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If You've Got The
Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling
Scams
What could be more flattering? Someone
approaches you at the mall and says, "You could be a
model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card.
Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have
always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour,
travel and money flash before your eyes.
It's true that some successful models
have been discovered in everyday places like malls,
boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of
would-be models knock on door after agency door before
work comes their way.
It's All an
Act
If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll
probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of
other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts.
What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency
turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or
acting classes, or for "screen tests" or
"photo shoots" that can range in price from
several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Man, woman, or child — it makes no
difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these
scouts are after one thing — your money — and will say
just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't
always what they mean.
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What
They Say vs. What They Mean
Unscrupulous model and talent
scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully
to read between their lines.
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"We're
scouting for people with your 'look' to model and
act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My
commission depends on it.
·
"Your
deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very
strict refund conditions.
·
"You
must be specially selected for our program. Our
talent experts will carefully evaluate your
chances at success in the field and will only
accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.
·
"There's
a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into
the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the
refund.
·
"You
can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work
them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get
you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
·
"Commissions
from our clients are our major source of
income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.
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Pose-itioning
Yourself
To break into the business, you — the talent — need
professional photos. There are two types of standard
photographs — a "head shot" and a
"composite card."
·
The
typical marketing tool for an actor, experienced or not,
the head shot usually is an 8" x 10" black and
white photo of the face, with your resume printed on the
back.
·
A
"comp card," the typical marketing tool for the
experienced model or the wannabe, usually features several
shots on the same sheet, showing off the talent in
different attire or settings.
Agencies and schools offer separate
and distinct services. Make sure you know the difference.
·
Modeling
(or talent) agencies secure employment for experienced models and actors. Some agents
require that you sign up exclusively with them; others may
allow you to register with them as well as with other
agencies in town.
·
Modeling
and acting schools
claim to provide instruction — for a fee — in poise,
posture, diction, skin care, make-up application, the
proper walk, and more. Modeling schools do not necessarily
act as agents or find work for you — after you take
their classes, you may be on your own.
Talent Tips:
·
Steer
clear of modeling companies that require you to use a
specific photographer. Compare fees and the work quality
of several photographers.
·
Be
suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve
as your agent.
·
Be
cautious if the school has a special referral relationship
with a specific modeling agency. The two could be
splitting your fees, or the agency may not be suited to
your needs.
Avoiding a Model Rip-Off
·
Ask
yourself, "why me?" Don't let your emotions —
and the company's flattery — take control. Think
carefully and critically about how you were approached: if
it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may
have been approached.
·
Avoid
high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without
reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a
blank copy of the contract to take home and review with
someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.
·
Be
leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by
money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company
is more interested in your money than your career.
·
Be
wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in
small markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work
is irregular.
·
Ask
for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and
actors who have secured successful work — recently —
based on the company's training.
·
Check
out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models
and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to
verify that they've hired models and actors from the
agency.
·
Be
skeptical of local companies claiming to be the
"biggest" agency or a "major player"
in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city
or town.
·
Realize
that different parts of the country have different needs.
For example, New York is recognized for fashion modeling;
the Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or
training films.
·
Ask
if the company/school is licensed or bonded, if that's
required by your state. Verify this information with the
appropriate authorities, such as your local consumer
protection agency or state Attorney General. Make sure the
license is current.
·
Ask
your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection
agency and state Attorney General if there are any
unresolved consumer complaints on file about the company.
·
Get
everything in writing, including any promises that have
been made orally.
·
Keep
copies of all important papers, such as your contract and
company literature, in a safe place.
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You've
Got the Cutest Little Baby Face
A
special word to parents of infants and toddlers
Think
your child is model material? Bogus talents scouts
do. And they'll gladly set up a professional photo
shoot to allegedly help you get modeling and
acting jobs for your tyke. Of course, they don't
tell you that the market for infant models and
actors is very small. What's more, because an
infant's looks change quickly, the photos become
outdated. In truth, few infants are marketed with
professional photos. Legitimate agents,
advertising agencies, casting directors and
producers generally ask for casual snapshots of
infants that have been taken by family members or
friends.
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Where to
Complain
If you've think you've been scammed by a bogus model or
talent scout, contact your local consumer protection
agency, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau.
They're in your local directory assistance.
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