Great agency! My child got some nice print work with Elen’s kids and they’re super professional and great to work with! Remember.... it’s up to the CLIENT who picks the kids, not the agency! All they do is collect the money for you and act as the” middle man”. When parents get upset at an agency for their kids not getting booked, it’s not the agency’s fault it’s because the client just decides who they want to represent their product/brand.

They are amazing; Ive been with them since 2014! This actually is interesting because I havent worked with them since 6 months after I signed with them. I just recently finished my junior year of college and decided to go back with them for a free summer. I spoke with them and they just needed my updated information. What I find amazing about them from this is that even if you take hiatus from them for other work or school, they are welcoming enough to let you pick up right where you left off. I definitely recommend them if given the chance.

I walked in with my wife and child to see what we could do with her daughter for modeling. We sat down with Irv and were pulled into the scam of $600 for one child plus the photo shoot which was after the interview. On top of which they want to 15% commission off of any potential photo shoot with our child that would be advertised in any other various means. Which seems more reasonable than the $600 up front.Luckily for us we met with another parent outside in the parking lot who informed us of what they had done with their child through a nearly freeway website.So the skit goes like this; he sits down with you and tells you how beautiful your child is and how they would be great in their talent agency. He opens up an old photo album filled with advertisements that definitely seem outdated and dusty. Then if you’re smart enough to ask about any new advertisements that they are running that sounds the queue for the next part of his scam. He opens up his computer to pull out a file on an individual who happens to be a young child (male)and then shows you a rap sheet of what this child is done tip to toe, his shining star. Then if you happen to be in with your spouse he will ask if you want to have a few moments to yourself to discuss before signing a contract which entails as mentioned $600 upfront for a five-year contract plus you would have to then go and get a headshot of your child in the room adjacent to his office. Then he’ll come back in and try to persuade you to sign and continuing to show you advertisements and a list of all the children were on the website.Although this man’s intentions may be true; any true agency would not be asking you for money upfront.His commission should be more and less the way of that they would make money off your child, not the $600 upfront.Steer clear, avoid it all costs save yourself the trouble

My son was signed up with Elens Kids for 5 years. It was a great experience. He was able to go on many auditions and even snagged a few gigs. Elens Kids were always professional and consistent with their communication. Would recommend to anyone!

I wouldnt even give this place one star but since I have to I will and it will not go beyond that. I got a notice from this company a week after my daughter was born back in Oct 2010. I took her into the office in Cranford with my husband in May of 2011 and they were dotting on how gorgeous my child was. But when they explained the process and the $600 fee, I was turned off. Then they wanted to send me and my child way over to DOVER, NJ to some guy who does photos out of his apartment. I remembered an article in Parenting Magazine that featured top execs from Wilhelmina Models, Ford Models, and Elite Modeling Agency that they never ask parents to pay anything for a child model. They only request home photos with nothing in the background, no make up, no hair dos, no sparkly clothing at all. You can even mail or email your photos and they only need two, a head shot and a full body shot. They even explained that if they like your child, they will call you in for an open casting call to see how the child reacts working in front of the camera, no expenses. If they want to book your child they will talk to you there and request that you get a lawyer to review paperwork before even signing anything. They do not require professional shots for children. They dont even require professional shots for adults. This place is a SCAM and I advise if you live in NJ just catch the train over to NYC. Thats where all the big name modeling agencies are anyways.

Absolutely love this agency!!! They are always super friendly and inviting ! They are super supportive and you can tell how much they love their job! They have had my daughter in 4 auditions so far! She just got booked for Little Me in a couple days in the city! We are super excited ! We will never leave this agency!!! Its the best!!!

This place is TERRIBLE! They got me but I’d never wish this experience on anybody else! Waste of money and YES they charge you and then charge you again and again! SCAM! Worst experience ever! My big girl and my new baby will be looking else where.

Was told to bring $600 as a fee to the interview if my daughter could be a candidate. This was over the phone so they know I was a parent and not a scam.

This place is a scam, Im surprise that it is still around. During the interview a representative will show you a scrapbook of kids and tell you that Elens kids supplied the models, anyone can cut out pictures and paste them in a scrapbook. Then you will receive a phone call telling you about an audition at 4 or 5 am. on a school day, in New York. The caller was pressing me for an answer and she kept saying So are you declining as if that was what she really wanted to hear. I had to rate it one star, just to get this honest message posted.

Both my sons have been with Elens Kids for over five years. They have been treated with respect, and their school schedule has been honored. Its show biz - no promises, lots of competition. You dont get rich doing background, but kids learn to work with others, social skills, how to follow directions, etc.

This is a total fraud agency!!! We paid over $500 to register our son and there was never any contact from the agency. I have Learned that a real agency would not charge any money upfront! Please don’t ever bother going here.. you will get ripped off!!

This place is a scam please do not waste your time or money.

Great new office, clean, friendly service ✌🏼

Scam. Asks for money upfront. Booked a job and was never paid. This has happened to so many people. Do not use them. Plenty of reputable agencies in NY/NJ area. Avoid this one at all costs.

My experience with Elen’s Kids was very professional and pleasant. My child did get a few works from the agency but not has much than I expected. Wish there could have be more.

I brought my daughter to Elens Kids, and Im very happy that I did. They work very hard with me and my girl, and I could tell that they are genuinely want her to succeed. Their staff is amazing, very professional, trustworthy, and friendly. Thank you Elens Kids.

Thinking about going back (at my childs request)1st... NO SCAMS HERE!2nd... What are your intentions?1st... I sign my son and 2 stepchildren up years ago (pricing was different then, $600 for the entire family) and we were fortunate enough to get 4 movies (2 major movies, 2 that never came out), some commercials and several photo shoots. Also, in case you dont know some modeling agencies do NOT ask for money upfront however you are required to get PROFESSIONAL headshots for them. A quick Google will show you professional headshots run fro. $75-$1000 and you must keep them updated. Overall the $600 is basically on par. Was work constant... no. but I personally didnt feel like the pay was bad considering they tell you everything upfront. This day and age of social media, becoming a star is different. Almost everyone is 1 YouTube video away from stardom but... professional headshots are expensive (a few hundred dollars) and then it comes down to how much your time is worth. I work full-time, I dont have the time, nor the patience, to shop photos, do the networking and put in the leg work.2nd... This was an extracurricular activity for my family. I didnt sign up expecting my kids to become overnight celebrities. They got the experience of being on set, being on shoots, following directions, ect. It was never their job, our approach was its a hobby and if they liked it, they could pursue it.Id give 5 stars but... the fee for updating the headshots bother me. Its not (or wasnt at the time) expensive but I feel at that price point it should be included and only paid if the appointment is missed.

Such a scam. I should’ve listened to these reviews. My daughter was called for 1 casting call in which there were hundreds of kids & that’s it . DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY. You will hear from the the first week and never again. Trust me . I will be reporting them to the BBB & every site I can get my hands on.

If I could give no stars i would. This place is a HUGE scam that preys on parents. NEVER should you pay to have your child represented by a agency. They do not have connections in the industry and rely on open calls which ANYONE can submit for casting on their own. STAY FAR AWAY. Also legit agencies DO NOT SIGN every child that walks in the door. So what does that tell you about this agency. Dont fall victim to this sleezy company.

Great agency

My daughter has been with Elens Kids for over 5 years. The experience she has had has been amazing. She she receives more jobs than we can do. She has been in movies, tv, commercials, toy box, modeling,etc. Irv really takes care of everything for the kids, every little detail. We have nothing but great memories and experiences over the past 5 years.

Worst investment ever. I cant believe I fell for this SCAM. Please do yourself a favor and do not even waste gas going to their office. Waste of time, money and effort. They called us maybe twice for go sees and have not called me AT ALL in about 2 years. At one point my sons profile wasnt even searcahbel on their website and when I complained, miraculously it returned. This is a terrible company and no matter how nice the team is there, they are not good people for knowing full well they are ripping families off.

We have had nothing but a great experience with Elens Kids. The photographer onsite is excellent and only charges $21 for the bi-annual headshot - no expensive Portfolio shoots or extraneous charges. Weve gotten steady emails alerting us to potential TV show castings, commercial shoots, and print ad auditions. No, we dont selected most times and it can be a significant time commitment - so any parent needs to have reasonable expectations - there is a huge amount of competition for these spots (weve met parents from as far as Albany and Philadelphia travelling to NYC just to have their child audition for 5 minutes). We have been paid directly from the hiring companies and then paid Irv his 15% commission. Irv and his daughter have been nothing but friendly and supportive and its been an exciting experience - cant wait to see where we go next!

I received a letter about my son a year ago, but when I called they refused to tell me where they saw him, how they got my contact information, or anything. Then went onto the Better Business Bureaus web site to look them up and found they had 6 outstanding complaints against the business at that time and had the highest average of complaints against that type of business regionally. Made me very cautious and nervous about how they got our info.

Can I give half or no star?I do not have a [child] yet I received a letter in the mail saying my child has recently been brought to our attention. Yes, the same [form] letter sent to everyone. So that alone says SCAM.... Buyer Beware

I bet the person who rated this place 5 stars works for Ellens Kids. This place is a SCAM. Sure they may call you for casting calls, but guess what? If your kid auditions and actually gets a job, they wont get paid! They will not pay you a dime! Im speaking from experience! They will send you out for work and then tell you that they have not been paid yet which is why they cant pay you..the last job my child did was over a year ago and she STILL has not been paid. This place is a SCAM, I repeat SCAM!!! Dont be ripped off. Go to NYC and find a REAL talent agency that is legit, not like this bogus place.

SCAMMERS! My son signed up at the age of 9 months & is about to turn 5 & all they ever called for was to get his picture updated. They took about $500 from us and I was told AFTER, REAL AGENCIES DO NOT TAKE MONEY UPFRONT. They approve based on a picture and take a commission of the work he gets. Dont get suckered in to the fake 5 STAR comments. There is no Ellen thats Ive ever heard of, shes always, just stepped out, or busy with something every time. I think its just the arrogant man who runs it. He told me I was a bad mother for not keeping up on his pix when he never got a call from the 1st. He told us we had the 2nd youngest baby boy & there was a little 5 mo old baby girl & she was our only competition...Save your money. There are no quality agencies in NJ, if thats what youre looking for.

Great at what they do....my boys have had multiple jobs throughout the past year...class act!

We just started with Elens Kids and couldnt be happier to have their amazing support and guidance! Irv and the staff have given us a smooth entry into the industry, and we highly recommend the agency for anyone whose child has a dream.

I highly recommend this agency. They are professional and great with the kids.

Scam. They charged me 600 dollars for pics of my child and I never met them b4. Ive that guy is sneaky. After my transaction with him he laughed and said have a good one and hung up. N its been 2 years now and I still havnt heard from him.

GREAT company period. HINT! You cannot force any producer to hire your child. But Elens Kids has always been very very fair to my family. You get what you put into this. It is hard work. IRV and his family have been very good to us over 10 years. Yes, my daughters options have reduced over the years but mostly because we have opted out of opportunities because of low pay offered by producers. Keyword #SCREENACTORSGUILD What I liked the most about Elens Kids was the fact that in no time at all, my daughter was in several movies and TV shows. And they didnt make much money at all on her work. Your child is safe with these people. And guess what? yes, they are on this earth to make money too. You have question? Call them. They actually answer all calls. These people put the words decency and respect into a field of work often littered by questionable characters.

NO STARS IF I COULD! THEY TAKE YOUR MONEY AND NEVER FOLLOW THROUGH WITH ANYTHING! THEY STILL OWE MY DAUGHTER MONEY FROM A PRINTED AD BACK IN 2012. EVERY TIME I CALL OR EMAIL I GET THE RUN AROUND. WISH I NEVER DEALT WITH THEM. THEY HAVENT EVEN CONTACTED US IN A FEW YEARS FOR ANY BOOKINGS. SCAM ARTISTS WHO SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN AND SUED

To Begin with the guy who was doing the interview was informal and he was dress a sport for an interview REALLY his clothe were dirty i remembered he had vary dirty new balance shoes, when i came inside the only thing i heard was how great their company was, he did not even look at my child, he was so FRIENDLY at the beginning but when he told us we had to pay 600 dollars and we said no his smile turn from friendly to serious THEY ARE A BUNCH OF SCAMMERS DONT GO THERE

Nice people but...We had a Sunday appointment but still had to wait an hour. After an hour we just left.

Im really thankful that they kept working with me over the years and giving me a chance to realize my dream of becoming an actor. I just wish to.See many more acting opportunities coming my way

Lovely place they work with you for what is best for you and your child

These people are so rude! I made an itinial appointment, then called back the following day with a few general questions about their services. They would not answer my questions and told me that I needed to drive to their office (over an hour away) for my appointment to get any questions answered and that if I wasnt willing to drive this wast for me. This company makes appointments with anyone who calls, gets the parents excited to come into the office, then has a sales pitch to get an uo front fee. No legitimate agency requires an upfront fee. They should only be collecting a commission IF they book work for your child! Stear clear of this agency and go right to the source in NY. They just want your money and if you question them in any way they are rude and try to bully you into paying their fees.

Very friendly and family like atmosphere.You are always welcome to drop in and ask questions.Always greeted with a smile. Have learned alot through them.

SCAM. Dont trust Elen or the other people. We asked if there was any sort of fee and they said, no never, on the phone. Get there and they want $600. They sign everyone but the advertisers dont even bother with them because they havent selection and know them to be scumbags. Avoid this place.

ANY modeling agency, whether it be for children or adults, should never ask for money. A legitimate modeling agency will not need your money because they are confident that the model will make them money.

Total rip off. they charge the money and you dont hear from them. Go with any other agency and dont waste your time or money

To those who have rated this place high: What is your take on the $600 fee? A few of the reviews are left by yahoo/google users which could be their staff, also... Irv (the husband) left the first review on yahoo. As a new parent, I m trying to understand why a company would seek $600 before they represent your child. We recently met with Elen. She was very sweet yet I felt as though she was trying to sell us her business. I didn t care for the approach this agency took. I m just beginning my research on this company and still determining whether or not this is something I m willing to pay for. I am pretty sure Elen s Kids doesn t turn away any child - or else, how would they keep their business open???

This this place awhile back with my little one when she was 5,this place and the owner is a pure scam,did absolutely nothing for my kid.Took my money.

This is not a modeling agency, this is a lying company. We signed the contract on July 2018, and in the firsts weeks they sent some opportunities, then I respond yes, but nothing happens. No more opportunities. Don;t make the same mistake as me, to pay to this layers $599_ $21 for the picture( bad quality).

Very friendly staff that will work to get your child seen.

Scammmmm people just to get your money never get a phone call

I believe Irv and his staff give clients solid opportunities in the entertainment and modeling business.

Its been a pleasure working with Ellens Kids.

A great group of people to work with!!

Had a great time on set!

I paid $599 for my daughter and never heard from them. I called to follow up and received a list of complicated excuses. Dont use Ellens kids. They are a total rip off.

DONT DO IT YOU GOT TO PAY THEM $599 AND ITS NOT A 100% THEY GIVE YOU A JOB FOR YOUR KIDS!!

I love Elen’s Kids, thank you!

They ask for money before they make any shoots. Shame(((

Scam they take your money send you on auditions but when your child gets a gig they never send payment and stop answering emails...beware

Great place.

Great Agency

Good

Scam!