[Michael Jozefiak]

Hi Wayne,
Since falling foul of a company called Rondevous, who charged my wife £180 to be introduced to modelling agencies who then also wanted to charge her to go on their books (the address of one agency was in the same building as Rondevous!), and since talking with some professionals concerned at the similar antics by other agencies who do nothing to promote their clients but simply get very rich on the up front fees, I have come to realise that the situation is more widespread than I first thought. If you have any doubts about any company who charges up front fees to go on a register, I suggest you contact Clive Hurst at http://www.anactor.net He has campaigned for many years to try to get the law changed, but without much success. He may be able to name some of the more shady firms doing this. They often change names and usually advertise in newspapers for photo shoots in hotels and pubs; don’t touch them with a bargepole!
I’m sure there are companies out there who do bust a gut to get you work, but the advice I have received is that the best agencies never charge up front; they take their cut from the work they find their models and actors. Up front fees are no incentive for companies to find you work. Some agencies anounce on their websites that they do not charge up front fees, so shop around.
If I was going to join any agency who wanted money first, I’d ask to speak with people on their books and see how they’ve been treated. Word of mouth is still the best arbiter of performance!
Regards,
Blott

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