Tell us a bout yourself and Alec . How did Alec get his interest in modelling and as a mom , how did you give him encouragement ?
Alec is 11 years old based in Australia . He is a very athletic , hardworking , and a well-mannered kid . Everything he does he wants to do well at . This is Alec ' s nature . He loves animals , nature , all sports . He is also funny . I ' m his mom Lindy . I have two boys . A year ago I asked Alec would he like to be on tv he said yes . So we went and found an agent . We met with a couple , and Alec chose who he wanted to go with .
It was more of an acting / modelling agency . It ' s important to let the kid choose the agent . Let them meet a few . They will get a gut feeling as to who believes in them . As a mom , you have to have some free time to manage your child / children . Castings are often last minute and always in school hours . As are the jobs . Moms do a lot of sitting around while the kids shoot and a lot of driving .
How important is modelling education : Has he attended modelling courses ? What related courses or studies has he taken ?
I don ’ t believe in modelling courses . Alec has never done one . Acting is a craft that needs to be practiced and taught strategies . For this a course is good . Modelling is about confidence , engaging with the camera , the photographer the crew , Selling the product you are wearing enjoying it . It ' s about being coming alive . Moving , laughing , communicating with the camera . So to be a model you need to be confident , smiley , take direction well . Many models are not so attractive , but they know how to engage with a camera . How to light up a room . It ' s about energy . Uplifting / engaging energy . A current that attracts people to you .
What do you think makes someone “ fit ” to be a model ? What are Alec ' s goals as a model and you as a mom ? How do you see him progressing in this field ?
As a model , Alec does not have set goals . Realistically there are fit sizes for child models . Babies , size 4 , size 10 , and minimal size 12 . After that it ' s quiet . You have to be realistic about this . We see him progressing in the acting arena . If he decides , he wants to continue as an adult model we have to reevaluate then . What do you know about the advertisement industry , advertising psychology , and photography ?
The advertising industry is an interesting beast . We support the industry and work with them regularly . Alec understands what fantasy is and what is the reality . The main thing we teach him is to be humble and not talk about his modelling too much . If people ask about it , he answers but in general , he will never talk about it . He is just a kid with a job . He knows the modelling job has an expiry date for everyone .
How do you communicate with people ? Are you patient ? Are you friendly ? How open are you to clients ’ requirements ?
Alec is extremely friendly and gregarious I think most of the good child models are . But on a job he listens . He does not talk a lot . He listens to the photographer and he responds . He is patient on the job and does what he asked to do . If it is in a group of kids , he works as a team and does not try to be the center of attention .