I agree that Exxcel Model Agency is a scam!!! My daughter was "noticed" @ a local Beauty Pageant. We went to the scouting interview and supplied a pic for them to keep. At this interview we were told that we need to have professional photos taken by their photographer, at their prices. They mentioned that these prices were drastically discounted because we were going through the Agency. If we went with any other photographer they would not be accepted. This is the only time that they gave a price on their services. I thought this was needed, since all models need head shots/comp cards... Since I was new to this, my daughter only a 3 at this time, I thought this was standard. They requested a deposit of 1/2 down to keep the appointment with the "professional photographer".
In the packet of info it states that if at the photo shoot you are unsatisfied with the photos or the look, to let them know and they will redo the look or pics... Since there were a lot of "models" having a photo shoot that day, it took hours to see the looks/pics on her computer. I requested a redo/retake and got nothing but attitude saying it was too late, should have let her know sooner... How that is possible I do not know, as we were still at the shoot and had to wait in line to be seen... The photos, BTW, were not professional quality. Even if we got them airbrushed, the background, and posing were not professional.
Once Susan had a chance to go over all the "models" photos, she emailed/called us to let us know which ones should be made into head shots/comp cards... Only using the company she recommended... And also put on a website for exposure, through Exxcel, for a monthly fee. If you are not happy with the photos, and express this to her, she gives you all kinds of attitude, stating that SHE is the one with the experience in this field, knows what the clients are looking for, and to do this it costs big bucks, and if you do not want to do what she says, then you can TRY to take your business elsewhere, but says it will be the same. To produce the comp cards / head shots with her companies was the only way her agency would represent the talent. If you did not do this, then she stated she would have nothing to supply to the client. I expressed to "work off the fees", but she would not agree to this, as she wanted the money up front. At which time she said that if we are not serious about this and willing to pay her whatever fees she drums up at a moments notice, then maybe we should reconsider her career choice.
We have been signed with this agency for over a year and they have yet to get us any work. I believe they are not submitting us to any clients b/c we refused to spend any more $ with them. It is a "nonexclusive" contract, so I was able to get her representation elsewhere, with snapshots and a good head shot.
I have found through word of mouth and research that a few good snapshots (they want to see the talent in their natural state, not all done up with makeup, to see what they have to work with) is all you need to send to prospective agencies. Then after that all is needed is a good head shot, with a photographer of your choice. Once you are an established talent then that is when you invest in professional photos. Your portfolio is developed over the course of your career, so your novices do not need to be expensive portfolios.
I asked to have a refund, but did not get a positive response.
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