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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

12 y.o dd just been scouted by top London model agency, isn't she too young?!

148 replies

seakelp · 02/07/2011 15:42

A woman approached my dd and asked her if she'd been scouted before, she said no, she then gave her a card and I've checked the agency out, it's basically v. well known indeed.

My dd is only 12 though, surely it's a big mistake?

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 02/07/2011 15:44

It could happen, I think they look for new talent in young girls and sign them up for when they're older. Don't pay out any money for everything; then if it's fake or you've been mislead, you won't have lost out.

Punkatheart · 02/07/2011 15:44

Sadly no....they start 'em young. Is it something your daughter wants to do? It is a compliment but a very competitive and bitchy industry...but if she wants that career.......

UrsulaBuffay · 02/07/2011 15:46

On that channel 4 tv series that was on there was a new faces section, they looked after young girls & waited to see how they developed as obviously they grow & change a lot. So yes she could be signed up but probably won't 'work'.

I think that was Premier.

Original poster
seakelp · 02/07/2011 15:48

They aren't fake, basically, they already said on the website no need to get professional photos done or pay for anything as that would definitely be dodgy.

OP posts:
LineRunner · 02/07/2011 15:48

This is a wind-up, right? Does anyone ever seriously use the expression 'top London model agency'??

Anyway, agencies will sign up anything that moves if it's young and thin enough. Just tell them to fuck off and leave your child alone. They are parasitic morons.

TanteRose · 02/07/2011 15:50

agree with LineRunner. Bin the card and forget about it..

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 02/07/2011 15:52

They might be 'parasitic morons' LineRunner but they're a business like anything else. They sign up what they can sell. Why do you assume it's a wind-up because of a phrase? I think you sound a bit envious tbh.

soverylucky · 02/07/2011 15:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

noddyholder · 02/07/2011 15:55

It is a legitimate career if you are the 'right' face and figure. That is the bare bones of it (literally!). Would she like to do it? If she is not hugely academic it is an option

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 15:56

LyingWitch It's just a really ... smug, lazy phrase. Like 'top university' or 'top people'. Trying to be meaningful in a meaningless way.

I don't think I sound envious. I think I sound like I am not in thrall to the modelling industry that signs up children to sell images of womanhood.

mrswoodentop · 02/07/2011 15:57

Lily Cole just got a double first from Cambridge so not necessarily not academic

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 15:58

Ah hah! A 'top university'!

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 02/07/2011 16:00

Fair enough, LineRunner, envy is probably not the right word then. It just sounded a little bit like 'raining on a parade', 'sour graping'. I don't think I'd want my daughters in the industry either, same goes for acting, not that they're not worthy professions, just that I hate the way the public treats these professions as if they own anybody in them. I'd like something better for them. :)

noddyholder · 02/07/2011 16:00

True but she went back at a later date and I would assume most agencies wouldn't wait for someone to fully complete education. If she is scouted at 12 then they are looking for her to prob start 'work' at about 14-15 in some form so if she didn't have immediate uni ambitions it would be a good earner.

Original poster
seakelp · 02/07/2011 16:01

Can't reveal the name as too well known. Funnily enough, dd has this 'oh you should be a model' since she was tiny so was completely unfazed, but the friends she was with were more excited than she was. The thing is, I'm not a pushy mum, dd is v. sensible ( after the woman left she texted me to tell me and wanted me to check them out).

We don't live in London, but anyway, what's the point of getting girls so young? Dd is keen to have a go though so would be grateful for some advice.

OP posts:
DogsBestFriend · 02/07/2011 16:02

No, it's not too young, the agencies work in much the same way as football club scouts do. They identify young talent and see if A. They can work with it now, and B. The talent continues to be exceptional as the child/youngster grows up.

There's hardly a need for your DD to make any life-changing decisions now, she can keep a foot in both camps (school/normal life and modelling) if she desires and consider her options when she's older. All this would mean is that she has an option which most other youngsters don't have.

Keep an open mind, good luck to your DD and I hope that whatever she chooses to do, she's happy.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 02/07/2011 16:02

Ring the agency then, OP. If it's reputable, they know exactly what format they want to follow and will want your daughter to follow. They will probably be able to give you some contacts for further information. :)

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 16:02

On another thread MNs are talking about 12 year old boys - and maths.

Says it all, really.

meditrina · 02/07/2011 16:06

There are reputable teen model agencies, or junior sections to deal with children. It's a lot of effort, because of the needs for chaperonage and probably licensing, and getting time off school etc. So some of the "big" names do exclusively adult modelling for which you need to be 16 (they will see younger girls, but will ask them to return when old enough).

Being scouted doesn't, of course, mean you'll be taken on. And even if you're taken on, it doesn't mean you'll get any work.

HowlingBitch · 02/07/2011 16:07

Why are you being so bitter LineRunner?

Liluri · 02/07/2011 16:15

There is no reason why she shouldn't sign up and see how she gets on - if you both want her to.
You'll have to take her to castings, so you'll be well aware of what she is doing.
My friend's DD has modelled since she was young - for ELC, Mothercare, Boden, Asda, Disney etc.
All fun shoots for their latest seasons, with lots of other children around and v well regulated re working laws.
Nothing oppressive or demeaning about it - just travel, fun and bit of a dosh.
It's not all just based on looks either, they often cast on personality.

worraliberty · 02/07/2011 16:20

OP there are lots of child models around when you look at adverts and magazines.

If I were you, I'd ring the Agency and have a good chat about your concerns. Perhaps you and your DD could make a list of questions you want to ask?

LineRunner why on earth are you so angry? The OP hasn't killed any small puppies or kittens...she's just asking a question Confused

JamieAgain · 02/07/2011 16:24

This is what happened on the series "The Model Agents" , and yes, it was a top London agency. They scout for young girls then watch them as they mature. They know what they are looking for even at this age. They then start to work at around 16. Having seen the series, I'd steer well clear

JamieAgain · 02/07/2011 16:26

I wouldn't be envious. They are looking for a look - not beauty per se, although I'm sure your DD is lovely, OP. But it doesn't look like a happy life to me. They are a commodity. Too much for developing minds and bodies.

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 16:38

I'm pissed off because we're talking about a 12 year old girl being approached by a stranger and invited to 'model' and, as JamieAgain says, become a commodity.

Maybe I don't know why it makes me quite so pissed off, but the word 'exploitation' is lurking in the recesses of my mind.