does anyone know any male modelling agencies in melbourne that dont just take your money?

[chester]

Any that are legit and have male models. I want to apply , but I heard that there are a lot of "scam" agencies out there that make you pay roughly $500 to join and then you dont even get any jobs, any personal experience anyone?

[baxterville]

You probably won't be able to sign with a legitimate agency until you have some modeling experience, since an agent's job is to provide fashion clients with experienced, professional models who can show up to jobs knowing exactly what's expected of them. Legitimate agencies NEVER ask for money in advance. Agents (legitimate ones) are paid on commission, so they only earn money when their models do. The frauds need to ask for money in advance, since they have neither the ability nor the intention of finding anyone jobs. They make their money by charging for classes, head shots and other promotional materials that are completely useless.

Probably 95% of people with "model looks" aren't capable of being models because they're not uncommonly photogenic, don't take direction well, or can't overcome their self-consciousness when striking poses that range from unnatural to stupid. Because there are so many people who want to model, but who aren't cut out for the work, agents don't usually meet with people who don't have portfolios showing they're qualified to be sent out on jobs.

Most models begin their careers at the local level, appearing in print ads for local/regional stores. If you contact the main office of a local/regional store that advertises where you live, you can inquire about modeling for newspaper or magazine ads. If you're chosen, you'll begin building a portfolio showing that you've worked in the field. The photographers who do catalog and magazine shoots work for many corporate clients, so if they like your work, they'll recommend you for other jobs, enabling you to expand your portfolio.

A portfolio basically serves as a resume will open doors at a legitimate agency. Because there are so many people who want to model, but so few jobs for models, agents can afford to be choosy and limit representation to people who've proven they're serious about modeling.

[Kittysue]

There are a few good agencies for men in Melbourne - Viviens, Chadwick, Scene, London Management Group are the biggest and best. Most agencies these days have a one-time marketing or registration fee, and every agency will require a model to pay for his or her comp/zed cards and a few test shoots to get their portfolio started.

[Mike N]

Get a portfolio and join ModelMayhem.com

[Jake]

To help you sort them out....

3 out of 4 agencies are scams. Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity & reputation. An easy (but not exclusive) search is to Google the model agency name followed by the word 'scam' and/or 'review' & read the results. Be aware, some scammers will write positive feedback on their negative reviews.

Genuine agents make money by taking a percentage of a model`s fees. They 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 insist you pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted. Agencies that require a portfolio hosting fee or charge for compcards (z cards) will deduct this from a model`s first job fees.

Genuine agencies do not ask you to pay for test shoots or for the development of portfolios but may arrange specific photoshoots with a reputable or in-house photographer.

Genuine agencies do not expect payment up front for your Z card or website profile. Some may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these.

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 will ask you for nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. No legitimate agency will ask you to audition via webcam.

Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Any attending 'scouts' are part of the scam team.

Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time.

Legitimate model agencies have bona fide offices & employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Beware, anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number 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 and have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models. To make this clear, when making an internet search relating to modelling ALL the modelling adverts on the right of the screen & in the pink or blue boxes at the top of the results list are ALL scams.

Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising

BTW you don`t have to be experienced. A legitimate agency will train you if they sign you.