Baby modelling agencies can find modelling work for your baby or toddler. Watch out for the costs and scam agencies though!
In our article about Modelling for Babies and Toddlers, we explained why it’s your infant’s temperament as much of their looks which makes them suitable (or not) for baby and toddler casting calls. Then came a warning about the cost, time and organisation essential to meet industry expectations.
Now we’re moving on to look at the key steps involved in choosing a baby or toddler modelling agency.
It’s a bit of a minefield and you can easily fall into the hands of unscrupulous moneymakers. But with careful planning and lots of luck, you’ll get your youngster represented by a reputable agency at a reasonable cost, ready for their profile to be seen by casting teams allocating castings and work.
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Applying To A Baby Model Agency
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Modelling agencies exist to make money. They have a lot of business overheads and earning income through commissions means representing working models.
So when thinking about your baby’s chance of booking jobs, key consideration includes:
- What does the infant look like?
- Is their temperament happy, sociable and confident?
- Can their family cope with the industry’s demands?
More information about these items are set out in our article about Modelling for Babies and Toddlers.
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Carefully Research Baby Model Agencies
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Fake agencies are a genuine problem and every day of the week suck lots of cash away from the unwary. Toddler modelling contests are often another distraction.
It’s also increasingly difficult to tell the good guys from the bad because of all the photoshoot and representation fees applied by genuine agencies.
With everyone paying to play, the key differences between the acceptable agencies and the ones you must avoid seem to be:
- Keeping all costs below £200 a year
- Being upfront about all the costs before you even apply
- A busy social media feed showing babies working on genuine, paid jobs
- Parents talking about their positive experiences in natural online interactions
Start your research by following baby modelling agencies on social media. Take careful note of castings, booked work and interactions with families. If the agency talks about its models working on big campaigns, do you see any real evidence they really did?
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How To Apply To Baby Modelling Agencies
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Every baby and toddler modelling agency has its own procedure for accepting applications, and not all of them explain it clearly on their website.
Many agencies accept applications throughout the year. Some even look at Instagram photos when a hashtag with the agency name is added.
The more competitive ones tend to open their books to babies and toddlers in a short time slot – perhaps as brief as a day or two depending on the response received!
So make sure you are ready with the up to date photo and measurements, and fill out every box of the application form correctly.
Take note of the photo requirements, both in terms of what you see in the picture and the data size.
If you aren’t accepted, move on to another agency application. Never ask for feedback – the request is unwelcome and you won’t get an answer.
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Baby Model Agency Contracts
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After the agency meets you and your baby, and decides to take you on, they’ll offer a contract. Take note if these stages don’t happen – especially if you get asked for money instead!
Each agency has its own contract terms and conditions. Read and understand every clause before you bind yourself legally to them.
Be clear about the following points:
- Is this a sole contract preventing work from other sources?
- How long does the contract last?
- What are your costs and obligations?
- How much commission does the agency charge?
- What are the agency obligations to you?
- How much notice must you give to leave?
There can be implications about your social media presence and activity, commission for baby modelling work you found through casting websites such as Starnow, a requirement to attend & pay for parental training sessions, and a variety of costs for other services.
Remember, your infant could receive no casting calls at all, attend many castings and book no job, or have alternating periods of frantic castings followed by weeks of silence.
Then parents get frustrated if they are dissatisfied with the modelling agency and want to leave – but can’t accept an offered place at another agency immediately because of the contract they signed. Pay attention to the notice period required and remember that you agreed to it.
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Baby And Toddler Modelling Agency Upfront Charges
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The Gov.UK site is very clear in its legal advice about fees and charges modelling agencies may apply to their represented models.
Some people suggest in forums that this doesn’t apply to under 18 year olds – but since when do children receive fewer legal rights than adults?
This is what the Gov.UK site says:
“You can’t charge fees or deduct money from a model’s earnings until they agree to your terms and conditions. You can’t charge any upfront fees for finding work for photographic and fashion models. This includes putting information about the models in a publication or website.
However, after you’ve found work for a model you can charge fees for:
including information about them in a publication or website
providing a service to find the model work (these fees must have been agreed with the model before you started looking for work for them)
Fees for other services
You can charge fees for other services such as producing a photo or show reel. You have to put the terms and conditions for these in a separate document. You need to give this to the performer, model or entertainment worker before providing these services.
You can’t make using other services you provide a condition of you finding work for someone.
You can’t charge fees until 30 days after the start of the contract for these services. The performer, model or entertainment worker can cancel within these 30 days and won’t have to pay you anything.”
Gov.UK
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Do Baby Modelling Agencies Charge Fees?
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Baby modelling agencies with absolutely no fee for photographs or website representation, and sole reliance on commission for work done, seem to be exceptionally rare.
You’ll notice as you work through the list of agencies further down that some of them charge monthly or annual fees, up front and even if your youngster doesn’t get any castings or work. But we’ve reluctantly included them as an option because they do find genuine, paid work for the lucky few chosen by external casting teams.
Some baby modelling agencies insist that you use their photographer for profile pictures. Make sure you know the FULL cost of doing this – no more than £100 at the most – and don’t get persuaded into paying more at a later stage, especially in the studio.
Suddenly persuaded to pay £300 in the studio and made to feel awkward about leaving? That’s a scam!
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Find A Baby Model Agency In London
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This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, but by the time you research them you’ll have a good idea what a reputable baby modelling agency looks like.
Alphabet Kidz
- Model and talent agency established in London in 2003
- Represents babies, children and teens for work in TV, Films, Commercials, Voiceovers and Photographic bookings
- Follow on social media to find out when books open, although baby applicants welcome throughout the year
- You must live within a 1.5 hour radius of Central London
- Find out more about Alphabet Kidz
Bizzykidz Agency
- Model and talent agency established in London in 1996
- UK’s largest child modelling agency
- You can live anywhere, as long as willing to travel with short notice
- Apply via the website
- Mixed reviews online because of the website & photo fees, but it is a genuine agency
- Part of the behind-the-scenes Channel 4 series The Tiny Tots Talent Agency
Bonnie and Betty Agency
- Model and talent agency established in London in 2009
- Manchester division opened in 2013
- Represent babies, toddlers, children and teenagers; also an adult division
- Website sets out commission charges and costs for headshots & website
- Follow on social media/ join email list to find out when books open
- Sole agency
- Find out more about Bonnie and Betty
Bruce & Brown
- A leading London model agency established in 1988
- Follow on social media to find out when books open
- You must live within a “comfortable commute” of Central London
Elisabeth Smith
- Talent agency established in London in 1960
- Representing babies, children and teenagers
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
- You must live within a 1 hour radius of Central London
Grace & Galor
- Established in 2008
- London and Ibiza
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
- You must live in or near London
Kiddiwinks Agency
- 0 to 18 years
- Not a sole agency, so you can also register with other non-sole agencies
- Apply via the website when books are open
- Agency aims to reply within 14 days even if you’re not a fit for the books
- You don’t have to live in London, but must be ready to travel at short notice
- Optional £10 charge for website photo taken on assessment day
- NO UPFRONT/ANNUAL AGENCY CHARGES
- Relies on earning commission when youngsters work
Kids London
- A leading London model agency established in 1996
- Branches in London and Manchester, but most of the work is in London
- Representing birth to 22 years of age
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
MOT models
- London model agency established in 1985
- Focus on developing new talent
- Sister agency to Zone Models
- Never uses scouts to find models
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
Norrie Carr Agency
- Established 1963
- babies, teens, adults and seniors
- Apply when books open, following website instructions
- Website sets out commission charges and costs for headshots & website
- You must live in or near London
Pixie Child Model Agency
- Established 2017
- Also a talent agency and Spotlight member
- From 0 to 21 years
- Fees and charges on website
- Apply on the website – families invited to a London meeting
- Charges and fees specified on the website
“As all of our children are put forward for TV, film, stage & commercial work as well as photographic modelling, this is in compliance with the BIS. The website fee includes any updates to your child’s details throughout the year.”
Scallywags
- Established in 1984
- representing babies, children and teenagers for modelling work in advertising, photographic, fashion and television commercials since 1984.
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
- Sole agency
- Scallywags modelling reviews are mixed because their modelling fees are charged for all youngsters regardless of any castings/work, but it is a genuine agency submitting profiles for baby and toddler modelling casting calls.
Signature Model & Acting Agency
- Established 2013
- Represents 0-21 years old
- Follow on social media/join email list to find out when books open
- Sole agency
- Find out more about Signature Models
Truly Scrumptious
- Well respected model agency opened in 1987 and closed in 2014
Urban Angels
- Established in London in 2003, northern branch opened
- Ages 0-16
- Considers families willing & able to travel for castings/jobs
- Only unrepresented children considered
- Commission and charges specified on the application form
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Baby Modelling Agencies In Manchester
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BOSS Model Management Ltd
- Established in Manchester in 1988
- Books always open to applicants (via website application form only)
Bonnie and Betty Agency
- Model and talent agency established in London in 2009
- Manchester division opened in 2013
- Website sets out commission charges and costs for headshots & website
- Follow on social media/ join email list to find out when books open
- Sole agency
- Find out more about Bonnie and Betty
Urban Angels
- Established in London in 2003, northern branch later opened
- Ages 0-16
- Considers families willing & able to travel for castings/jobs
- Only unrepresented children considered
- Commission and charges specified on the application form
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Baby Modelling In The West Midlands
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Baby and toddler modelling agencies in Birmingham and the West Midlands have less local industry demand than London agencies enjoy. That means there’s less baby modelling work nearby – so it’s important how much you’re charged for representation.
Alan Sharman Agency
- Longstanding agency
- licenced babies to age of 15 for photographic, television, fitting and catwalk
- Real and model families
- Modelling and Supporting Artiste TV (Extras) work
- No joining or registration fees
- Apply via the website; they will be in touch within 30 days if interested
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Baby Modelling In The North East
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Demand for baby models is significantly lower in the North East than in London and Manchester. However, baby modelling work nearby does sometimes crop up so you might get lucky.
NE1 4TV
- Newborns to pensioners
- An extras agency which also represents actors and models
- No agency fees – just commission percentage (set out clearly on the website) taken from paid work
- Not a sole agency so you can join other non-sole agencies
- No selection process, just create an online profile
TTM Management (formerly Tyne Tees Models)
- Founded in 1994
- Newborns to pensioners
- represents models, promotional staff, actors, extras, dancers, make-up artists and stylists
- Applicants to email the address on the website
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Baby Modelling in Scotland
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Baby and toddler modelling jobs in Scotland occur far less frequently than in London, so be careful about the upfront costs of any agency you approach.
Superior Model Management
- Established 2014 in Glasgow
- No specific age requirements for under 18s
- Apply via the website
The Model Team
- Established more than 50 years ago in Glasgow
- Families division
- Apply via the website
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Final Thoughts
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Baby and toddler modelling isn’t for the faint hearted. Finding a reputable agency to accept your infant without a big upfront payment is hard.
But remember, getting to that stage is only the beginning.
Next comes the huge expense and turmoil of castings, and only a very small number of youngsters ever get to work on a paid photoshoot. Think carefully about whether this is a good move for you and your family.
