Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/14/2005

Question
Hello, i have become interested in modeling and acting, and last year I was offered positions in two agencies, which cost me over $500 combined. Most of the proper agencies that I hear so much about are overseas, and I dont think that they would take a second look at me without experience. These agencies who i am with now arent doing anything for me, so i decided to have a look on the internet for others, but the ones that look promising want nearlly $1000 for my portfolio, and that is something that i just cant handle. i have heard too many stories about agencies ripping people off. are there any agencies that you can suggest to me. I am living in Australia, in the northern territory and am keen to move anywhere in Australia.
Cheers thanks for your time and hope to hear from you soon. :D sam  

Answer
I am assuming that the laws are different there than here, as here it is illegal for a licensed talent agency to sell photos, or charge registration fees.  If you are submitting your information to a fashion agency here in the US, they do not care what, if any, experience you have.  They only care if you fit their criteria for new faces, and if you are available to travel and/or live here.  Since you mention you want to stay in Australia, perhaps one of the modeling agency directories might be helpful in locating a good agency there.  The "Model and Talent Directory: International Directory of Model & Talent Agencies & Schools" by Gregory James may have your location listed.  It is my personal opinion to stay away from the schools, and find out what laws you have there concerning model/talent agencies.  Talent agencies are required to be licensed here by the state, so you can contact the state you're in to get a list of local talent agencies, or check to see if a particular agency has been in violation of any of the laws.  If you have something similar there, that can be a good resource too to obtain contact information.  Another way you can use the Internet to your advantage, is to search for working models in your area, who may have similar criteria to you.  Many modeling webpages have the agency information as well.  If you see someone who is clearly working in a similar capacity to what you want to do - contact their agent and see whether they have an open call, or will take a mailed in submission for consideration from new models.  
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty