The X-Factor Reference Fashion Manual

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" black and white 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.

Source: FTC

Whether you’re reading the newspaper, watching television, or having a discussion with friends, you’ve probably heard about the latest wave of internet scams. While the internet can be a useful tool, there are also dangers that we all must be aware of. Culprits prey on the vulnerability and blind ambition of those who are eager to find success in the entertainment industry no matter the cost. These scams can be not only costly, but also very dangerous.

Two of the most recent scams affecting the entertainment industry are the Google UK Modeling Scam and Dolphin Autos/Sharks Motors Scam. If you've logged into your Star Search Casting ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) account, you've probably read about these scams in the Scam Watch section of our forums. Here’s how the Google UK Modeling scam goes:

“My name is Hilda.I am a Glamour model from the United Kingdom,London precisely.I have done several jobs with agencies,companies and corporations.

Currently,i am under contract with Google UK who are in search of models,who wish to sell the copyright of their photos. They are prepared to pay the sum of 2,500 Pounds Sterling per photo and they are in search of any model, who will sell the copyright of twenty of his/her photos. According to the management of Google UK,this company will buy the copyright of photos sold to them for an unlimited period of time.

If you are interested, you can send your email address to me and i will surely forward it to the company. Hope to hear from you.

Hilda”

And here is the Dolphin Autos scam message:

"Hello,

My name is Adam Spade. Am freelance modeling agent working for Dolphin Autos in Norcross, GA . I saw your profile and pictures while surfing the internet, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some works together. I presently have good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in modeling because I need pictures of a good looking person who will be on the magazine cover of one of my Auto sales Company.

Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making reasonable $750 from this deal to start, and even a noticeable fame. If you are really interested in my offer and I would give you further details email me directly to my personal email address .. adam.spade@yahoo.com .

God Bless
Adam Spade”

Both of these scams are setup to steal your money using fake money orders. For example, in the Dolphin Autos scam they will tell you that they are paying you upfront for the modeling shoot. They will mail you a fake money order for $2900.00 and you are supposed to take $750.00 out for yourself and send the remainder through Western Union or bank wire to the makeup artist and hair stylist. When you deposit the fake money order in your bank account if the bank doesn’t figure out it is fake at that time they will allow you to withdrawal the $2150 cash and you can then send it back to the scammer. A few days later the bank will contact you telling you the money order was fake and bounced and you owe them all of the money back immediately. But because you sent the cash with a bank wire or Western Union you have no way to get the money back from the scammer. So in this scam you loose $2150!

Source: Star Search Casting, Inc

Keep the following in mind:

1.  Use common sense.

2.  Ask Questions:

• Ask for at least five references that you can contact.
• Review their work
• Ask for an extensive example of their work
• Be tactful.
  

3. Request for:

• Project details
• Compensation details (if any, or depends on agreement)
• Travel expenses

4. Clarify what you do not understand.