The purpose of this article is to provide y ou with great tips that helps you to success in movie, film, TV and modeling industry, whether you are a model or an actor or an extra you need to consider some basic principle in this industry.

Look what agent and agency recommend:

WHO IS WHO - "How do I find a real agency to sign with?"
This is a simple question that provides a more complicated answer. Especially these days, there are a lot of people in the business of creating scams to take away your money, while promising you fame and fortune. Reading further you can learn how to make money, instead of spend it.

Looking in the phone book was the old fashioned way of finding a local agent. I say "local" because despite what the Internet may lead you to believe, or what photographers who don't know A from B will say, your only best bet as a beginner is to sign with an agency that is in your own town, or within a driving distance. Clients don't generally pay, ESPECIALLY FOR BEGINNERS, to fly out for a go-see, audition, or an interview. They also generally won't pay travel to a job, unless they are asking you to go somewhere that is not local to their scope of geographic coverage. If you do resort back to the phone book, "Yellow Pages," keep in mind that you need to look for listings under TALENT AGENCY... not MODEL AGENCY. For some reason, and it's always been this way, the phone companies generally list "adult outcall and massage services" under the heading MODEL AGENCY.

What state do you live in? If you're in the USA, many states require that a Talent Agency (incl. Model Agency) be licensed and bonded. This applies certainly to California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York, and some others. Contact your State Licensing or Employment Agency department in order to obtain a listing of agencies in your state that are "legitimate" (i.e., Licensed). At this point, perhaps another dislaimer should be made: Just because an agency has followed the rules of their state and obtained a license and a bond, does not automatically make them legitimate. It's a great first sign of such, but even a licensed agent can be involved in scams to rob you of your money. Avoid agencies that also run SCHOOLS, PHOTO STUDIOS THAT CHARGE FEES, or any other venture that requires you to spend money during your time, or prior, to being represented.

Shall you call the agency to ask them if they'll represent you? No. Agents are busy working for their talent and soliciting to clients. You may call and ask if they have an open call day where models or actors can come in and be evaluated, but don't call to ask inane questions. Often, these days, you can find answers to what you seek on the website of the agencies.

If you obtain an opportunity to visit and meet with them in person, present yourself with look, style, and attitude as you would in any job interview you'd attend.

THE AGENT SCAM - "What should I look out for so I don't get cheated???"
Scams are everywhere, but especially in industries where people can have their hopes built up easily. Promises of fame and glory, of star status, fans and fortune... too hard to resist when the pitch is made correctly, right? I have seen very smart people fall prey to the scam artists who infect our industry. The sad part is, the law works too well and yet too poorly. Criminals are often protected while the innocent are left to suffer. We all know about the same scam artists in the modeling realm who just keep changing the name of their company and restarting the same money-making scheme time and time again... over and over and over. With that said, and to finalize this article, here are some of the things to watch out for, and consider, when selecting your first, or next, agent. In addition to these items, it's never a bad idea to try communicating somehow with other individuals who are already signed by that particular agent or agency... Get a feel from them how honest they feel the agency is. Have they obtained any work, or at least feel that the agent is working for their best interests? Have they been paid on time, with no scheme to deduct extra commission, or to sell them on other options that initially didn't exist? Do they feel at home with their agent and believe that he or she is taking care of them out of their own best interest, and not totally motivated by profit?

Here's more considerations.

Legitimate agencies shall not...

...charge any upfront fee;
...require you to shoot with THEIR photographer(s) as a condition of representation;
...make you use their printing company for photos, headshots, comp's;
...run acting or modeling schools on the side and make you pay to take those classes;
...submit to adult oriented projects;
...charge you for services such as web site listing, marketing fliers for their business, etc.;
...restrict you from bringing parents to any meeting or assignment, if you are under 18;
...take commission above 20% maximum (which is even rather high...);

Obtain a copy of the RULES & REGULATIONS issued by your state, providing you live in a state that regulates Talent Agencies, and compare what they may or may not do against what they are telling you. Review any contracts you must sign with them against these rules.
Tips on how to select your first, or next, professional Agent / Agency. Search on agency reputation by asking other agency members if they are satisfied with their agent. Contact the agent and ask how does she/he works with their registered members. However, a disclaimer: you should always keep your agent up to date in terms of your address, phone number and look changed. For instance if you have died your hair your agent needs to be informed so s/he can submit you accordingly. Be honest with your agent, for instance if s/he books you for a project make sure you are available for the time and day you have been booked. Don't cancel on your agent in last minute or simply don't try to bring some excuse and don't show up and wait to see what is going to happen. If you do so you will be black listed or your chance is very small to get more booking. Believe me this is worst than any thing else that you could do to your agent. Try to show up on set at least 15 minutes early.
Don't wait until you are called on set go and make sure they know you have showed up by filling up the form. Make sure you know what they want you to do on set. Don't talk when shooting and when you heard the word "ACTION". Apply today and get online and choose a right agency / agent at www.talentworkbook.com