Exxcel Model and Talent Agency - Reputable?

[ROMCOM321]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:15pm

Hello. I was wondering if anyone here in this message board has ever dealt with Exxcel Model and Talent Agency. Any positive or negative experiences? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:23pm

Common sense reads: any agency using the terms 'Model & Talent Agency' should be avoided at every cost (and yes...cost).

Any agency which is interested in representing you will NOT ask for any payment. That's the common sense rule in any industry.

[elphaba.scares.me]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 4:20pm

better business bureau doesn't have any complaints about them, and their website looks okay.

be VERY, VERY careful about any agency which wants you to take their classes or hire their photographer. this doesn't look like one of those.

[ROMCOM321]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 5:03pm

They suggested a photographer, but I opted to go to my own. They liked the pictures. Now, they want to print some of these photos to use as my headshot (at my expense), but they will only print through their printer (they insist on having their clients have a uniform headshot/resume format).

I've always been told that I should never have to pay anyone upfront to represent me. Does this sound like a scam?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 5:35pm

If you have to pay to sign with them, it is a scam.

[elphaba.scares.me]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 10:18pm

actors/models are generally responsible for the cost of printing their own headshots, and i wouldn't let the choice of printer be a deal-breaker. i've never heard of an agency doing that, but perhaps there are some really crappy printers in your area.

what i would do, though, is get a reasonable number printed (like 100, not 1000), and at least get an estimate from a different printer in your area. the agency's recommended printer should be in the same ball park.

having looked at their site, these guys look legit, but be aware and pay attention to whether they actually get you appts/auditions.

[morganastyle]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 1:45pm

Remember.. anyone can have a website. When YOU pick an agent, First find someone that is with the agency, and see how their experience is. If you don't know anyone with them, then it's a bad sign. Yes an agent finds you some jobs, but it is a legal business partnership. You must be very careful. This city is full of fake agency's. My advice is, mooch off your friends. If they have and agent, ask them to put a good word in for you, and if you can send them your picture and resume. Everyone does it. Friends help friends, thats how to find a good agent. Dont sign anything without having someone with experience in contracts look over it.

[Norbielover]

Posted: 3/18/07 at 5:01pm

You should find out if they are a talent agency or talent management company. They should be franchised with the Actors' unions. If they are franchised, they are governed by the rules and regulations of that union. Managers are not regulated.