I am a model with Options. Everything the other reports have said about Options being a rip-off are completely true.
I did happen to get a great photographer though. Although options did sponser the la/ny model search, and it took place in the options building here, they never told us what the scouts were looking for.
Hours later it was clear; they wanted flatchested girls who were tall and thin with stick figures. Facial features didn't seem to be at all important. But i guess for runway, it is faceless clothes hangers as they say.
The website put up a guarantee that every options model since June has received a non-exclusive contract with an agency. After many complaints and e-mails, I received an e-mail welcoming me to ASAP modeling in chicago, a promotional agency. They put up your digital comp card same as options. They have NEVER contacted me again. And if you take notice, their site is "powered by Options"
Also, I overheard their scouting meeting with the head man in the chicago office while we were waiting to meet with my talent coordinator. We just dropped in without an appointment.
The potential scouts were told things such as "try going up to someone and act as if you are out of breath. Tell them you saw them and chased them from the opposite level of the mall because they have so much model potential." "give them your card and then if they hesitate, tell them there are limited spots left for the open call. Try pulling away the card, because then it will make them want it. Hesitate as if you are not sure to pull them in. Complement them and tell them what a great look they have. Ask if they have a modeling agency, if not it's their lucky day!" And on and on... They really need thicker walls there.
It's high pressure because when you are there they tell you to decide to pay the money in one day if they accept you because otherwise you have to wait an entire year to be reconsidered. They say that modeling has progressed along that paper comp cards are no longer even used as much, and soon won't be at all.
Once you've signed, to get you to use their photographer, they tell you how rarely they get that oppurtunity and there are only 2 or so days with one or two spots available. Funny that you see their calendar later and they have several more weekends available...
I am still waiting to get anything out of this. If i do, i will report that immediatly. Until then...
Oh, they were on the local Milwaukee channel 4 news alert as a scam also.
M
milwaukee, Wisconsin
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