In today’s society it seems that everyone wants to get rich quick or be famous just for being famous. This has never been truer than in the modelling industry. With the allure of a glamorous lifestyle full of photoshoots, celebrity parties, being spotted by the paparazzi and the potential to earn thousands of pounds from a campaign. There is an abundance of aspiring models hoping to get their big break and many are willing to do what ever it takes to get there.
However, the industry is not as glamorous as many may think, it is rife with fake agents and unsavoury characters who are looking to scam people with a dream. People advertise their “model agency” and organise castings in bars, hotels and other public places, they then meet with girls, many who are very young and potentially vulnerable, promise them fame, contracts and an amazing life – but there is one catch, they have to pay a fee to join the agency and have to have professional images taken by their own photographer. They put pressure on the girls, making them feel as if it is their only chance. These aspiring models then pay the money and never hear form the so-called agency again. Girls dreams are crushed and they are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds out of pocket.
Luckily, recent legislation should help put a stop to these kinds of scams. It has been illegal for employment agencies to charge upfront fees for many years, however, due to pressure from various groups and organisations as of 1 October 2010 it has become illegal for employment agencies in the model and entertainment industry to charge upfront fees. Agents are therefore only permitted to earn a fee for finding work through taking a commission. Therefore, if a model isn’t found any work by an agent they will not have to pay anything for being registered with them.
Unfortunately those who are new to the industry are not always aware of the latest legislation or guidelines in the industry. Some of the known scam agencies are still conning people out of money by backdating their contracts. Therefore if the model is not vigilant they could potentially be signing a document that is out of date and could be faced with charges.
In light of this situation and due to her own experiences in the industry, first as a model and then a make-up artists and photostudio owner, Natasha Worby, Director of Worby Ltd, has set out to educate aspiring models. After being a victim of scams early in her career and then seeing so many others conned or mistreated within the industry Natasha has set up a unique course for aspiring models. The course can also be adapted to help educate everyone from photographers to scouts and aspiring stylists. The course is held over 5 days and is completely different to any other model training events out there. Worby Ltd. does not merely focus on walking and posing for images, they go into immense detail on legislation, accounting, taxation, latest trends and how to keep up to date with the industry. They also give in-depth information into the various sectors of the industry, from high fashion to plus size and petite modelling to glamour modelling. The course has been designed to be fun yet informative and the week ends with a professional photoshoot to help the models start their portfolios. The course is held at Natasha’s professional studio in Southend-on-Sea, The Essex Photo studio.
This is the only course of its kind being offered in the industry. No other organisation offers such crucial information and guidance. The Essex Photo Studio is somewhat selective in who they accept onto the course, however all sectors are covered. Worby Ltd. does not wish to give false hope to anyone and will always offer free and impartial advice to any person they come into contact with. Their websites are full of free advice and guidance and they continue to work with various organisations to help protect those in the industry.
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Further information
Contact: Natasha Worby 07595733584 natasha@worbyltd.co.uk
Background: Natasha Worby began modelling part time in 2002 to follow one of her dreams. Early in her career she was stung by 2 different agencies, she was out of pocket by just under £1000. This did no stop her. She continued to pursue a modelling career and was signed to a very reputable agency. As her contract was non-exclusive this allowed her to continue working with other agents and photographers. Whilst modelling she came across several photographers who tried to put pressure on her to go down a different path. Although Natasha thoroughly enjoyed modelling she found she had far more passion for the make-up side of things so trained as a make-up artist and started a new career. This lead to Natasha working with fantastic photographers, many who did not have their own studio or who found there was a lack of quality studios in the Essex area. This was when Essex Photo Studio was born. With her industry knowledge and ambition Natasha felt she could make an impact with her “eager to educate” attitude and constant need for the perfect shooting location.
Websites: www.worbyltd.co.uk
www.essexphotostudio.co.uk
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