Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Give advice, ask questions and find out information about Agencies.

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Katymac
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Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

So what are the different types of agents? I presume there are different types of contracts?

What is a good thing to look out for - what is a bad thing?

I am intending upon reading all of these lovely threads - but a synopsis might be nice (if there is something already written)

I am an ignoramus on this topic :roll:
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CatKat_0
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by CatKat_0 »

I think most agents are pretty similar when it comes down to it, but there are differences in things like

- representing adults or children or both
- specialties (ie. some have close ties with TV companies, represent dancers etc)
- fees
- number of clients represented - some have very few and others hundreds

Can't really help you on pros and cons- we've been with a few, all good for very different reasons. I think you also have to consider the age, skill set and type of work you're hoping to get. Even once you've done all this sometimes, they might not want to represent you either ( books full, too many already represented with same skills or look), unless you're one of the lucky few who get approached by an agent who wants to represent you.

My kids are still little so you'll probably fine others on this site with much more information than I can share.

Good luck with it xxx
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

Thanks

DD has been approached by a modelling agency & I feel a bit insecure really

You know me - I panic
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

Ok now I'm just confused

They messaged us yesterday through Starnow asking us to get in touch; so we messaged back.....& we haven't heard anything


So do we try & contact them a different way or just assume they weren't that interested?
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riverdancefan
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by riverdancefan »

Maybe give them a chance :D
It was only yesterday .
Meanwhile research them to make sure they are reputable.
"Tall and proud my mother taught me, this is how we dance" - RIVERDANCE
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

Yep - been researching (actually I got my brother too as he lives in the country the main company is registered in & I don't speak the language)

I told you I was a wuss!!

I suppose 24 hours is nothing really;it's just whenever anyone has wanted her before they had wanted her straight away :D

& it may all come to nothing because of college but it's worth investigating
lyndahill
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by lyndahill »

I have had the same for my DD via Starnow, about a year ago. Can't remember the name of the modelling company though. I didn't respond however.x
2dancersmum
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by 2dancersmum »

I think with modelling agencies and especially some that approach you as oppose to you seeking them out you often have to be a bit careful. I know of several people approached and it has basically been a scam - asking for money to shoot a portfolio and nothing from it.

With your DD I think you also need to pause and think about what her goals are and what she would want from an agent and how available she would be for jobs whilst at college. She is at the borderline child/adult too.

As part of her dancers course at college she will do a showcase and get to meet various agents that specialise in dance and MT if dance is the way she wants to go. Going to an accredited college also will make her eligible to join Spotlight in her final year as a graduate - something she can do as an adult and without an agent. That opens up some opportunities for auditions for her but many auditions for dancers when she graduates (or in her final year) are open call so you do not need an agent to attend. This includes cruise ships, Disney, contemporary and other dance companies, many theatre tours , backing dancers for TV programmes like 'The Voice' etc. Many dancers have an agent but many do not. In any case your DD will need to look at dance, MT or actress for her agent strengths and the type of work your DD will want to do.

Nothing wrong with getting an agent now if you wish her to but do remember that the course she starts in September is not just about training but also for preparing her for a career in the industry and she will get help and advice from them
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

Yes - but this is just about this summer really - she attended a casting for an advert & didn't get it, has been offered 3 or 4 different modelling bits but they didn't happen because of other work

It's been good for her being 'chosen' iykwim

She can't have an agent while at college it's not allowed but it's nice to know people like how she looks
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Caroline A-C
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Caroline A-C »

My ds h ad a similar situation. Was approached by a modelling agency. About a week later they then contacted him to say he had won something like "model of the week" blah blah blah" and surprise surprise they were asking for a portfolio fee!
All new to me!
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

I'll make sure we don't fall for that :D - she has a portfolio already & a friend is doing a 24hr charity photo shoot and she will be getting photos from that (electric copies) to top up with newer photos
paulears
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by paulears »

It may be frowned on to have an agent, but there is nothing in the standard learning contract to prevent it. However, so much depends on not upsetting them. That said, why do they have to know? Under 18s already have an agent - their parents.

One thing to watch for is how they deal with money. Some agents will insist that all payments go to them, where they sit in client accounts until they decide to pay the proportion after commission to the artiste. Some agents will also deduct tax and national insurance and effectively become 'the employer'. Not many of these, but I have come across a few, where they run more like a building site agency. Some allow you to be paid direct and then you give them the commission, but the exact situation needs looking at. Some agencies don't insist on sole representation, some do - which means you pay them for jobs they get directly, or maybe from another agent - when you end up paying two sets of commission. One thing to consider is how much they want you, rather than you want them. Many agents have never seen their artistes perform. Loads now seem to rely on your own show reels or youtube clips, and can't be bothered to actually come to see their artistes - mad!
Katymac
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by Katymac »

I'm not sure if I'm her agent, her manager, her PA or her servant! :roll:
DanceDiva
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Re: Talk to me about agencies - I'm clueless!

Post by DanceDiva »

I think if you are looking into agencies the two things you need is commitment and time - something we have neither of at the minute !

I dont think its fair on you or them to sign up for an agency knowing you can only do one job in 10 or have a lot of other things in the pipeline that would hinder your work with them.
While its lovely to say your DC has an agent there's a lot of rules / regulations & expense when you sign on that dotted line.

We were contacted for DD to do some modelling, she had done some before and really enjoyed it but wasnt in her top 5 of priorities so we turned them down.
But if its what your DD wants go for it, read the small print etc etc and just have fun with it.
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