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Facts about Model Agents and Modeling Agencies in New York City


from New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA):

New York City modeling/talent agencies must be a licensed employment agency by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), and must be bonded, as well.

A licensed agency is required to prominently display its license. Look for the DCA license number on receipts and ask about the license if you do not see it posted.

Call 311, New York City’s 24-hour Citizen Service Hotline (in NYC, dial 311; outside of NYC, dial 212-NEW-YORK) to file a complaint or inquire if a business is licensed. Consumers can also visit the Department of Consumer Affairs online at: www.nyc.gov/consumers to file a complaint.

Businesses that operate as a photography studio cannot also be an employment agency, and vice versa. This should be a red flag to aspiring models, and if you encounter a business that does both, report them to the DCA. Also, employment agencies cannot be operated out of a residential space.

Do not use an agent/manager who requests upfront fees for photo shoots or any other type of service. Upfront fees are illegal.

It is illegal for businesses to promise jobs by putting your picture on a web site. If businesses accept money to put your picture on a web site in hopes of getting a job, they need a license from the DCA. Don’t be fooled – check the business history with the DCA before paying any money.

Legitimate model and/or talent agents and managers do not require or request upfront fees. In fact, legitimate model/talent managers will invest money in the hopeful model/actor with hopes of recouping their investment in the future.

Aspiring models should look for and attend “open calls” at reputable modeling agencies. Well-known agencies usually have open calls on a weekly basis. Also avoid agents who require upfront service fees; require photographs by a specific photographer; and advertise in newspapers, or on buses and subways.

Know the difference between modeling/talent agencies and modeling/talent managers. A modeling/talent agency will attempt to secure employment for modeling, theater, film, radio, or television work, but do not manage their client’s business affairs. On the other hand, managers advise their clients on appearance, style, and overall career direction. Fees for the agency’s services are limited to 10% by law, in most instances. Managers generally charge fees ranging from 15% to 20%.

Do not believe promises of work. If a prospective agent tells you he or she can book you for a particular film, video or modeling assignment, beware. The most an agent can do is send you on auditions and put in a good word on your behalf.

Beware of agents who solicit you over the phone or in person. If someone approaches you on the street, take that person’s business card and check to see if he or she is licensed. If not, forget it.

http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/modeling_scams.htm



posted on Monday, March 26th, 2007 at 1:37 pm and is filed under agents, fashion, models. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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