MODELING SCAMS AND SPENDING MONEY
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Is modeling going to cost me money?
Most successful models and actors will tell you that they’ve invested a lot of money in their career, and regret nothing. Smart investments can pay off, but you don’t have to be rich to make a successful career out of modeling and acting. The best approach is to play the field and spend money on things that will help and ensure success. In any career, having the correct tools, proper training and hands on knowledge are all necessary, and some of those things can cost money. If a child approaches his parents and requests to join a dance team, most likely the parents will find themselves purchasing tap shoes, ballet slippers, leotards, and even paying for dance coaching. Parents will pay for smart investments leading to the child’s success on the dance team. Choosing a career in modeling and acting is rewarding if you apply yourself and invest wisely.
What do I need to buy?
Purchase what you need. Period. If you want to learn about modeling, read books, research the internet and get in front of the camera. You may find yourself purchasing clothes, props, accessories and/or makeup for photo shoots, casting, auditions, and networking parties, so be prepared. Some models and actors spend money on marketing tools and techniques to entice hiring clients. Keep in mind that this is a competitive business, so be smart and present yourself as a unique individual so you stand out. Get unique photos that will intrigue and impress those that wish to hire you. Show them your talents through creditability, performance, and ability to act on the spot. YOUR photos should show your personality and say, “Book me!” Take workshops, classes, or get a coach. If it costs money, make sure it’s worth the cost and that you’re gaining knowledge from a reputable and experienced company or individual.
Do I have to pay for photos to get into modeling?
This is pretty simple. If you want to get amazing shots, it’s almost impossible to find a professional photographer who will do it for free. Often you may find a photographer who will offer to trade you photographs for you time; this is known as TFP or Time For Print. Unfortunately, even though you are getting some free photos, these seemingly generous photographers have hidden agendas to get you to work for free for an assignment, or later sell your images to stock. Most models prefer to have control of their images and where their face and name end up. With TFP offers you have no say. Photographers could yield thousands of dollars from the images they take during a TFP shoot. Unfortunately, the models will never see any of the money, because they were willing to work for “a trade” instead. This is not how the industry works, and typically not the best way to start, usually leading to failure or embarrassment. Photographers will sell your images to the stock houses and you never know where your photo may surface. This is a scary thought. Not to mention most TFP photographers take advantage of models, requesting that they do lingerie, skimpy swimwear, nude shots, and even adult work, this is totally unacceptable in the real modeling world. In addition, one shot could last a lifetime, yielding thousands each month. The “Gerber Baby” is 27 now and receives a check each month for her image that is still being used today. Don’t put yourself in a position where your photos are making money, but you aren’t. It is just not worth it! Avoid TFP’s , time for print offers, and avoid signing releases without an incentive. If you pay a photographer, you most likely will own your images or share the copyrights with the photographer. Most people in the industry, photographers, models, makeup artist, etc. will be willing to let their images be used for product advertisements as long as there is pay. Those that do it for free are never going to be taken seriously. Seem complicated? That is why it is so important to have a good manager.
Finding an agency: Not always easy…
Okay there are a ton of them out there. How do you know which ones are right for you? Well, for starters, make sure that they have a talent agency license. They have to post this. It is TA number like TA 0000123 look for it, or ask to see this number. This means they are license by the State. If they don’t have one, then it means they are running an illegal business. Don’t worry, it won’t last for long. Florida IS a state that requires a TA license, but some States do not require a TA number, however call the State and ask them. One phone call can save you from a bad situation as well as time and money! NEVER let an agency sell you anything!
You should always approach an agency with great images. Wow them. Remember, they have to convince their clients (Magazines, televisions and film directors, etc) you have “the look they need”. If you can’t impress an agent with you photos, they won’t be able to impress their clients. Provide photos that scream “book me”, composite card as well as a book and other tangible tools to prove you work; demo reels, tear sheets, etc. Even having your own web site can be an amazing way to show an agency that you have been paying your dues and you are accomplishing things on your own. If you can demonstrate that you are earning money as a model than you have worth. Making money is the key for any good agent to say…you are worth something to us and we would like to invest our time and money into you. They will see in you a way to make themselves money! Anyone can have nice photos, a comp card and portfolio book…The key is ARE YOU WORKING?
Conventions/model searches are they for real? BE CAREFUL
So a “big shot” advertises on the radio that they will be in town for only a couple days - and this is your big chance to be seen by hundreds of agencies, casting directors, and designers. Sometimes they even tell you that its free to attend. So you show up to a big convention center or hotel room where hundreds of “wannabe” models and actors are anticipating the same thing. While at the convention, you will spend money - there’s no way around it. At one touring model search you have to pay $700 for 15 photos to take to all the agencies at the convention. If you don’t buy, then you can’t see the agents. Even if you show up with great photos, you’ll still need to spend the money on a shoot. Spending money on photos is fine, but $700 for 15 shots….those better be the best photos ever! At an expo in Texas, models from all over the nation visit, spending $1700 just to attend the two day convention. Every week there are model searches and conventions, don’t be fooled. A Convention could cost $700 -$5000. But here’s the best part, after the convention is over, the “big shots” leave town with your money and head to another city to do the exact same thing. You are left abandoned, with no jobs, no agency, and less money then you started. It’s rare that any agent would pickup a model at a convention. The quality of models that attend conventions and searches consist of people that are NOT familiar with how the entertainment industry works, and that’s an agents biggest fear. The odds of you really landing any thing is like winning the lottery. And the competition is huge. You want individual attention and you want someone to see you for you. We say go see an agency in person one on one. This way they have the time to see you -but don‘t burn your bridge. Only visit an agency when you are agency ready. Most agents give people one chance, so be prepared.
Managers are they worth it? EVERY PENNY
They are working for you and to help you make the right decisions. You can not even begin to work this market if you do not know this business, or have the connections. Clients trust managers. They are on your side. They want to see you make it! They love to show the industry success stories. If you find a good one hang on to them. Even if you got signed to the biggest agency in the World, hang on to them. They will still back you up and help you negotiate rates and give you excellent advice.
There isn’t a modeling college.
Persistence is your best friend: No matter what line of work you are getting into. If you just keep on trying you will make it. Continue to update and move forward!
Think long term: Think big and think lifetime. The things that you do today can determine how long your career will last and how much money you can make. Be aware of unions, copyright laws, residuals, syndication rights, buyouts, and contracts.
Misconceptions about the Model and Talent Industry - Sorry to burst your bubble!
If you’re pretty you can model .
- Not true. Looks aren’t everything. Sometimes the prettiest girls are the worst models. Remember, as a model it’s your job to sell a product or the clothes on your back. If you cannot do that, pretty or not, you’re not model material. There is a demand for every look. Physicality is destiny. Tall, short, fat, thin, ugly, beautiful, or odd looking - there’s work for everyone.
You have to be tall to be a model.
-Just an old myth these days. Height is a plus, but means nothing. Kate Moss is 5’5. Eva from
America’s Next Top Model is 5’5” Height is just a number. Every market has a demand for different looks. Some want tall models, some want petite models, some want beauty models. Find your groove, embrace your look, and make it work. Its not impossible. Sarah Jessica Parker models for Gap at 4’11. There are many different styles of modeling…one will work for you.
All I need is an agent.
-Sure, and agent is great, but plenty models and actors find work without an agency too. You have options, know them.
Agencies will pay for me to model.
-An agency will not pay for you to model. Why would an agency invest in you if you have nothing to offer them. If an agency invested money in every pretty girl they met, they would be bankrupt in an hour. They will NOT pay for comp cards, portfolios, or anything that models need. Its your job to supply agents with your tools so that they can book work for you. If an agent helps you financially, they expect to be paid back, and will deduct funds from your earning, but that is rare.
I don’t need training, if I got the talent - I’m ready to work.
Sports athletes have a lot of talent, but they train everyday. Even in the sports world, if you miss a practice, you cannot play in the game. Training can be your best friend. The model industry changes everyday. You have to make sure you are updated in all aspects. Training can be reassuring, and build confidence. Polish your craft, practice makes perfect. If you are not on your “A” game, its only a matter of time until someone else sneaks in and takes your work from you. Johnny Depp trains with acting coaches for every film. If Kevin Spacey did not have his acting coach on set with him for American Beauty, he never would have won an academy award for the role. There’s a lot to modeling and acting - and its not a one man job. Get a team, get the help. If you want to be a pro -do what the pros do.
|
