Child Modelling in London: What Parents Should Know

  • Postedby Mimi

When it comes to child modelling, it can bring so many new dimensions to your child’s world. It opens up a world of experiences that they normally wouldn’t be exposed to, such as travelling, meeting new people, working on life-changing projects, and getting paid. Their constantly developing minds adapt so well to new situations, and they truly are Models Direct’s little stars when they bring their individuality and inquisitive characteristics to a modelling assignment.

Our young people who are aged 2 – 12 will be working on projects across the country, and they may land a gig in the capital, London. Whether they’re London-based or travelling through the city for a modelling assignment, there are a few things parents should know. These are:

Child performance license

This license is required for children of school age and under, which gives an agency/client legal permission to have a young person working with them. Don’t worry, though, they’ll have to fill this out, but it’s likely that you’ll have to provide some important documents, such as:

Proof of date of birth (copy of birth certificate)

A passport-sized photograph.

A letter from your child’s school for permission to be absent (if during school time).

Details of a chaperone if you will be partially present or not present at all when they’re on their modelling assignment

Details of performance location, dates, and times.

A declaration of the nature of the performance if the child is under 14 years of age.

Every borough’s timeframe to issue this important document may vary, so if you have a child model ready for work in London or elsewhere, do double-check with us if we/or our client has the license in place, ready before the gig commences.

School attendance

Let’s be real – most kids would love the idea of skipping school. If anything, it’s just an age thing, though! You’d remember (well, we do anyway!). But really, missing school for a modelling assignment in London can be a valid reason. As a parent, you’d have to go with what you feel is right though. If modelling means missing out on too much school for your junior modelling talent, then you might want to rethink their plans.

Apply to be a model

Connection to a wide base of clients

London is a busy city, and here, a lot of fashion powerhouses and big names light it up. With the London Fashion Week and plenty of other modelling-related ventures, child models can find work across commercial and promotional modelling. If they leave a lasting impression with their client, chances are they’ll be remembered and invited for more assignments with the same client or someone else they know.

Communicating with your child

It’s important to talk to your child and adapt according to their age. Explain to them what is going to happen with their modelling assignment, with as much information as you feel is suitable for them. This will eliminate any surprises so that they’re aware of what is going to happen. London is a busy place with lots going on. Your child could benefit from knowing how their day will look, especially when it’s likely to be a busy environment, something which they might not be used to.

If there’s anything else you might want to share with our team prior to your child model’s assignment, do let us know, and we’ll be happy to help.

As for some of our child models, they’ve worked with big names and brands such as Sky, Morrisons, and Legoland. Check out our clients here.

As for hearing from some of our youngest people in our modelling books, we’ve rounded up some of their experiences right here:

Hire a model

Oliver (9343) was selected for the UK’s number one best-selling probiotic brand, Optibac. His parent left this review on his behalf:

“My 3-year-old son had his first shoot today, and the communication from Gemma was seamless from beginning to end.

We were well informed before the shoot, meaning we could prepare him in advance, and we were also made aware of how great the team is that he would be working with today, and they were exactly that!

It was a great experience all round and we hope that there will be more to come.”

The Dawson Family (FYFT-6733) was booked with Soft Flooring and had these great words to say with their 5-year-old twins:

“We had our first family shoot with Models Direct today. It was a really enjoyable, fun experience! We were given really clear advice on what was expected from me, my husband, and our twin 5-year-olds. The kids had a great time jumping around, doing star jumps and roly polys! They got to play with a variety of toys, and they seemed to really enjoy being in front of the camera. Ben, the photographer, was fantastic with the children, made them feel at ease, and they were comfortable being themselves, laughing and playing while he snapped the photos. As a family, it was a great fun time and we got paid … win-win!”

And finally, we bring our attention to Serena (YXGX-6994), who was hired for a campaign in none other than London for the London Zoo. Here’s what her parent wanted to share about the experience:

“Great experience! Absolutely amazing. Our beautiful daughter, Serena, got her first job with Models Direct – a photoshoot with ZSL, thanks to the great work of Kara, Charlie MD, and the entire Talent Management team. You’ve set Serena on the path of becoming a Model/Actress- her dream job. She’s excited and can’t wait for bigger opportunities. Many thanks.”

So, if you have a child model and they’re going to be working in London, use this blog to help you prep. If you have any further questions to ask, please feel free to contact our dedicated team.