercials, she is a very happy little girl. She also likes her ballet recitals, but she is not paid for those.

The $200 doesn't include the photos but she was asked to bring home pictures, 15 and they chose the best 5 to publish.

Since she is called for castings and makes some money each year I really don't see it as shady. They were very upfront with the conditions.

Also, there is no exclusivity, my cousin is free to take gigs that are not gotten through the agency's website. I don't think she has taken any additional gigs, but she is free to do so.

I have too heard horror stories of parents pushing their kids to hard to stardom, but i think if you see it as side income, take it easy and don't expect an oscar or limousine rides, it can be a good option.

[Credit Girl]

Most modeling agencies I know do not charge a base fee of $200/year but instead charge commissions. I think modeling for children is a great idea as I've known people who have been child models and they've saved up enough money to pay for their entire college tuition. As long as the money goes towards the kid's best interest, I think it is a fine way to make side money.

[Mike75]

I don't think making your children work to earn money is the right way to do it. Please make sure that you make them do this job only as long as its enjoyable for the kids. Modelling can be a brutal career!