Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: I've never used this service before so I hope you send me an email so I can read your response. I apologize inadvance b/c this is a bit long. I'm hoping you can guide me in the right direction. I'm trying to find out if FTC Publications, Inc is a reliable company. They are not a modeling agency, BUT they are a Media Organization and Public Relations Copmany that provides a manager, agent, and publicist services to all its members. Now their members do not have to pay for those services. They state that if chosen to be a member of FTC Publications, you will be assgined a manager, agent, and publicist at no charge. They make their money by keeping 15% commission from any jobs that are booked through them. Also you are not exclusive with them. I checked SAG and the BBB. They were not listed under SAG's agent section, but when I called the rep with SAG said that if the company concentrates on commercial print they would not be listed with SAG. When I checked with the BBB it did not have them listed as a memeber but it did state that there were no complaints. One last thing is it normal for an agency to ask you for your SSN before you actually book a job through them? Thank you so much for your help.
ANSWER: I've not personally heard of FTC Publications.  Since you do not pay a manager or agent (other than a percentage) that is consistent with the norm.  If you were to hire a publicist, that is generally done on a (monthly) retainer, so that may be an advantage FTC can offer it's members.  Unfortunately, you also have to evaluate what the quality is of the services they are offering, and without much to go on from SAG the BBB, or elsewhere.  My only suggestion is to contact some of their other clients, and see what they have to say about them.  If you or someone you know has a subscription to IMDB pro (or use the free trial for it at IMDB.com) you can look up FTC Publications and get a list of all their talent along with contact info for each.  So long as you're not paying for the services FTC Publications offers, it seems like a good deal.  It is normal for an agency to ask you for your SSN before booking a job through them.  In some cases, the taxes are taken out of your paycheck before you receive it, and if not, the employer has to also report the entire amount paid to the individual - in which case you'd owe the full tax amount.  They would be unable to track you (or legally hire you) without a valid SSN.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your previous answer. I have one other. What is a stock photo shoot? Thank you.

Answer
Stock photos are sold through companies like gettyimages.com and superstock.com.  The images are purchased by companies and individuals generally for advertising purposes, to accompany an article or use on a website.  It's more cost effective to license or purchase a stock image, than to set up an entire photo shoot for each image you want.  Quite often the photo shoot is arranged and paid for by the photographer, who will then submit the images to a 'catalog.' Pay to the model varies, and can be a flat rate buyout, or may include a per-use or royalty fee.  
~Kitty