Legitimate

Legitimate Talent Agencies

Talent agencies in Texas need to be licensed until Sept. 1, 2011. In Texas the Web site for licensing and regulation is http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm. Click on Licensing, indicate talent agencies, then a list of licensed agents will appear. At this time, agents in Texas can not require you to pay for their services (classes, workshops, seminars, headshots etc.) Although booking agents sometimes have other separate businesses, which offer services you may choose to use.

After Sept. 1, there will be no regulations of talent agencies in Texas. I strongly encourage you to research Texas agencies to make sure that you have the best one. Look for an ethical agency that do not represent a large number of talent like yourself. Check out talent agency Web sites. Do you think they would represent you well? Are there headshots of the talent on the Web site? Is the focus of the site on the talent or on the agency? Are headshots effective on the site? Are there too many of the same gender, type, ages on the site? Do they require upfront fees or services?

There are different types of agents, such as theatrical (acting), print (modeling), and promotional ($20 an hour giving out samples at the mall...) It is possible to have contracts with more than one agent in a city, as long as the representation does not conflict. In smaller markets, one agent might represent you exclusively for everything. Some contracts even have built in Manager clauses that state the agency represents exclusively across the state. Be sure to carefully read and check your contract and conflicts, before signing. Make sure you understand to what you are exactly agreeing (terms of the agreement, 1-5 years etc.)

Always be careful in working with new agencies. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/. The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. A watchdog group at www.fraud.org/internet/intset.htm also keeps track of several illegal money making schemes. The Better Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies.

Here is a partial list of Texas Talent Agencies that you can check out- http://www.dianehoward.com/talent_agents.htm .