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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider signing up baby for modelling?

42 replies

BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 10/10/2021 10:08

Baby boy is 3 months old. Does anyone have experience of their young children modelling or acting?

I fully understand he may not be model material just because I think he's the most gorgeous baby ever Grin and I am likely to be working full time so it would be an occasional thing...

If anyone has any advice or recommendations I would be grateful.

OP posts:
Closetbeanmuncher · 10/10/2021 12:10

This is definitely a first time parent vanity thing..

You could look into it I guess but the faffing would probably outweigh the financial aspect.

BlanketPiggy · 10/10/2021 12:11

Also depends if you want your kid judged on their appearance, a lot people would be uncomfortable with that

KingdomScrolls · 10/10/2021 12:14

DS did some modelling as a toddler, no agency, DH used to work in film and TV and a friend of his was let down and had seen pictures of DS on Facebook so called us, he only did 3 days no casting and got £500. It was local to where we live. It was long days and very boring for him and me, I wouldn't do it again or as a means to earn money. I can earn more than that.

Notimeforaname · 10/10/2021 12:17

You can't do it if you work full time. Shoots hardly ever happen on weekends

SE13Mummy · 10/10/2021 12:23

YANBU to consider it but you need to have a pretty thick skin and to be able to get into London at the drop of a hat. If you'd be happy with being signed by an agency and so in with a chance of paid work but just get on with the rest of your life in the mean time, great. If you are someone who would find it hurtful if your DC wasn't selected for jobs, steer clear.

Also, there are reputable agencies such as Bruce & Brown, Kids London, Bonnie & Betty, Ray & Robin etc. but many more that are modelling platform scams so be very careful about taking your DC along to 'test shoots' where you are then asked to pay for a portfolio. Look out for casting calls by children's photographers as you may find that's a way to get a taste of the modelling world but without needing to be able to drop everything at the last minute. My youngest DC has been with a couple of the agencies mentioned above having enjoyed taking part in photographer friends' photoshoots. Over the past six years they've had jobs for M&S, Next, filmed a couple of adverts, been in some magazines, met some fabulous people and had a lot of fun doing things they wouldn't have got to do otherwise. One of the adverts paid them extremely well and has been used for years whereas they didn't make the final cut for the other. It's not something to do for money or fame.

Original poster
BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 10/10/2021 20:24

Ok you have talked me out of it. There is little benefit. We do not need the money. I plan to put away some money for baby anyway. Not sure why it appealed having read all that!

Thank you for the reality check.

PFB?

No, second baby. But first baby died so this one is even more precious.

OP posts:
Planningspringflowers · 10/10/2021 20:49

So sorry for your loss, @BunnytheFriendlyDragon

I’m sure your baby is gorgeous. I honestly didn’t get the impression anyone was being unkind Flowers just a gentle tease. I’m definitely guilty of thinking DS is the most beautiful baby in the world Smile

Original poster
BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 10/10/2021 20:56

@Planningspringflowers Thank you. I didn't think anyone was being unkind. Did I say something wrong? Hmm

OP posts:
Planningspringflowers · 10/10/2021 21:05

No, not at all, I was just worried the teasing about PFB might have been upsetting given the horrible experience you went through. Probably projecting my own feelings there.

Original poster
BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 10/10/2021 21:09

Yes I am probably a bit sensitive about the "PFB" thing as my PFB isn't here but I didn't think anyone was being unpleasant and I didn't mean to make it sound like they were. I'm not sure in making sense.

Thanks again for the advice all.

OP posts:
LittleBird74 · 10/10/2021 21:11

It really is a big commitment and if you work you need a job that is extremely flexible where they will be happy for you to take time off at 24 hrs or less notice (or you can work on the go). I’m lucky to have one but not all employers are so flexible and as many have mentioned, you can’t turn down a casting without good reason.

Unless I lived in central London I don’t think I would think of signing up with a baby.

My son has been represented since he was 4 (10 now). It really is great fun, but also need a very thick skin as for every great experience there will be lots of disappointments along the way.

Original poster
BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 10/10/2021 21:19

I live in the North so not near London and even getting to Manchester would take an hour.

OP posts:
LittleBird74 · 12/10/2021 17:43

Yeah in that case you need to be able to be willing to travel to castings with 24 hours notice at your own cost.
We live north 2 - almost 2 hours from Manchester and 2.5 from London and it is tiring at times!

VladmirsPoutine · 12/10/2021 18:03

It's worthing looking into even if it doesn't lead to anything. There's a certain kind of 'look' that I've noticed is very popular across all demographics.

Shelddd · 12/10/2021 18:16

I'm not a fan of this at all and wouldn't consider it. Obviously there are big issues around consent and this will stay with them for life for what may just be a couple hundred or thousand pounds for you.

Also not sure the life of an actor/model/singer is the best for a child. Lots of issues there and not sure I would want to push my child down that path (but if they wanted to pursue it on their own I would of course support it and try to help them navigate that world in a safe way).

JapanJetplane · 12/10/2021 18:28

My baby was talent scouted for modelling and we were offered some jobs but it was a real pain not being in London and not being available at the drop of a hat.

Skysblue · 12/10/2021 21:36

Your baby IS beautiful. And calm.

But he would not enjoy modelling, and he’s too young to tell you if the flashbulbs hurt his eyes (DD’s eyes were really hurt by a recent school photo shoot flash!), and make up is bad for his sensitive skin, plus it would be weird for him being passed around strangers who don’t give a toss about him, and the job involves a lot of boring travel and being on call / waiting around for very little money per hr.

I wouldn’t do that to my child unless I was broke, and even then would probably prefer to get money a different way. Let him soend the time a better way, playing with you and friends and visiting parks etc.

You don’t need to have someone hire him as a model to validate the fact that you have a beautiful baby.

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