Angie's Models and Talent
To Whom It May Concern:
I haven't seen anything good or bad about Angie's Models
in Canada. Do you know anything that could be helpful
or are they like all the rest and just a scam?
I have "seen her in action" and she seemed
very professional and genuine with her models but. .
.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Angie's Models and Talent looks a lot like John
Casablancas with MTM and Barbizon or John
Robert Powers. JC and Barbizon offer
modeling and etiquette classes; so does Angie's.
JRP offers training in modeling and acting; so does
Angie's.
Angie's run modeling schools or modeling classes ("workshops" and "programs")
and they are closely tied in with the controversial,
expensive modeling convention, IMTA.
JC and Barbizon and JRP are also very closely tied in
to IMTA. They reportedly get commissions for every model
they talk into paying US$5,000 for the convention.
In fact, according to the company website, the founder
started the agency after starting an etiquette school
and has received awards at IMTA.
However, this agency lists a significant number of and
consistent success stories, even though all the tear
sheets to prove them were not shown on their site.
Most agencies are simply agencies, not schools and agencies.
Both grouped together is a conflict of interest. You
must be careful and take a closer look. You need to do
more investigating; ask more questions.
The significance of the clear and obvious conflict of
interest is directly related to the amount of money they
make off schools and training.
Their website at angiesmodels.com advertises: "Teen
Fashion/Runway modeling workshops: a complete guide to
becoming a professional model."
Runway is a common and overhyped part of modeling schools.
"The teen fashion workshops at Angie's Models was
born out of a need to provide quality training to the
individual at reasonable rates."
What are these "reasonable rates"? Free is
a reasonable rate. Free is the industry standard. Most
agencies train their models free.
"At our agency, students can acquire valuable skills
that help increase self-confidence, poise, and a strong
sense of personal presentation."
This pitch is no different from John Casablancas or
Barbizon.
"While students are training, they have the opportunity
to audition for shows, print, video productions, theatre
and commercials/ film."
So you don't actually need to be trained.
"At Angie's Models we feel each teen girl is special.
Within each of us is a sparkle and at Angie's, we try
to enhance each of our model's personalities by helping
them develop their inner self."
More of the confidence pitch for their 16-week program.
How much does it cost?
"Angie's teen fashion workshops are designed to
help the students realize their full potential. Our modeling
workshops have much to offer and includes, among other
things, fashion show choreography, runway modeling, make-up
application, skin care, movement for the camera, as well
as on camera auditioning techniques for TV commercials."
Same as Barbizon.
"We include in our workshops a free photo shoot
with our professional photographer. Plus portfolio book & one
print 8x12. Angie's will aid you during your photo shoot
to insure the best possible looks for you. You will select
on[e] picture from this shoot to be used on your head
card."
Does the free photo shoot include the portfolio and
prints? Free managed photo shoot is good.
"The workshops we offer at Angie's are limited
to only a small number, as we prefer to give our students
the individual attention they may not be able to get
in a larger forum."
How many students?
"Once a student's training is successfully completed
with Angie's, they may take part in our Model Showcase
where they have the opportunity to be seen by international
agents. Graduates are also guaranteed representation
in our New Faces division, a division for up and coming
models."
Translation: we get them to spend CDN $7,500 for a trip
to a convention with a pathetic success rate because
the models are not first screened by international agents?
Are they talking about IMTA?
Model Showcase is a euphemism for modeling convention.
Professional, competent, and responsible (mother) agents
do not need conventions which gouge models to place models.
"At the end of the workshops we hold "A Night
At The Oscars". Featuring all our models & talent.
It is a fashion show theatrically choreographed by our
models. Numerous awards and trophies are given to our
models, recognizing them for their special achievements.
Over 300 guests and VIP’s attend it."
Same as Barbizon.
You need to find out more pricing information and shop
around.
Finally, consider this quote from a good WP article:
- The fact is, when top agencies see a girl they think
has a real chance to make it (and generate huge fees
down the road), they are willing to pay for runway
lessons, housing, transportation, pictures, you name
it.
-
- "If [a girl] comes off the street into Elite
and we think she has potential, she doesn't
need to pay for classes," says Monique
Pillard, director of New York's powerhouse Elite Models,
which represents Linda Evangelista, Shalom Harlow,
Amber Valletta and Trish Goff, among others.
-
- "Somewhere down the line, she may take runway
classes, which she doesn't pay for," Pillard says. "We
absolutely bear the burden. If a girl has talent and
potential to become a model, of course, we help.
-
- "It's a scam of [the model] paying $1,000 or
$2,000," she says. "That's [expletive]."
("The Improbable Dream," Robin Givhan, Washington Post, December 2, 1996)
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