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Model Confessions: How I was Scammed by a Model Agency!!!
Presented by Bob Pardue
A Female Model Tells All ...
Talent Agency Scams and Red Flags
The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage, especially for younger models. If you've been contacted on the street and offered a model career or feel you need to know more about modeling scams and tricks, here is your opportunity.
Watch out for scams! This is something everyone on this planet should know about and be wary of. Our world is overflowing with scam artists and crooks.
Don't be surprised if you encounter a few in life. I have encountered several already. First there was the guy pitching me a pyramid scam. Sadly he almost sucked me into this lame business venture.
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Scams Abound and You Can be Left Without ..
If you know anything about these, then you probably realize that only the people on top of the pyramid benefit.
Then there was the questionable model management organization. WOW, are there ever a lot of fake modeling and talent agencies!
There will always be some cheesy individual telling someone they're a star, and then of course requesting their credit card number. |
Sound fishy yet?
When I was just a naive 19 year old girl and attending college, I wanted something more. After an acquaintance encouraged me to try my hand at modeling, I did just that. My first obstacle was finding a decent model management service.
NOTE: Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you're fully informed about scams by talent agencies, keep reading.
Like most areas, there were a few modeling schools/agencies nearby. We had the John Robert Powers and the John Casablanca's, and maybe a Barbizon or two.
For those of you who're not privy to the modeling industry, these are the schools who raise red flags with their presentations.
They are the model management / talent agencies that don't really get any work. They earn most of their money by recruiting more and more students for their schooling program. Something that I must admit sounds really bogus.
NO aspiring model needs any schooling at all. It's basically about taking a few snap shots and heading into REAL model management agencies for open call. That's all you need to do. Trust me; they will know if they can use your look or not. If they are interested, they will set you up with a test shoot and so on.
I am saying this so that many aspiring models can avoid all the hassles of modeling schools that will rip you off, and countless modeling competitions who will treat you like a queen until your money runs out.
To truly try your hand in modeling, you should investigate your area. Check out all the model management agencies in your city. If you're in a large one like Manhattan, LA, or Miami, you're very fortunate.
These are the big guys. Look up all model agencies online, find out if they have open call, and then show up to let them give you a once over. But, don't forget these three things ...
- Arrive at the talent agency looking great, but with little or no make-up
- Pull your hair up to show off your beautiful face
- Bring a few basic snapshots (Headshot, 3/4 length and full length in swim wear or tight-fitting clothing) to show what you look like on camera.
- Always remember to be very pleasant and have a good attitude!
No matter how beautiful you are (or think you are), it is nearly impossible to be discovered at the mall or at your local McDonalds. It just doesn't happen this way. The key to modeling is preparation and hard work! Keep these things in mind and watch out for the sharks, AKA model agency scam artists. They are everywhere!!
The New Email Model Scam
It's not enough that people try to scam you in the malls and on the streer. Now modeling scams come in other forms such as email.
It's easy nowadays for robot software to search the Internet for emails located on model related websites. The program scrapes the pages and inserts them into a database ready for bulk mailings.
Then, the scammers just sit back and wait for those few who respond.
Here is an actual copy of an email brought to my attention by a female model I recently worked with. Here is how it goes ...
Bob,
This guy contacted me off of your website. I need to know if it sounds ligit ....
Details of Offer:
Thanks for your response, this is what the contract is all about: we need Models to Pose for the company's sales promo magazines and advert; In publishing and advertising on the Company's Sales Promotion coming up soon in Fresno, California to boost our sales.
Shots will be taking and TV posing and advert will be arranged to advertise our clothing products. We are interested in you for the professional shooting no nudity, fetish,bondage, escort and other adult content stuff. The company(sponsor) will be responsible for every expenses for your first shot with our company in other to create a modeling portfolio with us.
Funds will be mailed to you. This payment will be an ADDITION of your Emolument for the shot and funds for the Studio Manager with whom is the assigned Make Up Artist to get all the needed Make Up Materials,for you and your Flight ticket.
The model photo shoot will be hold for 3 hours and we the sum of $600 will be issued for your first shot with our company. This Amount you will deduct from the funds you will be receiving and have the left over balance sent to the Studio Manager in California where the shot will be hold.
After that he will have you enlisted and get your flight ticket sent to you for your coming.
On confirmation of your payment information as clearly outlined below this message.
More so, you can come along with any body of your choice on the day of the shooting,your mum,Dad,friend,body-guard anybody you wish to come with just for you to feel comfortable .
OUT FITS:
You have 5 different Fashion outfits to cover,which the Assigned Make Up Artist will be bringing along to meet you on the scheduled day of the shot.
If interested, to have you enlisted among the Models who will be modeling/acting for the companies the following informations about you will be needed:
Name in full :
Residential address in full:
City:
State:
Zip-code:
Phone number(cell and home):
Age:
Ethnicity:
E-mail:
Charges...$600(2 hours)
Statistics for Attires:
Measurements:
Height:
Weight:
Hip:
Waist:
Bust:
Shoe size:
Dress size:
Any previous Modeling Experience:
I await to hear from you.
Signed .....
website
END OF OFFER
My Response:
Hi, I've ssen this before .. a definate scam. The clincher is ..
"the sum of $600 will be issued for your first shot with our company. This Amount you will deduct from the funds you will be receiving and have the left over balance sent to the Studio Manager in California where the shot will be hold."
What happens is, the model scammer sends you a cashiers check (or similar) and then ask you to forward part of the money to someone else.
By the time you find out the check was no good they have the money you forwarded and no session will take place.
They Stand to Make a Small Fortune with this Model Scam!
If they collect $200 of this "money" a couple of hundred times, that's $40,000. No small piece of change!!
An agency will never ask you to forward money and will not offer jobs unless they already represent you.
I know it's disheartening. I get the same emails about my photography services.
Don't be taken in by people you don't know and always ask someone who is experienced before jumping into modeling job offers that sound too good to be true.
If you have had similar experience or have helpful comments please let us hear what you have to say below.
There's no doubt that the topic of scams by talent agencies can be both frightening and enlightening.
These people are very good at telling models what they long to hear but if you keep an even head on your shoulders and remember the phrase I've repeated so many times; "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." then you will be less likely to be taken in by these model scams.
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More Advice for a Female Modeling Career |
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5 Steps to Winning a Modeling Agency Contract - Every day models head to an interview with a model booking agent and don't have a clue as to what they are going to say or how they are going to present themselves. |
About Ford Modeling Agency - Just like IMG, Ford Modeling Agency is one of the biggest in the country. A must see if you plan to become America's next top model. |
It's not that you are not smart or prepared for modeling. You may have even done some runway or commercial modeling and are now ready to hire an agency to further your career. But remember, the agency is also hiring you!
Bob
Pardue is a professional stock
and fashion model photographer located in the Southeastern
USA. You can view some of his work and read other
interesting model tips by visiting www.bobpardue.com
Disclaimer:
Although we have done research to provide solid and accurate
information in this article about model agency scams Bob
Pardue Photography accepts no responsibility or does not
insure or imply any degree of success by listing with model
agencies on this site. Your success with a talent agency
will upon your attitude and ambition. Please thoroughly
check out any modeling agencies you find on this site and
always remember the model safety rules. Be safe and Bring A
Friend to all interviews and sessions! And, now you will
know more about modeling scams and how to avoid them.
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Bob Pardue Photography