model agencies

[curlyperm11]

my daughter and i were stopped in manchester by a model scout from MODELS NORTH (for her not me) so we went along to an open day - they took 3/4 test shots and said they may or may not be intouch? then i got a letter asking me to ring - which i did and they said they wanted her on their books and she needed a portfolio of pictures, and said i could either get my own photographer or they have someone along with a make up artist and she would spend 2 or 3 hours with them , bringing 4 outfits to change etc.. at a cost (to me) of �199? the portfolio would then belong to her and they would then find her work? is this normal - for them to let me pay for the pictures i mean? we are not dilluded in any way and are not bothered one way or the other just wondered?
if its not too much trouble you helpful people, i only want definate answers of girls who know, i have had advice off friends so am not short of that thanks xx

[Prudentia]

you would be better off sticking �200 down a grid

[sn�gs]

Do not part with any money... if an Agency wants someone on their books badly enough they will eat all costs...

[weeal]

its a con

[Prudentia]

too right snags, model agencies in general, if you ask them to sign a guarantee of paid work to cover the fee they will show you the door

[curlyperm11]

ok - ah well thanks people - i appreciate your time and effort but its just opinions? i need to hear something definate, but prob wont bother doing it anyway xx cheers x

[Prudentia]

I had a photograhic studio for some years, I never suggested to any potential model that there was work out there for the asking, there isn't. It comes down to it's not what you know but who you know!!

[curlyperm11]

thanks everyone - much food for thought xx

[Mr Veritas]

They will take your money,return with a very inferior "portfolio",and that will be the last you will hear of them!

Steer clear,and keep the �199 for some other purpose.

[andy-hughes]

As advised, no reputable agency wil ask for money for photos.

If in doubt, contact Storm, or any of the major agencies, and ask them what is the normal way of locating a new model.

[gossipgirl]

its a con, the same thing happened to a friend of mine when she was s'scouted' in cardiff. She ended up paying little under a grand for a portfolio and never got any work. If the agency want her that much they will pay the costs!

[jeanette1976]

I didn't have to pay for mine.

And a mate of mine was on the books for a different agency and she paid �200 for her portfolio and she never got any work from it anyway.

Biggest and most re[putable agency in Manchester is Storm.

Good luck! x

[jeanette1976]

Oh, and with regards to what Prudentia said about it's who you know, I have to say i disagree. It's extremely competitive in this profession and it really is all about looks.

If you have a particular, appealing or fashionable look, you'll get lots of casting offers.

Basically, the company who wants the advert/fashion show, poster, etc. will discuss what type of look they're after to suit the nature of the ad. If you have that particular look, you'll be asked to attend a casting which is usually with a number of other models, all wirth the same kind of look.

If the photographer and the company like you, they'll pick you. It's as simple as that.

There's a lot of money to be made in this game but it's harsh and you have to be mentally strong enough to deal with A LOT of rejection and PHENOMENAL bitchiness and catfights backstage. I saw a model practically rip a dress from another model when we were changing for a fashion show before.

Oh, and your shelf life usually deteriorates at about 25. I was spotted when I was 15 and I'm still doing it now at 33 (I can get away with looking 22) so I'm one of the few lucky ones. Once I start looking my age though, I'll be kicked straight off the books. The younger you are, the more wear they get out of you unless you make it BIG like Kate Moss.

I would definitely only stick with big agencies. Elite Premier, Models One and Storm are the best and hold all the supermodels.

Once again, good luck. X

[Dee Sa]

this is an old con to get you to part enough with your money, the bill usually comes to over their quote and once they have the money its the last you will ever see of them, be warned.They probably stopped about 50 people on the day they stopped you and if they get 5 people to take up their offer they have made £1,000, not bad for a day's work and you cannot get your money back because you will have signed an agreement first.