If You’ve Got the Look, Look Out!

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.” 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.”
  Translation: I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.
• “Your deposit is totally refundable.”
  Translation: Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict conditions.
• “You must be specially selected for our program. Our experts carefully evaluate your chances.”
  Translation: We take almost everyone.
• “There’s a guaranteed refund if you’re not accepted into the program.”
  Translation: Everyone is accepted. 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.”
  Translation: We demand payment whether or not you get work.
• “Commissions from our clients are our major source of income.”
  Translation: Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

Know Your Photos

To break into the business, you — the talent — need professional photos. There are two standard types:

• The head shot is the typical marketing tool for an actor, experienced or not — usually an 8″×10″ black-and-white photo of the face, with your resume printed on the back.
• A comp card is the typical marketing tool for models, featuring several shots on the same sheet showing you in different attire or settings.

Agencies vs. Schools

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 require exclusive agreements; others allow you to register with multiple agencies.
• Modeling and acting schools provide instruction — for a fee — in poise, posture, diction, skin care, makeup, and more. Schools do not necessarily act as agents or find work for you; after classes, you may be on your own.

Talent Tips

• Steer clear of companies that require you to use a specific photographer. Compare fees and quality from 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 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 flattery take control. If you were approached in a crowded mall, think about how many others may have been approached the same day.
• Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading it first. Ask for a blank copy of the contract to review at home. If the company refuses, walk away.
• Be leery of companies that only accept cash or money orders.
• Ask for the names and contact information of models and actors who have secured recent work through the company.
• Check out client claims. If an agency says it placed models in specific jobs, contact those companies to verify.
• Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the “biggest” agency in the industry, especially in a smaller city.
• Ask if the company or school is licensed or bonded, if your state requires it. Verify with your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General.
• Ask your local Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), consumer protection agency, and state Attorney General if there are any unresolved complaints on file.
• Get everything in writing, including promises made orally.

A Special Word to Parents

Think your child is model material? Bogus talent scouts do. They’ll gladly set up a professional photo shoot to allegedly help get modeling and acting jobs for your child. What they don’t tell you: the market for infant models and actors is very small, and because an infant’s looks change quickly, professional photos become outdated quickly. In truth, few infants are marketed with professional photos. Legitimate agents, advertising agencies, casting directors, and producers generally ask for casual snapshots taken by family members or friends.

Where to Complain

If you think you’ve been scammed by a bogus model or talent scout, contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or the Better Business Bureau.