Modelling scams: The model portfolio and the facilitator scam
I regularly receive e-mails through the Models Guide on my website about modelling scams. One of the most ingenious scams in the modelling business is what I call the facilitator scam.
It involves somebody appearing to be a legitimate business, telling you that they are not a modelling agency but can help you to break into modelling. The scam is ingenious because aspiring models (often with the involvement of their parents) are promised nothing yet still happily pay large amounts of money.
The help seems to consist of two steps:
Firstly, referring an aspiring model to a photographer or studio to have a model portfolio produced. The facilitator only exists to sell model portfolios through an apparently independent photo studio or photographer. In reality, the facilitator and photo studio are one and the same.
The photo shoot itself is often free but you may have to pay a studio rental fee and pay dearly for prints and digital images on CD. Often, the model portfolio is justified by the need to show agencies what you could look like and to teach you how to perform with distractions around you.
The model portfolio is a common misconception. I agree that there are situations, when you want a portfolio. Generally, however, if you want to join one of the reputable agencies, you do not need a portfolio. A few decent snapshots will do. Crucially, legitimate agencies do not want to see what you could look like, they want to see what you do look like: Do not wear any makeup, let anybody do any digital retouching or tell you otherwise.
If you want your application photos created professionally (there is nothing wrong with that), think that you need a portfolio or simply want one, go to an independent, reputable photographer, who knows what kind of photographs agencies want to see and what photographs you may need to have a go at freelance modelling. Many photographers do not know. My own really useful model portfolio is an example of what you should aim for. Check out the price list, too. You should not pay more for a model portfolio.
Secondly, to send the aspiring model’s details and photos to a large number of agencies from some magic database. Apart from the fact that this probably never happens, you do not need anybody to apply on your behalf. If anything, it may well harm your chances of having your photographs looked at. You can find model agencies on the Internet and contact them yourself. This involves a bit of time but does not cost a penny. Do not forget to research whether you are dealing with a legitimate agency.
A variation to this second step is a reply from a model agency, which wants to sign you up but charges an upfront fee (a definite no-no among reputable agencies). This agency is not a real agency and is again the facilitator wearing a different hat.
I have seen some of the marketing materials. My first reaction was “how could you possibly fall for it” and I admit that this was probably a little unfair. The materials look professional, are designed to sell and many people would probably take them for genuine. They are just very dishonest and full of made-up facts.
Try to become a model if you must but be safe and don’t fall for the scams. If you already have become a victim, you should contact Trading Standards.
To find out about becoming a model, checking out agencies and avoiding the scams, visit the Models Guide on my website.
I have written this post in response to an e-mail, which I received today. I am a photographer, not a model agent, and cannot comment on individual companies or give individual advice.
This is the original message, which is typical for many messages that I receive.
Sent: 24 September 2009 12:59
From: xxxx xxxx
E-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Location: xxxxxx Notts
Telephone: xxxxx xxxxxx
Message:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx are a scam in which I and my daughter fell victim to on 18 September 2009, after being put forward by them to have a photo shoot done at the Xxxx Xxxxx Studios in Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Street London. I paid a total of £500 for a portfolio which was loaded onto a disc. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx and Xxxx Xxxxx are all the same company owned by Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, and are mentioned on many sites as being a scam. Their ad is dishonest I feel, because although they say they are not an agency and does not find models work, they can help you break into the modelling world. Their idea of help is by arranging the photo shoot in order to sell you a portfolio, which according to them is your CV, when in actual fact they are only helping themselves. I doubt very much whether my daughter will find work, as the agencies they have recommended are also asking for upfront fees.
Tags: model portfolio, modelling scams