I want to model but I havent been discovered yet!?

[Jake]

You need to apply to the agencies either by email or by the online application facility on their respective websites. Don`t wait to be scouted in your local town. Most scouting is done online - agencies have hundreds of applications sent direct to their offices so the scouts have no need to go out to scout. Although each will keep a keen eye out for any potentials as they go about their day to day lives.

You need to be able to recognise if the agency is genuine or not. The fact is that 3 out of 4 'agencies' will be bogus.

Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity and reputation, and if the scam agent is a sexual predator - it will save you. An easy (but not exclusive) way to do this is by internet search of the model agency name followed by the word 'scam' and/or 'review' and read the results.

A genuine agent will never ask you for money. Agents makes their money by taking a cut of the fees from work that they get for models. Legitimate agencies do not have handling fees, signing fees, agency fees (outside of their cut - as noted above) or any other kind of up front 'before-you-can-be-signed' fee. Bogus agencies may tell you that you have to pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted.

Genuine agencies will not ask you to pay for your test shoots or for the development of your portfolio but may arrange a photoshoot with a reputable or in-house photographer for any particular style of image required.

Genuine agencies will not expect you to pay up front for your Z card and /or website profile. Some agencies may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these at all.

Legitimate modelling agencies give a 30 day cooling off period for photographic and audio visual services when these are provided as an additional service.

Legitimate modelling agencies are, by law, registered as employment agencies.

No legitimate modelling agency or agent will ask you send them nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. On initial application all they will require are images showing head & shoulder portrait (front view and side view) and full length (front and side view).

No legitimate agency or agent will ask you to audition via webcam.

Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Often they will tell you that talent scouts will be attending. The 'scouts' are part of the scam team. Unfortunately many young models are so keen to believe everything they are told that they cannot recognise a scam.

Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time. Do not fall for the line "we have been looking for someone like you, we have a paid job available but you need to sign now".

Legitimate model agencies have offices that you can visit and employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Be aware that anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number that you can call, so further research will also be needed.

Genuine agencies DO NOT ADVERTISE ON GUMTREE, GOOGLE ADS, YAHOO ADS, FACEBOOK OR ANY SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (other than casting calls on bona fide model networking sites) Agencies receive hundreds of applications direct to their offices. They have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models. Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising.

If you are under 18 your parents will have to make the application for you. At least one of them will have to accompany you to interviews, auditions etc and to photoshoots and assignments They will need to ensure you have any relevant work permits.

There is no guarantee that you will be accepted by an agency and they cannot guarantee you will get any work.
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