Finding A Legitimate Model Agency
Are you looking for a model agency to submit to? Be aware that if you are uninformed in the modeling business, you are more likely to be taken advantage of. What may appear to be a legitimate model agency, can turn out to be nothing but a fraudulent scam.
However, FMD will show you what to look out for, and how you can determine whether an agency is legit.
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM
There are two major clues to scams or phony model agencies.
- The agent asks for money upfront or an “enrollment fee”. A true model agency only makes money when booking their models on jobs, not by signing them.
- You are required to pay for modeling classes or a portfolio in advance to be considered for representation.
HERE ARE THE KEY FACTORS TO LOOK FOR WHEN RESEARCHING MODEL AGENCIES
- Check if the business is run out of an office, rather than a residence or a PO Box and that it is located at the advertised address.
- Should the agency be open for a short period of time, get background information on the person who started the company. Were they an agent? Do other agencies work with them?
- Be cautious of anyone with a Yahoo, AOL, Gmail, or any other non-business email address.
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT THIS INFORMATION?
WEBSITES
Agency Websites: These days most agencies have websites that provide enough information to prove their credibility. How long they have been in business, their clientele list, and submission policies are just a few examples. Additionally, their models’ portfolios will give you an idea of the type of men and women that they look for. You will also see the quality of clients and photographers they work with.
Blogs and Social Media: Checking out the agencies’ blogs and other social media pages are very quick and effective ways to learn more about them and their image.
The Better Business Bureau: The reputation of a company is perhaps the most telltale sign of its legitimacy. The Better Business Bureau or the local Chamber of Commerce (for international research) is where any reported complaints against the agencies, such as fraud or mismanagement, can be found.
GO TO THE SOURCE
Approach a Department Store: Contact your nearest department stores to find out if they use models for events. If they do, ask which agencies they hire from.
Contact Model Agencies: Although most agents will be too busy to answer a slew of questions, the receptionist or office manager should be able to help you.
The Three Ways you will Impress a Client.
The key to any successful career is to secure repeat business. This means that every time you walk on set you must bedazzle the client - not only with your appearance but your professionalism too. Here are three ways to help increase the chances of your clients calling your agent to book you again and again.
Have Confidence and Personality
Studies show that at least 60% of human communication is nonverbal; body language, facial expression, tone of voice, and eye contact. A person can get an instant impression of you the moment you walk into the room. If your shoulders are hunched and your face is blank, they may think that you have low self-esteem or no personality. It is important to appear confident because clients need the assurance that you can exude charisma and deliver whatever 'persona' they need to sell their product. The most successful models are not necessarily the most beautiful, but they are confident, well presented, vivacious and not afraid to strike up interesting conversations. It is normal to feel nervous - especially when working with a client for the first time. Maintaining eye contact and holding a conversation can be challenging under these circumstances. Here are some tips that will have you oozing charm:
- Look into the triangle area between the cheek bones and the bridge of the nose on the person’s face. It is less daunting than staring straight into their eyes, yet it is still just as effective.
- Test your acting skills; pretend that you are one of your favorite, assertive movie characters.
- Communicate with candor, but be aware that there is always a right time, place, and an appropriate topic for a discussion.
Master Your Poses
The more experience you have posing and moving in front of the camera, the more clients will want to hire you. When you deliver lots of great images in the least amount of time, it means that the client will stay ahead of schedule, and possibly decrease costs of production. Having a dance or acting background certainly helps, but if you do not, it may be worthwhile taking a few classes to improve your confidence and movement. In the meantime, practice all your poses and expressions in front of the mirror. Remember how they feel; because you won’t be able to see what you are doing once you are on set....And don't forget these three golden rules:
- Listen to what the client is asking of you, and follow direction.
- Provide your best, appropriate angles and expressions.
- Ensure that you are showcasing the product or clothing properly.
Respect the Client's Property
This may seem like common sense, but nerves or distractions can make the best of us forget our manners. Being respectful towards your client’s, and their property, will grant you respect in return. By following these guidelines, you will show the client that you have good business etiquette that will make them want you back for more bookings.
- Refrain from smoking; smelling like cigarettes can put people off, and burning holes in a collection definitely won't make a good impression.
- Never eat and drink while in the client's clothing or around their products without permission.
- Do not sit down while wearing the client’s clothes, unless they allow you to do so. Stylists work very hard to make sure that the clothes are clean and pressed to perfection.
- Do not get deodorant, fake tan, makeup, or body oil on the client's clothing. If you’ve had makeup applied for a shoot or fashion show, have a makeup and hair protector hood or pillowcase handy, to keep it from getting onto the clothes.
- Hang up your clothes, or help when you can.
- Get rid of your trash; clients do not want to clean up after you.
- Ask for permission to use any property in the studio, wardrobe trailer, or location.
