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Child Models: Everything You Need To Know
written by
Maria Campbell-Green
When it comes to child models, there are a number of different qualities that our bookers and recruitment team look for. We often get direct messages on Instagram and via email from parents asking whether we think that their child is right for the agency. We've put together this blog post to give you a few tips and explain a little about the recruitment process and how child modelling works.
What We Look For In A Child Model
When meeting children, the bookers and recruitment team are looking for personalities that POP! Children need to be confident, enthusiastic, have good eye contact and be able to adjust to new surroundings and meeting new people. We would never want to put a child into an environment they are not comfortable with. Child models need to be able to cope with the attention being focused on them – some children thrive on this, whereas others find it very difficult. The child will need to work well in front of the camera, have good movement and take direction well.
A child’s personality is just as important, if not more important, than their looks. Sadly children won’t get booked for every shoot we put them forward for, so children (and parents) also need to be able to deal with and manage the disappointments and not take this personally.
“We definitely need confidence and enthusiasm from our models, which must also come across in their pictures. Equally we need to know a child can listen to the photographer and creative team’s instructions and take direction, even the littlest ones need to respond well to strangers! We’re also looking at a professional attitude from parents/guardians, from the minute they apply to the agency.” - Katie, Recruitment Desk
What Do I Have To Consider As A Parent?
Child modelling isn’t all glamorous shoot locations while earning pots of money! Yes, we do work with some amazing brands and yes many of our child models can earn high fees, but parents also need to be realistic about what child modelling entails. Quite often clients come to us with very late briefs, meaning parents have to be very flexible with attending last-minute castings or submitting self-tapes. Parents have to be willing and able to chaperone their child/children to casting and shoots (it’s a legal requirement).
Children and parents will have to commit to early call times, long travelling times and long shoot days. While on set, the parents need to behave appropriately as much as their children do - it's important they know when to assist with their child when it’s required but also know when to take a step back. The pressure from parents can be very off-putting for children.
“Sometimes children will have to face rejection and competition with other children. A positive outlook and flexible attitude towards each opportunity is a must as the industry is fast-paced and last minute! Shooting hours can sometimes be long, with lots of waiting around, so parents and children need to be prepared for this. It helps to be organised for all eventualities from varied (and specific) clothing briefs, toys/entertainment or school work for children who are not on set, and adequate food and snacks to see them through a working day. (Top tip – take a dressing gown, men’s shirt or onesie to slip on over costumes/outfits to keep them clean whilst not on set!)”
What About School?
As much as we would like them to, clients generally won't shoot at the weekend, the majority happen during the working week meaning parents have to have flexibility. It's hugely important for the child model's headteacher to be supportive of modelling as a child licence cannot be raised without the head teacher's approval of the school absence.
Junior booker Poppy explains “The licence process is important for safeguarding and ensures children who should be at school don’t miss too much. Most schools understand that the modelling and acting experience on set, is an enriching and important learning opportunity that can be used alongside traditional classroom lessons.”
How Much Does A Child Model Earn?
You would expect the large well-known brands to pay the higher fees but that is not always the case! Quite often we find that the smaller, more unknown brands, have larger marketing budgets and can pay higher child model fees - our bookers always try and negotiate the best possible rates for every job to ensure child models get the right fee for the right usage.
It’s very hard to say how much a child model could earn but a child’s day fee would be between £200-£300 and then a usage fee in addition to the day fee, which can vary from a couple of hundred to a few thousand pounds. We quite often find that one job can be very lucrative for a child if the client chooses to regularly renew the usage rights.
Is Being A Child Model Fun?
Yes of course! We have child models who have been on our books for years and the opportunities modelling has given them has hugely helped their development. Yes, it’s hard work but there is no better feeling than a child seeing their faces in print or on the big screen!
“Junior modelling can be very rewarding work, with amazing opportunities being opened up to children, regardless of their background.”
If your child is interested in modelling you can apply here!
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written by Maria Campbell-Green
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