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Expert Advice for Parents of Baby and Child Models

by Shauna Smith Duty

The Marla Dell Agency
Marla Dell has worked in the modeling industry since the 1960’s when she was a print and runway model. Since 1988, she has run the prestigious Marla Dell Agency in San Francisco, California.

“Working with kids was always my thing,” Dell says on her website, www.MarlaDell.com. Her agency currently represents adults, real families, and 350 children and babies. Dell’s child talent has worked for Old Navy, Gymboree, The Pottery Barn, Mervyn’s, Eddie Bower, and many other well known companies.

Baby and Child Modeling
Nineteen years in the business has earned Dell a wealth of wisdom. She urges parents considering involvement in the baby or child modeling industry to consider the time and financial commitments associated with child modeling. Auditions can require up to an hour travel one way and a lot of waiting. The cost of gas should also be considered. Auditions don’t pay, only booked jobs pay.

Dell also recommends babies interview at the worst possible time, such as during their naptime, because babies that do well under trying circumstances will perform well during a shoot.

How much money can child and baby models expect to earn? Dell represents both union and non-union talent, and she says wages average $100-150 per hour, less the agency’s 10% commission. Often young children are booked 2 at a time. The main, or primary, child earns approximately $125 per hour, less 10% commission, and the back up child earns half, or $62.50 per hour, less 10% commission.

Parents do not need to invest in professional photos prior to finding an agent, according to Dell. Once a reputable agent is secured, she recommends professional photographs, which should cost $200-250. “We recommend our expert photographer because he gets better results than parents.” Because children change quickly, new photos should be taken every 6 to 9 months.

“We are going through a huge transformation in our industry,” Dell says. The Marla Dell Agency uses www.skybolt.net for 90% of their submissions. Only 10% of their clients require a traditional comp card. “Composite cards are nice to have on interviews,” Dell says. “We don’t do a formal composite card. We use a smaller card and print only 50-75 of them every 6-9 months. Our talent can print off pictures from their Skybolt portfolios.”

Getting Started in the Industry
A major concern for parents unfamiliar with the modeling industry is how to find reputable agents. Dell offers this advice:
1. “Parents should not shell out money initially.”
2. “Find a legitimate, established agency that’s been in business 3 to 6 years and has established a good reputation.”
3. “Look at the work [the agent has] landed.”
4. “It is important for people to be with the agency who they’ve had face-to-face interview with.”
5. And most importantly, according to Dell, “Go with your gut!”

Parents also “need to make a commitment”, Dell says. The Marla Dell Agency currently represents 60-70 babies. Of their new child talent, about 10% move away, 20% moms go back to work, and for 15% the commitment is too big. Dell recommends parents ask themselves, “Do I really want to do this?” She also suggests, “Do your homework. LA & New York are good markets for commercials for babies.” Her agency books primarily print media.

Working With Marla Dell
If you live in the San Francisco Bay area (children within 100 miles, babies within 25 miles), you can contact the Marla Dell Agency at www.marladell.com.

19 Comments
Comment Pages: 1 2 3 4

MJ7777	Sat, Mar 01, 2008 1:08am This is really good advice. Thank U!
joannab	Mon, May 21, 2007 7:03am i am interested in getting peyton in modeling or commerical and live in North Carolina. Zip Code 27284. Can you tell me of an agency that I might be able to contact in my area. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
liilgatiita21	Tue, Apr 10, 2007 12:53pm hello my name is Jenny and am a firts time mother and I have called alot of agencies but they away ask for too much money I wold love to have my son in a modeling agences am in New york if you can help me please let me know think you.
sunnygirl11	Tue, Jan 02, 2007 9:00am Thank you RMBP for the article! It really gave a lot of good advice and shed some light on the realistic side of the business. Happy New Year from Ohio!
tracy_1980tft	Mon, Jan 01, 2007 5:10pm I know this is a long shot but do you know of anyone in the RI mass or conneticutt are Thankyou

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