A model baby?

Think your baby's face could launch a thousand ships? We look at the pros and cons of becoming a model baby.

• Face facts first
• What makes a model baby … ?
• … And a model baby's mother?!
• Location, location, location
• How to get started
• Rates of pay and hours
• What to watch out for
• My baby was a child model…
• A few model agencies …

Face facts first

Every mum thinks her child is the most beautiful in the world but, as with every type of modelling, baby modelling is extremely competitive. 'We turn down 95% of pictures we receive,' says Elisabeth Smith. 'The other 5 per cent are actually quite easy to select - you know straight away if a baby is right for modelling.' Scallywags, another child modelling agency, receives over 200 new applications a week and takes only 25 per cent of these and only if they meet the agency's requirements.

What makes a model baby … ?

'It may sound silly,' says Elisabeth Smith, 'but babies have to look like babies! This means not too much hair (or else they look like dolls!) but they shouldn't be completely bald either. They mustn't be too fat or too thin and they need to smile a lot. More smiles mean more work, so a happy nature is essential!'

The Norrie Carr Agency & Drama School (whose most famous past child models include Emma Bunton and Rachel Weisz) are very helpful in explaining what makes or breaks a child model. 'The children on our books cover a whole range of looks and backgrounds. Some of the models we take on for their good looks, others for their strength of personality and character,' they say on their website www.norriecarr.com/children. However, all potential models need enthusiasm. 'On meeting a child it is obvious if they are uncomfortable or embarrassed. Some children naturally enjoy showing off, others don't. Some castings will simply involve a photo being taken, others will involve some acting and dialogue. At all auditions, clients will expect confidence and enthusiasm.'

The mother is as important to a model baby's career as the baby. Because of the nature of modelling work, you need to be flexible to cope with inevitable last-minute shoots and auditions. You also need to be well organised to get to the shoot on time, as holding up a shoot will incur costs, for which you will be liable. You need to be totally committed to the work and ready to accept that while you may get three jobs in a week, you might not get a call for a shoot for months. And finally, and most importantly, you need to find the whole thing fun too - to help your baby stay happy and calm!

As with most things in life, one must think of the practicalities. Most agencies prefer their models to be within an hour or so travelling distance from central London, because shoots and auditions are often held at very short notice. 'Generally, we can only use babies who live within the M25 area,' explains Elisabeth Smith. 'This isn't because we have any geographical demands, but our clients certainly do. Most modelling shoots take place in London, and we often only receive requests for shoots or auditions at very short notice.'

If you live miles away from London, you have to consider all the practicalities of getting to the capital to attend an audition or shoot. Often, the fees for appearing only just cover the travel costs, and when you consider the time and effort it takes to travel, especially with a little one, it may not seem worth it! Also, if your baby is shattered after a stressful trip to the audition chances are they might not feel like brightening up a room with a smile!

If you think (you and) your child has what it takes to get into baby modelling, and you don't live miles away from the nearest motorway or mainline train station, the first thing to do is contact an agency (see below for some names) to ask what their requirements are. You will probably be asked to send in one or two photographs by post or email of your child - a good head and shoulders shot will do. These should not be ones taken by a professional - most modelling agencies prefer standard photo album shots. Truly Scrumptious agency prefers parents to send in one portrait shot and one full-length photo of their child. If you want your photos back, send an SAE.

As well as the photos, you will need to provide the agency with your child's date of birth, and height and size, preferably written on the back of the photos for ease of reference. The agency will contact you about whether you have been successful and, if so, you will normally be invited to an interview.

If an agency is interested in your child, you will most likely be asked to attend an interview. The Little Acorns agency says its interview is designed to assess the aspiring model's potential for commercial, photographic and filmed advertising. Equally important is seeing if your own personal circumstances will enable you and your child to attend auditions and shoots. This will be gauged by asking you questions about your employment, and how flexible you are at attending shoots etc at the last minute, child care arrangements and chaperoning on assignments.

It's worth seeing if the agency has a 'recruiting' timetable, i.e. they only take on models at a certain time of year. Truly Scrumptious, for example, only considers applications from June - September each year, apart from babies under six months, whom they see all year round.

With Elisabeth Smith's agency and Scallywags, babies (or their parents!) normally receive £18 (gross) for attending an audition lasting up to an hour, while Little Acorns pay £15 per hour. Actual shoots pay around £50 (gross) an hour, and there is normally a two-hour minimum booking that the client will pay you for. Sometimes the job can be over in half an hour (and you'll still get the two-hour fee!) or can finish after three hours, for which you'll be paid appropriately. If the shoot lasts an entire day, then Little Acorns puts the remuneration at £250.

For TV work, expect approximately £165 per (five-hour) day with Little Acorns, for children up to five years of age. Scallywags has a minimum daily rate of £170.00, plus a chaperone fee of £70 - that should buy you a nice lunch!

Don't forget that many agencies will take a commission fee from your earnings, normally at invoice stage, so you will have to factor that in too. This is usually around 25%.

Be sure of what you are paying for. Most reputable agencies will ask you for a consultation or interview to meet you and your child and discuss the ups and downs of modelling. Some agencies charge a nominal fee, around £20, for this. If the agency accepts you onto their books then you will be asked for a fee to cover the cost of appearing in their model book and website. (Elizabeth Smith charges £180 to appear in model book and on the website, Scallywags charge £175 for babies and £275 for children.)

Check how long an agency has been established - you should be wary of one that's only been operating for a matter of months. A well established agency is normally an indication of their reliability. Also, during your interview, try to get a feel for the place. Are phones constantly ringing and the walls covered with evidence of children's jobs (ads, magazine covers and so on)? Are you treated professionally and fairly? Beware the agent who says she can guarantee that your child will work, or that she'll make him a star. No bona fide agent would make such unrealistic promises.

Elisabeth warns people to watch out for rip-off agencies that make money from parents eager to get their children into modelling. 'Never answer those small adverts in newspapers for baby modelling,' she advises. 'They normally take place in hotels and take pictures of everyone. They make money out of the photos from the parents but never offer any work in return because they aren't agents. A lot of parents approach us with the photos taken at these events - and they are not the sort of quality we would need or expect.'

Scallywags advises parents, before they do anything else, to make sure that the Agency publishes a Model Book. If one isn't on display at your interview ask to see a copy. They suggest you do some of your own research, such as calling companies that use child models in their adverts, e.g. Freemans & Littlewoods Catalogue, Mothercare or Ladybird, or advertising agencies that work on behalf of companies, e.g. Saatchi & Saatchi. Find out who they use to provide their models. They would not become involved with a disreputable company as their reputation would be at stake.

Katie Paxton-Doggett's daughter Tara was a child model before she decided it wasn't quite for her (Tara, that is!).

'I found out about child modelling from an article in a magazine and luckily approached Scallywags agency. Some don't even look at children who live outside London, but Scallywags did. At the time, I lived just outside the M25 in Hertfordshire so it was a but if a trek going into London for auditions and shoots.

The experiences we had varied hugely. The first casting (audition) we went for was with a nappy company but it was handled by an agency who had no idea what they were doing. Dozens of babies had been called at the same time and were crammed into a tiny room where they were stripped down to their nappies. Then it was a free-for-all to have the photo taken. I had to lie Tara down on a mat while they took a Polaroid. Then it was a matter of waiting to hear the result…

I thought modelling would give my girls an opportunity to experience different environments and have some fun! Plus it has given them a nest egg for the future. However, modelling is a huge commitment for parents. You are generally given less than 24 hours' notice before auditions an shoots, so you may be phoned at 4.00pm and expected to be on the other side of London the following morning by 10.00am. You also come up against some really pushy parents! They insist on professional studio pictures for the agency (rather than ones taken at home) and drive around London from one casting to another. But it is fun and you get a huge sense of pride seeing your baby in a catalogue or advert!'

A few model agencies … (please note that by mentioning these agencies babyworld.co.uk is not recommending them please make your own investigations before paying any fees)

• Elisabeth Smith
• Norrie Carr
• Scallywags
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