Child Modelling FAQs
How does Bonnie & Betty work?
Bonnie & Betty are extremely selective with the models we take onto our books. We will only take on those we honestly feel have a good chance of getting work. Once we receive your application, you will receive a response either way within 10 working days. Should your child be deemed potentially suitable for the agency, you will be sent full details of the next step. For children 2yrs and over, you and your child will be invited into the office for a free of charge short assessment. The assessment gives the agency the chance to meet you and your child face to face to assess and discuss your child's suitability and raise any further questions you may have, as well as for us to observe your child and their overall behaviour in an unknown environment, similar to that of an average casting session. You will be informed of the agency's decision in writing within 5 working days of the assessment. For babies under 2 yrs, we do not need to personally meet your child for an assessment, as babies and toddlers are obviously changing each and every day and therefore this is not relevant for us or our clients. However, the agency is of course happy to arrange an appointment to meet with us should you wish, before making a decision. All parents should thoroughly read the FAQ's and How to Apply pages on our website so that they are sure their child is suitable for the industry. The agency's decision is final.
Why does Bonnie & Betty need to meet my child for an assessment?
For children 2yrs and over, we feel it is imperative an agency meets the child in person before accepting them onto their books. It is the agency's duty to ensure they are sending the right child for the job, this would clearly be extremely difficult to do if the agency hadnt met and therefore didnt personally know the child; their personality, speech, likes/dislikes etc. The reason a client will approach a professional agency for a child may often have nothing to do with the child's look, but that they want to be sure the child takes direction well, is happy and confident in front of the camera and of course is well behaved. A client will often ask the agency questions like 'How confident is this child in front of the camera?', 'How do you think this child would be able to handle lines to camera?', 'What sort of accent does this child have?' etc etc. These would all be impossible questions to answer had the agency not met your child.
I have heard agencies should not charges upfront fees, is this right?
You will find that nearly all child agencies will charge some sort of fee, whether this is a joining fee, a fee to appear on their website and/or in their book, fees for professional photography etc etc. Fees can vary hugely from agency to agency. There is always lots of talk about not paying an agency any upfront fee, however, this rule refers to adult agencies only, as this side of the industry works in a completely different way.
Do Bonnie & Betty charge any fees and how does this work?
Should your child be accepted to join the agency, although we do not charge 'registration fees', you will be asked to cover the cost of an individual, fully searchable webpage for your child, which is currently £60 inc VAT for 1 year. This includes any updates to your child's details online throughout the year. All children over 2 years are required to have professional photographs taken with the agency photographer, which will be on a white background and will include an array of different angles and expressions that our clients need to see. Babies under two years old are not required to have professional photographs taken for the website, unless the parent wishes, as they are of course changing so often. Parents of babies on our books will be required to send in clear snapshots on a regular basis. The cost of the session with the agency's photographer is £40 inc VAT.
How does the agency earn?
The agency earns from commission. We take 25% commission on all fees (excluding travel expenses). As we do not charge high registration fees, it is therefore clearly in the agency's best interest to secure your child work.
Once my child is registered with the agency, are they guaranteed work?
Unfortunately not! No agency could possibly guarantee work, as they have no idea whatsoever what work will come into their offices from one day to the next, so will never know in advance who a client may select for their assignment. If an agency tells you they can guarantee your child work, then avoid them at all costs!
What happens once my child is registered with the agency?
We will put your child forward for all assignments your child meets the criteria for. As and when a client contacts us to ask to meet your child for a casting or book them for a shoot, we will contact you immediately. Sometimes we might contact you beforehand if the client requests us to do so to confirm availability on a number of shortlisted models or maybe to confirm a specific detail. We will not contact you each and every time your child is submitted for work. It is obviously crucial that parents continuously keep the agency informed of any changes whatsoever.
Should you have any other questions not covered above, then do feel free to contact Bonnie & Betty.
Bonnie and Betty Limited is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 6893702. VAT No: 971 7760 83 Registered Address: County House, 221-241 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4UF | agency@bonnieandbetty.com | Telephone: 020 8676 6294