What They Say vs. What They Mean
Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts
down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines.
"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.
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" color
photo of the face, with your resume printed on the
back.
A "comp card," the typical marketing tool for
models, 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 upfront 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.
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.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent
fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices
in the marketplace and to provide information to
help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file
a complaint or to get free information on consumer
issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTCHELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC
enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other
fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a
secure, online database available to hundreds of civil
and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad.
Complaint s help the FTC and other law enforcement
agencies bring scam artists to justice and put an end
to unfair and misleading business practices. If you
have a complaint, file it online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Details#crnt