A rough guide to the Cheeky Monkey process

The brief;

Cheeky Monkeys will receive a brief from the client. The client could be anyone from a small business looking to do some promotional work to a well known brand looking for some new models for a campaign. We will respond to this brief by sending portfolios of the cheeky monkeys that we think meet their requirements (i.e. age / look). The client will then make a shortlist of prospective models they would like to see for a casting. Cheeky Monkeys will get in touch to let you know that we may have work for your model!
 

Casting;

This may take place at the clients' office, a studio / location or at the agency. At a casting the client will discuss the job and may request the models to try on outfits and pose for Polaroid / test shots. Some castings will have an allocated time for each model, otherwise you will be asked to attend between certain times e.g. between 4 & 6pm.

Please bear in mind that there may be some waiting time. For some bigger jobs there may also be a second wave of castings.


Following the casting, the client will put 'options' on the models they would like to use. This means they will provisionally book each model through the agency, checking their availability. Options are normally confirmed or released before the job, when the agency will complete the relevant booking forms and Child Performance Licences.
 

What you will need;

We will supply you with all the relevant information before the shoot; this will include the contact, date, time, address and any travel arrangements. It is vital you are on time- being late can delay or jeopardise the whole day. If you think you will be late due to unavoidable circumstances please call us immediately so we can inform the client.
 

When you get there;

On arrival introduce yourself to the given contact, take a seat and wait for your call! Depending on the size and type of job there will be a team consisting of the photographer, assistants, art director, stylists, digital operators, hair & makeup and other models.

Although drinks and food are generally available- don't rely on this and go prepared with your own drink & snacks. There may be some hanging around for you and your cheeky monkey so take a book and something for the kids to do!
 

The shoot;

The model will then go to wardrobe for hair & makeup etc, when the models are ready for the shoot they will be called upon by the stylist or photographer. Unless parents / guardians are needed on set the models will go with the stylists. The stylist & photographers are chosen for shoots / commercials as they will be used to working with children. Expect lots of laughter and silliness- it's meant to be fun!!

Remember if your child has any specific talents it might be worth mentioning to the stylist as that could help on the shoot.
 

When your work is done;

When your model finishes the job, please call us with the hours worked. We can then invoice immediately to avoid delayed payments.
Please remember we cannot add hours after invoicing the client.
 

The serious stuff;

On some occasions the model may not be used on the shoot. This can be for a number of reasons, e.g. the product hasn't turned up, the shoot may be running late, or the photographer's equipment might be broken. Unfortunately not every shoot / assignment runs perfectly and to schedule so please be patient if this happens. While on the shoot the parent / chaperone is responsible for the behaviour of the models, so please ensure the models are polite and well behaved at all times. If there are persistent problems with a model's timekeeping for castings and shoots, we may need to take them off our books. If at anytime you are uncomfortable with anything please call us immediately.


The finished article!

Although the financial gain is not to be ignored, it is also extremely rewarding when you see your child appear in a commercial, billboard, magazine or a shop window. Children get a chance to travel to different places, meet new people and it's great for their communication and interpersonal skills.

We want you to have had fun, enjoyed the job and be ready for the next one!