is this modeling agency legit WWW.INTERNATIONALMODELSINC.COM please advice, they are asking me that i should pay 1600 dollars to put together a portfolio and comp cards, they say they have the photographer and the cloths and everything, and that the agent willl earn 20 percent of your make. If you are hired for a Job of course please advice. They are also a talent agency and an etiquette school. Please tell me what you think.
2006-07-08 13:18:55 · 19 answers · asked by krystle33165 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I heard on the TYRA BANKS SHOW that all of those places are scams... DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY. That's advice that a model gave, so I would tend to trust that.
2006-07-08 13:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by heidielizabeth69 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When an agency asks for MONEY - RUN, RUN, RUN, out of the door, whether it is for modeling or acting, RUN. They are a scam.
Models get PAID by the modeling agency they are signed with, the modeling agency gets paid by the company that booked the model for the job.
Money is the clue, to, a company running a con-game on people that desperately want to be actors or models.
Modeling agencies do NOT work the way you described in your question.
In New York City TOP legitimate model agencies pay for everything to DEVELOP you as a model. (Forget the clothes, photogrpahers, comp cards, etc.) A top modeling agency will never ask you to pay for photos etc. They make money from you when you purchase photos, that are not good enough for you to get work anyway.
When a model works through a modeling agency, the agency sends the model to see the client. The client hires the model, if interested.
DO NOT PAY $1,600.00 to anyone for acting or modeling.
They expect you to be desperate, and that you will do anything to model (or act).
Modeling Agency, Talent Agency, Etiquette school. Run, honey, run, run, run, out of the door.
They are a scam making money for themselves, and taking it from those desperate to be in the business.
Modeling agencies in New York City do NOT teach etiquette, and are cannot, also, be a talent agency.
You did not say in which city they are located. Go to this website:
BBB.org and type the name of the modeling agency and whatever other info they require. You will be able to find out if there have been many complaints about International ModelinsInc.com
They cannot be a talent agency AND model agency.
You can also find info on them through the Department of State (for YOUR state, as they govern talent agencies, and, probably modeling agencies.)
No matter how badly you want to belive them - don't - and please don't give them $1600.00. If they call you to follow-up, tell them you changed your mind.
Don't let them talk you into returning to the office, because they will try to convince you that you are a "perfect model type." and ask you for $1,60000, from which you will get nothing, except the loss of $1,600.00.
Whew, they are really lying to you. Talents agents can legally only take 10% of the money you make when you are HIRED for an acting job. No more, no less. Don't believe the scam.
If you want to be a model/and or act, you should mail your headshots to the TOP model agencies in New York City.
Please try to watch the new tv show: The Janice Dickerson Agency, it's o the BRAVO cable channel. I don't know the day/time it comes on (Saturday maybe?). You will get a good picture of how a "REAL" modeling agency operates.
2006-07-08 14:41:27 · answer #2 · answered by hippiechick_hollywood_68 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming that you look good or you wouldn't be considering modeling. I can't say if the agency you listed is legit, but you need to be careful that you are signing away your future to them. If you already look good enough to model, hire a professional photographer to help you put together a portfolio. The, on your own, contact local marketing companies for jobs. Tell this agency that you aren't interested unless they'll comp the photo session and the agent gets his cut from only the first two jobs.
2006-07-08 13:26:00 · answer #3 · answered by Chainsawmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read my piece on these types of operations:
http://www.issues-mag.com/july3/scouts.phtml
There are other articles in the same issue that can be of help.
An agency is a licensed operation in every state, licensed as an "Employment agency" and they generally charge 10 to 15%.
A school is also a licensed entity and they are licensed as a trade school.
Management companies are not licensed and can charge what they want.
Some of the biggest true "talent" agencies such as Ford, are NOT licensed and act as "management" companies and charge 20%.
No mangement company nor agency should make a package deal or charge fees or run a school. That's a pure conflict of interest.
What most of these places do is simply "teach" the process for a large fee and rarely get anyone a job.
You can get pictures taken as cheaply as $100 in New York City and get 8 x 10 glossies for as cheap as 50 cents each in quality. Most printers can make your Zed cards for about $100.
You can do it youself at places like Wal Mart if the you have a picture and a release from the photographer that allows you to make copies. 4 x 6 prints are as cheap as 15 cents each if you can wait 3 days or 22 cents in matte finish the same day. 8 x 10 are $2-3 each.
2006-07-08 15:30:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The British media has been getting hot on some of these bogus modeling agencies. If in doubt simply don't put any cash forwards until you're sure. With the advent of the wonderful world of the internet there are plenty of free modeling sites available to put together you're own portfolio. You might not get as much cover, but will save you some dollars until you find a legitimate agency.
2006-07-08 13:25:50 · answer #5 · answered by Andy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legit modeling agencies do NOT advertise online.
If you want legit modeling agencies, send your headshot to modeling agencies in the city where you live.
Legitimate agencies do NOT make you pay for photos, comp cards, or anything else. They make money when you get a job as a model, not before.
SCAM, stay away.
Best advice, if it is on the internet stay away!
2006-07-14 20:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've already received some good advice. No legitimate agent takes money up front. When you work, your agent gets a commission of about 15 percent. So, no, don't trust them. I imagine you live in the USA but check out this website anyway http://www.amisontario.com/ Perhaps something similar exists where you are.
Good luck!
2006-07-08 14:24:55 · answer #7 · answered by quote_me_shakespeare 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it. Don't pay. Don't know where your at in this profession, but, I would suggest paying a local "legit" photographer to put together some photos of you (if your good), go to Kinko's(make copies cheaper), then send these out here and there till someone pays you for a shoot (don't front the dough to anyone).
2006-07-08 13:23:26 · answer #8 · answered by Halo on the Half Shell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEVER send any money to any modelling agency,a good one will do you a basic portfolio for free,if they like you they will let you know and probably offer you assignments and the rest is up to you.
2006-07-08 13:31:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were looking for them YES. All agencies like that will have you fork over the money and then tell you that you did not get any jobs.
If you were approached by somebody, THEY should pay for everything!
2006-07-08 13:24:13 · answer #10 · answered by LN has3 zjc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋