Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/29/2004

Question
Hi Kitty,
I'm writing again. I'm the 13 year old from Minneapolis interested in going into modeling. I found two agencies that I'm interested in sending a picture in. But before I do, how can I tell which agencies are a scam and which aren't? If they ask for a fee to look over you picture, should you send it in? And during an interview, what happens and what do they ask you? Thanks sooooo much,
Sophie

Answer
If you lived in a larger market, weeding out the scams from the legit agencies would be easy.  You could just use the SAG-franchised commercial print agency list, or stick with the top ten fashion agencies.  In your case, there are no SAG-franchised agencies there that I know of.  Nor do any of the top fashion agencies have an office there.  You can try checking with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), check to see if your state requires talent agencies to be licensed, and if they do what laws do they require agencies to follow.  If they do not regulate talent agencies, I suggest staying away from anyone who charges a fee.  There is less incentive for an agency to obtain work opportunities for a model, if they are already making money with fees, photos, printing or classes.  An agency should only take a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of the money you earn through them working.  
Interviews tend to be as individualized as the agencies themselves.  Smaller agencies may take the time to chat, get a feel for your personality, ask about your interests and hobbies, while a busier agency may just want to see what you look like in person, compared to how you photograph, and if you can show up on time and follow directions.  Interviews can be short, where you fill out some paperwork with your contact information and sizes, get looked at and you're done, or they can go on if someone's feeling chatty, or they are not that busy.  It really depends on the person interviewing, and the amount of time they have.  It really doesn't matter all that much what your personality is like, so long as they think you will show up on time, follow directions and be professional.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty