I have been asking you moms a lot of questions lately and everyone has been so helpful. Thanks to all! A friend who hasn't seen my daughter in a year and recently met my son for the first time gave me an idea. I am currently staying home with my 2 and I would like to keep them home for another 6 months or so. Well, he kept commenting on how pretty my daughter is and how cute my son is and when he was leaving he told me I should get them into modeling to make a few dollars. I have to say it is a good idea because I would not have to worry about a sitter etc. So my question is are there any moms out there who do this and how did you get started? A year ago, my daughters sitter gave me the name and # of a local woman who is well known in the Dallas area for this but I have forgotten her name. I also was wondering if anyone had any experience with Commercial Kids or Kids Talent? I did submit photos to Kids Talent because it was simple and free and BBB approved.
I appreciate any advice on this and THANKS to all you moms who are so willing to share their knowledge!
I just want to clarify what my intentions are here. I do not want this to be a career for my children. It is just temporary in order to get by for the next 6 months before I return to work and school. My son was deathly ill when he was 5 weeks old from something my daughter dragged home from daycare. I am trying to stay at home with them for at least a year to avoid another horrific experience. I would never forgive myself if he were to become that sick again and I could have avoided it.
I took my my 2 children last week to have photos taken and my 2 year old loved it. She was a ham. That is another reason I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for a little while. If in the future she decides she would like to do it on her own, then we can discuss it when the time comes.
I appreciate everyones advice and information more than you know and I will let you know what happens.
Thanks again!
Hi there! You have already received a lot of good info on there. But if you need any more, just let me know. I work for an advertising agency in Dallas and have shot multiple shoots with children, etc. I can give you contact info to all the shoots and give you the "other" side of the biz...the client side. Just give me a shout!
Good luck!
I am an actress with a local agent and considered getting my son into it too. However, I have decided against it for the time being. I really think you should wait till at least age 5 or a little older. As the other poster pointed out, you are really at the mercy of the shoot you are at. You can't sign up saying you can only work around nap times or prior commitments. Maybe your kids are different, but my son lives by his schedule. I would rather him be happy right now knowing he has his nap and eating times set, than get him into this business. Let your kids be kids for now and if they show an interest when they are old enough to have their own interests, then go for it then. Also, doing it for the money isn't such a great idea. If an agent accepts you, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for professional headshots before you even start getting modeling work, and even then it isn't guaranteed. Just something else to consider. But if you do decide to go ahead, then as mentioned Kim Dawson is a good one to submit to. Good luck.
Hi S.,
I can be a wealth of information to you if you need advise on modeling and acting in the Dallas area. My children are with a local agency and have been in the business for over 6 years now. They have all done well in the print and broadcast side of the business.
I caution you, however, to not get into this business to make money for yourself. The money that the children make belongs to them!! Their names are on the checks and morally speaking, their income should not be used to pay household bills. My children know how much money they make and I do let them spend a little of their money on occasion. However, the bulk of their money is placed in a college savings account.
In this business, you can smell the moms that are in it for the money. They wreak of desperation and get so upset when their children don't work. It's obvious to us other moms and it's terribly sad for the children. Children should not be put in a position to be breadwinners for their households. Take a look at the Hollywood scene and the history of child actors. Most of the actors that have gone awry are the ones that were taking care of their families. Because of that, the parents spoiled them and kissed up to them to keep them happy. Virtually raising little money making monsters. Then they are surprised when they are plastered all over the tabloids a la Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan.
Also, as a parent, it takes a lot of dedication to be in this business, especially because you don't get paid to sit around while the children are on a shoot. You don't get to take their money to pay for your gas and no one pays you for your time. You are mom/manager. That's it. You also have to be on the agency and client's schedule. If you are serious about getting work for your children, you have to be at their mercy as far as scheduling is concerned. If you can handle all of that, then go for it.......It does have it's ups and downs. Mostly for me, it's been ups......aside from the moms who wreak.
E-mail me privately if you would like more information.
Check out Kim Dawson Agency (I guess this is the most known for modeling) in Dallas. Go to http://www.kimdawsonagency.com and go to models. Hope it helps. It is always a few extra bucks - bu tit is also a hard work with the kids (espceially keepig them happy for the session that sometimes comes right in the middle of nap time) Good luck!
I just wanted to say that althought I am not into the modeling thing myself, it seems reasonable to allow yourself to keep some of the money made in the process if your kids do it. I realize that in theory they are doing the work, but lets face it, you are doing the real work, so a little compensation, as their "manager" seems fair to me. I have never heard of managers working for free. Not that I would throw my kids out there for money, but if it is a win win situation for all of you, I think it could be reasonable to allow yourself some portion of the check. I realize I am in the minority so far, but just thought you might want a little boost! Take care and good luck! ~A.~
I recommend the Kim Dawson Modelling Agency. Go to www.kimdawsonagency.com, click on Models, and then FAQS to see which instructions to follow.
My three children model. Yes it is a lot of work. And yes all their money goes into their own account. Luckily for me we do not need the compensation. At times I have "borrowed" it, but I always return it. My advise is maybe look into something else. When I had my first daughter I worked in a church. I brought my daughter with me, worked a little, and helped pay the bills. Now I work at a mother's day out 2 days a week where I bring my children also. They started at 8 weeks old. One thing I love about mother's day out is the children do not need to go for the most part. So most mothers do not bring their child if they start to come down with a cold etc. Hope this helped :) And I hope your son is much better now...the sacrafices we make for the ones we love!!
The Clutts Agency specializes in children acting/modeling.
thecluttsagency.com
