Model agency

[oli_cortez]

Hi all,


I have for some now looking at these boards and others and researching the industry in this country. It seems without a doubt there is a niche in the market for a decent model agency which covers literally everything from sourcing fresh talent, managing the talent and creating credible links and networks with the biggest companies in the UK eg killergram, bluebird, pumpkin etc etc.

From what i have seen model agency's that represent the girls and guys look unprofessional, pages are often incomplete and more times than not they are not up to date and seem to be advertising models who have long since been retired. Not only this but i see a trend in sites kicking both reliable togs and models for nothing which seems absurd and counter productive for all concerned.

As a long time lover of all thing's smut I have been asked by a number of girls who to contact, who is reliable and the same can be said from the photographer who wants fresh, good, reliable talent who will actually turn up for shoots and will be comfortable on screen.

Would it not be wonderful if this was all on one site that, yes took a small percent of the model's earning but made more on advertising in exchange for having credible contacts who can be trusted, possibly even branching out abroad

I am seriously looking into making this happen but would love some input, albeit constructive criticism from what would be my market. Maybe i am naive and it will never work??? But i would like to make it a possibility!! Each model could feel like they have the own individual agent who is prepared to do the dirty work!!

I eagerly await your replies.

Oli

[paul jones]

There are three serious adult agencies in the UK.

One has been around longer than me, one was started by a guy who went out and found excellent new talent for his own productions and then turned it into an agency, and the other is run by a woman who was/is a pornstar in her own right so had all the contacts she needed.

If you want to play, and don't have a lot of existing connections that would trust you, find a bunch of great new girls and give it a go.

You can put them all up on AIR.

But it's something that most people who try, fail at. It's a LOT harder than it looks. It's why I haven't done it.

Cheers

[oli_cortez]

Paul,

Thanks for the input mate I'm sure you know some very valuable conacts and could possibly share these with me down the line.

What I'm thinking of encompasses every aspect of the industry except the shooting and production. I'm talking about finding the talent, managing it and finding the best possibly work out there for the models.

If there any models out there old or new their input would be hugely appreciated.

[31charlie]

Yes I have to agree with Paul - it all sounds good in principle but the amount of work that goes into a 20% commission - only for the girl to then not turn up because she has a hangover or missed her bus, etc . . - will drive you up the wall.
But, like everything in life, give it a go and see if you can make it work - if you get some reliable, new girls to the industry I would be happy to use you !thumbsup!

[johnuk]

I think you're right, I've yet to see a professional looking agency website so there probably is a gap in the market for a good one. A proper, fully searchable database with a private login so only verified photographers can access it would be very helpful however in this day and age I see no real need to use agencies.

There's a 1000 forums or social networks where the models happily advertise themselves, I've never had the need to use one and can't see myself doing so in the future I'm afraid.

[The Invader]

Have you got a domain name for this project yet?

I have a couple of generic domains that are ideal for this sort of site (.com and .co.uk versions in each case).

[satine spark]

I like the idea of a good agency which could get me plenty of work.
I think Id even be happy for them to take a percent of my dosh for the simplicity of it!

I really hate sitting and doing all my emails everyday.
One thing I like about some agencies though is that some take commission on top of your rate meaning I would still get paid the same amount.

Plus it would be nice to see an agency website that was easy to use, looked professional and was updated regularly.

Satine xXx

[Dave Wells]

You'll fail, the work simply isn't out there to get any more !

[Peter]

31charlie wrote:

> Yes I have to agree with Paul - it all sounds good in principle
> but the amount of work that goes into a 20% commission - only
> for the girl to then not turn up..........

Or what killed off many of the 'good old days' agencies', many models (and photographers) will go behind your back and arrange any future shoots direct, so your 20% commission actually becomes a 'one time introduction fee' as you rarely get a second 20% from anyone.

You also need to find a suitable source of *NEW* girls, and not just trawl the usual websites signing up the same old faces that appear on dozens of other sites.

You need some quality control, (and therefore an understanding of your clients and their markets needs) and not just take on anyone on the mistaken belief that "willing to get naked = model"

You need a cast iron will to avoid the temptation to take backhanders from some producers who will make it worth your while to divert all your fresh meat their way first. (thus killing the girls career instantly)

And if i'm to pay an agent 20%, I expect a business address, and a landline telephone number I can call and speak to someone who is able to sort out the problem, during normal office hours.