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Hi,
I'm just looking for some advice and apologies if this isn't posted in the correct place.
My family member has autism and learning difficulties, approximately 9 months ago he signed a contract with a modelling agency and wouldn't let anyone check over the contract which was out of character for him.
Although I have no physical evidence as I don't have a copy of the contract, I believe he may have paid money upfront as a sign on fee and has also paid upfront for portfolios, photoshoots and other model related activities.
He's been charged a monthly fee for a Facebook community and has received no paid work from the agency, any work he gets for himself, I believe he has to pay the agency a percentage of which I don't think is very fair, I'm basing this belief off a Facebook post from the agency itself.
The modelling agency seems to target people who may be overweight, have disabilities or other conditions and I believe these people may be vulnerable.
I've also noticed that this modelling agency is now advertising a plan to go from a beginner to a model in 6 months, charging over £1500 upfront and also advertising other services such as meditation, deep breathing and other services all with an upfront cost, the agency seems very money orientated.
The only work my family member has had is charity events that the modelling agency puts on, to model in these, the models have to pay an upfront fee and don't get paid because it's classed as a charity event, which seems odd to me.
He seems to get very defensive when we try to talk about our concerns with him, almost like the owner of the agency has asked him not to disclose anything and has in a way brainwashed him, which is a big concern.
I'm wondering if this sort of behaviour from a model management agency is normal and what I should do about it as I believe people may be getting ripped off.
Many thanks.
I'm just looking for some advice and apologies if this isn't posted in the correct place.
My family member has autism and learning difficulties, approximately 9 months ago he signed a contract with a modelling agency and wouldn't let anyone check over the contract which was out of character for him.
Although I have no physical evidence as I don't have a copy of the contract, I believe he may have paid money upfront as a sign on fee and has also paid upfront for portfolios, photoshoots and other model related activities.
He's been charged a monthly fee for a Facebook community and has received no paid work from the agency, any work he gets for himself, I believe he has to pay the agency a percentage of which I don't think is very fair, I'm basing this belief off a Facebook post from the agency itself.
The modelling agency seems to target people who may be overweight, have disabilities or other conditions and I believe these people may be vulnerable.
I've also noticed that this modelling agency is now advertising a plan to go from a beginner to a model in 6 months, charging over £1500 upfront and also advertising other services such as meditation, deep breathing and other services all with an upfront cost, the agency seems very money orientated.
The only work my family member has had is charity events that the modelling agency puts on, to model in these, the models have to pay an upfront fee and don't get paid because it's classed as a charity event, which seems odd to me.
He seems to get very defensive when we try to talk about our concerns with him, almost like the owner of the agency has asked him not to disclose anything and has in a way brainwashed him, which is a big concern.
I'm wondering if this sort of behaviour from a model management agency is normal and what I should do about it as I believe people may be getting ripped off.
Many thanks.
