Yes, so I was one of the mums thinking my kid is so cute (when she is literally just 3 months old) thinking she can win the face of baby bonds ~ So obviously I googled “How do I get my child into Modelling? ” “What’s the best agency in Brisbane?” and so on.
There really ain’t too many. So I have joined one of the “best” ones, Bettina, according to the research I have done. And hoping we will land a job in a month’s time after the registration. Haha.
So below is my experience, not comparing with the others at all:
I remembered we got an email asking us for an interview (probably after a week I have sent out the online application), we showed up, took some pictures with their in-house photographer (asked us to buy some with a price after), signed some documents saying we would like to join, and by joining there is a joining fee of roughly A$500. And since I knew about it, cause I read it from somewhere prior, I wasn’t surprised and I was willing to pay thinking we will land a job soon and will be paid off.
NO! Nothing happened in the first month! I called and asked if there are any opportunities upcoming, they just replied we will let you know once we have any. And didn’t hear back until after 6 months passed, they called us for an update photo shoot.
Done that and didn’t hear from them at all until by the end of the contract term (1year) asking us if we want to continue with them presenting us. NO, THANK YOU~!
What I learned from the experience:
- Brisbane is a relatively small fashion hub compared to Sydney & Melbourne. Most of the jobs are in Sydney and Melbourn, rarely companies/ the agency’s clients will need to search over from Brisbane, and flying the kid and the parent over for the shoot, economically not wise. Unless you or your kid is already famous on social media and they just want you and only you, that’s a different story, and in this case you will be approached by them.
- Skip the agencies all together. go straight to the producers/ companies. Get some good photos and videos, all kinds of photos, all kinds of settings, show diversity in situations and personalities. Then look for cast seeking advertisements and research the production teams for tv-shows.
- Choose any agency but say you aren’t prepared to pay any money until they get work. If they genuinely feel your child will be the next ‘Star’ they will cover the photos because they know they will make money from you. If they aren’t prepared to cover the photos they don’t have work for you. Agencies play on the fact that we all adore our children and believe they are the most beautiful child and therefore assume they will get lots of work.
Fast-forward to right now, we got sponsored by Bossini, Uniqlo some online stores from overseas and more from them directly contacted us through our Instagram. So anything is possible these days with the social media power going everywhere in the world.
I had the same experience with them in Melbourne. I signed both my girls and then radio silence. Not an email, no photo update, not one call, just did I want to sign up again?! I realise they sign everyone. Your Instagram approach is smart. Showkidz pull the same stunts. Families need to be aware if dodgy agencies selling promises and photo experiences, fashion parades and training (lining their own pockets).
Yea, that’s right I put it out here, try to warn people.
I mean I am not sure how many would have read or do research, but at least I have tried.