Answering a Reader Question #508

Anonymous Wrote:

 Hi Dania, I am recently 'working' with a huge agency in NY. They met with me and said they wanted to do a test shoot. Two months later I did the shoot. I didn't get the pictures back until a month. My supposed agent said she loved my look. Then the owner of the agency emailed my father and said that they were just going to put me on the website and send my pictures to bookers, but to not come in for a while. Is this yet another hoop I have to jump through? Don't you think I should be signed with them already!!!! Urgh I just hate waiting.

Hey, Anonymous!

It does sound like another hoop. I know waiting is the toughest and definitely not fun, especially since you've already gone through so much and are receiving positive feedback. Agencies in markets like NY get bombarded with new faces all the time and they have to feel confident that once officially signed, the models will book work. So this "hoop jumping" phase is like being on probation. If bookers and clients express interest in you, that is what will seal the deal with the agency and get you the contract.

However, if no one bites after your pictures have been in circulation for a while, it's a sign to the agency that while they love your look, it's not what is in demand at the moment. Obviously, that means no contract. It's not fun to be in limbo but understand that taking on new models is a huge business risk for agencies because there's no exact formula for success--either clients love the models or they don't. This is their way of doing their homework and testing the waters. It would be worse if you got the contract and then didn't get called for any castings or go-sees, which would eventually lead to the agency releasing you from the contract.

So--hard as it is--trust in the agency's business savvy and let the process work its magic. Hopefully there will be interest and a contract there to reward you for your efforts!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more