Model and Talent Management

When getting started in this industry, it is best to educate yourself and not rely on the advice of a single person. This is a "grown-up" business so you'd better be street smart and business wise so as not to be taken advantage of!

Question:  Several of my friends have gone to a local agency, but first had to pay a lot of money to take modeling classes. Do I really have to do this?

Answer: No...If you have "what it takes" any reputable agency will take you on regardless of whether or not you have taken any modeling classes.  A good agency will teach its models what they need to learn and never charge them money. Schools may give a shy person some confidence, but it will do nothing for helping that model get anywhere. A "certificate" from a modeling school will NOT impress a large marketing agency what-so-ever. It's not about your skills when you walk in the door--it's about your "look".

Question:  I was at a local mall and an "agent" came up to me and said he was interested in me. Should I respond?

Answer: Understand, models are "found" everyday, everywhere. This agency has found some great models right here in our local malls. Those same models are now under contract around the world! There are also many scams out there so you must be careful. A good agent would simply give you a card and ask you to call that agency. Simply take the business card, say thank-you, then do your homework. Check them out! While it is likely a legitimate offer, it is still better to be safe than sorry. Never, EVER give out your name and address to a stranger.

Question:  A really big modeling convention is coming to town, but it costs so much money. Will I really get discovered?

Answer:  There are so many differing opinions on these modeling conventions. I have personally taken part in them with models so understand first - I know what I'm talking about here. When you go to a convention your hopes are high and you think you will probably blow everyone out of the water with your "look".  You had better prepare yourself!!

• Many of these larger modeling conventions have turn-outs in the hundreds (600-800 models....). You will be a small fish in a big sea.
• The competition is very tough. Many have great portfolios already. Others have been modeling for quite a while and are hoping to be signed by a larger agency.
• There will always be a few with obvious potential that the agents will be drawn to. These are usually the very marketable, very tall and thin people that already look like they just jumped out of a magazine.

To pay such a high fee to attend these conventions and not be granted the one-on-one attention of the modeling agent, just doesn't make good sense to me. I would strongly suggest saving the money that you would have spent on the convention to pay for a fantastic photo shoot by a great photographer. You can then submit your outstanding photos to the agencies you are interested in. Every one of the agencies who attend these conventions have a mailing address that you can submit your photos to for 32 cents...not hundreds of dollars.

Question:  Is South Beach Models and Talent a licensed modeling/talent agency?
Answer:  No, South Beach Models and Talent is not a modeling/talent agency and we do not attempt to procure jobs for the models listed with us for a fee or commission.  We are a model company which is engaged in the business of scouting, managing, advising, guiding models careers; occasionally providing referrals to the models listed with us within the fashion, entertainment and advertising industries as a value-added to their affiliation with our web site. 

Question:   Is there a fee?
Answer:   No, there is no fee.

Question:   Do I have to take modeling classes with your company?
Answer:   No, we are not a modeling school.

Question:   What are the age and height requirements of your agency?
Answer:   South Beach Models and Talent has several divisions including male and female editorial, commercial, plus size, and child models.  We do not have any age or height restrictions.  However, be REALISTIC with yourself!  If you're 5'6" and cute...you probably won't be noticed for runway work...If your 5'9" + and a size 6 with a good look, you probably will.  Now there are always exceptions - but rarely.

Contact us regarding your modeling and acting ambitions.