Child model agency?

[siskaloh]

My 2.5 years old daughter was on a cover page of a local magazine after a talent competition win, she was paid for her cover shoot with 3000 pampers and cash, but halfway through the shoot when the novelty wore off she wanted to go home, which was a bit difficult when everything was already set up. I felt like one of those really pushy parent, what started off as a bit of fun ended up as a bit of a chore, when every one recommended I sign her up for impact models I declined it.

Once money starts to exchange hands it takes the fun out of it. If the kid is too young to really understand whats going on and make her own decision, ask yourself is it for you or the kid that you want to do this?

Hello there,
Do u mind to share why u did you decline to join Impact Models? because am thinking to let my 5yo girl to join, she has done 4 freelance modeling jobs this year. Am not sure now whether is a good idea to join or not.

Thanks and Regards,

[QRM]

Nothing wrong with Impact models, its just the whole exploiting the kids that I find a bit wrong, If your kid genuinely enjoys it then fine, go with it, but if you are doing it for financial gain at the kids expenses then I would sit down and seriously look at your motives.

Take the talent show, my kid won, we did it as a bit of a laugh and just pitched up in flip flops and shorts, and she was a natural on the stage and loved the attention, I didnt even know they had to dance, she just did her penguin and kangaroo impression.

Some other parents dressed their kids up like circus monkeys and was standing on the sideline giving them the evil stare, and no doubt threats of the cattle prod if they don't do the dance routine properly, thats just plain wrong, fortunately the judges could see kids who were having fun and those who lets just say where "coerced" to perform.

We did not know what the prize was going to be. It was only at the photo shoot after when my toddler wanted to be alone, then I realise its no fun anymore getting her to try and smile when she just wants to go home.

[siskaloh]

Thanks so much for your explanation..but I decided to not join with Impact or other model agency because of their term and expensive also, its $700 and they don't guarantee my girl will get a job.

My little girl loves to pose and enjoy doing her "job" but I always told her that is for fun, if she like to do it, ok but if not..no problem.
Her happines is more important than anything.

I saw one mother yelled at her daugther during the photo shooting because her little girl was not in the mood. I won't do that.

My eldest girl, she is 7yo, doesn't like to be a model, she said, she want to be a singer.

So am still searching for a music teacher that can teach her how to sing in proper way.

Thanks again for your reply.

[Shineon]

Hi everyone,
I chanced upon your discussion while surfing articles on kids modelling. I own a kids training school myself. I must say that most parents of my school are parents who pulled their kids out from contracts & agreements, because a taste of "cover page" and "fame" have worn out overtime, and what's left is a tired child.

You can still encourage them to use their talents to "save up" for schools, or buy the things they like, through a reward system. But remember to balance with moderation.

Cheers.

[yuwanes123]

Hi guys,
I am a student and i was wondering if there was any modelling agency i can sign up with...

[QRM]

Hi guys,
I am a student and i was wondering if there was any modelling agency i can sign up with...

Now you dont want to be an example of the stereotypical image of "the model"

how about trying yellow pages or google?

[sundaymorningstaple]

I wonder if she is having a stereotypical "blonde" moment?

[kelly88]

My siblings and I did some modeling as children... we're all curly redheads (they're more blond, I'm bright red), so my mother was approached by agencies regularly. My sister & I just did local fashion shows and a few catalogs, but my brother was actually quite successful. His biggest jobs included national Gap & Mervyn's campaigns, a popular rock music video, toy boxes, and a few commercials. The best advice I can give you is this - if they ask for ANY money to sign with them, RUN!! A legitimate, good agency will never ask for money, since they're assuming/planning to MAKE money off of you... then, and only then, will they take a commission.

I don't know any agencies in singapore, but I can try to do some research later. My brother was signed with a modeling agency in dubai called MMG, and they did a really great job with him. You could start with the well-known adult agencies, such as Ford or Elite, since they all have children's divisions - and if they don't sign him, they could probably refer you to another legitimate agency. Finally, I think you already know this, but let your kid decide if & when to stop modeling... my brother grew tired of it around age 13, and while my mom was disappointed, she pulled him out immediately. "Stage moms" are the ones who push their kids, even when they're done with it, so you obviously don't want to be one of those. And I think even at a toddler age, you'll be able to tell if he's not having fun. Good luck, and I'll let you know if I find any info!

P.S. Not that it should be a deciding factor, but child models are paid surprisingly well... my brother bought his own car, a new (at the time) Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, with his own money at age 15.