Talent Agencies


Dr. Diane Howard

Finding an Agent

Texas Talent Agencies (TX)


Legitimate, Licensed, TX Talent Agencies
http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm


Modeling Guidelines

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Scams
Always be careful in working with new agencies. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front. Do not pay to meet, read, or audition.  If you  believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/.   The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. A watchdog group at www.fraud.org/internet/intset.htm also keeps track of several illegal money making schemes. The Better Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies. See http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm for
Legitimate, Licensed Talent Agencies in TX.  See www.DoNotPay.org.
See http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm
for information on modeling and talent scams. To search for the license of a
Texas Talent &/or Modeling Agency, see http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch/.

From - Veronica of DVA Talent in Harker Heights. 
...always ask questions when meeting with an agent:

1. Are you licensed and bonded? (if yes, have them supply the number)
2. How many of my look and age range do you represent?
3. What are your commission schedules?
4. Who are some of your clients?

Legitimate agents won't mind answering these questions and it
may save the talent some heartache in the end. Talent should
know that a licensed agency can not require you to use a specific photographer or training.

Happy Holidays and see you at the movies!

Sincerely,
Veronica Kelley-Albiez
DVA Talent (lic. 394)
www.dvatalent.com
(254)680-7190

From Linda Mcalister to Austin Film Casting-
I encourage you to forward this to as many people as possible AND to use
this as a reference to anyone who approaches you to "audition" for them.
If they charge you a fee for ANY service, ask if they are licensed and
bonded. If not, contact the Texas Licensing & Regulation Dept with the state and
REPORT them! Get tough. We have to stop these abuses and scams.
Linda
******************************************************************
September 21, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: Patrick Shaughnessy
512/463-3208

Unregistered Houston Talent Agency Fined $15,000
The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation has ordered the
operator of an unregistered Houston talent agency to pay a $15,000
penalty for purporting to represent clients without first obtaining a state registration.  
The commission imposed the administrative penalty on Oscar Valdez, who
operated the company, Starmaker International, from an office at 5401
Chimney Rock in Houston. Starmaker International has ceased operations.
The commission's order covers the period between March and May of 2004.
Valdez operated Starmaker International, charging clients for
representation, promising to obtain employment for the clients artists
>or models, without registering with the state and posting a required surety bond.

Talent agencies that operate in Texas and charge a fee to find
employment for artists and models are required to first register with
the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The agencies
also are required to post a $10,000 surety bond, or deposit $10,000 in
cash, which is held to satisfy claims by clients who are not properly paid by the agency.

"The state requires talent agencies to register so that we can
protect artists from unscrupulous operators who would prey on their
dreams," said William Kuntz, TDLR's executive director. "The law
also requires them to post a bond so money is available for the artists
if the agent fails to honor his or her financial obligations."

The commission's order demands payment of the penalty within 30 days.
If Valdez fails to pay the penalty or make arrangements to pay, the
order will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection.

To receive news and updates on the talent agent program, or any of the
programs TDLR administers, sign up for TDLR's email subscription service at
http://www.license.state.tx.us/newsletters/TDLRnotificationLists.asp.

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