I get calls almost weekly from parents who have kids interested in getting an agent/getting into the business of acting/modeling.  

I would HIGHLY suggest that you do your homework.  

Having said that, I have no doubt that several of you will still fall for the "sales pitch" that your child is going to be the next Shirley Temple.  We're parents...we're proud of our kids...it's really only natural.  However, take just a moment to try to look beyond the hype and take another moment to READ through this page and see what the insiders have to say about modeling conventions, modeling schools, etc.  A few of you will still fall for it...and perhaps one or two kids WILL get an agent...but most of the people who go to a convention come home with only an empty wallet to show for it.  
Hey...reading this page is totally free-- what can it hurt to be a little better informed??

Oh...one other note...just because there are actors/models photos on an "agencies" wall DOES NOT mean that they had anything to do with them.  I, personally, have autographed 8 x 10's of Billy Crystal, Bill Cosby, Julia Roberts, etc. etc.  My daughters have DOZENS of autographed photos.  You can get them from any number of sources.   Do your homework!

Below is a list of the SAG franchised agencies in Georgia (If you don't know what SAG is, you REALLY need to be better informed!!  www.SAG.org)    I have also posted some comments from professionals about modeling schools, conventions, etc. for your reading pleasure.

Getting a real Modeling/Acting Agent

If someone tells you that they are a franchised SAG/AFTRA agency and they are not on this list,

BEWARE!
       GO TO THE SAG WEBSITE AND CHECK FOR YOURSELF!

Atlanta Models & Talent, Inc.
3091 Maple Drive, Suite #201, Atlanta, GA 30305  Tel: 404-261-9627
Type: FS
Aw/Atlanta
887 West Marietta Street, Suite #N-101, Atlanta, GA 30318  Tel: 404-876-8555
Type: FS
Borden & Associates, Ted
2175 Lenox Rd. NE Suite C-12, Atlanta, GA 30324  Tel: 404-315-7343

Burns Agency, The
3800 Bretton Woods Road, Decatur, GA 30032  Tel: 404-303-8995
Type: FSA
Elite Model Management Corp/Atlanta
1708 Peachtree Street NW, Suite #210, Atlanta, GA 30309  Tel: 404-872-7444
Type: FSA
Houghton Talent, Inc.
919 Collier Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318  Tel: 404-603-9454
Type: FS
Kennedy Models & Talent, Glyn
16 Willow Bend Drive, Cartersville, GA 30121-4774  Tel: 770-607-2863
Type: FS
Richard S. Hutchison Management, Inc.
3071 Arden Rd. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305  Tel: 404-261-7824
Type: FS
Summers' Talent, Donna
8950 Laurel Way, Suite #200, Alpharetta, GA 30202  Tel: 877-449-1689
Type:
Talent Network - Atlanta, Inc.
5416 Glenridge Dr. NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30342  Tel: 404-303-1117
Type: FS

 

New KIDS Agency in Atlanta:

 

How NOT to get into the Biz...

Don't take MY word for it.... I've "been there, done that" myself.

But, before you write that check, please check out what other folks have to say about the various MODELING and TALENT Conventions, Scams, Costs, etc. etc.

http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/pressreleases/2003/october142003.htm

http://www.modelingscams.org/agencies.html

http://www.modelingadvice.com/Scams.html

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2006/jan/jan19a_06.html

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/millielewis.html

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/barbizon.html

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/johncasablancas.html

 

THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM THE INSIDERS!

I found the following info online at:    http://www.modelingindustry.org/tips.html

It was so good that I wanted to share it with you!

Modeling Tips: Expert Modeling Advice

"Not one top model I've worked with in 20 years went to modeling school."    Susan Wehmann, Wehmann Agency

"The best advice I can give is to check out an agency before going for an interview, and during the interview ask who their major clients are and what their success rate is in placing children in jobs."     Elisabeth Smith, Elisabeth Smith Model Agency (Child Model Agent since1960)

"You never write the agency a check for your marketing materials, pictures, etc."  Dominick Palazzo, IMI Talent Management

"Children under 5 don't need professional photographs to get started in modeling, according to a 40-page report on modeling scams issued by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Snapshots also suffice for adult models at "open calls" held by legitimate modeling agencies, during which anyone is able to walk in and hear an honest evaluation of his or her modeling potential."Kiplinger's Personal Finance

"They come to me after spending two, three, four thousand dollars on classes, pictures and attending conventions and expect me to take them on, but I can tell right away that there's no potential."     Liz Bell, Liz Bell Agency

"The Association of Model Agents has a list of reputable agents. Check their websites out, never go to a private address and never pay money upfront."     Sarah Doukas, Managing Director, Storm Model Management

"Another common scheme comes from firms that charge people hundreds or even thousands of dollars to be listed in their "talent directories," which are then mailed to agents and producers. It seems like a great way to be seen, but in reality, most agents don't even glance at these directories. The vast majority of directories end up in the trash as unopened dreams."  Natasha Esch, President,Wilhelmina Models

"There are several ways for parents to protect themselves from scams. First, you should immediately be wary of anyone who asks for money up front."        Natasha Esch, President, Wilhelmina Models

"I don't believe that a scouting service should cost thousands of dollars and ask that you travel long distance in order to meet with them."  Katie Ford, President, Ford Models

"I know a lot of people spend money on unnecessary pictures and classes. These horror stories could be avoided if the parents knew how the child modeling industry works."   Valerie Miller, Mother

"Agents who ask you for money up front—whether it be for a photo session, composite, head sheet or any other promotional tool—should be avoided."         Natasha Esch, President, Wilhelmina Models

"Unfortunately there are not only respectable and professional agencies in this business. These so-called "agencies" mostly offer classes, e.g., "How to become a model," where they teach anybody who pays their expensive fees upfront. These "black sheeps" under all model agencies mostly promise young boys and girls a big international career, if they sign up for their expensive classes."
Louisa von Minckwitz, Founder and Director, Louisa Models, Germany

"If [a girl] comes off the street into Elite and we think she has potential, she doesn't need to pay for classes. Somewhere down the line, she may take runway classes, which she doesn't pay for. We absolutely bear the burden. If a girl has talent and potential to become a model, of course, we help. It's a scam of [the model] paying $1,000 or $2,000. That's [expletive]!" Monique Pillard, President, Elite Model Management

"A new model should not have to spend thousands of dollars traveling to outrageously expensive "modeling conventions" in order to be "seen" by national agencies. It is a placement agent’s job to promote a model and get her placed nationally. If a model has the potential to work in a national or international market, his or her local mother agency should be able to do the placement, or get them seen by the best agencies worldwide."   Exposure, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri

"An opportunity to get you an audition and actually getting you work are two different things. Anyone who promises you work is talking out of both sides of their mouth."   Kay Tanner, Vice President, Genesis Models & Talent Agency

"No one can promise employment. That's not the agent's decision, it's dependent on the client or the director's approval. You have to go out and audition and get the work."    Melissa Goodman, Executive Director, SAG and AFTRA Atlanta

"If they take one penny from you up front, do an about face and run as quickly as you can. If they want any fees up front, they're out for your money and not out to market you or your child. An agent makes money when you, the talent, makes money."  Scott Woodside, Actor

"An agent works for you and gets you work. The only time they get money is when you get money."  James Legatt, Actor, Instructor, Georgia Ensemble Theater Conservatory

"We recommend that people do not register with agents who ask for money up front. An agent works for you and should work on a commission-only basis when work is obtained for you."  Melissa Goodman, Executive Director, SAG and AFTRA Atlanta

"You run into so many people all the time who have spent great amounts of money for pictures that are unusual and classes that for the mention of them on your resume can get you dismissed from an audition. It's a big waste of time. People wander around with these ridiculous pictures and these class references that aren't going to get them work and they wonder why they don't get called for auditions."  James Legatt, Actor, Instructor, Georgia Ensemble Theater Conservatory

"Legitimate producers do not put ads in the newspaper. They work through established, legitimate talent agencies. Answering ads in the newspaper typically is a way to end up in [an acting] class situation."  Norman Bielowicz, Director, Georgia Film & Videotape

"Most models get their start in a most unglamorous way: by knocking on the doors of agencies."  Robin Givhan, Washington Post

"The really big red flag is when they start asking for money up front."  Rhonda Hudson, Model, President, The Models Guild

"Modeling is not something you learn. With time and maturity, you develop a level of confidence in front of the camera. But don't think, okay, you've graduated, you've now got what it takes."  Rhonda Hudson, Model, President, The Models Guild

"Modeling conventions often advertise as the best way to get exposure to the modeling industry and the best way into the modeling business. Modeling conventions can be lots of fun and a pleasant experience. However, you should know that it can be more cost effective to go to modeling agencies on their open call days to get into the industry, and there is no charge to do so. If you have what a modeling agency is looking for they will recognize you and begin working with you. Further, if one agency feels you have what it takes to succeed in the modeling industry, but are not correct for their particular agency they will suggest other agencies for you to see. You do not need professional pictures to visit agencies for consideration; snap shots are often preferred when beginning. Moreover, many agencies like to work with their talent in putting together their individual portfolio and composite card for promotion. As a result getting a composite card and portfolio before you know what agencies or agency you are going to work with is not always the best idea." Rhonda Hudson, Model, President, The Models Guild

"If you dream about becoming a model or an actor, you should be careful about responding to any approach or advertisement that promises to make your dream come true. Bogus modeling and talent agencies charge big bucks for acting classes, workshops, photographs and portfolios. You may also be expected to pay for inclusion in a promotional agency book. Keep in mind that a modeling or talent agency is not a school. Modeling agencies that offer courses must be registered with the B.C. private Post-Secondary Education Commission."  Royal Canadian Mounted Police

"It is widely acknowledged that there are many more people wanting to be involved in modeling or acting than there are opportunities." Reba Meagher,
Fair Trading Minister, NSW

"Never have all of your photos taken by one photographer. And, when you get an agent, let your agent help select your photos, not the photographer, because the agent looks for what sells you! The photographer is only selling pictures. Also, before you involve yourself in schools, scouts, or expensive photos, an established agency should be able to provide you with two or three photographers to choose for under $100."

Dott Burns, Dott Burns Talent Agency (Talent Agent for 35 years) "Reputable agencies and photographers do not advertise in the newspaper classified section."

Lee Gilchrist, Details Models       "There are plenty of opportunities to be taken advantage of in this industry, so be aware and be thorough when researching modeling agencies."

BBB Southern Alberta   "Legitimate agents do not, as a rule, advertise at all. They're far more likely to have acting and modeling hopefuls beating down their doors." BBB Southland, California
"Ask yourself (and answer yourself honestly) a most important question: Was I chosen by this agency because they believe I can make money for them, or because I can pay money to them?"

BBB Southland, California:  "If a talent agency wants advance fees, run. We only make money from the success of our clients."

Karen Stuart, Executive Director, Association of Talent Agents, Los Angeles "The culprits in these cases will approach their victims on the street or advertise via a front company with promises of lucrative modeling contracts if the victim is willing to pay up front for a portfolio or training course. The victim often parts with substantial sums of money for courses or portfolios, which never materialize. The con men are careful to protect themselves by asking the victims to sign legally binding documents which essentially tie them to the company concerned. In many cases, the victims find that in addition to having paid for the initial portfolio or course they still owe the company money

Hong Kong Police "Never pay the agency for photos—pay the photographer. Verify the credentials of teachers for courses."  CBC

"Don't believe promises of work. The most a modeling agent can do is send you on auditions. Don't do business with an agency that makes inflated promises."  Jules Polonetsky, DCA Commissioner, and Jack Maiden, COO, Ford Models, Inc.

"Beware of agencies that direct you to one photographer. Legitimate agencies, if they recommend a photographer, would provide a list of several names."  Jules Polonetsky, DCA Commissioner, and Jack Maiden, COO, Ford Models, Inc.

"Modeling schools do not transform people into models."
New York Department of Consumer Affairs

How to Get an Agent...

I'm going to particularly address ATLANTA, since that's my market.  I will also touch on LA and other cities.  The basics are pretty much the same.

PART 1:

FOR ACTORS:  Get a headshot.  Pure and simple.  There are tons of examples on this site and online elsewhere.  Put together a good resume.  Follow the directions in Part 2.

FOR MODELS:  First of all, you must have some decent photographs.  This does not mean expensive professional highly photo-shopped images.  The big agencies all say that they want "polaroids" or snapshots....in my experience, the ones who DO show up with these PLUS more professional looking photos get noticed faster.  My suggestion is that if you have a friend with a great camera or can get some "TFP" (time for prints) from a good photographer, then get some good pictures together and either buy a small portfolio book or make a photo collage of just a couple. 

PART 2:

Look to see if agencies in your area have open calls.  Most open calls are only open for models, but you never know.  If they have open calls, GO TO THEM.  If they do not....then find a good list of reputable agents (Oh, look...is that one to the right??!!) and submit your materials to a couple of places.  If you want a definite response, enclose a SASE and they might write you back.  Most places simply won't respond at all if they are not interested.  If you don't hear back in a couple of weeks, submit a few more.

If you are absolutely positive that you have what it takes...and that means a LOT of training, a LOT of experience and a KILLER headshot or portfolio, you might pick up the phone and try to get an interview time.  If you are a newbie, you probably won't get one.

PART 3:

The most common way that actors get "discovered" is by being in the right place at the right time....and usually it is while they are WORKING as an actor....either in film or on the stage. 

Models can increase their exposure through doing charity fashion shows, TFP with designers and photographers, etc.  Anything that will build your resume, increase your exposure and bulk up your portfolio.

Most of the big agencies in LA and NYC

(and Miami, Chicago) have open calls once a week. 

Many of these simply take your photos at the door and YOU are not seen by ANYONE unless your photos get you in the door.  

In LA, I personally saw several open calls where not one single person was asked to stay, or only one person out of a room full of wannabees.  That is the NORM.

If you aren't called back, go and work on your "package" some more and go back in a month or two.  Only a few agencies in Atlanta have open calls.  Call and ask!!

And, it should be FREE...the only exception would possibly be a VERY small facility fee...of less than $25 perhaps. 

(I can think of only ONE good agency that charges

and that is Hot Shot Kids for their bi-annual open call.)

A real agency...

...does NOT take anyone to a convention or competition

...does NOT sell classes, have modeling walking workshops or runway classes

...does NOT require you to use their photographer

...does NOT require you to PAY to be on a website or in their agency listing!!!!!!

...ONLY makes money when YOU make money.  PERIOD.  They ONLY take a percentage of the bookings that they find for you.

Some businesses CALL themselves "Agencies" but they are really "mother agents" at best (and something ELSE at worst!)  These mother agencies make their money by collecting FEES to take you to conventions.  AGENTS WOULD MUCH RATHER FIND YOU WITHOUT A MOTHER AGENCY INVOLVED BECAUSE IT COSTS THEM MONEY TO BOOK YOU!!!  On the off chance that your mother agency finds you a real agent, that real agent will have to split their commission with your mother agent for 1-3 years.  If YOU were the new agent, and you could send only one child in to an audition, would YOU send the child who will earn you 15% of the pay .... or a child where you will only earn 10% of the pay out?  You are LESS VALUABLE as a client if you come in through a mother agent.

So, it's really worth your while to try to find an agent ON YOUR OWN!