My son has an interview - DPChallenge Forums

03/02/2005 10:40:06 PM · #1

tomorrow, for a modelling agency. He is 10. Is there anyone here that has been to an interview before for this type of work? If yes, what sort of questions do they ask? What should i look out for? Any advice?
Thanks so much
Lisa

03/02/2005 10:47:26 PM · #2

Originally posted by lentil:

If they ask you for any money for anything alarm bells should start to ring. Other then that have a lawyer examine any contract before you sign. Oh, and have fun.

03/02/2005 10:49:45 PM · #3

i have heard that there might be a charge for a portfolio. Which is something i just cant afford at the moment. I figure if they want him that bad it shouldnt cost anything. I know i am dreaming :o). My friend is a legal secretary, i may get her to go over it if need be

03/02/2005 10:55:25 PM · #4

Portfolio, yes. But if they try to presure you into using their services for this I would back off. There are plenty of professional photographers out there with an artistic eye that should be able to help you with this if you need one. And like you said, if they want him bad enough they will take care of any charges that might be incurred.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

03/02/2005 10:57:16 PM · #5

it is actually quite scary! He is so excited by it (which is a good start) and i would love for it to work out for him. I will keep you posted on how he goes.

aerogurl

Nikon D300

03/02/2005 11:01:29 PM · #6

take a few head shots with you, 8x10's. If they ask for money, its a fraud, as someone mentioned before. They will mostly ask about experience and his goals concerning modeling. They will just more or less want to see him, see how he moves, responds to commands for facial expressions, how he walks, his natural stance, etc. Good Luck :)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/02/2005 11:05:15 PM · #7

Originally posted by aerogurl:

thanks for that. I really dont have the time to get any photos together. He is a very social child so hopefully that is a good thing. He was actually the one who spotted the ad and wants to do this. He keeps picking up catalogues and saying (with a huge grin) that could be me mum. :o) He is so darn cute. :o)

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

03/02/2005 11:35:24 PM · #8

I third the previous comments. Money and contracts are key tipoffs that they are no good for you at this point. If they are interested and a decent business then they can choose to send you to a local photog for a test shoot where you may be asked to pay the photog a small fee but more than likely you'd get a test shoot for free or next-to-nothing.

Someone asking you to sign a contract without seeing him in front of the cameras or someone asking you for $250, $500 or more (especially if its for CLASSES) is a ripoff. Run away. Take headshots of him yourself and lookup a reputable company locally and ask for their honest opinion. They'll know more of your local market and maybe even regional work.

Good luck and I hope you two have fun.

Kev

dimitrii

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

03/03/2005 12:31:53 AM · #9

In most states it is illegal for a modeling agency to charge anything other then up to 10% of a fee paid to the model. Good modeling agencies will pay for a test shoot and take it out of future earnings as expenses.

Also, in most states their local Consumers' Affairs offices will have detailed info on modeling agencies' practices in that state.

About 95% of people/companies calling themselves "Modeling Agency" are there to defraud you.

I was offered to be a photographer for one such agency; in my response I wrote that it was imposible due to "business ethics and artistic approach differences"; as most of them produce really crapy portfolios.

03/03/2005 12:57:18 AM · #10

Originally posted by dimitrii:

In most states

Lisa lives in the land down under.

03/04/2005 02:52:03 AM · #11

ok, update....
he had his interview and they were very pleased with him. She said she doesnt believe in high priced porfolio's so there is no cost there. There is an $85 registration fee which includes his photos and promotions for him. They get 20% commission on any job he does. How does this sound to you guys? She said he would be doing commercials, catalogues and tv/movies.

03/04/2005 03:05:09 AM · #12

Originally posted by lentil:

If it feels good do it. But have someone read the contract before you sign! Preferably a lawyer.. er.. what do you call them down there? barrister.

03/04/2005 03:36:12 AM · #13

Originally posted by nsbca7:

Originally posted by lentil:
ok, update....
he had his interview and they were very pleased with him. She said she doesnt believe in high priced porfolio's so there is no cost there. There is an $85 registration fee which includes his photos and promotions for him. They get 20% commission on any job he does. How does this sound to you guys? She said he would be doing commercials, catalogues and tv/movies.

If it feels good do it. But have someone read the contract before you sign! Preferably a lawyer.. er.. what do you call them down there? barrister.

solicitor, lawyer, barrister etx. i will definately go through it fully.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/04/2005 05:55:41 AM · #14

bumping for later crowd

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

03/04/2005 07:13:33 AM · #15

Congrats to both of you.

Sounds like you've caught someone (or some agency) that's legit. You definitely need a lawyer to read the contract and explain the nuances to you in plain language. I'm sure you can pickup the direct statements from the contract, its the implications of certain phrases in the contract that are what get you. Sounds like a solid deal if you can agree to the terms.

Kev

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

03/04/2005 10:15:49 AM · #16

Things to look for in the contract are whether it gives the agency exclusivity (do they get a commission if you find work outside that which they provide?) and what happens if you and your son want to end the contract.

03/04/2005 10:27:59 AM · #17

Originally posted by coolhar:

And if the $85 is all you will need to spend or is it just the sucker bait. I really hope this works for you and your son Lisa, but be careful. Too many bastard con artists out there.

And the best ones are the nicest people you will ever meet.

Message edited by author 2005-03-04 10:37:00.

les0910

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/04/2005 10:53:27 AM · #18

Hi Lisa,

My son did some modeling a few years ago. In the States, reputable agencies never charge a fee and are registered with SAG (screen actors guild). Perhaps you should check with the actors' union in Australia, if he's interested in modeling/acting they can give you the names of registered agencies. Call the agencies in your area, and inquire to see if they rep children and what the application procedures are. I'm not really sure if that's how its works down under but that's what I did in Chicago and my son was registered with a few different agencies.

Feel free to PM me if you want more details.

Good Luck!

Janice

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

03/04/2005 11:00:20 AM · #19

I'm gonna go with Janice on this one.

My sister and two of my cousins both worked for Mode Models, which is a fairly large agency up here in the North. I think they payed a fortune for their portfolios, but by their own choice and they actually got some high profile jobs here and there.

03/04/2005 04:03:33 PM · #20

thanks for all your replies. I know she said to me that Jake is free to use his composite card (info on him/has his photos on in) for other agencies if we wish. I made sure I asked if there were ANY other fees or ongoing costs and she said no only the $85 a year. Of course it sounds fantastic but i always very skeptical and i will be going over it very thoroughly, with the help of professionals.

thank you all once again for your input. I knew this would be the right place to ask.
Lisa

03/14/2005 01:32:06 AM · #21

Me again,, Jake has his photo shoot on the 17th. I have emailed and rang the agency and they havent gotten back to me at all. Should I be worried? It is 9 days since i emailed and rang them. I am getting more and more dubious about it all.