_Key Signs of a Modeling Rip Off
_If you hope to build a career in the industry of commercial modeling, you have to watch for unsavory folk. Some hustlers are looking to defraud you, guaranteeing a successful career in return for fees. When the dust settles you won't have anything to show for it.
Here are some issues that you must look out for.
1. Bulletin boards. If you find an advertisement posted somewhere - in a classified section, on an internet forum, etc - then really consider before attending. Real agencies have tons of available talent, and they do not have to search far and wide. You might want to pay attention to open casting calls, but otherwise classifieds like these are a bad omen.
2. Requiring cash first. If the modeling agency charges you cash in the beginning before you can sign with them, then pick up your bag and walk out the door. This is a blatant omen that they are not making earnings on paid gigs, so they have to make profit elsewhere. If they aren't working, then you probably won't be.
3. Requiring that you use their connected photog. A successful modeling agency will make you get a port together with some comp cards, but they won't force you to invest tons of money on their own photog. You need to look around and choose a photog or composite card printer that you feel comfortable with. If the agency really need a certain photographer, then they will pony up the cash.
4. The agency wants you to sign up for their acting classes or whatnot. It's just a way for them to grab your cash. It might sound more honest than a "representation fee" or some such thing. But in the end it's just the same.
5. They promise you modeling gigs. If only it were so simple. No one can be positive that you will get a paid gig as a hand model, and any company that guarantees that is just trying to swoop in for the kill. odds are, they are getting ready to convince you into giving them some cash.
Once you've witnessed some of these fraudsters, they become a piece of cake to notice. The core concept is that the company wants to "hire" as many people as possible, take their money in the beginning, and ultimately keep them busy with a few casting calls. If new clients keep walking in the door, they do not worry you're in your apartment not working. They banked their profit. Don't let that profit be yours.
Here are some issues that you must look out for.
1. Bulletin boards. If you find an advertisement posted somewhere - in a classified section, on an internet forum, etc - then really consider before attending. Real agencies have tons of available talent, and they do not have to search far and wide. You might want to pay attention to open casting calls, but otherwise classifieds like these are a bad omen.
2. Requiring cash first. If the modeling agency charges you cash in the beginning before you can sign with them, then pick up your bag and walk out the door. This is a blatant omen that they are not making earnings on paid gigs, so they have to make profit elsewhere. If they aren't working, then you probably won't be.
3. Requiring that you use their connected photog. A successful modeling agency will make you get a port together with some comp cards, but they won't force you to invest tons of money on their own photog. You need to look around and choose a photog or composite card printer that you feel comfortable with. If the agency really need a certain photographer, then they will pony up the cash.
4. The agency wants you to sign up for their acting classes or whatnot. It's just a way for them to grab your cash. It might sound more honest than a "representation fee" or some such thing. But in the end it's just the same.
5. They promise you modeling gigs. If only it were so simple. No one can be positive that you will get a paid gig as a hand model, and any company that guarantees that is just trying to swoop in for the kill. odds are, they are getting ready to convince you into giving them some cash.
Once you've witnessed some of these fraudsters, they become a piece of cake to notice. The core concept is that the company wants to "hire" as many people as possible, take their money in the beginning, and ultimately keep them busy with a few casting calls. If new clients keep walking in the door, they do not worry you're in your apartment not working. They banked their profit. Don't let that profit be yours.