has anyone dealt with Bettinas modelling co.?

[TwoBlue]

Hi all

I have been approached by Bettinas modelling agency for my 16 mth old son.
We have an "interview" next Friday

Just wondering if anyone has dealth with this company and what their thoughts were? Dont want to get ripped off or waste my time...

oh, they are in Melbourne btw

Thanks

[WeThree]

I have heard that they are very reputable :)

[MummyLovesJaykob]

Hi,

My son Jaykob is with Bettina. We havent had any work just yet but they were also reccomended to me as a very reputable agency.

They deal with the bigger companies, Kmart - Target etc...

Jaykob has his own website with photos that they created...

I will keep you updated..

Its around 400 a year with them and that includes website and headshots with a professional photographer.

[TwoBlue]

Yes thanks Colleen, please keep me informed... can anyone view the website or just potential clients etc...?

[nell70]

My 3 year old daughter is also signed up with Bettina's. We have only just been put on the "AT2" website which Bettina's and many other agencies use to show off there models.

Only the models and the clients looking for models can log into the site and check out the models. Models can not look at the other models unless they know the passwords.

You can also put in some of your own shots to add to the portfolio of your child.

Still waiting for the world to see how gorgeous our daughter is and scoop her up to be the next junior supermodel :o :D

[meshan]

I know this agency is suposed to have a good reputation. The thing is I have heard of lots of people being approched by them and told they could get work for their kids ( my sister included). They charge a lot for a photo portfolio ( my sister was charged $495.00 per child) and I haven't heard of anyone actually getting work.

What worries me a little bit is that they tell everyone that they only take a small number of children on - but they seem to take everyone!

[Mamaduke]

At around $500 per year, per child, wouldn't that be how they make their money?
I have always personally thought that if they could honestly get work for your child (and subsequently commission for them), wouldn't they sign you up straight away and waive the fee?
Very sceptical about these "modelling agencies"!
Carly

[toms1]

I agree. My sister in law had an appointment with her 3year old there. they were also wanting a ridiculous figure to sign her up. And I have heard of Bettinas never getting any of them work, or any guarantee of such.

I was considering it with my 1 year old as she always gets compliments on her big blue eyes & eyelashes (not inherited from my side unfortunately). But no-one can tell me anywhere they can get work without forking out alot of money. If your child really can get work, they should be paying you to put your child on their books.

When it comes to any sort of talent agency it definitely pays to be over sceptical. And it's alot of running around. do you really want to put your child through all that?

[Riley's Mum]

Hi Samsmum
I'm also in Melbourne and have posted a similiar question in a couple of different spots, although haven't had a huge repsonse as yet..... Although I did hear from one person who was registered with Bettinas and their bub has just done a catalogue. Other than that all I can offer is that their are less expensive agencies, ranging down to $150 for signup, instead of Bettinas $395. But still hoping for some other mums might be able to shed some light on which one to go with..... so, I'm not much help really, but certainly very keen to see if you hear from anyone else on the subject.
By the way, Samuel's piccie looks very cute :)

[tpham]

If your child really can get work, they should be paying you to put your child on their books.

When it comes to any sort of talent agency it definitely pays to be over sceptical. And it's alot of running around. do you really want to put your child through all that?

I totally agree. These modelling agencies are mostly out to make money. Thats my personal experience with one agency in Sydney. You get excited because you have been approached but really, all they want is your money for professional photography, fees, etc. I have never heard anyone actually getting descent work and make a career out of it from any reputable agency. To me, you will never get that $500 that you paid back, and i think all babies/children are beautiful in their own way. You dont need to spend that amount of money to have people tell you that. I just feel that its such a waste of money in the hope of getting work for your child.

[tariasmum]

My children got accepted for Bettinas but they wanted about $2,000 for their portfolio. I know another mum whose twins (boy/girl) were approached by Bettina, my friend paid for the portfolio but not answer back yet, and that was about 8 months ago. If they pick only 1 or 2 kids then why do they advertise all the time for new kids. I suppose this is the way they make their money.

[skye2boysmummy]

Connor won state wide comp for 2-3 year olds. He has had his modelling card done but we havent had any work yet.. they keep in touch though which is a good thing..
youre under no obligation to buy anything.. we didnt.. they are very good..

[Boysworld]

I also have been for an interview with bettinas and have been told both my boys have been accepted to be with them now i have to pay $800 to have photos etc done. I have my doubts now as i dont want to be ripped off but i have found many complaints when researching them . Still not sure

[ontheway]

Did anyone end up with working with Bettinas??

[liammsmummy]

i went with kidnation as all i could find is positive things iv heard many bad things about betina as they take money with no work my opinion is go with what other mums say as they have the experience it would be so nice to see stats on these companies as they seem to take on everyone but kidnation doesnt iv heard of alot of people that have been knocked backed from nicola shes very nice too

[havealaugh]

Our DD has been on the Bettina books for the past year ( she is 5). They have kept in regular contact....but would I pay for her to be on their books...NO. That's my opinion. She has been short-listed for a few jobs eg. Mercedes-Benz, Cotton on Kids, Target...but has never made "the" cut. We will not sign up for another year. We will wait to see if she enjoys doing that sort of thing when she gets older.

[WorkingClassMum]

How do I know if an agency is reputable?

Check how long the agency has been established.
Look on the MEAA website www.alliance.org.au (http://www.alliance.org.au/) as they have a list of recommended agents.
Ask what rates of commission are charged, as there are industry standards.
Ask how many people the agency represents? The less they rep, the more personalised level of service they will be able to offer.
Ask who they currently represent that you might know from film, theatre or television?
Ask if the agency is affiliated with any organisations. Eg; the ADAA (Australian Dramatic Agents Association).
Ask industry professionals, such as Casting or Production Houses, who they deal with regularly and trust. The bigger Casting Houses in Melbourne include Mullinars, Maura Fay, Nick Hamon and Chameleon

[julietv8]

You can put your children on the AT2 website directly for a lot less money (I think it was around $95) as long as you have a few decent shots. One of my friends daughters gets a fair bit of work this way.

[mum85]

well my son was at a babyshow and bettina was there and was signing up someone for free if they won. haha funny thing is than 3days later we got a call saying they wanted to take my son on there books and if we could come in for an interview.. turned up and nearly all the kids that where at the baby show where there!! my husband and I know a scam when we see one!! desperate company to take the hundreds off familys! I got told about another company and they dont sign any and every kid up!! they take them on for FREE!! yes FREE!! if they think they can get work and money from putting your child on there books than they will take you. My son was one of the lucky ones and yes he has had several castings, I'm actually hoping we get a call this week for another job he got sent for this week. This company does not go out of there way advertising, as they have enough buisness coming to them just from the good reputation. do your research and don't get sucked in just because someone says how beautiful your child is. Good luck :)

[calndale]

Similar to you all, I was approached and told our son was gorgeous (and of course he is !!) so we signed up and got the photos and never heard another word again - but in your contract it says that if you don't get any work, they will photograph him and list him for a second year for free, so we are now on our 2nd year and nothing - I was warned about these scams before but cannot believe I fell for it. He modelled in London for a great agency (for free) and they only took on kids that they would use and we all got work - they were genuine though - big difference. Anyone thinking about Bettina - don't do it, you will never hear from them again. Waste of money and time.

[Jan1990]

I was on the betina website and it said u can get the fee back when u do your tax