Talent Agency Tips — 3 Ways to Spot a Scam

Do you think you have what it takes to be a model or actor? Many unscrupulous talent and modeling agencies will lead you to believe so. However, far too often, consumers are victimized by fraudulent agencies promising money, exposure, and stardom.

There are ethical and legitimate talent and modeling agencies in the entertainment business. Before becoming involved with an agency, know exactly what they should be doing for you. An agency should be engaged in the marketing and booking of talent. Usually a state license is required to book work for a fee. The agent’s role is to promote the talent who has contracted for their marketing services, negotiate the most favorable contract for the talent, and collect a commission from the talent. You should interview your agent as thoroughly as you would interview your doctor, lawyer, or CPA. Remember, the agent will be working for you, not vice versa. Carefully review your contract before signing.

Red Flags: What Disreputable Agencies Do

The Better Business Bureau warns that disreputable agencies often:

• Ask for up-front money, which may be called “registration,” “consultation,” or “administrative” fees. Legitimate agents work on commission — they don’t get paid until you get paid.
• Pressure you to sign or pay immediately. They may insist you take acting lessons at a particular school, or try to sell you expensive photographs, audition tapes, or other services. A real agent’s time is spent finding work for clients, not selling products.
• Display pictures of famous models or celebrities to imply those performers are represented by the agency, when they are not.
• Use names that sound similar to well-known agencies to give the impression they are connected to a legitimate entity.
• Place phony “help wanted” ads claiming “new faces wanted” for commercials, movies, or modeling with “no experience necessary.”

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