Advice for Potential Models- Tips on how to avoid modeling scams
Posted By: Jacque Pedersen | Date: 12-20-2007
Some of the warning signs may indicate a scam or a less then legitimate or poorly run modeling agency. It does not necessarily mean that they are not legitimate operations but be sure to ask lots of questions.
*Newspaper classified ad or display ad looking for any kind of model or talent other than nude glamour modeling. Modeling agencies have plenty of people coming to them so they don’t have to advertise for models.
*Pictures of famous supermodels on the walls since it is obvious that small modeling agencies have never represented Cindy Crawford.
*Any up front fees. This might be signing fees, new account fees or evaluation fees. If an agency has to charge money in the beginning, it means the agency does not have enough modeling work for the agency to survive on jobs they are able to get for their models.
*They want you to pay for test shots. Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you may go to. You should be free to go to any photographer you want to. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer, it’s a bad sign.
*They want you to take classes with their agency before offering you work.
*They say they can guarantee work. Modeling agencies are not employers. They can only represent you to try and get you work. Most of the time they don’t know for sure what type of jobs will come in or what look may be needed, thus there is no way they can guarantee you work.
If you live in Texas, Florida or California make sure you see the Agency license displayed in the front office! If you live in any other state, check with your state’s licensing office to see if talent agents must be licensed in your state. You can also check with Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) for a list of franchised agents in your state.
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January 17th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Good, valuable info!
March 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Hello, I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of MyChildModels.com? My daughter was picked and they said she had a job lined up for her and then I saw that they had 3 packages, you had to send them money, I emailed them and said that is all was too fishy, I am just going to send money over the internet and I have nothing to show for it? If anyone has heard of them let me know and please post something so others are warned if it is a scam!
Thanks
April 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I am not familiar with this site but there are hundreds of such sites. From the ones that really give you information (agents addresses, casting directors addresses) to the ones that are just collecting money. There are only three sites that are legitimate in my opinion: Actors Access, LA Casting and NOW Casting. They all charge if you do not have representation - no one works for FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:27 am
Antony…
One should guard against preaching to young people success in the customary form as the main aim in life. The most important motive for work in school and in life is pleasure in work, pleasure in its result and the knowledge of the value of the result …