Winston-Salem talent agencies and modeling agencies are in desperate need of true talent. Due to the explosion of talentless hacks who are becoming rich and famous due to the rise of the Internet and reality television, no one is trying to get their foot in the door through Winston-Salem talent agencies anymore. Become famous the old-fashioned way. Don’t cut corners. “Famous” isn’t the same as “talented.” Look at Paris Hilton or Tila Tequila. They are famous, but no one thinks they're talented. You can thank them both for lowering the bar.

Winston-Salem talent agencies and casting services specialize in representing talented models, actors, actresses, musicians, dancers, artists, and more. Winston-Salem talent agencies and casting services are vital to any performer. It's how you get work, even if you're just starting out. Our directors will prepare you for auditions and the auditioning process as well as arrange for you to be at auditions and casting calls.

We will negotiate on your behalf and will serve as management, making sure you get paid well for your work. Typically, you have to audition and try out for a casting director by reading a short monologue, showing them your "catwalk," posing for a Polaroid, singing a song, or performing a dance - basically showing your talent. After previewing your talent, the Winston-Salem talent agency or casting service will determine if you are "right" for the agency or part. If you are not right for the part — or have no talent — don't despair. You can always try out for a reality TV show.

If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Winston-Salem Modeling Scams

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the Winston-Salem mall and says, "You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel, and money flash before your eyes.

It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports in Winston-Salem. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on many doors before work comes their way.

It's All an Act

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in a Winston-Salem office filled with lots of other hopeful models and actors. Then it starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Man, woman, or child — it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing — your money — and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.

What They Say vs. What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between the lines.

• "We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
  I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

• "Your deposit is totally refundable."
  Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

• "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program."
  We take almost everyone.

• "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
  Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.
• "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you."
  We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
• "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
  Our income comes from the fees we charge you.

Posing and Positioning 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 your 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.

• Winston-Salem 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.

• Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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, and the Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or training films.

• Ask if the Winston-Salem 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.

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

Here's some special tips for parents of children and infants. Do you think your child is model material? Bogus talent scouts do. And they'll gladly set up a professional photo shoot to allegedly help you get modeling and acting jobs for your tyke. Of course, they don't tell you that the market for infant models and actors is very small. What's more, because an infant's looks change quickly, the photos become outdated. In truth, few infants are marketed with professional photos. Legitimate agents, casting directors and producers generally ask for casual snapshots of infants that have been taken by family members or friends.

Where to Complain

If you've think you've been scammed by a bogus Winston-Salem model or talent scout, contact your local Winston-Salem consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau. They're in your local directory assistance.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Courtesy of http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm.

Winston-Salem Talent Agencies and Casting Service