Tag Archives: child modeling agencies melbourne

Blog, Modelling

Child Modelling in Melbourne: Things to Know

Posted on by Casting Kids
child modelling melbourne
04
Jan

So, you’ve decided to see if your child has what it takes to become a model – congratulations! Child modelling can be incredibly rewarding, but does not come without difficulties. As parents, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the industry before your child begins their journey. Here are some of the things you need to know about child modelling in Melbourne.

Send clear photos

Modelling is about appearances, so it’s important that your agency knows what your child looks like! When you’ve found an agency that suits you, make sure to send through clear, visible photos of your child along with up-to-date measurements and any other pertinent information. Don’t worry about professional photographers or lighting set-ups just yet. A quality photo from a camera phone will do just fine to start!

Let your kids be kids

Casting agents are looking for children who look like children – don’t make your kids look older than they are! While it may be tempting to add things like hair extensions and false eyelashes, your child will be cast based on their age. Instead, make sure that your child looks neat and groomed, but avoid applying makeup or anything to make them appear older.

Shoots can be boring

Child modelling in Melbourne can be fun, but there is also plenty of downtime on set. While the vibe is usually very positive, younger kids may become bored or restless while waiting for their call time. To keep them occupied, bring entertainment like books, tablets or games for them to enjoy – they can even do homework between shoots!

Child modelling in Melbourne is a competitive industry

This is probably the most important thing to know about child modelling in Melbourne! While agencies keep track of availability regularly, there may be some very quiet periods where your child isn’t booking any shoots at all. Just remember this is more about what clients are looking for than your child, so don’t take it personally!

The risk of rejection is real

As with any industry, there is a very real chance that your child will be rejected after applying for shoots. From changing client requirements to cancelled shoots, there are a myriad of reasons that your child may lose out on a gig. Don’t take it personally, as another may be just around the corner!

Communication is essential

Before progressing, the most important thing is making sure that your child is enthusiastic about modelling. If your child is shy, or doesn’t enjoy having their photo taken, it might be wise to reconsider. On the other hand, children who love being the centre of attention will thrive in this environment, and child modelling could be a great choice! Be open and honest about what the work entails, and don’t force your child to do anything they don’t want to do. Remember, this is about them – not you!

Start Your Child Modelling in Melbourne Today!

At Casting Kids, we understand just how overwhelming the industry can be for new parents. Our experience in child modelling in Melbourne means that we can give your child the boost they need to kickstart a fun and rewarding career. If you’re looking to get your child started on their modelling journey, or would simply like to know more about the industry, contact us today!

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Acting, Blog, Modelling

What to Expect from a Child Agency in Melbourne

Posted on by Casting Kids
child agency melbourne
01
Dec

Whether it’s the acting bug that’s bitten your child or they want to get involved in modelling, you’ll need the help of a child agency in Melbourne. Agencies are there to help guide your child’s acting and modelling journey. However, not all agencies offer the great service you’d expect, so here are a few things you should know.

This is the bare minimum you should expect from any child agency in Melbourne. Before signing anything, make sure you’re getting value for money.

Meeting you and your child

Before anything else, your child agency should express an interest in getting to know you and your child. Unfortunately, acting and modelling isn’t for everyone, and a good agency will be a little selective in who they choose to register. This is because they don’t want to take your registration money if they don’t genuinely believe they can find work for your child.

Some agencies will gladly take your registration fees and send your child on auditions they’re unlikely to win. Reputable agencies don’t do this.

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Professional photos and network listings

Most child agencies provide a professional photo shoot for your child to help get them started. This gives them something great for their portfolio, and also helps the agency represent your child to clients.

They will also provide a profile on relevant network websites. This might be internal for just their own clients, or external for outside marketing. Make sure you’re getting this type of professional service, because it shows good representation practices.

A child agency in Melbourne represents your child

Ultimately, once the formalities are out of the way, a child agency in Melbourne is there to represent your child. This usually means a client contacts the agency with a role, and asks for referrals. The agency scours their database and send suitable children’s profiles to the client. The client then chooses who they’d like to see for an audition, and your agency facilitates this.

Alternatively, many clients trust their agency to just send the right people. In this case, the agency selects the children and arranges auditions for them. It’s all about promoting your child in the most positive light, and giving them the best opportunities to succeed.

Advice for all things casting

In addition to the basic services you’d expect from a child agency in Melbourne, there’s one extra. Advice! Navigating the world of child acting and modelling can be difficult for people outside the industry. So, you should always feel comfortable asking your agency for advice.

Always choose a reputable child agency in Melbourne

Casting Kids has developed a great reputation over a number of years. We represent children from 6 months to 16 years, and have a strong focus on diversity. Casting Kids actively promotes children of all abilities, and clients trust us to deliver well-prepared, fun-loving child actors and models.

We pride ourselves on working hard to represent our kids, just like a god child agency Melbourne should. To find out more, contact us today at Casting Kids. Parents, children and clients all love our personalised, friendly and also professional service.

Blog, Modelling

Should You Choose a Child Modelling Agency with No Fees?

Posted on by Casting Kids
child modelling agency no fees
29
Sep

When deciding which child’s talent agency you should approach for your children’s career, there’s a lot to think about. Firstly, and most importantly, your child’s safety and security are always the number one concerns. Secondly, you want to ensure the agency is reputable, with plenty of good clients and opportunities for work. You also want to know that they will represent your child fairly, and give them as much chance as their other registered kids.

Interestingly, the agency’s fee structure can play a major role in this last point. So, while a child modelling agency with no fees sounds fantastic, let’s take a look at what that really means.

Different types of fee structures

There are generally two types of fee structures for children’s agents. In fact, most talent agencies in any field have the same two fee structures.

Annual registration fee

Agencies will charge an annual registration fee. This usually includes professional photos, access to industry networks and of course, 12 months of representation. This means referring your child for suitable jobs and providing opportunities to attend auditions.

Percentage of earnings

You may have heard of agent/client relationships where the agent takes a ‘cut’ of earnings. This is usually on a percentage basis, and varies between industries. This fee structure also exists for children, and this is where you may be tempted by claims of a child modelling agency with no fees. In fact, there are fees when your child obtains work, just not a set annual amount.

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How do child modelling agencies with no fees make any money?

As mentioned above, a child modelling agency with no upfront fees makes money by taking a percentage of their clients’ earnings. The percentage will vary between agencies, but this is precisely how they make most of their money. The main issue with this, is these types of agencies often attract large numbers of kids. They aren’t selective in who they register, because as long as they’re filling jobs for clients, they make money.

This type of fee structure also doesn’t encourage a fair representation of every child on their books. While all agencies need to be selective in who they send for specific jobs, more reputable agencies will only register and take fees from children they genuinely believe they can find work for. So-called no fee child modelling agencies register heaps of children, but they may only actively represent and promote certain registered children.

The benefits of a modelling agency with fees

When you pay an annual fee to a child modelling agency, you expect a return. If you don’t get a return, if your children aren’t sent for auditions or promoted for jobs, you’re unlikely to stay registered and pay for another year. Therefore, child modelling agencies with fees need to actively promote all children on their books. Without doing this, they lose registered children and likewise their main source of income.

As a result, agencies with annual fees are more motivated to share opportunities equally, and actively represent your child fairly. They will also be more selective about who they sign up, for this very reason.

If you’d like to know more about registering your child, please contact us at Casting Kids for our honest advice.

Modelling

Do You Want Your Children Modelling?

Posted on by Casting Kids
children modelling
16
Jun

A lot of people wonder if they really want their child modelling. It’s a valid question, because it’s not an industry that suits all children. Also, not all parents are comfortable in the showbiz environment. Before you a make the decision whether to let your child do some modelling, here’s a few things to keep in mind.

Focus on fun, not fame

Firstly, think about why your child wants to model. Or, in the case of babies and toddlers, why you want your children modelling. It can be a fun activity for kids, and it can also save some valuable money for their future, but it’s also a job. However, for kids its especially important not to focus on glitz and glamour and fame. Just because they want to try a bit of modelling, it doesn’t mean they’ll be jetting off to the runways of Paris.

While it can certainly turn into a great career, most kids who try modelling just want to do it for a little bit of fun. You play a key role in keeping this pursuit light and fun. Don’t put too much pressure on the kids, and they’ll have a great time.

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When children are modelling, it’s a real job

Remember, while it’s all a bit of fun, modelling for children is still a job. As a parent, you’ll need to make time for attending auditions, casting and modelling jobs. When on a job, the directors have work to do, and they don’t always have a lot of time. Photographers and directors with experience in children modelling understand that some patience is required. But they still need to get the job done.

Modelling can be great fun, but it’s also hard work. So, make sure you and your little ones are prepared.

Making sure your child is suitable for modelling

Regardless of age, but for babies and infants in particular, there’s a few things you need to consider. We’d all agree that most babies are cute, but it takes a little more than a smiley face to be a child model. Firstly, you need consider temperament. In all children’s modelling work, there will be a requirement to stay still, and not all kids are able to do this.

You’ll also need to consider how they interact with others. Babies love being held by their parents, but what if they have to be held by another adult? This is often required, so babies need the right temperament.

For older kids, behaviour, temperament and friendliness are also requirements. There’s more expectation on older kids, so they’ll need to be able to focus on the task at hand.

Want to get started with your children modelling?

One of the best things you can do is find a reputable casting agency to help your children’s modelling career. Contact us today to find out how we can get your child started!

Blog, Modelling

What Can Your Child Get Out of Modelling in Melbourne?

Posted on by Casting Kids
acting jobs in melbourne
27
Nov

As one of many child modelling agencies in Melbourne, we can say that kids can benefit greatly from modelling. From financial gain to gaining confidence, the industry offers so much.

Does your child like the idea of modelling?

Before we go further, you need to ask yourself this question first. You need to know if your child actually wants to model. Why? The truth is, even if you support this possible career, your kid may not want to do it. Not every child does. So you have to check if they’re up to the idea. As one of many child modelling agencies in Melbourne, we suggest observing how they behave when you dress them up & make them pose for photos. If they love it, great! If not, we suggest leaving the idea behind for now. Try again in a year or two. Insisting on modelling may not work well for their growth & your relationship as parent & child.

The benefits of modelling

Various benefits await children & their families who do like the idea of modelling. 

Earning their own money

Among the many benefits modelling offers, this one usually comes to mind first. Indeed, modelling can have your child earning anywhere from a hundred to a thousand dollars depending on the client. However, entering the industry doesn’t automatically mean they will be booked. Even after signing up with one of many child modelling agencies in Melbourne like Casting Kids, agents cannot guarantee work for your child. The decision lies with each client. We can only do our best to put them forward for all suitable work.

Learning to follow directions & cooperate

Teaching children how to listen to & follow directions is important for their growth as an individual. They will learn this in the industry since they need to follow instructions given by photographers, creative directors & casting directors. Then as they learn how to listen to & follow directions, they also learn how to cooperate. 

Developing self-confidence

Modelling can enhance your kids’ self-confidence. As one of many child modelling agencies in Melbourne, we remind parents & kids to treat each casting call as an opportunity to express themselves & have fun. When children can freely express who they are, they become more confident & exude it. Still, as a parent, you play a critical part in all of these. By telling your child how beautiful they are inside & out, you help them build a strong foundation to be confident.

Learning to deal with rejection

The truth is your child will face rejection at some point in their life. This includes modelling. As we’ve mentioned above, child modelling agencies in Melbourne cannot guarantee work for your child. The decision to hire falls with each client. So, children could face a lot of rejection in the industry. Coping with it is an important trait that they need to develop. With this, modelling can also teach your child how to deal with rejection. It can help them grow some thick skin which is vital in the business.

Again, as a parent, you play an integral role in this. Your encouragement will help them cope. By reassuring them that they are beautiful, you help them remain confident. Then by telling them that it’s okay & to try again, you instil in them that rejection is part of life & that there are still other opportunities out there.

Final thoughts

Indeed, your child can reap a lot of benefits from modelling. Don’t hesitate to give it a go if they seem interested. To help you with the ins & outs of modelling, we suggest signing up with one of the many child modelling agencies in Melbourne. And here at Casting Kids, we pride ourselves in offering a friendly & personalised approach to each of our models & their families. The same goes for our clients. On that, we’ve developed a strong reputation among our clients who trust us for our in-depth market knowledge & unwavering professionalism. So, whether you’d like to know more or want to start your child’s modelling career, just call us at 1300 020 285 or send an email to office@castingkids.com.au.