Expert: Laura Interval - 7/2/2008

Question
Hey Laura,
I just went to an interview earlier today at Ariza Talent & Modeling Agency in Longwood FL. I have never been in this sort of business before so I am not sure what to look for in a scam but I know that many of these places are scams. When I first got there they handed me a piece of paper while I was waiting and told me to memorize what it said on it. It was a Colgate toothpaste advertizement and when I finally was brought back in the back a women had me say everything on the paper to her and said that I was great to have been able to memorize it so quickly. Then she started to talk to me about getting a comp card. She said that it would cost me $650.00 to get 100 comp cards from them and that the pictures would be taken on the 12th. I asked if I could get my pictures done elsewhere and she said I could but they must be good or else they will not accept them. I am not sure if they are trying to rip me off with this price. I also am not sure if they are even a legitimate company or if they are a scam. The woman who I spoke to also gave me an enormous client list to of people that they have previously worked with including:
NBC Movies - Miss America Behind the Crown
Touchstone Pictures - Armageddon
Warner Brothers - Passenger 57
Columbia Pictures - My Girl
Hallmark Entertainment - Clover
Disney Productions - Waterboy
HBO Productions - Clinton & Nadine
...and many more. To someone who is unfamiliar with the business like me, these seem like pretty outrageous claims. Could you please tell me what your opinion of these people is based on what I have told you or based on what you have heard about them from other people. Also if you feel that these people are shady could you please recommend to me a good acting and modeling agency in the Orlando area and a good place to get comp cards? Also could you please tell me what the average price for getting pictures taken and comp cards made and weather the price that they are offering me is a good one? Thank you so much!

Josh

Answer
Hi Josh
Thanks for your educated and complete question!  I'm glad you came here to find out more.  I don't know this agency unfortunately, so I can only give you my opinion from what I see on their site.  
OK.... first of all... what do YOU want?  do you want to be a model or are you more of an actor?  They state that they don't have requirements for models.  Unfortunately, that is just not realistic.  There is no market for male models who aren't of a certain height and look.  If you aren't in the category, you will not get enough work to make it satisfying to you... financially or otherwise.  (especially in Orlando)
If you are more interested in acting, then you should only be required to do a shoot for headshots and $650 is an astronomical fee.
In fact, $650 is a lot for comp cards... especially for that market.  I have a feeling they have a deal with a local photographer.  However, that's just my opinion.  
When I first began, I started with an agency in NY... and they paid for my photo shoots.  They knew we would make money together and they felt they had nothing to lose.  A lot of legitimate agencies will at least front you the fee... and take it out of your first job payment.
So, let's talk more about you... and your marketability.  I will be happy to guide you more once I know your market.
I have a free online coaching on my site:
http://www.creative-personal-development.com/express.yourself.html

If you want to upload a few snapshots of yourself, I'll be help you figure out a successful path.  (for free!)
 
I also noticed that a lot of their credits are old and out of date... and they make some big promises that I am weary of.  Don't get in a hurry.  If the modeling market is right for you, you don't need big promises and big fees.

Hope this helps,
All the best,
Laura I.