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.
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"
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.
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.
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-FTC-HELP (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.