For aspiring models, the modelling industry can be a daunting place. British Model Alliance cares for every model’s safety and takes pride in helping modelling professionals avoid scams. Providing models with proper guidance gives them the essential tools to achieve success and prevent misrepresentation in the industry.
British Model Alliance has compiled a list of rules models should follow when launching their modelling careers.
Rule 1: Safe Locations
Attending photo shoots are exciting opportunities for every model. However, before saying yes to an offer, take proper precautions. Never accept invitations to hotels or backstreet studios. If you’ve been given the photographer or studio’s name, do your research. Checking the legitimacy ensures that you have been contacted by a professional and reliable company. These companies generally hire a team of professionals, like make-up artists and hair stylists, to assist on shoots.
In any situation, it’s vital to trust your instincts. You should never feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a photo shoot. No matter how ideal the job sounds, there will always be another one. Make your safety your first priority.
Rule 2: Legitimate Payment Methods
Scammers understand that the majority of new models are desperate to find paid work. For this reason, they are experts at persuasion and extorting money from individuals.
When undergoing a test shoot that requires a booking deposit, always insure you receive a receipt for any payments made. Possession of receipts guarantees a legal claim to a refund. Additionally, making payments should be done by legitimate methods, like Paypal or Worldpay. It is also your right as a model to request the company’s bank account details if you are not comfortable with other payment methods. Though it is not always the case, legitimate companies typically have accounts with respectable banks like Barclays and Santander. If you do not recognise the company’s bank, this can be cause for concern as scammers are less likely to use well-known banks.
Rule 3: Bring Someone Along
One of the most important rules when attending a photo shoot is having someone accompany you. It’s common for genuine modelling agencies to allow models to bring at least one other individual with them. Though the friend or family member accompanying you may not be allowed on set, they should be permitted in the studio or able to wait for you outside. Legitimate companies have no reason to turn away individuals brought along to ensure a model’s safety.
British Model Alliance recognises that often times, it’s our younger models who are most vulnerable to scams. Therefore, aspiring talent 22 years and younger are encouraged to always bring their parents to any test shoot. The support of parents present helps ensure a model’s comfortability in a new environment. When a model is comfortable, it increases his or her confidence and the chances of performing well during a test shoot.
Rule 4: Check Terms and Conditions
All professional businesses, including those in the modelling industry, must adhere to legal rules and regulations. All models, both new and experienced, should be aware of their rights and contractual obligations as business professionals.
A copy of the terms and conditions should be given to every model attending a test shoot. Ask the individual booking your shoot to send you a contract or terms and conditions document. This paperwork should be emailed or given to you as a physical document within 24 hours of the booking. It’s to be noted that the terms and conditions can be part of the submitted application. In this situation, a photocopy of the application should be made.
British Model Alliance’s review process takes into account all of a model’s legal rights. Our terms and conditions ensure that you are entitled to a refund of your booking deposit if all contractual obligations are met. It’s highly advised to look over the terms and conditions of any document before signing.
Rule 5:
