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Ontario|Consumer LawOther 815 Model & talent agencies There are many modelling and talent agencies working in Toronto's busy entertainment industry. Most are legitimate businesses, working hard to represent their clients. However, there is a growing number of unscrupulous agencies which take money for services not delivered, make promises of work that never appears, and overcharge for photo portfolios and for computer and TV listings that are not needed. Some people have lost hundreds or even thousands of dollars without ever getting work as models or actors.
You should be very careful about signing contracts or giving money to agencies that approach you. It is very rare for legitimate modelling and talent agents to approach people on the street or to call them on the phone. If you have been approached with promises of work, or a screen test, make sure that such promises are put in writing, and don't sign a contract or give the agency any money or your credit card number before you have checked out the contract and the agency itself.
There are several sources of information and advice. The Acting and Modelling Information Service (AMIS) has a telephone hotline with recorded information. The Artists' Legal Advice Service (ALAS) has lawyers available who are knowledgeable about the entertainment business. These numbers are listed in your telephone directory. The Ministry of Consumer & Business Services monitors complaints about agencies, and you can inquire about your agency's reputation before getting involved.
If you already paid money to an agency, you have five days under Ontario's Prepaid Services Act to cancel the contract in writing and ask for a full refund. If you have been the victim of misrepresentation or unfair consumer practices, you may have up to six months under Ontario's Business Practices Act to rescind the contract and claim your money back.
Contact the Ministry of Consumer & Business Services, listed in the Blue pages of your telephone book, or a legal clinic near you for more information.
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