Modeling Agency asked for $$$?

Question

I went to a well known modeling agency and they told me they have opputuniites for petite modeling. Yet, they asked for $2000.00 to start a program in which you need to take classes that prepares you for modeling. DOn't you think thats extreme?? Also, they said I would get many paying jobs, but I feel they want my money, maybe get a job here or there, then never hear from them. I was shocked. I didn't go through with it.
What do you think?

John Casablanca's Modeling Agency

Answer 1

John Casablancas is a well known scam. They are not even a modeling agency, but a modeling school. Reputable modeling agencies have to be certified through the state. Any "agency" that asks you for money up front, or tells you to get pictures from a certain photographer, or tries to sell you classes is a scam.

Let me let you in on a secret or two. The only "modeling classes" are taught by scams, and any potential employer that you may get will only laugh when they see it on your resume. Also, it's very difficult to become a model. Most of the jobs are located in and around New York City, so unless you live very close to the area, you're not going to work much. Also, there is practically NO place for petite modeling. Commercial modeling, yes, petite modeling is almost non existant. If you dream of being on the runway, and you are less than 5'9", it's practically guaranteed not to happen. I don't mean to discourage you, by all means, try anyway, but I just want to warn you of what will most likely happen.

You need a reputable agent. To do this, you need to get good photos of yourself (that don't have to be done by a professional ... just have someone take some decent photographs of yourself, in cute trendy clothes - nothing too revealing!)and send them to modeling agencies with your stats on the back and a SASE so they can return the pictures to you.

Here's some of the good modeling agencies:

Wilhelmina (NOT The "Wilhelmina Scouting Network" - that's a scam!)
Ford
IMG
CESD
Abrams Artists Agency
Next
Trump
Major

There are plenty more out there, you just have to find them. The ones that I listed are ones that I know are in New York, and some are also located in California. You should get yourself a book called the Ross Reports Modeling Information (or something like that) - they sell them at bookstores (if you're in NY, they have them at the Drama Book Shop).

I wish you luck in finding a reputable agent.

Answer 2

I hope you consider my answer even though I openly admit I fart a lot. :-) I'm going to tell you like it is: I have modeled for over 10 years now. I have appeared in national magazines, catalogs, commercials and TV shows. (Without my gas mask of course!) In the beginning I was asked for money a couple of times. Those individuals were also arrested and went under since then. Moral of the story: NEVER PAY MONEY TO BE A MODEL, EVER! The only time you may be asked to pay fees, is from top agencies who may charge your agency account with FedEx fees, to ship your portfolio to large companies. Also, if you need to pay a photographer DIRECTLY for pictures to be taken for your portfolio. (An agent will NEVER get money form this!) Other than that, please don't give John Casablanca a dime. Go straight to a known name agency, and they will take you on directly. John Casablanca isn't really known as a reputable modeling agency anyways. Sure they have been around for years, but they are in the business to make money off of the people who "want to be a model", not the working models. Get in touch with real agencies like Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina, etc. There's a reason JC hires those silly girls in teeshirts to stand around in the middle of malls and tell people how pretty they are....to blow smoke up someones butt (pardon the pun!) so that they can make some easy cash. Run like heck away from John Casablancas!

Answer 3

SCAM! Ok, honestly there is not really a market for petite modeling. Anyone can do commercial print and you don't necessarily need a modeling agency to do that, actors frequently appear in commercial print ads. You should never have to pay anything upfront.

Answer 4

Let me tell you from experience. I tried to work my way in as a model, and have been scammed several times because they make it sound so believable sometimes. A legit agency will not need any money from you at all. They will cover expenses to ensure your exclusivity to them and if they know you will bring them business and make them money. Its a symbiotic relationship when done properly. However, the one's who ask you for any money, especially amounts that high are just looking to take the money and run. Dont fall for it, believe me. Just out of curiousity, was it OneSourceTalent?

Answer 5

SCAM!!!! Run for the hills!
Tyra Banks did a whole show about this. Real agencies NEVER charge you money.

Learn to not rely on your looks. I'm sure you are gorgeous, but the sooner you learn that pretty women are a dime a dozen, the easier your life will be, trust me.
Get caught up in your vanity, and it'll make life unpleasant, and ripe for the exploiting.

Answer 6

You did the right thing. If you are really model material, they won't be asking for large sums of money to get you started. If you're good, YOU are going to MAKE money for THEM. It's probably a scam.

Answer 7

this modeling agency is a school that pretends tobe an agency. but thats how an agent get thier money...

Answer 8

NO NO NO...a modeling agency that truely wants you will ask for NO MONEY...even if they want you to take some classes ( they will pay). You were so smart not to pay them!!!!!!

Answer 9

you NEVER NEED TO TAKE CLASSES or pay to be a model. the only thing you should have to pay for are portfolio photos. tryanother agency. they make moey off of if they get you jobs, it is not legit if you have to pay that much

Answer 10

You may (but highly unlikely) get jobs but not the the high paying ones. Simple ones. Nothing that would get you famous and they probably would be sporadic. Basically it's a scam.