Expert: Kitty Kavey - 1/14/2008

Question
Hi!
Yesterday I went to an open casting call in my area from Highlite Model Agency and it all sounded pretty good and legitimate. They did video screenings of everybody who attended and said we will find out today if we're picked or not. If we are picked we will have to get headshots done and the agency works with photographers who will be there on tuesday and would make portfolios for $295, "which is a great deal" (according to the casting director). They don't require that we get the pictures taken by their photographers but they suggest it! Is this right? Do I have to pay for my photos if I wanna sign up with this agency? They said that they keep the models on file for a year and if you don't get a job in a year then they'll replace you and that means that the $295 was pretty much thrown put the window. I see that they can't guarantee a job but still. I wanna make sure I do the right thing before I waste 295 bucks.
Thank you for your help!!! :o)

Answer
I'm sorry to hear of your experience.  Since a portfolio is not required to be considered for representation by an agency - fashion modeling agencies ask for snapshots, and commercial print agencies usually ask for modeling composite cards, you certainly have other options.
Here's a link to info I found on the Net about the company you mention:
http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/highlite.html
From what you write, it sounds like this is a model promotion service rather than an actual licensed model/talent agency.
There are model and talent agency directories available in your local library, bookstore, online and on newsstands in the NYC and LA areas that should be able to give you contact info to the licensed, legitimate talent agencies closest to your location.
Checking with your BBB and state licensing department is also a good idea, and you can ask other models/talent working through a particular agency what their experience has been as well.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty