Warning - Modelling Agency

Jnelhams

In the North / North West London area a number of so called 'Agents' are approaching people as well as placing ads in the local papers looking for Models.

Obviously flattered, the 'model' goes to a the rented suite in this case a tower block in Wembley, has a shoot told their wonderful blah blah, and they have a contract for them..... But the need a Portfolio, which just happens to cost £250.

This of course is a classic Scam, please avoid!!!

A reliable agency will charge at most £50 for such photos if at all and will be happy to give you the negatives. If your any good they'll make stacks of cash so flogging portfolios is not needed.

You have been warned!!

Marinam2

A company called cover shots in London used to do that you think you have won a competition and go to London get you makeup/hair for free and my portfolio was offered to me at a wonderfully cheap price of £1500!!

Sadly i paid because I liked all the pictures so much.

Marina:)

blue_monkey_2

I used to work for a Model Agency in the accounts department. Any reputable agency will not ask you to pay for a portfolio outright - however, be warned becuase any photos the agency does for you will be charged eventually, if you do not make big money (and most do not) then you'll end up not earning anything at all. I used to do the accounts and know how all the agencies work so if you want advice then mail me. However, never pay outright, that is a scam!! By the way, Cover Shots are not a model Agency, they call you a 'competition winner' get you in to give you the shoot and then shut you ina dark room for an hour trying to get you to buy them on credit. The pics look good but AVIOD like the plague if you have better things to do with you time. find someone local they'll do a much better job and they are miles cheaper!!

trisontana

"Modelling" and "Film and TV Extras" companies have been featured many times on the BBC Three Counties consumer programme. In most cases these all these companies want is your money for over-priced sets of photos. In the vast majority of cases they have never ever found any work for people who have paid anything up to £150 for their pictures. In one case the radio station managed to persuade the hotel where the presentation was due to take place to cancel the booking , so preventing people being relieved of their money from this very dubious operation. I think these companies have also been featured on Watchdog.