How do they know if an agency is reputable? There are associations that agencies can belong too voluntarily. These are EIC, and TAMAC, Neither of these associations, means that an agency is reputable? These associations never visit any of the agencies to see how they run their business nor does their associations mean that agency owners run a reputable agency. All business in Ontario must be licenced by the government.
There are many agencies that are very reputable that choose not to be a member of these associations. There is also a list Actra has, called a no cheque list.Actra is a UNION for performers, not agents, they should not recommend any agency whatsoever.They do not govern agencies or policies within agencies. There are also agencies that are just modelling agencies, that have nothing to do with Actra.
There are a lot of very reputable agencies on that list and some agencies who are not that reputable. You must do your research and feel comfortable with the agency that will represent you. The best thing you can do is when seeking out an agency, referrals are good, visit their office.
Reputable agencies should be open for business Monday thru Friday as this is when most of the castings take place. If an agency is closed on Fridays, or only open through the week for short hours, beware!
The best way to tell if an agency is reputable is to view work that their talent have done, call casting directors to see if they audition their talent. Agencies that have been in business for many years are serious about the industry and they have maintained to represent their talent fairly and honestly.
They are in the industry because of their valued knowledge in the industry and their hard work and dedication towards their talent and clients. There are some other associations that agencies might be members of such as the Better Business Bureau , Canadian Film and Television Association, also The Canadian Federation of Independent Business. There are so many assoications. Being a member of any assoication does not determine the state or reputablity of an agency.
Agencies should follow guidelines such as:
Representing Talent honestly and Fairly to their best of their ability
Should have a full time Accountant or bookeeper ( this means their agency is busy paying models or actors)and should pay the talent when they get paid from their clients the models should be paid.
Should offer the talent manuals or documents on the agency policies and procedures in the industry.Should be familiar with all casting services and be a registered agency with all casting services. Agencies cannot apply or receive castings if they do not have a good reputation.
Some agencies do offer workshops , which is a valued asset to models or new actors, to help them get going in the industry. Don't expect to just walk in the door, and expect the agency to pay for everything for you. There is no business that will PAY for you!
Some agencies will suggest photographers that they are comfortable working with to help the model or actor achieve the best look to present to their clients.
European Agencies have their own graphic and printing capability within the agency. which allows the agency to adjust models comps accordingly to their clients requirments.
Some agencies will make comps or 8 x 10's that can be changed on a daily or monthly basis to help the model or actor stay up to date with their look and clients demands. Ask if they have the ability to do that!
Photoshoots for models can range from 200 - 600 approx, depending on the photographer, very few photographers will hand out CD;s of images as they are like negatives and are copywright of the photographer. Then agencies will either make comps or 8 x 10's can cost anywhere from 1.00 to 2.00 per comp, depending on images etc.
Most agencies today ,because of the high cost of doing business do charge administration charges. These charges can be anywhere from 10.00 per month to a maximum of $20.00 per month. Some agencies will charge this monthly or yearly depending on their policies.
BEWARE of agencies that say we will do your photos for FREE, do comp cards for FREE and represent you for FREE. Beware of FREE workshops. Nothing is free in this world. You are your own business, and having your own business, there are costs involved. If an agency does comp you, you do have to PAY IT BACK.! These policies are worldwide! Agencies also charge commission from the client and to the model.Most commissions are 20% to the client , and 20% from the model.
Please remember Talent Agencies and Modelling Agencies are different!
Some agencies do both and are a full service agency. In order for you to get the most work in the business, you should be represented by a full service agency especially in these economic times.
Full service mean, they do all ages, commercial and lifestly print, fashion, tv commercials, Film , Theatre, Principle, models, backgrounde.
Remember if you are just starting out, you need to gain as much experience possible.
