So, I can't believe I'm even going here. But everyone is saying I have an adorable baby and all that (but, really, who doesn't have an adorable baby), and that I need to get her an agent. It's gone beyond people just being nice to people getting frustrated with me that I haven't pursued this further to people giving me names of places to take her. I don't know if I even want to open that can of worms. Soooo...here's what I need. Does anyone know a reputable place to start this process, just for me to get a glimpse of what I would be getting into with baby modeling? I know NOTHING about the business, I'm just you're average Jane when it comes to looks, but if this could pull in some cash for her college savings account, I'm all for it. Also, if you are involved in this, what do I do? What does it do to the kid? What do you tell your other children (we don't have any yet) if they aren't as "cute" according to the worlds standard? I want to be level-headed, savvy, yet open to giving her opportunities if they are worth pursuing. Please help!
Got it. If they ask for money, get outta there. Thanks for all the names, I'm gonna send out some photos. I'll let you know if this goes anywhere. Either way, my baby is always cute enough for MY photo shoots, right?
Check out http://www.trubates.com/plymouth-mn/offer/13882/30-for-12...
This deal seems very interesting!
I've worked for years in the advertising industry and the one thing I always tell people is that if the 'agency' asks you for a dime don't do it! Reputable agencies make commission off your paid jobs, the ones that charge fees have no incentive for you to ever work because they're making their money off of you. Some do have training classes, like Caryn's but it's not necessary if you have talent. And completely unecessary for a baby!
Wehman and Moore are both union agencies, but there are a couple of non-union talent agencies: N.U.T.S. (non union talent services), Meredith, Richter. You can also go through casting companies. Lynn Blumenthal Casting is very reputable as is Akerlind & Associates. You can find all of their contact information on the MN Film Board's website at www.mnfilm.org under pre-production and creative services.
Hope this helps.
T.
My only advice is if any agency wants money go somewhere else. If your baby is that pretty and someone wants her in advertising they will pay you.
I also was told the same things about my baby. My daughter is now 5. I had alot of good luck just playing around with Proex's Cute Kid Contest they have every year we were chosen as a semi finalist several times and it grabs people's attention and the grand prize winner wins a contract and portfolio with a agent. I have also brought my daughter to a supposedly child modeling agents and they wanted to rip me off, NEVER never never give them any money. You may need to create a portfolio for your daughter but you can do that with any professioal photographer yourself. I had someone trying to talk me into a $500 dollar portfolio only their photographer could shoot.. plus they wanted addn'tl money and a few months later they were on the news for scamming people. The only legit modeling agency I've ever heard of in MN is called Caryn International I believe. I know for a fact they are legit and good, knew someone from highschool that used them and my friends kids use them and are in Target ads all the time. Those people in the mall or on the radio John Roberts and this and that modeling schools I think are rip offs too. Besides a portfolio you should never have to spend any money they should be paying you.
My daughter has been in contact with Caryn and gone to one assignment... I haven't tried very hard but this is helpful for me also - thanks everyone!
Hi K.,
Be careful, there are good modeling agencies in the TC. Many are more like modeling schools where you end up spending much more than you will ever make. Babies for modelling assignements mostly come in one size 24 months size clothes not bigger or smaller. The next size is usually 6 kids. I used to be a convention manager for a New York hotel and one of the groups I handled was International Modelling and Talent Assn. Hundreds of teenage girls who had been told all their lives they should go into modelling came with hopes of getting "found" by a New York agent. For the most part the agents wouldn't even see them unless they were 5'9" or taller for runway and designer's modeling. Most girls went home having spent thousands of dollars in glossy pictures, modelling schools the hotel and got nothing in return, but their hopes shattered. "Stage mothers of the younger kids were even sadder to watch, because it was their dream not their childs. Do want you want but don't think you'll have her college education paid for in the process.
K.-
My son has an agent through the Wehmann Agency in Minneapolis. I have involved three friends with them as well. I sent them a letter with a picture when he was about 6 months old, basically saying vall me if you are interested. He has done a number of auditions through them and has done two or three jobs where he is paid by the hour and Wehmann takes an agency cut- I think 15%. As long as YOU don't make a big deal about it, I think the kids are fine with it. Sometimes my son isn't in the mood to do it and I just skip it. I also don't focus on the "cuteness" aspect with him, as I don't want him to think you can go through life easier because you are "cute"-- I just talk to him about the other kids and how fun it can be to take your picture and that kind of stuff. A lot of the kids they represent are more interesting looking then cute ( or are cute with a unique look). They have a website if you look them up on Google.
Good Luck.
Hi. My cousin's daughter (she's not a baby) went through this organization http://www.namiss.com/. National American Miss Pagent. It's excellent. My cousin also recommended Wehmann and Caryn Intl.
There are also 2 or 3 more agencies that are reputable in Mpls. Google Minneapolis Modeling agencies.
I hope this helps!
I read good things about Caryn International. Just do not pay money. An agency my cousins went to had to pay $500 and they have never been featured in anything. They wanted money from us too and I cancelled our appt. I sent Caryn a picture and we didn't get a call. I have been told my strangers and others how cute my DD is but it's all in the eye of the beholder. Good luck.
