Models; Go Direct to Genuine Agencies To Avoid Industry Scams.
Despite a more inclusive attitude of late, the modelling industry can still be extremely competitive. There are many scam modelling agencies out there who are happy to take advantage of potential models who are keen to find representation.
If you are considering looking for an agency to help you get your modelling career started there are a few safeguards you can employ in order to avoid being duped or taken advantage of by those waiting to scam you.
Knowledge is power. Find out as much as you can about any agency you consider signing with. There are many sources of help and advice online that can aid in your search for the right representation.
To avoid potential scams check that any agency you consider is regulated by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Officials from BIS carry out regular inspections on modelling agencies, directly examining both their activities and premises.
A reputable agency’s terms and conditions should comply with the legislation that governs employment agencies. Do not be afraid to ask them about this. If they cannot answer your questions clearly they may be a scam modelling agency.
A well run agency will be able to provide you with testimonials direct from clients and models they have worked with. Look for these on the agency’s website and in any publications and ensure that they come from a reliable source. Scam modelling agencies will be unable to provide this vital evidence. If possible, choose an agency who can point to a strong, verifiable history of successfully placing real models with real clients.
Check the agency’s history. How long has it run for? Who has it worked with? If the agency you are considering is very new it may be worth reconsidering. An agency with reputable clients and a long history is a great place to start.
Visit the agency’s premises. Many scam agencies will be run purely online. If you get an address for your potential agency, check it out and ask if you can visit with a chaperone.
If you are under 18 and preferably whatever your age, always let your parents or a friend know your plans before visiting an agency or taking any job with one. If you can, take someone along to the first job. Once you are assured that all is as it should be, your friend or parent can always leave at that stage, knowing you are in safe hands.
A real model agency will not be threatened by your questions so be confident and get the answers you need, your safety is important and a scam agency will not volunteer the information that they are about to scam you, or that you could end up on a job that you are uncomfortable with.
When you are reassured on all of these issues you may want to consider going ahead with an application to your favoured agency. Be clear about your expectations to avoid misunderstandings, but be realistic about what a modelling agency can offer you. There will be a lot of competition and you must expect some rejection, this is normal within the industry and will help you develop your look.
Remember to update your model portfolio or online profile as regularly as you can. This will increase your chance of being selected for assignments by clients of a genuine agency. If they like your look then you could find that your career takes off overnight so be prepared to be adaptable. Modelling is not easy, finding the right agency is just the first step on the road to a very rewarding but challenging career …but it is the most important step of all.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
