The Business of Modeling Newsletter

I have noticed a trend in the past few years, scam artists are getting smarter in the modeling biz! Years ago there were only a few and it was obvious who was what. Lately, even I have been shocked at what these crooks have cooked up. These individuals have gotten smarter and realize new faces in the industry are more educated, thus they have gotten more creative in their attempts to hide the real deal.

Weekly I hear of new start up's in the agency business, scouting companies not to mention the entire online modeling circuit. Here are a few reoccurring scams I'd like to point out to help all of you save time and money!

THE FAKE AGENCY

Legitimate agencies make their money by taking a percentage from models and clients off the work they book. I'm surprised that people don't realize agencies make 40% of each booking.

As a standard - many agencies take 20% from the model (commission) and another 20% from the client (agency fee). Meaning, if they book you for a full day for $1,000, they actually will bill the client $1,200. When the model gets her check, it will be for $800 and the agency's profit is $400. That is how an agency makes their money!

Unfortunately almost half of the agencies existing don't work this way. That is a lot of opportunity for all of you to get taken.

First and foremost, realize that agencies are a Monday-Friday, 9-5pm business.

If you are contacted to attend an "Open Call" or "Talent Review" make sure it's between these hours. Be very suspicious if they ask you to come in later in the evening or a weekend. Legitimate agencies don't do weekends!