modeling agencies???

[CanonSATX]

So I posted this on another forum and was pointed to this one for maybe some good input and reference.

My wife and I were blessed with a handsome son, and EVERYONE tells us to get him into modeling. I do not care to push him into the hollywood scene, but what could some modeling work (within reason)? Could lead him to something great.

Anyway.

my wife was browsing some modeling stuff, and put a picture in a contest or something and was contacted by a local agency. they want to setup and appt with us, and us to bring pictures etc.

looking for some advice/tips anything real. My wife and I know nothing about modeling or agencies or what is the right or wrong way to go about it.

The agency that contact us is PMT agency out of San Antonio Texas.

Prof. Models & Talent Management Agency

anyone ever had any run-ins with them?


Thanks in advance for any advice, and hopefully I put this in the right place

[tc95]

Josh...this is my two minute rant...!!!

Ok if you go to the meeting and they are all excited about him and want to use him...but...(and the big but...(no pun intended)..)...you have to pay $$$$ in order to put him in a few classes...or you need to pay them $$$ in order for them to help you move forward...you need to think long and hard on it...not that it's a bad thing...but this is where you need to protect your son and look-out for your best interest...

1st...see if they will do it w/o the upfront cost...this makes them send you on jobs so they get paid...also...you will get less doing it...but hopefully more work...(once they have money from you...you might not hear from them...)...once you start making them money...they will send you to everything under-the-sun...

2nd...at first you can't be picky about the work...as he progresses in this...start picking and choosing what you like and don't like...but be nice about it...you don't want to be the (bossy or difficult parent)...they will stop sending you on jobs....

3rd...if they don't want you...don't be discouraged...contact local companies and see if any of them are in need of your son...for what ever...

4th...Do not compromise your morals...ie...if you don't like it don't do it...

Do a google search for 'modeling agencies scams' and read this...don't be afraid to ask the questions when you are there...if they don't like you thats ok...if you don't like them..better to find-out upfront...don't waist your time or your families...and most of all your hard earned $$$...

I hope this helps you a little...I did this for awhile in Hawaii...then when I moved to Houston...I was told I was too short...end of my carrier...

Oh...make sure this does not go to your son's head either...could hurt him at school with the bullies....

Have a good night....

[CanonSATX]

Thanks.

I am not really pushing my son into it or care to benefit off my son but if it was something that would help him in the future/give him a head start I am not against it.

my son is 2 1/2.

the first thing I know is I am going. The second thing I know is my son will NEVER be out of my site. If they ask for money basically walk away?

I am a little concerned because this place has a business address but is having us go to a residential address that has a sign infront of it. that is a little discouraging concerning. But I have googled them and read reviews and have seen nothing bad...

Thank you for your input.

[tc95]

If they ask for money...don't completely walk away...depends on why they need it...if they ask for a large sum and promise you the world...then I would not do it...but if they are willing to negotiate with you...IE you take less they take more on any job you/your son get...

Don't let the home address be an issue...just have your questions ready to ask before you go...and make sure it is the right fit for you and your son...

Also, it never once crossed my mind about you pushing him into this...don't feel like that..otherwise you will beat your self-up over it...if it works out, this could be a way for his college to be paid for...some of these kid's make 150+ an hour for what they do...

Now that I know he is younger...2 1/2...make sure you understand the child working laws...so you don't find yourself in any binds later...or you are not being asked to do anything you should not be doing...

I personally would just go to see what they say...you never know...

Good Luck and let us know what happens...

[CanonSATX]

thanks. appt is the 11th at 3pm.

gonna cut out of work early.

appreciate all the info. as for his college I agree! although I did give him my GI bill so the schooling will be paid for but room and board etc etc etc... EVERYTHING costs money now adays (and allot of it!)

[sldi]

I shoot a lot of Head shots and comp cards for PMT.

Olga is a very good, and sincere person to deal with.

She doesn't ask for a fee upfront for you to sign on. She does need for the model to have professional photos done, but does not insist on any particular photographer. She wants her models to be trained in proper etiquette and technique for acting and photo shoots and would like the talent to attend workshops and other training.

Yes she does have an office at her house where she does a lot of her work from, but if you check around SA you will find that common.

[CanonSATX]

Originally Posted by sldi

I shoot a lot of Head shots and comp cards for PMT.

Olga is a very good, and sincere person to deal with.

She doesn't ask for a fee upfront for you to sign on. She does need for the model to have professional photos done, but does not insist on any particular photographer. She wants her models to be trained in proper etiquette and technique for acting and photo shoots and would like the talent to attend workshops and other training.

Yes she does have an office at her house where she does a lot of her work from, but if you check around SA you will find that common.

thanks for the input. thats who are appt is with (olga).

Glad to get some feedback on her. You just never know what you are dealing with... What does a "professional photo" cost?

[BenE]

Originally Posted by tc95

If they ask for money...don't completely walk away...depends on why they need it...if they ask for a large sum and promise you the world...then I would not do it...but if they are willing to negotiate with you...IE you take less they take more on any job you/your son get...

=======

Sorry, but that is not the way a legitimate agency works. They never ask for money to represent a model, and never any upfront money. They should not "need" money from the parents, nor is there any reason to negotiate. Agencies make their money from a percentage the model makes. The quote below is from the agency's FAQ page, and what they say is correct.

Do not use an agent/manager who requests upfront fees for representation.
Upfront fees are illegal for representation. If an agent is asking for administrative fees or fees to represent you... run. By state law an Agent cannot charge you a fee for representing you.

Also the agency does have a state license, and they even state that on their web site...LICENSE NO. TALAGY00000519.

They have other information that all seems legitimate.

[CanonSATX]

thanks everyone. that makes me feel much better about our appt tomorrow!

[Lane123]

Hi Josh. Good luck to your you and your son on tomorrows interview. I think basically the one thing to remember is if they ask for $$ up front ~ don't walk ~ run! Some will insist also on using their photographer at a pretty hefty rate - that is another red flag. In fact, with young children, their looks change so fast that it is not recommended. This is just scratching the surface.

The Business of Modeling. How to get signed by agencies and get paid for work!

This is a link that has some great advice for models and parents. We have actually consulted with this gentleman and he was very helpful. Your interview tomorrow could be a great start for your little man! Just leave your check book at home and go with an open mind. Best of luck to you all!

[sldi]

At age 2.5 there would be no need for workshops or anything that would require expenditures other than some good photos. She usually has several different photographers she can refer you to, but does not insist on any of them.

[d0va]

Hey Josh small world, good luck to your kid and your family today bro...

[CanonSATX]

dang juan. it is a small world how you been?!

The meeting went pretty good. we were pleasantly surprised with olga. No pressure. encouraged us to visit other agencies etc.

thanks for your input guys!