i went to a talent agency and it was a big building with a 4 or 5 offices and it was clean (looked legit....i dont think soo) and towards the end they asked for money...my question is...do all talent agencies ask for money or offer you "classes?"
2007-05-27 17:03:36 · 12 answers · asked by Bob 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
No - that is a scam.
Legit agents and agencies only make a percentage of what you make when you book a job they found for you.
Never sign with an agency that makes you take their classes, wants you to pay money, or tries to make you pay for new headshots with their photographers.
2007-06-04 16:15:43 · answer #1 · answered by muchadoaboutnothing 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do and theose that do ask you should walk out on. If they do not feel comfortable that they can get you enough work that they can take a commission off, then they obviously do not have your best interests at heart. They have nothing but their own pockets. Once you hand over upfront payments, then why should they do anything further for you? You have just removed any incentive for them to find you work.
Some agencies may insist on you doing a course, or have a photo-shoot done, or some such. If you can confirm that the cost they are asking for is purely to cover the cost of the activity and does not include a pocket liner, then they may still be legit. Still, enforcing you to have a photo shoot (when you may have photos of your own) or do a course is still frowned upon.
On the other hand, having the option of doing a course with the agency could be in your best interest. If the actual agents are involved in the course in some way, then they will get to see what skills you actually have, and then be able to evaluate your ability to bring in a few more bucks for them and where your talents may be best directed. That is your call however. Do not feel you have to forced into anything.
I wrote a blog about this after several interested parties inquired it of me.
2007-05-27 19:11:50 · answer #2 · answered by labrug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A legitimate agency makes its money by taking a percentage of your earnings from the jobs they help you find after they've signed you as a client. That's why it's hard to find a legitimate agent. They'll take you on as a client only if they believe you have serious earning potential. It's easy to get a scam agent, because they don't care whether or not you get any work. They hit you for money up front, so they don't need a percentage of your earnings. If you're naive enough to pay them that "deposit," they'll be back to milk you for more money without ever giving you anything solid in return.
2016-03-13 00:42:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In New York: Legitimate Talent Agents cannot offer classes or sell anything to an actor. How to tell if they are NOT a legitimate agency: they ask for money or try to sell classes, seminars, photographs, etc.
Legitimate Talent Agencies do NOT ask for money, as they get a 10% commission from the work the actor makes on an acting job. If they are a legitimate talent agency, they are registered with The Department of State, in your State.
Go to SAG.org and see if they are listed as a SAG agency in your city/state. If NOT they are not a legitimate talent agency they cannot represent actors. Call the Department of Labor in your State and report them.
Give them the name of the agency and tell them they asked for money.
A legitimate Talent Agency would not risk his business by asking for money. Legitimate talent agencies are only entitled to a 10% commission from the work performed by an actor.
Legitimate talent agencies do NOT sell or offer classes.
Unfortunately, unless you live in a large city, you will run into scams. Remember - legitimate talent agencies NEVER, NEVER are entitled to ask the actor for money. Report them if they attempt to do so.
RED FLAG: They ask for money to represent you, ask for money for classes, ask for money for headshots and seminars.
2007-05-27 17:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
backround or Big Time Job agencies aren't really sopost to cost money. My agent didn't charge me anything but I didn't get acting classes. Agencies that have acting classes included might cost money, depending on how much it costs and the length of the classes is what you need to think about. If they ask you for money and their are no classes or anything involved it is a crock. If it does ask you for money and thier are acting classes involved it is alright, I can almost guarentee that no acting agency will give you comlimentary classes unless they want like 25% of what you make or something. Well good luck. +acting classes=good deal. no classes= bad deal. Once again Good Luck!
2007-06-04 11:54:27 · answer #5 · answered by alexa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 near Phila asks for approx $30 registration. But, the ligit ones are NEVER supposed to do that as they earn commis later! If they ask for more than $30 then I'd walk away! And, many earn their $ from making photos so if they say you must use their photographers/pix then run fast!
2007-05-27 17:07:21 · answer #6 · answered by P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The real agencies help you find work, then take a cut of your pay, usually 15%. The place you were dealing with is scamming you. Stay away!
2007-05-27 17:07:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There generally should not be a cost to you....they should provide you with a job (like JCPENNY adds or still model in malls etc.) the pay is around 25hr for the mall gig and 100hr for JcPenny...that money would help with your portfolio and your classes.
2007-05-28 06:13:33 · answer #8 · answered by Lola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The legitimate ones do not, the scam ones do.
2007-05-27 17:06:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not legit ones
2007-06-02 15:43:14 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋