Modelling is one of the most sought-after and lucrative professions today. Every teen worth their hormones wants to be the next Madhu Sapre or John Abraham.

So it can be extremely flattering when someone approaches you at the local ice cream parlor and says, "You have what it takes to be a model and we're looking for people with your 'look'. Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment."

Of course, you trust this guy because people have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.

It's also true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports and you might have even read about how Claudia Schiffer was discovered walking down a street. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.

Now comes the sad part, however! If and when you make that follow-up appointment with the guy who accosted you at the mall, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls.

Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for Modelling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from two thousand to ten thousand Rupees.

Man, woman, or child - it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing - your money - and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean. When they say, "We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."

You can bet your life that they're not bothered about you but about the number of people they sign up as their commissions depends on it. If you're willing to pay cash, you can be certain that you'll be selected - selected to be parted from your money as more likely than not, you'll never hear from them again.

And incase they promise you a refund if you don't get work within a stipulated period of time, you can be sure of never getting it back as most fly-by-night operations furnish you with improper receipts which are not lawfully valid. Also, you lose interest on your money and they make interest on it.

POSITIONING YOURSELF -
To break into the glamorous world of Modelling, you need only one thing apart from your obvious good looks and talent - professional photos! There are two types of standard photographs - a "head shot" and a "composite card."

The typical marketing tool for a model or an actor, (experienced or not), is the head shot usually is an 8" x 10" black and white photo and a colour photo of the face, with your resume printed on the back.

A "comp card," is also high on the list of must-haves. This usually features several shots of you on the same sheet, showing off the diverse looks you are capable of portraying. It must also have all your details like height, weight, shoe size, hair and eye colour and most importantly, your phone number and address.

Agencies and schools offer separate and distinct services. Make sure you know the difference.

Modelling (or talent) agencies secure employment for experienced models and actors. Some agents require that you sign up exclusively with them; others may allow you to register with them as well as with other agencies in town.

Modelling and acting schools claim to provide instruction - for a fee - in poise, posture, diction, skin care, make-up application, the proper walk, and more. Modelling schools do not necessarily act as agents or find work for you - after you take their classes, you may be on your own.

IMPORTANT TIPS -

- Steer clear of modelling companies that require you to use a specific photographer. Compare fees and the work quality of several photographers.
- Be suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your agent.
- Be cautious if the school has a special referral relationship with a specific Modelling agency. The two could be splitting your fees, or the agency may not be suited to your needs.
- Ask yourself, "Why am I the lucky one?" Don't let your emotions
- and the company's flattery - take control. - Think carefully and critically about how you were approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have been approached.
- Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a blank copy of the contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.
- Be wary of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.
- Be wary of claims about high payments. Only models who have been around for a while like Aditi Govitrikar or Nayanika Chatterjee are paid high sums. Newer models can just break about five thousand bucks a show. Ad campaigns would pay a bit more than that but not over twenty thousand on the outer side.
- Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured successful work - recently - based on the company's training.
- Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they've hired models and actors from the agency.
- Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the "biggest" agency or a "major player" in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city or town.
- You might want to go through the trouble of checking if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file about the company.
- Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made orally.
- Keep copies of all-important papers, such as your contract and company literature, in a safe place.