Suspicious mind

Today we went to meet J's new (potentially) model agent. As I had found her on the internet -specifically on an expat website, advertising for Western child models - I was extremely wary, to say the least. We went with A. A works for some relocation company, and we have three 'free' days with her while she shows us what's what, and helps us in any way she can to settle in. I decided that it might be useful if she came with us on this occasion, to help us decide if everything appeared to be right or not.

As it turned out, the offices were lovely, complete with two studios, and it all looked extremly professional and above board. I knew that it would be a different experience here compared to England, but I wasn't quite prepared for how. B, the agent, told us that the children never work Monday to Friday - taking them out of school would be unthinkable. They don't go for castings - the companies choose who they want from the website. She doesn't bother with a contract as the children are not generally here long enough to make it worthwhile (and in England, the contracts only protect the agents anyway) - so J is free to work with any other agent if we wish. And B apologised for the fact that the pay is not so good here as in England - in fact, it's around half the English rate - except it's paid in cash, on the day. No waiting for 6 months here.

I wonder if Chinese child models are treated the same. I shall have to try and find out.