Alba Model Information - Top Ten Tips!

1	SNAPSHOT pictures are all you need to send agencies to apply and see if you or your child is suitable, do not pay out large sums of money for pictures beforehand, a simple snapshot can tell an agent if you or your child has what it takes. You also need to send details about Age, Date of Birth, Height. Ensure that you do also send an SAE for a reply with the correct return postage upon the envelope.
2	Some agencies may require a deposit for a consultation /interview, this is because many parents book a consultation time and then are rude enough not to show up or even call to cancel the appointment which wastes the agents time! Not all child model agents charge a consultation deposit fee, so you may want to shop around, it is your choice. But before you hand out money please view the Alba A list page of Alba recommended agencies, which are the only agencies recommended by us all are known to trade to an excellent standard.
3	NEVER- answer any approaches made to you by e- mails from Internet chat rooms, or meet with anyone claiming to be an agent or scouting for models. Genuine agencies NEVER use this method of approach.
4	You should NEVER give your personal details to anyone approaching you at an event or a night club, ask for their card and only meet them at an office taking with you an adult witness. Never leave with such a person to attend a casting or interview – you could be putting yourself at risk!
5	NEVER answer newspaper advertisements for models of all age groups unless its from an Alba A list agency, or go to hotel or weekend castings to join visiting “scouting agents” these are usually a con and way to get money up front out of you. If you do go to have a look, do NOT part with any money or sign anything on a whim!
6	NEVER agree to join an agency by post asking for a fee up front …how on earth do they know your right for the agency, or are the height you state or even look like the picture you send?
7	NEVER sign anything at the interview stage. Genuine agencies always ensure that you can take away and read any paperwork in your own time carefully. Do make sure you know how signing any of the paperwork will affect you. Remember that contracts are usually meant to tie you, so be sure you are not being tied into paying out huge sums of money in the future under unfair clauses in the contract.
8	BEWARE – Model Release forms which you might be asked to sign by people such as photographers etc…do not sign anything without reading it carefully and understanding what it means and how it will affect you. Which may mean that you must take it away to read carefully. We have seen some terrible cases of over eager parents signing forms that meant the pictures of their children & teenagers taken by an agent/ photographer could be used and altered digitally by him in any way he wanted… even for use upon web sites and unsavoury publications abroad.
9	Those under school leaving age NEVER – go to an agency which does not know about or adhere to the Laws on child Licensing. If your child works unlicensed, you as parents can face prosecution from the Child Welfare Department, under The Children & Young Persons Act.
10	Do feel free to e-mail us if you feel you need some extra help enquiries@albamodel.info

****** for a more detailed look at the do's and don'ts of getting into modelling and the entertainments industry - check out our Avoid the Scams page ******