Question
being an independant modeling agent-help!?
ok, basically this is whats going on: My younger sister is highly interested in modeling. Ive taken her to some open calls and scouting events, but what we really decided to do is just have me be her agent. It makes sense seeing as how im her big sister and have best interests at heart. So i know that an agent is responsible for getting the model work, photo shoots, make her portfolio, makeup, ect....basically exposure. But what i wanted to know are what are some of the key things that i should know/be aware of while starting out? How do i network if im just beginning? I really only plan to manage her for now, so im not looking to start a small business just yet. I already have a full time job with a major company and this will be income on the side. I do however plan to use my second bedroom as my office for business meetings if necessary, if not we can meet somewhere else and do lunch or whatever. I really dont want to hear answers such as work for a modeling company first b/c if you are reading properly, the previous sentence would tell you that i why im not considering that. I mean it cant be that hard right? I look at all of these young celebrities (beyonce, usher, jessica simpson, britney spears, christina aguilera, ect) and their moms and dads are their managers/agents....these are parents that had no formal business training, they just took charge of their childs career and made it happen. So i would appreciate any tips to help me get started. I already know a lot about the entertainment industry, as i was pursuing acting/singing at one point, but now i just want to manage. I would just like to get some kind of idea where to start....just like anybody else looking to start their own business.
4 weeks ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
What you are looking to do is be a manager, not an agent. They are two different things. You cannot be an agent if you are not a registered business and are licensed as a talent agent in your state. In most states it requires a valid license as well as a bond of at least $10,000. Contact your state Department of Consumer Affairs or Department of Labor to find the requirements for registering as an agent. It doesn't matter if your sister is your only client - you need to be licensed. Here's a license application for California, for example www ... However, you can be her Manager, which doesn't require any special qualifications, licensing or bonds. Most of the celebs you mention use their parents as managers, not agents. There is a legal difference between the two positions If you are not a licensed agent, you are not going to have access to casting breakdowns sent out regarding casting calls for film/tv if she wants to do anything on-camera. These are not available to the public, only to ATA, SAG and/or AFTRA franchise agencies. You are going to be looking for open calls or cold calling around to businesses on your own to get your sister's name out there. It's going to take a lot of work on your part. Rather than your sister being part of an agency like Ford or Elite where clients are calling them 20 times a day requesting models for jobs, you are going to have to do all that work on your own. You'll have to be proactive rather than reactive. It's going to be a full time job Even at a top agency, the agents spend at least 40 hours a week trying to drum up work for their talent - calling around to everyone in their address book, mailing out comp cards to past and prospective clients, taking clients out for expensive meals, "bribing" clients by sending them "thank you gifts" like Chanel handbags or Vertu phones, etc. If you are willing to put in a lot of time and you have a lot of connections, or are outgoing enough to make connections on your own and not get discouraged, then go for it. It won't be easy but it's not impossible.
Source(s)
13 years industry experience, worked for a top agency
by Kittysue
4 weeks ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
what a jackass! she just said she already has some business experience from previously pursuing acting/singing. who are you to knock this person down and tell them they cant do something. WOW. anyway, lovely i say go for it! there's nothing wrong with what you want to do and like you mention half of the celebrities today have their parents/relatives as managers and agents so screw Artie! i would just say try to get in touch with an agency and speak with some agents to get a clear idea of where to start and how to network. everybody has to start somewhere and for this guy to say you have no goals or ideas is ridiculous b/c not not everybody can go into business for themselves.
by gumbogirl- 4 weeks ago
To Artie, the best thing she can do is get a real agent??? tell that to beyonce, usher, jessica and ashley simpson, britney spears, christina aguilera, lil bow wow, lindsay lohan, hilary duff, ashanti, teri shields, christopher culkin, joe jackson, and tons more. TRUST is precisely the reason why stars employ their moms and dads or other relatives to be their managers/agents. I HATE people like you-sittin on your high horse judging others from behind your computer screen, just putting others down. Who are you to say this person has not drive or that she isnt thinking straight??? you have no idea what she has planned or what her goals are? for all we know she could already have a master plan laid out and is simply asking for suggestion. SMART people ask for help and questions, but your dumb azz wouldnt know anything about that would you? Jerk!
by LaMesha- 4 weeks ago