Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 1/21/2010

Question
As a public service, I am seeking to provide a warning from the FTC website for all readers to see. As there are no announcement boards, I will share it as a self-question...

Answer
How do you avoid acting/modeling scams?

This from the Federal Trade Commission official website:

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know, particularly those who
are vulnerable because they aren't in the business and keep on buying
hope...

This applies in many instances to wannabe actors as well!

Let the buyer beware!

Federal Trade Commission
Protecting America's Consumers

Facts for Consumers:

If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says,
"You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card.
Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're
good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your
eyes.

It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday
places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of
would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.
It's All an Act.

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find
yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls.
Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent
agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting
classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price
from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Man, woman, or child - it makes no difference to bogus model and talent
scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing - your money - and will say
just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they
mean.

What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen
carefully to read between their lines.

* "We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on
it.
* "Your deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund
conditions.
* "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts
will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only
accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.
* "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.
* "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the
high-paying jobs we'll get you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
* "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

Pose-itioning Yourself

To break into the business, you - the talent - need professional photos.
There are two types of standard photographs - a "head shot" and a "composite
card."

* The typical marketing tool for an actor, experienced or not, the head
shot usually is an 8" x 10" photo of the face, with your resume printed on
the back.
* A "comp card," the typical marketing tool for the experienced model or
the wannabe, usually features several shots on the same sheet, showing off
the talent in different attire or settings.

Agencies and schools offer separate and distinct services. Make sure you
know the difference.

* Modeling (or talent) agencies secure employment for experienced models
and actors. Some agents require that you sign up exclusively with them;
others may allow you to register with them as well as with other agencies in
town.
* Modeling and acting schools claim to provide instruction - for a fee -
in poise, posture, diction, skin care, make-up application, the proper walk,
and more. Modeling schools do not necessarily act as agents or find work for
you - after you take their classes, you may be on your own.

Talent Tips:

* Steer clear of modeling companies that require you to use a specific
photographer. Compare fees and the work quality of several photographers.
* Be suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your
agent.
* Be cautious if the school has a special referral relationship with a
specific modeling agency. The two could be splitting your fees, or the
agency may not be suited to your needs.

Avoiding a Model Rip-Off

* Ask yourself, "why me?" Don't let your emotions - and the company's
flattery - take control. Think carefully and critically about how you were
approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have
been approached.
* Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without
reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a blank copy of the
contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company
refuses, walk away.
* Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money
order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in
your money than your career.
* Be wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in small
markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work is irregular.
* Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors
who have secured successful work - recently - based on the company's
training.
* Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and
actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they've hired
models and actors from the agency.
* Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the "biggest" agency or
a "major player" in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city
or town.
* Realize that different parts of the country have different needs. For
example, New York is recognized for fashion modeling; the
Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or training films.
* Ask if the company/school is licensed or bonded, if that's required by
your state. Verify this information with the appropriate authorities, such
as your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General. Make
sure the license is current.
* Ask your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and
state Attorney General if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on
file about the company.
* Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made
orally.
* Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract and company
literature, in a safe place.

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

A special word to parents of infants and toddlers

Think your child is model material? Bogus talents scouts do. And they'll
gladly set up a professional photo shoot to allegedly help you get modeling
and acting jobs for your tyke. Of course, they don't tell you that the
market for infant models and actors is very small. What's more, because an
infant's looks change quickly, the photos become outdated. In truth, few
infants are marketed with professional photos. Legitimate agents,
advertising agencies, casting directors and producers generally ask for
casual snapshots of infants that have been taken by family members or
friends.

Where to Complain

If you've think you've been scammed by a bogus model or talent scout,
contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or
Better Business Bureau. They're in your local directory assistance.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair
business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free
information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free,
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters
consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online
database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law
enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.