Baby Modelling Agencies - Who is Legit?!

[Y0rkshirePudding]

Having been told by various family members, friends and total strangers that my 18mth old DS should be a baby model I decided to send his photos to a number of agencies just to give it a whirl. He's had a couple of "no's" but also several "yes's".

However, being of a suspicious nature who believes 'if its too good to be true it usually is' Im now worried about signing him up to any dodgy agencies who are just making money off the back of parents desperate to be told their child is the most beautiful by charging them rip-off fee's just to add them to their 'books'.

My son is absolutely gorgeous to me and that's all that matters, but if he can make a bit of money to put away for his future that would also be great. How do I tell if an agency is genuine? Im fully aware that some agencies charge a yearly/monthly fee for candidates to be on their books, and I know that work is not guaranteed as it obviously depends if an employer selects them for a casting or test shoot. But that's all I know.

My son has been accepted by:

Adoramodels (have sent me several emails and called me several times to arrange a 'test shoot'. Their persistence unnerves me and suggests they are going to ask for lots of money after the shoot for the photos as no costs have been laid out so far, just an insistence that he attends a test shoot at their studio)

Scallywags (£100 a year or £20 a month for him to be on their books)

Premier Tots (£100 for first year, then £75 for subsequent years)

Baby Models UK (£149 for 3 years or £75 for 1 year)

Does anyone else have their children on the books of these agencies and what has your success, or not, been so far? Are they trustworthy?

[WorraLiberty]

Surely it's up to you and his Dad to make money to put away for his future?

Either way, you shouldn't be paying them anything to make money off your child.

You wouldn't pay an employment agency for the pleasure of being on their books would you?

As soon as the child gets put to work, they'll make their money then.

[WorraLiberty]

From the Webutation site re Adoramodels...

Scam agency. Will send you to a 'test shoot' that they 'pay for' with New York City Studios photography group who hire out Lemon Studios, Beehive Mill in Manchester for the day. All seems fine until they hit you with a massive pressurised sales pitch at the end to buythephotos from anywhere between £699-£3000. I applied with already professional photographs (having worked part time as a model for 9 years and having been signed to agencies before) they told me that I was only able to use their photographs from that day to be represented on the website. (Total scam!)
It appears as though they accept anyone onto the agency, if you apply, you'll get a message back within half an hour about the test shoot!
Steer clear of this agency, it's a scam!

[Y0rkshirePudding]

WorraLiberty "Surely it's up to you and his Dad to make money to put away for his future?"

Charming! We're in a recession, not all of us have 'spare' money just lying around burning holes in our pockets! His dad and I are only just putting food on the table and clothes on his back at the moment....That's why I'd hoped a bit of money for his beautiful looks would be really helpful until his daddy and I are in a financial position to put money away for him!

How insulting - first post on mumsnet and my integrity towards my is questioned in the first reply!

And Im aware of the ONE review on Webutation regarding Adoramodels, that's why I asked if anyone had had any personal experience with the listed companies

[SarahKayTea]

Y0rkshirepudding: I wouldnt worry about what she has said (WorraLiberty) theres a million opinionated mothers out there that like to put other people down.
My theory is they have achieved nothing but have a baby, hence its the only topic they can comment on cause they have no experience elsewhere, makes them feel like their existance is worthwhile.
Having a baby is not an achievement. Majority do it. And each person does it their own way. As its their child and each child is different. So if you want to do baby modelling I would advise to go with scallywags which is a reputable firm and the only one that springs to mind currently. But be aware there are 38000 plus applications and a good amount are accepted which is nice. But its the companies that ultimately choose from all those profiles, so the agency can have alot of babies on the books, but only a handful get work.
However its nice to screenshot the emails of acceptance for fun to add to a baby book to embarrass them in later life :)

[KailaBlueYusuf]

Hi guys I'm new to this just signed up and was wondering if anyone has been with Goldilocks agency for kids ?

[Zayneb26]

Hi there mummies I'd like to know which baby modeling company is the best in the U.K. Many thanks!

[kellyl0408]

Hi, I have a little boy who is 4 now. He has been with Daisy & Dukes for the past 18 months. They are based in Welwyn Gardens, we have to go to London a few times a year but we make it a day out.
There is no fee to join them but you do pay for the photoshoot, the woman is lovely and there is no sale pitch. If you want to buy them then of course you can but not forced in to it. Michelle (D&D) then select the best pics for the website. The models pictures are hidden from the public which is very good. There is a contract to sign and the agency want the bank details of the child, not the parent - I like this part. D&D are a lovely team of girls and always there for emails or phone calls, Michelle is doing an amazing job.
He has been to castings which he loves, practicing his lines on the train. We make it fun for him.
I have heard that Scallywags is also a good one, he has just been accepted onto their books, there is a £20 per month fee.

Dont listen to what other mums say, the money my little boy makes goes into his savings account for him. Doesnt go into my pocket. If you child has been accepted, it will give them amazing experiences. Enjoy it!

[Lcally]

Wanted to help out on here because I used mumsnet to help me choose an agent. Was a bit lost after dealing with loads of scam artists. After reading reviews on here signed my 2 up with Tuesdays child. Finally a real agency!! My little girl has had 4 castings since joining in January. I had their photos done with them too because I didn't have any professional looking ones. Can highly recommend and they are really helpful and friendly.

[TreasureInMyTummy]

I've read lots of forums and chat threads on here and other websites that Tuesday child is not a proper agency .

I googled best genuine agencies and these are some that came up.

[Lfagan1991]

Hiya I’m in the same boat I think I have got my daughter into a modelling agency and I’m not sure it’s a real one it’s called pixie models she has only had one casting and we didn’t go cos they said it’s because someone didn’t turn up???? Help! Xx

[Henshaw143]

I’m worried I may have just signed up to a scam agency. The agency is called Sharp Talent Agency. I paid £99 yearly sub no monthly fee and I did it by bank transfer. Has anyone heard of them or work with them. Please let me know.🙏🏾

[Minicoops18]

Hi - did you hear back? I’ve been contacted by them too.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

Sharp talent agency is a scam.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

@Henshaw1275

Second screen shot is the comments from the first.

[Minicoops18]

Hi,

I’m staying clear of them. And going to stick to an approved list should I pursue this.

www.juniormagazine.co.uk/child-modelling/10-of-the-best-child-model-agencies/1645.html

This link might be helpful

And

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37876946

And

www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/18/modelling-agencies-platforms-scam-studio-collective

[MyDcAreMarvel]

That link from junior magazines is years out of date, they just keep rereleasing the article.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

Minicoops if you join the Facebook group and read the pinned post they advise on genuine agencies.

[Minicoops18]

Ok i’ll Check it out.

[Minicoops18]

Gosh you are right. It was updated in 2013 from the looks of it. Says May 18 at the top. Thanks for advising.

[Jyotianeja]

These agencies are basically there to make money out of the so called free photoshoots that they offer once you sign up with them. had a terrible experience with babymodels.co.uk stay away from them.

[Jyotianeja]

The £75 fee that you have mentioned is just a tip of the iceberg, they will call you for a photoshoot and charge you a bomb for the photos, if you decide not to buy them and go for another professional photographer of your own which is way cheaper and in my case much better than what they were offering, they will reject your pictures and keep your £75.

[AllWillBeWell12]

Tiny Angels are legit and super friendly. I have a 16 month old and although he hasn't been successful yet we have been to 3 castings with super well known brands. I'm planning to join a few others but for now, been happy with my experience so far. More importantly, no money upfront. Scallywags may have a decent reputation but the having to pay a fee is scandalous given the size of their agency. I think it reflects badly on them, and as someone said above, because they have soooo many kids on their books, it's likely your child won't get that much work. Best to join smaller ones I think.

[BubblegumCastingKids]

Great article, very good to know the difference between a real agency and a scam. Bubblegum Casting is the longest running children's talent agency Australia. We have three locations, being: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. We are a legitimate children's talent agency, and completely transparent on matters such as fees.

www.bubblegumcasting.com.au/