|
|---|
 ID: 228669 Posts: 87 | Date: 2008-01-29 22:02 Most modeling agencies are honest and hard-working people, but there are a few
scam artists out there that you should be aware of. There are some people who
call themselves modeling agencies but actually make their living ripping off
models. They prey on people who make decisions based on their emotions instead
of good sound judgment. Often, they will tell you that you have a lot of
potential, and that with their guidance they will make you a star. They might
ask for up-front money to cover their promotional expenses. If that happens,
walk out the door.
Legitimate modeling agencies make their money by getting a percentage of the
bookings they get for the model. Corrupt modeling agencies make money not by
booking models, but by receiving "up-front money," and by sending models to a
photographer who actually works for them. The model will be told that all of his
or her head shots and composite sheets must be shot by this one photographer.
They will charge extraordinary fees for the work.
Legitimate Modeling Agency Casting
A few years ago I saw an ad in a Washington D.C. paper from a "New York"
modeling agency who was relocating and looking for models. It felt like a scam
to me, and I wanted to see first hand how these thieves operate. I called and
set up an interview with the "modeling agency." I pretended that I had no
experience and told him that I wanted to be a model. He told me that he rates
everyone on a scale of one to five. If I was a five he would represent me. He
told me I was a four. I told him how disappointed I was and began to leave. I
knew he was not going to let me walk out the door. As I put my hand on the door
knob he said, "Aaron, you know what, you are a four but you are very close to
being a five. In fact I know a great photographer who could turn you into a
five. With the right pictures I could start sending you up to New York." What he
failed to mention was that the "great" photographer was part of his company. I
should have gotten an Academy Award for the excitement I showed when I found out
that I could become a five and be sent to New York. I told him that I had never
been professionally photographed, still he was promising to send me to New York.
No credible modeling agency would risk their reputation by sending someone with
no experience to the largest commercial modeling market in the world. I asked
the modeling agency, "What do I do next?" He whipped out a contract and said
"All you have to do is sign here." I very quickly glanced at the contract and
noticed the cost of the photo was $1,200. I told him I definitely wanted to do
this but I would have to look the contract over at home and come back the next
day. He put his hand on the contract and told me that "the contract does not
leave his office." He also said that "a model's and modeling agency's
relationship is built on trust. If you can't trust your modeling agency then
your modeling agency will not be able to get work for you." I told him that I
would have to call him back, and left. This guy was a sophisticated and
manipulative con man.
To help you choose a reputable modeling agency, I have put together a list of
things to look for when interviewing with an unfamiliar modeling agency:
*
Make sure your appointment is scheduled during work hours. Always meet the
modeling agency at his or her office. Do not meet with an unfamiliar modeling
agency anywhere else.
*
Look around the office. Are there pictures of ads they have booked for their
models? If so, this is a good sign.
*
Are the phones ringing? You want to see a busy office. Ask to see the head shots
and comps of the models they represent. Do they look good? You might want to
request to see the comps of a few of the models whose ads are displayed in the
office. These charlatans have been known to fool people by placing ads in their
office of models they do not represent. If a modeling agency is really working
with a model he or she should have the model's composite sheet on hand.
*
Ask to see their agency poster or book (photos of models they represent). Have
you seen these models in any ads?
*
If you know any models who work with the modeling agency, call them before your
interview. Do they like the modeling agency? Do they get work through the
modeling agency? Does the modeling agency treat them well? Are they paid on
time? (Generally payments are made within 90 days.)
*
Do you feel comfortable with the modeling agency? Call the local SAG, AFTRA, or
ACTRA office. They have nothing to do with commercial modeling, but they might
have some information about the agency.
*
Call The Models Guild or the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints
have been made against the agency.
*
If the modeling agency lies to you, makes outrageous promises, or asks for money
(to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking.
Legitimate modeling agencies do not ask for expense money.
Taken with permission from the book How to Become a Successful Commercial
Model.
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He has
been cast in 1063 (to date) TV and radio commercials, corporate films, and print
ads. He is represented by 125 agents across the United States. Along with his
modeling and acting, Aaron Marcus was a faculty member of The School for Film
and Television/NY, and writer for numerous industry publications including
Clique Magazine/Canada, New Generation Magazine/England, and The Models Guild.
Marcus is also the author of How to Become a Successful Commercial Model.http://www.onemodelessencelimited.com |
|---|
Announcement |
|---|
| From now on 50 activity points will turn into 1 credit, so you may earn credits as easy as never before !!!
All models and photographers are able to moderate photos! We will save a lot of time for moderators this way. Please read the short instruction on how to moderate and earn points very quickly.
Also, models and photographers can moderate part of the profiles as well! This is a fast way to earn some action points and credits! |
|---|
Jurgita forum 
