Booking 101: How to Book Kids Modeling Jobs

Whether your child is scoring a goal, making a basket, or going for that game-winning point, chances are they are in it to win it! Just like any sport, kids modeling is competitive too. Instead of scoring points, they get asked for callbacks, and instead of winning, they book the job! And the more jobs they book, the more experience they’ll have which in turn makes it easier to book jobs in the future.

Just like any sport, if your child is not rising to the ranks they hoped for, they might start feeling stuck, wondering why they aren't booking and, consequently, why others are. But, don’t get discouraged! Just like any talent, it takes hard work and a little luck to book a kids modeling job. So, if you ever wonder why

Update That Portfolio

We might expect our children to book because, let's face it, they are gorgeous! But sometimes being adorable is just not enough. In most cases, you need to start with small, even unpaid jobs first to build a portfolio and a reputation. Just like applying for any job, casting directors and producers for major brands generally want to see experience, yes, even for kids! So get creative and work with a new photographer on something unique and different. 

Strike a Pose

When in doubt, it is time to get behind the camera! Update your child’s headshots with new styles. See what fits, and most importantly, what gets your child smiling. Breathtaking pictures are often the ones that showcase your child’s unique personality. Remember, headshots do not have to break the bank. Saying yes to unpaid kids modeling jobs can be amazing ways to get stunning pictures without having to pay for them. The experience and pictures can help you book future jobs too! 

There's Someone Else…

I hate to break it to you, but they might have found someone else. When looking for a specific look, brands may have already found someone who looks like your child that they are booking already. Oftentimes, brands will continue to book someone if they found a good fit. In another case, a competing brand might already have a model that looks like your child. But, don't get discouraged. Just like there are plenty of fish in the sea, there are plenty of kids modeling jobs out there. Branch out with the jobs that you're willing to be submitted for! There's plenty to go around, just work with your agent to find those hidden gems where you belong.

Mastering the Attitude

You may have already heard that the entertainment industry has a specific attitude. But it is not necessarily what you might think. Rather than the trope of spoiled celebs, when it comes to kids modeling jobs, booking is actually about good sportsmanship. This means, being passed over is not a signal that something is wrong with your child — unless it's an attitude problem! In order to book, your child must have a positive outlook. Casting directors and producers can sense whether or not a child is easy to work with and excited for the job. If they sense a bad attitude or lack of excitement, chances are they will go with someone else. Kids need to be enthusiastic and well behaved to have the best chances of booking. 

Practice Makes Perfect

As we have mentioned, kids modeling is somewhat of a sport! You have to really try, practice, and show up to get noticed. It is hard work and happy effort that often pays off in the end — literally! It might be the case that if you push just a little bit harder on the effort, your child might make it. The kids that book jobs are often the ones going to LA regularly, to show up and get noticed. When it comes to acting, the kids that book are (almost exclusively) the ones taking acting classes. For every audition, you might not get chosen for the job, but there is an increased likelihood that the casting directors and producers might remember you at the next one. When you put your face out there and are ready to say yes to anything, the jobs are more likely to start flowing in. So, keep up the good work!

Lucky Charm

Sometimes there is no perfect advice on how to book modeling jobs. In many cases, booking can just be pure luck! So don’t get discouraged and just keep on trying! Your child just might not be the right age or height they are looking for, and that is ok! Or, sometimes casting directors and producers are seeking a specific look or ethnicity to seamlessly fit for a family shoot. With equal representation thankfully on the rise, LGBTQ models are booking at an increasing rate! So, your child can be their true self with pride, regardless of their identity, knowing that they are beautiful and perfect whether or not they book the job. The truth is, it is often just being in the right place at the right time. That is why it is so important to show up to as many auditions and castings as possible. Get noticed, and increase your child’s chances, because you are their lucky charm!

At Bensimon Models and Talent, we are committed to retaining the excitement and wonder your child has about modeling and acting. We hope this lesson makes it clearer why your child is or isn’t booking jobs, and how to improve their chances at the next audition. Thanks for joining us for this crash course on how to book kids modeling jobs, and as always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or are looking for more study materials. Class dismissed!