Frequently Asked Questions about child modeling and acting
Kamera Kids represents children all the way from newborn to 13 years of age, with the exception of 2 year olds. Areas that our babies work in are television commercials, movies, catalogues and print advertisements for clients such as ToysRUs, Pampers and Milk!
As most parents are aware, 2 year olds can be terribly temperamental! Their behaviour can be a little unpredictable, and while they are lovable, they are not always the best on set!! After years of experience, clients have decided that it is very time consuming and difficult for them to book a 2 year old when they have a limited time to get the job done. The catalogue studios work with sample sizes that are shipped to them from the stores, so they will call to book babies that fit those sizes - 18month and 3, no size 2!!! So if your child is 2 and you are interested in this industry, just sit tight for another year and then please come in to see us!
While there is no guarantee of how much a child might earn, modeling can certainly be a great way to start a savings account for your child!! Catalogue bookings pay from $60 per hour, and advertising clients pay $90-$120 per hour with the possibility of additional fees for usage of the child's photos that can be in the thousands!! TV Commercials usually start at about $1000 and can earn a child a further income through residuals - a payment based on how often and where the commercial is shown . A U.S.A. national commercial can earn a model over $20,000!
There is no fee to join the agency, however there is an annual fee which covers the costs of courier services, long distance phone calls, model vouchers, photocopies, headsheets, faxes, internet site upkeep and other miscellaneous expenses incurred to promote our kids.
No!
For children 3 years and over, a professional photo shoot along with comp cards are required in order to promote your child properly. These photos will be your child's marketing tool, and are distributed to our clients on a daily basis!
The talent industry can be intimidating, especially when you are just starting out! You will face many options when considering which company you should choose to represent your child, and making the right choice can become very overwhelming.
Be very cautious of the following:
- Companies that charge your child $2000, $3000, or even $7000!
- Companies who want to make your child the next film or television 'star'
- Guaranteed Work
- Companies who advertise that they cast for international television shows
- Training offered to children under 6 years of age
- Companies who state that work is only done after school, or on the weekends
- Companies who give you a certain timeframe to submit your payment, otherwise you may lose the spot within the company
All of the above are just a few points to keep in mind when deciding which company is best for your child.
Certainly, but there are some restrictions. For commercials and film, children of all shapes and sizes are welcome! However, our catalogue clients are given sample sized clothing to fit the children for bookings. If the child does not fit into the standard measurements supplied to us by our clients, we can not send them out for the job. Many print bookings are advertising something other than clothing, and in this case it is more about the child's look rather than their size.
What's different about Kamera Kids is our kids! All of our Kids over 6 years of age have been professionally trained in our special weekend workshop to prepare them for this business. They are taught how to audition for a job, as well as what to expect on their first booking. And since you - the parents! - are such an important part of our working relationship, all of our Kamera Kids parents are also trained on how to manage their child's career in order to increase their chances for bookings.
Please email kamera@sutherlandmodels.com up to 5 recent photos along with your child's NAME, HEIGHT (INCHES) WEIGHT (LBS) AND AGE. The measurements must be accurate and recent. The photos should be clear snap shots of your child only and should not have any items blocking your child's face (eg. food, hats, headbands etc.). Nudity is also not allowed in any of the photos.
If the agents are interested in your child, you will receive an invitation to our information session with in 14 days of your email. The information session lasts approximately 45 minutes, and will end with a question and answer period. We hope the information session will answer all of your questions and concerns so that you can make an informed decision regarding starting your child in modeling. Our busy agents have specifically put this time aside to answer your important queries, so we would appreciate it if you would hold your questions until the seminar!
Please note there is a flight of stairs to our suite. For your convenience you may want to leave your baby strollers at home or in the car.
Kamera Kids does not take on 2 year olds, but look forward to seeing them when they turn 3.
As most parents are aware, 2 year olds can be terribly temperamental! Their behaviour can be a little unpredictable, and while they are lovable, they are not always the best on set!! After years of experience, clients have decided that it is very time consuming and difficult for them to book a 2 year old when they have a limited time to get the job done. The catalogue studios work with sample sizes that are shipped to them from the stores, so they will call to book babies that fit those sizes - 18month and 3, no size 2!!! So if your child is 2 and you are interested in this industry, just sit tight for another year and then please come in to see us!
Kamera Kids is located on the north west side of Queen and Spadina, at 174 Spadina Ave, Suite 100, Toronto, M5T 2C2. We are just north of the MacDonald's and FAD Condominums. Parking meters and lots are located on Spadina north of Queen. If you park on Queen Street, please note that cars will be towed after 3 pm!! There is a set of stairs to access our office, so for your convenience please leave your strollers at home or in the car!
Most of the work is done in the Toronto and surrounding areas. Anyone more then 2.5 hours away may find it difficult to come in for a 1 hour shoot or a 5 minute audition. Your child may become very tired from the long car ride therefore effecting his/her performance on a job.
