<![CDATA[Child Model Agency? Scam?]]>Maybe this topic should be under chit chat?


Have your child been approached by model agency to be child model? Or go for audition? Just want to know if it's a scam. :?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/20715/child-model-agency-scamRSS for NodeTue, 13 Oct 2026 12:40:16 GMTTue, 29 Mar 2011 04:12:19 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:07:13 GMT]]>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.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939466https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939466Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:07:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 07:32:57 GMT]]>

limlim:
rosemummy:



For teenagers, modelling can be lucrative. I've a friend who was able to support herself, and her car, through university by just doing part-time modelling.

only modelling.....? :evil: :evil:

:spank: :spank: you had not enough news of a certain nature?
:xedfingers: the :love: star is not the 太岁 for this year！

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939344https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939344Wed, 16 Jan 2013 07:32:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:53:55 GMT]]>

rosemummy:


For teenagers, modelling can be lucrative. I've a friend who was able to support herself, and her car, through university by just doing part-time modelling.
only modelling.....? :evil: :evil:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939202https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939202Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:53:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:06:28 GMT]]>

alexlee:
If you are serious about getting your kid to model and your kid has the talent for it, email your kid's photos to a reputable modelling agency in Singapore like Basic Models. They represent kids in commercial prints and videos. And their booker/agent is one of the best in the modelling industry.


Website: http://www.basicmodels.com.sg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/basicmodels
😆 😆 Another self promo/advertisement.

But seriously... if you are talent spotted they won't need you to pay for the portfolio shots. And to answer the question, how does cute boys and girls end up on magazine covers? Many of them are children of the staff or people in the same circle. A minority is talent spotted.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939074https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/939074Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:06:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:07:20 GMT]]>If you are serious about getting your kid to model and your kid has the talent for it, email your kid's photos to a reputable modelling agency in Singapore like Basic Models. They represent kids in commercial prints and videos. And their booker/agent is one of the best in the modelling industry.


Website: http://www.basicmodels.com.sg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/basicmodels

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/938630https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/938630Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:07:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:41:11 GMT]]>If you are really keen in modelling, there's such a thing as TFCD (Time For CD). You can make arrangements with a professional photographer to get professional studio shoots done and in exchange, the photographer will get to showcase your photos as part of his/her portfolio. Then you can just 'advertise' your child's portfolio online.


My boy has gone for numerous TFCD sessions and it's very fun. You don't have to pay for the shoots (only pay for transport to the studio or location if doing outdoor shoots). I even did a breastfeeding TFCD session with a photographer that I've been working with during my pregnancy (to take TFCD maternity shoots).

For child models, looks isn't everything. They also lookout for the disposition of the child (can follow instructions? easy to coax? adaptable to new environment?). Of cos, it also depends on the flexibility of the child & parent's schedules.

When I was a full time teacher, my dad will drop my boy with my maid off for shoots, then return to pick them up. Or he'll stay with them if he's free. I tried to accompany him for shoots but they were normally on weekdays, so it was quite hard (unless it was school holidays).

Also, for child modelling, the pay isn't fantastic until parents can quit and accompany your kids full time. It's just for the fun and experience. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388792https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388792Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:41:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:38:07 GMT]]>For child model, I think the portfolio is free if they’re keen on you. Those who ask you to pay is out to just sell you a service.


Anyway, for parenting magazines, they do ask you to send in your child’s picture. If you’re keen, just do that. My girl was featured before in some parenting magazines some years back when she was in primary school. They did ask us to do it again, including for the whole family. But it’s quite a hassle - you’ve to travel down to their office (somewhere in the far north) on a weekday at your own expense and they don’t pay you for it. Good to just do it once or twice just for the experience, and for the child to have something to remember later. But not worth wasting too much time on it. I believe they usually get kids from people they know; I doubt they pay for the models. There’s no lack of parents who willingly pay for their child to be featured. For advertisements, I believe the models are chosen by the merchants. They could be from an agency or from people they know.

For teenagers, modelling can be lucrative. I’ve a friend who was able to support herself, and her car, through university by just doing part-time modelling.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388623https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388623Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:38:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:23:03 GMT]]>Nahhh, where got time :? 😛

It must real tiring and time consuming to such modelling.
Besides, no need show case my kids to others, as in my own eyes, already models and stars already ! 😄 :love:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388519https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388519Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:23:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:18:56 GMT]]>

Mum1113:
Urmm.....so many negative feedback on scams and stuff.

Wonder how do those \"Cute little Boys/Girls\" end up on posters and on Cover magazines ? From modelling agencies ?
From what I know for babies and toddlers, some are from modelling agencies, while others sign up and are shortlisted after magazines like Mother and Baby and Young Parents advertise the need for cover pixs.

Sometimes, there's a contest and voting is involved too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388515https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388515Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:18:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:15:46 GMT]]>

Mum1113:
Urmm.....so many negative feedback on scams and stuff.

Wonder how do those \"Cute little Boys/Girls\" end up on posters and on Cover magazines ? From modelling agencies ?
Those conmen appeal to ur vanity n ego, so many ppl part with their money.
u interested?
Dis FTC article may help, though it was written specifically for d American public.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388511https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388511Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:15:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:53:18 GMT]]>guess if our kids r reali spotted by anyone… it shld b them paying us for our kids to b in that spotlight… like xiao xiao bing from taiwan… his dad is earning big $$

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388425https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388425Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:53:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:35:12 GMT]]>Urmm…so many negative feedback on scams and stuff.

Wonder how do those "Cute little Boys/Girls" end up on posters and on Cover magazines ? From modelling agencies ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388404https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388404Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:35:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:09:10 GMT]]>If ‘agent’ approach u n ask for payment up front for makeover session or portfolio, it is a scam.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388386https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388386Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:09:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:27:14 GMT]]>Hi, just sharing my experience...


If your child is approached by agency, the audition should be the port folio making session. Because, the child child will be casted and photo taken. No port folio needed as they are the one who approach the kid.

If they ask for port folio and training session with $$$$$, then they are actually selling modeling class :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388160https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388160Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:27:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:11:03 GMT]]>Most parenting mags only feature pan asian kids btw. Unless your kid is very very handsome or pretty, don’t believe them. Anyway, most of the mags use an agency called Impact Models. You gotta pay to enrol your kid into their catwalk classes. From there, they might talent scout or recommend your kid to the magazines.


No use to pay to get your kids into such an industry. I would rather sign them up for Singapore Media Academy. They could be on OKTO! hahah

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388142https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388142Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:11:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:21:03 GMT]]>

e3nity:
erm.. not sure exactly if its scam.. my cousin was spotted when he was younger.. my aunt brought him for audition.. they ended up pay for a make over session for the kid.. the agency say its a standard procedure to have a portfolio so that client can decide if they wana engage my cousin.. but after the photos were taken.. my cousin's modelling path juz ended abruptly..

The same old trick where it applied me when I was a teen. Same pattern expect you pay some $$ create a portfolio, then said would inform if you are selected.

The agent would said people like Zoe tay, Jazreel, Fann all under him & now they are Superstar. I was poor so again told him must take $$ from my parent. He said can pay deposit so I pay $5. The man also accept.

In the end, parent said this is a scam. Use to cheat young people like me. I call back the man ask for my $5, he said cannot return me! :cry:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388130https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388130Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:21:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:44:11 GMT]]>Sounds like an incident I encountered with Fox Kids... they approached my wife and gal... want to take a photoshoot for their advert or something... say no obligation... my wife was tempted... end up have to buy the clothes to take the photo...

I just gave her the \"I told you so\" look when she came out from the store.

This is what I called preying on your vanity... and most mummies (if not all) would fall for it... 😛

Not to mention those talent school/agency/performing arts thingy... could be a good exposure... but look at the many kids competing for the limelight... and the fact that it's not the most promising career in SG context.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388067https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388067Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:44:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:15:41 GMT]]>

smurf:
Maybe this topic should be under chit chat?


Have your child been approached by model agency to be child model? Or go for audition? Just want to know if it's a scam. :?
Hey, I was just srambling through if any forum on this just today, and you posted it 😉 ....keen to know too from parents who have such experience for their kids, I mean live experiences being Cover Girl or Cover Boy for so n so magazine, or so n so products. Well there are so many out there, and unless you try it out or know something, we wont know 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388025https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388025Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:15:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:42:21 GMT]]>We were invited for audition. Same thing, agency said we need to pay a couple of hundreds for portfolio. A bit skeptical le so we didn’t pursue this.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388015https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/388015Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:42:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Child Model Agency? Scam? on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:57:37 GMT]]>erm… not sure exactly if its scam… my cousin was spotted when he was younger… my aunt brought him for audition… they ended up pay for a make over session for the kid… the agency say its a standard procedure to have a portfolio so that client can decide if they wana engage my cousin… but after the photos were taken… my cousin’s modelling path juz ended abruptly…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/387839https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/387839Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:57:37 GMT