A Moment With... Bettina Petrone
Bettina Petrone, Founder and Director of Child Talent Agency Bettina Management, is a pioneer of the child modelling industry in Australia. An acclaimed professional model herself, Bettina enjoyed commercial success from a young age. We sat down with her to discuss the industry and how it has changed as well as ask her advice for anyone considering becoming an artist.
What made you get into this industry?
When I was 16, my mum entered me in a few beauty quests; one of the prizes included a modeling contract.
I understand you were a model…
Yes, I loved being on the catwalk. Being a dancer, I found it really easy to move......it was just like being on another stage but I was able to wear some amazing clothes. Photography was great too; I was able to travel while enjoying the latest fashion. And you always got to meet very exciting people in this industry.
How has the industry changed since you started?
Wow! When I started, there were no mobile phones so you had to be home at a certain time to listen to your answering machine to see if you had a job or casting the next day. You also had to drop off comp cards to clients; this is how you used to represent yourself. Now it’s easier. We have mobile phones which can get you to a job within the hour if you were available and of course just email your photos around......no sending out or dropping off photos to clients.
What advice would u give an up & coming artist?
Get yourself out there! If you get work, even for no pay, it’s worth the experience. Shopping centre’s are always looking for talent that are willing to work. Photographers are always happy to take photos to get their own portfolio updated and at the same time you have free shots. And a good Agent is very important, check they have a good client list.
What does an artist need to do in order for an agent to represent them?
They would need to come in for an interview.
- You need to find out if this is really what you want to do, the agent will inform you what is expected.
- The agent will make a decision if you are suitable for them. They will also advise you to get photos done. Bring in a few of your own photo’s to show them but I wouldn't advise to spend any money, as the agent will advise where and when to get them.
What services does Bettina Management offer?
We will book a photo shoot for you. Aspire Entertainment will organize classes.
And we have a great team of people organizing castings and jobs for all our talent. Bettina Management represents clients Australia wide.
Who are some of your clients?
ABC Television, AGL, AAMI, Aldi, Allianz, Anti Cancer Council NSW, Australia Post, Australian Unity, Baby Love, Bananas in Pajamas, Bank of Melbourne, Bardot, Bonds, Bossini, Burswood Casino, Cadbury Scheppes, Cola Cola, Coles, Colgate, Commonwealth Bank, Cotton on Kids, Country Road, David Jones, Designer Kids, Disney Channel, Donna Hay Magazine, Dreamworld, Fisher Paykel, Ford, Foxtel, Grosby, Herald Sun, Huggies, Industry, Jetstar, Just Jeans, Kellogg’s, KFC, Kleenex, Kmart, Kraft, Lorna Jane, Mattel, Mazda, McDonalds, My Child, Myer, NAB, Nestle, Pacific Magazine, Peter Alexander, Qantas, Seafolly Swimwear, Speedo, Studio Bambini, Subway, TAC, Target, Telstra, Tennis Australia, Uncle Toby’s, Vegemite, Victorian College of Arts, Westfield, Westpac, Witchery & Woolworths. Just to name a few.
Go to www.bettina.com.au for more information.
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