The "Don't Go There" Kids Modelling Agency Register

[1CrazyMoose]

Yep ds was with Bettina. They hunted us down and we fell for it. We do have a very gorgeous boy with blue eyes and strawberry blond hair so went with it paid way to much and never got a job.

Apparently he was put forward to huggies and Uncle Toby's. How true that is I don't know.

Wouldn't bother doing it again unless my children wanted too.

[Woodro]

Bettina also scammed us, they have hundreds of thousands of each age group, they are rich from no work at all, their biggest source of income is suckers like us

[EMF1985]

I follow Bump Models on Facebook. About 6 weeks ago they did an open casting call for Bonds. I emailed them a photo of my nine year old son. He was unsuccessful with Bonds however the next week I received an email from someone at Bump saying they wanted to offer my son a contract, and that there would be no upfront cost to me. They will take the fees from the first job he books. I signed the contracts about 3 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago my son went to his first casting for Big W. he was unsuccessful but enjoyed the experience. The same week he was put on hold as an extra for a tv show but they ended up using the first choice child. Just yesterday I got a message to say that he had another casting for Best & Less Tv commercial next Tuesday. Then this morning I got another message to say that he has another casting on Tuesday for a Dettol TV commercial. So in three weeks he will have had 3 castings and almost a job. I'm very happy with them so far, seeing as though I had no upfront cost to pay. I think a lot of it depends on the size of the agency and also the individual child. Clients are looking for children with unique looks that don't look like every other kid out there.
From my experience I would not hesitate to recommend Bump Models to everyone I know, as long as the parents have the right expectations of the industry. It is very demanding, time consuming and costly. The children need to have thick skins because there is a lot of rejection to deal with. If you are thinking about getting your kids into modeling for them to make a lot of money then don't bother. You will more than likely be out of pocket not making a profit.

[bettina]

Hi, this is Bettina from ‘Bettina Talent Management’.
It is our company’s policy not to engage in public debate in forums or blogs, however, I am happy to discuss any concerns with existing or prospective members. I invite you to call me personally during business hours on 1300 888 611. Please leave your details with our receptionist should I not be available at the time of your call and I will return your call as soon as possible.
We note that many anonymous posts are contradictory and often clear mistruths. Most appear to be from disappointed parents with little understanding about how the industry works or from those with unrealistic expectations. I find it disappointing after nearly 40 years in the industry, that despite our unparalleled track record of securing work for our members and our excellent continued working relationship with many of Australia’s biggest fashion and lifestyle brands, film executives and advertising firms, the agency is dismissed as ‘a scam’. I would like to state that we are, and always have been a genuine, working agency that services an expansive client list.
For those with any doubt, I encourage you to read the hundreds of positive feedback posts (real names supplied) from parents or members who have gained invaluable experiences through their association with our agency. They can be found on our website at: http://www.bettina.com.au/letters_and_experiences
You may also view some of the recent jobs our members have done at http://www.bettina.com.au/work
Regards, Bettina

[BreithCuidiu]

So Bettine, why do you charge fees? If a parent had a child who was invited to join the agency, would you take them on if they paid for their own:

Headshots
Showcast and AT2

????

As for marketing fees - You make money out of those for whom you receive commission. So why should you need to charge a marketing fee?

Im sorry but the many posts here reflect that our company harass parents, and then take their money. Are you saying that the posts are false? And exactly how many children do you have in your books?

[Mulva]

I don't think 'Bettina' will be back for a followup somehow

[sweetsugardumplin']

I don't think 'Bettina' will be back for a followup somehow

Awwww really

But I've been waiting for her to reply

P.S. Love your username hee, hee Mulva

[delirium]

lol hundreds of positive feedback. That's from probably 50 thousand kids on the books for the last 5 years with only 200 possible job places.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... well you know how it goes

[ash2012]

Hi,

I would like to share some information which may help parents that have or are in similar situations.

Firstly, majority of all children modelling agencies have hundreds if not thousands of kids on their books. Even though they may tell you they have only 200 or 100 children in that age group DO NOT TAKE THIS INFORMATION AS A GOOD REASON TO JOIN

It is really irrelevant how many children they have on their books. WHAT IS IMPORTANT is YOUR child being put forward for castings. Therefore, ASK if you can be updated on a monthly or fortnightly basis as too how many castings your child has been put forward for.

Please be aware that work is irregular therefore, your child may only be submitted for 3 casting in 2 months. Then may be put forward for none the next month. It all depends on the needs of clients.

SECONDLY, be very careful with payments. Modelling agencies (both bad and "good" ones) are basically ripping young children off. They are telling parents there children are earning alot less than what they really are. HENCE keeping commission PLUS the left overs after they have paid out what THEY have told parents.

ALWAYS ask questions if something doesn't make sense or doesn't seem right ASK as it probably isnt.

Unfortunately, this industry isnt well regulated and you will find many agencies taking advantage of the situation which is ridiculous because these are little kids who cant really defend themselves nor have a understanding of bigger picture.

THIRDLY, even though many agencies tell you their agreements are NOT CONTRACTS- this is incorrect. As they are to be considered contracts in the eyes of the law- they are a meeting of two minds- therefore, are a contract.

Parents can turn to Consumer affairs, fair work obudsman or vcat should they find themselves in similar positions.

[healthie]

Bettina is the worst agency ever. I have contacted them last year, they seemed nice because I havn't paid the fee yet. A lady works as an admin told me they needed several days to consider. And after 2 days, another one called me told me 'congratulations!' But at that time I've already searches quite a lot negative comments toward this agency. And I knew she must have said 'cong' to every child's parents. So I hesitated and said I need time to consider. The lady closed our conversation unhappily. The next day, the admin lady called me, but she spoke too fast and very aggressive: 'you brought your son here blah blah'. Sounded like I must sign their contract because I have brought my son for the interview. That was ridiculous. And the lady spoke too fast I asked her to slow down, she hang off the telephone suddenly. That was very rude. She stopped talking to me because she felt she couln't get the money from me. Bettina is really like a cheating company just wants to grab money from the parents. Their real clients are the parents, not those commercial companies. The quality of Bettina staff are very bad. I hope parents here don't be cheated by them.