Most agents are honest and hard-working people,
but there are many scams out there that you should be aware of. There are
some people who call themselves agents 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 agents make their money by getting
a percentage of the bookings they get for the model. Corrupt agents 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.
To help you choose a reputable agent, I taken excerpts from How to Become
a Successful Commercial Model, so you will know what to look for when meeting
when interviewing with an unfamiliar agent:
- Make sure your appointment is scheduled during work hours.
- Always meet the agent at his or her office. Do not meet with an unfamiliar agent 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 and hear a busy office. Are the agents discussing bookings and go-sees (the model’s audition) or are they only discussing other appointments?
- 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 an agent 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 agent, call them before your interview. Do they like the agent?
Do they get work through the agent? Does the agent treat them well? Are
they paid on time? (Generally payments are made within 90 days.)
- Do you
feel comfortable with the agent?
- 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 Better Business Bureau or The Models
Guild (800) 864-4696 to see if any complaints have been made against the
agency.
- If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises, or asks for
money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking.
Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.