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Answering a Reader Question #95

Amanda Wrote:

Hi Dania, thanks for answering my question before. I was wondering, how do I find a trustworthy modeling agency? Every time I looked on the internet for one in Miami, the only that doesn't seem to be a scam at first is Avenue Productions, which has received hundreds of complaints that the models they book not only pay an upfront fee, but they are never booked for any jobs. I checked the agency's website, and all that I really found was about 200+ pictures of models they booked (who probably paid the $300 upfront fee). Not to mention when I searched the company name, the suggested list said "Avenue Productions Scam". I really don't know where else to look, since I've used Google, Craigslist, and I even resorted to checking a phone book. I know Miami isn't as large as New York or LA, so I wouldn't expect to find as many agencies as models find there. But the only time I'm going to New York is in December for only 2 weeks. I tried searching for large agencies that have chains all over the U.S., but I mean it when I say I have NONE. Any advice? 

 Hello, Amanda! You are very welcome and thanks for reaching out and asking for info about finding legitimate agencies. It can be tough to weed out which agencies are real and which ones are scams but it seems that you have done a pretty thorough job. In general it is best to stick with modeling agencies whose names are internationally known such as Wilhelmina, Ford, Elite, etc. There are always local, boutique agencies which may not be as widely known but still manage to make a name for themselves and book legit work for their models. The ones that have websites are usually the best ones to start with. More agencies these days are stating right on their websites that they do not charge upfront fees as well as other info to warn aspiring models about what to avoid.

Here, let me make things easier for you...below is a list of modeling agencies in the Miami/Miami Beach area that you can check out:

Elite - Miami
119 Washington Avenue Suite 501
Miami Beach Florida 33139
tel: (305) 674-9500 
email: MIAMIinfo@elitemodel.com
www.elitemodel.com

Next Model Management
1688 Meridian Ave Suite 800
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel: (305) 531-5100
www.nextmodels.com

CGM - Caroline Gleason Management
690 Lincoln Road, Suite 301
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel: (305) 695-2731
email: info@carolinegleason.com
www.carolinegleason.com

DecoModels, Inc.
4525 collins avenue, bungalow 142
miami beach, fl 33140
tel: (305) 673-900
www.decomodels.com

Ford Models
1665 Washington Avenue
3rd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Tel: (305) 534-7200
www.fordmodels.com

Front Management
1560 Lenox Avenue Suite 306
Miami Beach, FL 33139
te. (305) 673-2225
www.frontmanagement.com

MC2 Model Management
1674 alton road suite 500
miami beach, FL 33139
tel: (305) 672-8300
www.mc2mm.com

Mega Models Miami
420 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach FL
tel: (305) 672-6342
Email: info@megamodelsmiami.com
www.megamodelsmiami.com

Michele Pommier Management
3252 NE 1st Avenue Suite 120
Miami, FL 33127
tel: (305) 394-8683
www.michelepommier.com

Wilhelmina Miami
1100 West Avenue Suite 326
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel: (305) 672-9344
www.wilhelminamiami.com

Aside from the well known agencies it is a good idea to still use caution when submitting. From what you've written it sounds like you already know the red flags to be on the lookout for so once you begin attending casting calls and getting interviews, listen carefully to see if the agencies mention stuff like paying for classes, portfolios or other "starter expenses" prior to offering you a contract. I'm sure once you are there in the offices you'll be able to trust your gut in knowing whether you feel comfortable with the agency or not. And if you still aren't sure you can always contact me for further assistance!

Good luck and happy hunting!
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Comments

J. Bella said…
Hi,

My question is, can models that are my height 5'4 actually have successful high fashion modeling careers and what does it take to get to that level?
November 8, 2010 at 3:18 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Lady J and thanks for your question! You'll find your answer in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #96." Thanks for reading!
November 8, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Devonna said…
Question, Michele pommier has me paying for a test shoot but I didn't sign anything? Scam?
March 11, 2014 at 9:59 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Devonna! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #724," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
March 16, 2014 at 8:55 PM
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