Child modeling can be a fun and rewarding way to showcase your child’s good looks and sparkling personality. It’s hard work, but it can also teach kids lessons about the workplace, being confident, and how to hone a fabulous, money-making smile.
However, teeny Kendall Jenners and tiny David Gandy's need careful handling, and that’s why getting the right agent is so important. A good agent will find work for your child, deal with contracts, and provide support behind the scenes. They can also help your child transition into other areas of related work, including building their adult careers.
Working with children is a niche area, so most agents are specialists who have unique contacts and specific experience caring for kids as they start modeling. Choosing which agency to go with is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child, so it’s worth doing some research: Ask other parents, look at the agents’ other clients, look on social media, and evaluate the agency’s reputation. Here are five top agencies to consider.
Bonnie & Betty was set up in 2009, has offices in both London and Manchester, and is one of the UK’s best known agencies. The firm represents kids from newborns to teenagers for a range of gigs and has a client base that includes Gucci, Kleenex, Mattel, and Amazon.
They deal in both modeling and acting for children, as well as real families modeling (in which actual families, couples, and siblings are used as models). They provide on-set chaperones and tutors.
Bonnie & Betty is a popular agency and is “extremely selective” about who they sign. Their books are currently closed, but they will reopen at some point. In the meantime, keep an eye on their website and socials, and sign up for their mailing list (you can also email them). As a first step, read their FAQ page, which has loads of helpful information.
Set up in 1988 by former model Kipsey Owen, Bruce & Brown is based in west London and has developed a strong reputation over its 30-plus years of business. Their models range from babies to teenagers and work in TV, film, commercial, and photographic modeling.
Their client list is impressive, working both in the UK and internationally. Examples include Stella McCartney, Boden, Gucci, and Disney. Plus, if your child is interested in acting as well, this agency fully caters to that too. Bruce & Brown kids have recently featured in EastEnders, Sex Education, and The Little Mermaid.
According to the agency’s website, they offer “open, friendly and communicative relationships, with the children’s needs our highest priority.”
If you fancy applying, check out their application page or email them with the following info: child’s name, date of birth, home address, contact number, and height measurement (heel to top of head). Attach at least four recent head-and-shoulders photos with no hats, face paint, or dummies.
Boss is proudly based in Manchester, having been established in 1988 by Debra Burns. The agency represents children, which it refers to as juniors, as well as men, women, and families. According to their website, the agency’s ethos is “based on the traditional values of honesty, trust, respect, transparency and integrity.” You may apply through the website or email them.
If you want to be part of the agency that launched the careers of Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Oscar winner Rachel Weisz, then Norrie Carr might be for you. Founded in 1963, this London-based agency represents babies, children, siblings, families, and octogenarians.
Brands that have used their services include Pampers, Next, Oakley, ITV, and Samsung. As most of their work takes place in central London, they insist that prospective models live within an hour and a half of their office. Helpfully, they do list their commission charges, which they insist are industry standard (25% for film and TV, and 37.5% for still photographs).
If Norrie Carr sounds like a bit of you, read the very detailed guidelines on their website and apply via email.
Based in south London, Alphabet Kidz is a talent agency representing children from babies to teens. They represent actors, voice artists, and models looking for fashion and photographic work. Managing director Lisa Balcombe set up the agency in 2003 hoping to work towards more diversity in the industry. She also wanted to boost young people’s self-esteem and help them foster valuable life skills.
Modeling clients include brands such as Primark, Habitat, M&S, and Chelsea FC, but the agency also has had success finding their young clients high-profile roles in dramas like Game of Thrones, EastEnders, and Ghosts. Alphabet Kidz has also placed children in the West End in productions such as Matilda, Hairspray, and Kinky Boots.
To apply, fill out their online form. The agency also runs regular workshops in their search for new talent, so keep an eye on their website and socials for more info.
