They told me that she needs to get professional pictures taken of her. I was under the assumption, that under age 5 children do not need professional pictures. The agent said that the photographers work exclusively through them...even if I find one in my area, I should send the website to the agent so they can talk with them. Does this mean that I have to pay for the professional pictures? I asked in an email and the agent did not reply to that question, only said that they work exclusively through the agency. So I am confused..any and all information would be very helpful. I don't want to get stuck in a scam...and don't have too much money to put into this.
2007-10-26 07:22:57 · 5 answers · asked by Karen O 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I was looking for an agent for her. I do believe that this agency is a scam...I was trying to find a legitimate one, but am not having any luck. Thanks for all of your responses.
2007-10-26 07:50:43 · update #1
I am certain it's a scam if they want pro photos of your 3 year old. Kids at that age change every week...
Where do you live? Some of us may be able to suggest legit agents in your area. If you're looking for a talent agent, you can look at the free list of franchised agencies on SAG.org. Many of those will also have a children's division and may also handle your daughter for print work but you'll have to ask when and if they call you in for an interview. Their primary focus is likely to be theatrical (tv & film) and commercial. You send them a snapshot of your daughter, tell them briefly why you think they should represent your daughter and for what (theatrical, commercial, etc.) and thank them for their consideration.
Don't call, don't stop by, leave it alone. They will cal you if they are interested. Make sure you label the back of the photo with your info in case for some reason your letter gets seperated from the photo. That way they won't say, oh cute kid. Too bad we don't know who it is.
Legit agents do not ask you to pay anything up front, they get a percentage of your daughter's pay afterward. SAG contracts ar 10%, modelling they get more (up to 20%). Legit agents also NEVER recommend specific photographers, they're not allowed to. Check out SAG.org and http://aftra.org/aftra/aftra.htm for more info.
FYI, your daughter will most likely need professional headshots once she is signed to an agency and they will need to be updated every 6 months or so because she will change so much during that time but they don't have to be super expensive. Look at ads in the trade papers, if you live in LA there are tons to choose from. Look here for examples. Check out their portfolios on their websites - http://www.workingactors.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?g=Marketing%2FPHOTOGRAPHERS%2F&d=1 Just make sure you like shots the photog has taken of other kids and that they are actual pro headshots, not just cute kid shots.
Best of luck to you,
Marianne
2007-10-26 09:02:53 · answer #1 · answered by Marianne D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A couple questions: How did they find out about your three year old? Are you looking for an agency or did they come to you?
Good for you for trusting your instincts because I believe you ARE in a scam. You haven't paid them any money yet, right? Well, don't, and do not contact them anymore. You can search the "agency" on these sites:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/105/ripoff0105314.htm
http://www.bbbonline.org/
to see if it truly is a scam.
They are ignoring the question most likely because they were going to charge you. They would not take those professional pictures for free. Anything that requires you to pay upfront or similar to your situation is a scam.
I hope you get you and your daughter out of this situation and do not get trapped into one of these again. Most likely you will not find a legit agency unless you are in or by one of the fashion capitals of the US and/or world (ie: New York, LA, Chicago, Miami, Paris, London, Milan, etc.)
2007-10-26 14:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by Norah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a scam. toddlers arent required to have professional pics taken they'll just have a simple snap shot taken of them, and a photographer is never supposed to work exclusively with an agency. the agency can refer you to photographers, but they cant tell you that you have to get your pictures done by any certain person.
2007-10-26 17:52:09 · answer #3 · answered by Danelle b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't subject your daughter to that lifestyle - could be a scam too - expensive pics that YOU have to pay for and then you never hear from the "modeling agency" again - how did they "find" your daughter in the first place
2007-10-26 14:32:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would NOT pay any $$$$ for pictures... if an agency thinks she could work... let them front the costs.. they should take the risks not you.
2007-10-26 14:30:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋