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ASK AARON - August 2004 Answer

Last Month's Column:

Several months ago I had headshots done. My musical theatre teacher told me that I should demand all the proofs and negatives from the photographer because I paid for them. The photographer says that he owns the negatives and that I should contact him if I ever need additional prints produced. Who is correct?

Next Month's Column:

I have seen numerous ads in newspapers, and magazines in search of actors and models. They don't offer much information. Can you give me some clues on how to tell if they are legitimate?

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Tags: agent payments

“How to Become a Successful Commercial Model was very detailed and specific. It will answer all the questions you need to know to break into the business. This book is a 1st step into pursuing a commercial modeling career. It's like a scripture of teachings from A to Z. Thank you Aaron Marcus.”
Mwansa Sakala, Actor • Michigan

From James, KT

There is an agency that hasn't paid me for a job I did over two years ago. They sent me a check that bounced a few months back and now they're not returning my calls. I know they are doing this to other people, but no one wants to do anything about it. I've called about a hundred times - they just blow me off. They are a non union agency. Is there anything I can do to prevent them from doing this to others and also, possibly, make them pay me? Please let me know.

Dear James:

That is outrages, and it really disturbs me to hear these horror stories.

I am not an attorney, so I can’t give you legal advice, but I would look into small claims court, the attorney generals office, and the Better Business Bureau. I hope you have a voucher which is the invoice for the job. This is how you can prove that you actually did the work, and it will state how much you should earn.

You can read more about vouchers, how to fill them out and store them properly, on page 72 of my book.

If you thought this was helpful, imagine how much you will learn from reading "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model." and by attending my Acting/Modeling Boot Camp.