STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Tati · Chanel

modeling, acting, agent info. PLEASE!

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I'd be weary this whole thing is a big scam, especially since your son hasn't been to a class yet and they already want $$ for pictures. So maybe this workshop and "agency" is in cahoots. I'd be running the other way. But of course I haven't been there so I could be wrong.

cc · Marc Jacobs

I've always been told to avoid any agencies/modeling schools that charge you for photographs. I'm not sure how good a rule of thumb this is since I know plenty of actors who have shelled out money for their own professional photographs, but if you do a Google search for the company you can get a better sense of their reputation. I did a quick search and noticed a lot of posts on ripoffreport.com - it might be worth reading these to see what other people experienced.

If you decide not to go ahead with this company perhaps you can find leads for others by searching for something like "child modeling reputable agencies." Here's an article from Parents.com.

BellinaJessica · Kenneth Cole

I've been acting since I was 4 and those are always scams. Do not pay them any more money and run as fast as you can away from it.

jacL · Coach

I did a few modeling shoots as a child. My mother enrolled me in a talent agency that did not charge, even for headshots. I would steer clear of anything that charges you.

Tati · Chanel

cc- thank you SO MUCH for that lead you gave me!

thank you all for your advice!

we are fortunate that we haven't paid anything yet. We did give them a post dated check so we just have to make sure and put a stop payment on it.

blink · Coach

My two toddler boys are models for Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas and have been since they were babies. Same thing with us, enough strangers kept complimenting them and compelled us to seek an agency, so we did and it's been pretty cool. The grandparents especially love when their shots make it into newpaper circulars. We have never had to spend money to be represented.

Once my oldest turned three, we were given the option of being put in the "headbook" which did cost $300. However, this was not a requirement for representation, he was still their model, the headbook just offers him more visibility.

Suasoria · Chanel

You have all the advice you need already, but I'll add - this is a major ripoff. These people prey on proud parents. Run away as fast as you can.

-- Edited by Suasoria at 22:11, 2008-10-30

hotcocoa · Kate Spade

Tati, I'm glad you got some good advice above. I don't know if photographs are required at this point but you should be able to contact a local talent agency to talk to someone about being included in open calls. I once had to cast a group of kids for a photo shoot (for a local magazine) and I'd say 95% of them didn't have photographs with them and 80% of them had never "worked" before. I hired 2 that didn't have photos/never worked and 1 that had previously appeared in a print ad. The agency sent a boatload of kids to me. Start small. As your son gets jobs you'll have tear sheets to use for the next call etc.