I was contacted by a company via email, the opening line reads: “I came across your website while conducting research on sites that have a similar demographic to ours… nice site, by the way!” It goes on to say that I can display ads on my site for a baby contest and I will get $12 for each baby that enters. Wow! Sounds great! There are a lot of cute babies out there and I’m sure some of their mom’s visit my blog, not to mention I could use $12 bucks a pop.
The thing is, it all sounds a little to good to be true. To begin with this was sent to undisclosed recipients, so the “nice site” compliment bugs me because they are saying that to everyone, not just me. Upon further investigation, I found out that entering the baby contest is supposedly free so how can they offer to compensate me for every baby that enters via my site? Let me just say that something is rotten in the sate of Denmark.
This just smells like a scam to me. When I visited their website they claim that not only can your child win $25,000, they can also be “discovered” by industry pros. I call bullshit! I bet you somewhere along the line you are going to be asked to spend some money.
If you have a kid, I’m sure you know your child is the cutest thing since buttons. Surely your child is as cute as Shirley Temple
or at least as cute as one of the Olsen twins.
If you would like your child to pursue a career in acting or modeling by all means go for it, but beware! If you are asked for money I am willing to bet you are being scammed. A legitimate agent or manager takes on a client because they believe they can get that client work. The agent/manager only gets paid when the client books work. If an agent, manager, or supposed “talent scout” is insistent about pictures or classes being purchased from people they refer be wary, be very wary! I am an actor and I have NEVER EVER had to pay for an agent or an audition and if I ask my very legitimate agent for recommendations about headshots or classes, she makes it very clear that I am under no obligation to take her advice.
Yes, there are expenses associated with being a model or actor. Headshots are expensive and you will have to invest in them, but if you are told by someone that you must use a particular photographer- run, do not pass go, do not hand over your credit card info (as pointed out by Traci in the comments section, you don’t even need headshots for small children – in most cases a snapshot will suffice).The same goes for being told that your child needs to take particular modeling or acting classes. Sign your child up for classes if you want to, but you are at liberty to choose where you would like them to go.
It makes me sick to think that there are those that prey on the hopes and dreams of parents. There is no excuse for it. Remember you are your child’s advocate and it is up to you to do your research.
If you are interested in getting your child into acting or modeling do a search for SAG franchised agencies in your area and follow their submission process. Keep in mind that this kind of work is a lot of hurry up and wait. If your child does not enjoy it, let it go, let them focus on being a child and student.
Needless to say, I will not be contacting the baby contest people. $12 a pop is not worth taking advantage of unsuspecting parents.
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