How do you know if a acting/modeling agency is a scam?

Question

i got accepted into Barbazon and I decided not to do it because it seemed kinda fishy. They wanted me to pay like $2000 for lessons on how to walk on a runway. And then after I completed the lessons I might or might not get work. So it all seemed a little questionable. What do you think?

Answer 1

That's a common ploy. See if they will accept it from your first job/s as a catwalk model. Their response will give you an indication as to their legitimacy.

And see if they are registered as a SAG agency or whatever the modelling equivalent umbrella organisation is in your area.

But also find out what you get for the $2K. Does it include dresses, make up and pics for your portfolio or not. If it does, that may be okay, as you need good headshots to sell yourself (get booked by the agency for work). And some of it may be tax deductible.

Answer 2

if they want your money, it's a scam. Send photos of yourself to major modeling agencies.

Answer 3

Stay away from all the national modeling schools: Barbizon, JRP, Cassablanca's, Millie Lewis etc.

These places are all interested in one thing: Your money.  These guys sell training, that's their business.  And if you think about it, if you spend your job all week is sell classes to model hopefuls where do you have time to find work for your clients, see where I'm going?  Schools are not booking agents and there's a big difference between the two.

What you're looking for is an agency.  A real agency, one that's reputable and you want to work with doesn't advertise, they don't look for talent in the mall, or college campuses or big concerts.  Why?  Becuase they have thousands of models stopping by their office or mailing them comp cards hoping to be discovered.

If you want to get into modeling you'll want to first get some experience under your belt, build a portfolio and then get yourself in front of a realy agency.  Remember, you'll be competiting with alot of other people hoping to get discovered too so some previous experience and a portfolio will be key.  And be prepared to get turned down alot.

A great place (and free) to start is www.onemodelplace.com - it's a huge online community for the industry.  You can find photographers who will work with you (often for free) and, depending on your market, even find jobs.   Another popular site is model mayhem.

As with anything on the internet DO YOUR RESEARCH!  Check references before working with anyone and always bring someone with you to any shoot.

If you have other questions feel free to contact me.

Answer 4

Info regarding this subject is here:

http://talentagents.blogspot.com

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Answer 5

i was stopped by this modeling agency in the mall once, and i later heard from my friend that some girl had made an appointment with the same company for a few headshots and was then sent bill after bill...so some companies aren't that great, and some actually aren't fake. research it before you get into it; that's my advice.

you know you love me. xoxo, gossip girl ;)

Answer 6

A lot of girls don't know what they are getting into, usually you should ask for their degree that they got for modeling or their buisness license. If they dont have one, they are not legal, if they do have one, just to make sure I think you should look them up on the internet and see if they have a legidimate website.