Child Model Agency? Scam?

[resgmom]

I know a number of moms whose kids went for modeling/other media exposures. Not to generalize, but from what I observed, they’re mostly SAHM with the means and time to shuffle their children for auditions, casting etc at far flung places e.g. industrial estates where the studios are located. It is time consuming and the hit rate is low, especially for the "newbies". And yes, many of those kids are pan-asian with more striking features. Those kids who successfully got jobs, and who managed to garner repeated businesses, are not necessary those who have been through the "training". They just naturally could do it and are ok with repeating certain emotions/lines/actions/pose for countless times without getting frustrated. Many parents pay large sums (upwards of $700) to be under certain "agents" and to get modeling training portfolio shots, etc. There are no lack of parents who want their kids to be stars and willingly pay this kind of money to be under certain agents/modeling agencies for the chance to get "referrals". However, once you’re in and did a few good jobs, words get around and you no longer need agents.


There are many castings going on at any point, either paid or unpaid. Usually if the kid/parents are interested in specific roles, they’ll send their photos in. The richer parents would be able to pay for portfolio shots, which are more professional and possibly garner more "hits". Check out AADB (no affiliation with me). You can read the titles of the postings free but must pay to be a member to read the details.

When I was still a SAHM, I brought my kids to some casting sessions, just for the fun and experience. In the end, after going through like 20+ casting sessions, we got a total of 2 "jobs" for my son - and he has a kind of pan-asian look…no long have the time to attend any casting sessions now that I am not a SAHM.