how do i know if a talent agency in my area or in nyc is legit?

Question

i have heard stories about people getting ripped off and spending soo much money on talent agencies and they dont help the person proceed there career path...and does anyone know of legit agencies for acting???please help,thnxs:]

any agency in nyc

Answer 1

Sorry, but most agents aren't going for the Chamber of Commerce link here. They don't have to. You check up on an agent through http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=sagagentsearform.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=Hidden&cp=AgentInformation&templateType=multipage&portletTitle=Agent+Relations&contentType=Agent+Relations&contentSubType=Links&idx=0 for one (click on "Find a SAG franchised agent", or like NYgal said, through Ross Reports which you can subscribe to online if you want to pay and get the most updated info on a continuing basis. You can also see if the agent is a member of ATA http://www.agentassociation.com/ There are many ways. Also you never pay a fee up front. Agents get commission. They ony get paid when you do. Anyone who paid a talent agency up front got ripped off and wasn't with a real agency to begin with.

Your best way into an agency is through a referral. Get to know other actors in your classes and on rojects you're working on. See who they're with and ask if you can use them as a referral. Ask your directors too.

good luck

Answer 2

Which NYC agency are you inquiring about?
One nevers pays to get a Talent Agent. They work on commission, from the money the actor makes.

Buy The Ross Reports. It lists every Talent Agency in New York City and their address.

Always use the photographer recommended by the Agency, as that photographer is the ONLY photographer that is familiar with the "look," the Agency requires.

If you were living in Po-dunk, USA, you can get away with using any "guy with a camera," one cannot do that in NYC. NYC agents expect perfection! Your career and theirs is at stake.

You can buy a copy of The Ross Reports at: The Drama Book Store, or, World News on West 42 Street, going toward Port Authority.

All Talent Agencies in The Ross Reports are legitimate and are licensed and bonded by The State of New York

Some agencies will have their Talent Agency license posted on the wall of their office.

Answer 3

I would research the modeling schools very very throughly.. go to a site like ford models or Q models and ask them who they recommend for schooling. Do not go to a John Robert Powers or a chain modeling company or a rinky dink small hole in the wall place. Chances are they have NO connections in the business and they ARE just after your hard earned money. I have seen that too many times! As far as a portfolio goes, a good Modeling Photographer will know what you need in a portfolio. You need a nice Head Shot on the front with your name on the bottom and age and height and weight. and maybe 4 plex of pix on the backside with different poses or scenes of you. They should be shot in Black and White film. Then a separate Info sheet that tells about you and your sizes and a list of any experience or work as you get some and your contact info, I would also suggest an agent or a manager as you will have to be shopped (Marketed) for jobs and that takes industry knowledge and connections to get somewhere. and you are going to need money for all of this.. Hope this helps... Sharie Heading Stargazer Entertainment Management Group.

Answer 4

One way to begin is to check with the Better Business Bureau in the city where the agency has its offices. You can also check with local Chambers of Commerce. Reputable businesses tend to get involved in civic groups like that. Disreputable businesses tend to try to avoid public scrutiny. Certainly ask for references from the agency, not just testimonials. I've also read that reputable talent agencies do not ask for "up front" money from the talent they represent. If they require certain profile pictures, find out if you can use your own photog, not necessarily the one they try to send you to. (if they insist you use their photog...avoid that agency)