I Want to Get My Children into Modeling

But do your kids want to do it?

Hi Jahjahsmom,

I was a model for a long time, hope I can help you.

First of all you need to get in contact with some agencies. I recommend taking the time to go to NYC since you are on the East coast.

It would be helpful to know how old your children are? If they are toddlers, you will have difficulty finding representation until they are older. You may get a gig here or there but you will unlikely find an agent. Older kids, pre-teens, and up - get with Ford. They will represent children and are among the best agencies worldwide.

DO NOT enroll you children in any type of school, class, or scouting "program" that charges money. (ProScout, Barbazon, etc). If an agency sees potential in your kid(s) they will pay the costs for you to travel, have comp cards made, and to train, etc.

PM with any questions, I am glad to help!

go to fordmodels dot com

From what I hear...anyone or company that asks for money is a sham....

Make sure your kids have the stamina to wait around all day long. There is nothing more annoying than a roomful of kids whining and crying because they are tired and hungry and casting directors will notice the calm and well behaved kids quicker than the whiners and criers...unless they are looking for a whiner and crier.

Make sure your kids follows directions well, easily and quickly. No matter how cute and talented your kid is (unless they are over the top talented), if they see your child is uncooperative, then no dice for him/her.

Here in Houston, we have alot of calls from agencies in Dallas, which is 3-4 hrs away, and unless the child or actor fits the role more than perfectly, they want people in the Dallas area or no less than 1 hr away.

Also, make sure you aren't one of those annoying stage mothers. You know what I mean.

So basically, if your child is fun loving, happy, well mannered, obeys you well, listens to others well, is calm, and on top of that is cute and talented, then they should have no problem getting into the business.

At that age, the only way I would let my child model, is if they had "direct bookings"... I modeled when I was young and hated going on casting calls (I also had to drive an hour to Miami )... If you get your kids a comp card (don't let an agency convince you to use their photographer, it will be really expensive)... Google agencies in your city and set up appointments to take them in. Give them the comp cards and I would only want to do direct bookings.. That way, you don't have to sit around all day with 100 other children waiting for your turn... That is, if it still runs the same as when I did it ..
Good luck!

I guess my advice is let your children take the lead whether they want to do modeling or not..

my 5 year old has an ageant in LA. its hard to get in to and you may be rejected many times before an agency accepts your daughter. a lot of casting calls have 100's of children there. try the castingfrontier.com make your child a page. they have casting calls in your area there.
here are some standard rules to follow.

1 never NEVER!! give an agency money. they get paid when your child books a job.
2 invest in good head shot pictures!!! you may be updating them 1-3 times a year depending how young your child is.

Are you sure that's what your children want and not just what you want. Sometimes the parent wants the kids to do something so bad that they don't even ask the child. Just remember that every child can't be a superstars so don't get there hopes up too high. Good luck.

Your post says. " I want" to get my children into modeling.

Modeling is WORK, thankless, ruthless, brutal, etc. you "want" spending time at casting calls, etc vs allowing your children to be children.

I have modeled most of my life. It is hard work and you must be prepared for a lot of rejection. If you are not capable of accepting rejection and letting it roll off your back ( no one is the perfect model for every job) then you'll self destruct with self esteem issues. You " want" this for your children?

My 17 yr old models as well on occasion. It is work, time consuming and you really have to evaluate if it's right for you or not.

Every mom thinks they have the most beautiful babies. Be ready for a reality check.

IF you go thru with it... Pay 0. If someone asks for $$ RUN, don't walk away. You do not need classes, portfolios , etc.

IF your children bring in $$ out it in an account for them because your children are working.

This is a tough industry. A reputable agency will let you know if they are interested. Don't get your feeling hurt if you are not right for everyone... No one is.

We do not do casting call jobs. We have jobs that are sporadic but my time equals $$. The jobs daughter and myself get are pre planned and prepared and are in local advertising etc.

Just don't wrap yourself in the stardom... That is rare. If your children hate it then STOP .

Think very carefully about your motives. I did not have my daughter in this at a young age. It's far more important for a child to enjoy being a child instead on sitting in a hall waiting on a call back when their friends are socializing, and being children.

We are in the Dallas area. Kim Dawson and Campbell are 2 good agencies. Personally. Daughter and I are independent, only do direct jobs and no casting calls.

Good luck