Network International runs an ad in the Arizona newspapers classified everyday supposedly looking for models of all ages and types with or without experience for model jobs. This "agency" gets you into the office for "model work", where they then tell you that you need a portfolio (or that the portfolio you already have isn't good enough). They, then, have you sign-up for a photography shoot and promise to deliver 10- 8x10 photographs taken by their professional photographers from Beverly Hills, California.
They collect $500.00 and have you sign a contract.
They then tell you to get your hair styled, and you have to make an appointment with a stylist they recommend (you aren't allowed to use your own). The stylist is mandatory, and they charge over $65 for your haircut.
When you go for your photo session on the scheduled date, the session takes place outside of their very untidy office right in the business plaza strip mall on the sidewalk under a canopy. There are no lights, reflectors, professional lighting or studio equipment. Just one photographer equipped with a 35mm film camera.
They have you model changed outfits such as a bikini right there for all passersby and business neighbors to see.
If you miss your scheduled appointment they charge you $150 for missing your session.
They provide a casting call to these new models which is copied and pasted right from a model internet site that you can join for free without Network International's help.
Upon reading the contract, Network International (NI) provide for the models to sign, upon examination, this contract pretty much says that Network International can do anything they want, even cancel the shoot and they still get to keep your money.
This agency has been reported to the Better Business Bureau in the past, where a "real" talent agency was quoted saying that union agencies do NOT provide models with portfolios. They also stated that an agency would never put an ad looking for non-experienced models.
The "real" agency also is noted saying that if a model wants a professional portfolio, hire their own stylist and photographer. Locally around the phoneix area a person can get a photographer, studio, and stylist for about $300.
Last but not least, the 8 x10's photograph prints are very poor quality, grainy, and the processing isn't any better than from your local drugstore or a local film processing lab.
0 comments