Has anybody got any info on The Ugly Agency and The Big, Bad and Ugly Agency? Both agencies deal with character actors but trying to establish what their reputation is like.
I do character modelling with UGLY, they're a good agency for that sort of thing. BUT they have an annual joining fee of £250, this can be taken out of your first pay packet and it covers web inclusion and model cards. It's a lot of money and I have met some people along the line who won't be re-joining but I have this year. Hope that helps...regards
I have tried to join Ugly twice in the distant past, with no success. I do know lots of people who have previously joined them.
In the old days, this was one of the top agencies. The general feeling now, about this agency, is that you will not get - a lot of work, but the work you do get - is well paid quality work. So you should (hopefully) cover the book fee...
I know many who have now left the agency over the issue of little work. You should take this into consideration, when deciding - to join the agency.
Personally if an agent is asking for a joining fee I would seer clear. The same as any agent, they can only submit you for work and cant even guarantee youll get a casting. With so many people in the industry these days (thanks to all the reality shows) more and more casting directors are dealing with personal management for small featured roles in commercials rather than extras agencies. I noticed this when working in my old agents office a number of years ago.Saying that try G2 or Galloways1 their parent company, a friend does quite a bit of work with them.
i don't mean to be rude, but how many times do people have to say that any agency who commands a joining fee is not worth joining.
It is one of the first things you are told in drama school. i understand not everyone has had a drama training so finding your feet is difficult but please take some advice from someone who has been doing this for many years. YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO JOIN ANY AGENCY!!
You should not have to pay an up-front fee, in order to join an agency.
In July 2003 the DTI told me that they intended to make it illegal for an agency to charge ANY up-front fee. The DTI did not keep their promise however.
I have just come back from the last Equity General Secretary Election 'Hustings' that took place this morning at Brighton.
There was a turn out of about 23 people, who wanted to meet the three candidates. On Wednesday this week there was another venue in London, where only 15 Equity members attended; despite my getting something in 'The Stage' in the previous week's edition etc, etc.
I was asked in Brighton; what would I really like to change - within Equity???
It's such a pity that it feels like every thread is turning into a party political broadcast of late.
...and calling the Equity membership apathetic is not the way to go about getting our votes Clive.
As actors (and also as normal everyday people) we are passionate about the things that really matter, such as getting sufficient work to keep a roof over our heads and enough funding to follow our career goals.
Equity doesn't seem very interested in this vital aspect of our careers. To highlight this point certain key areas for the likes of me on the Equity website haven't been updated for over 5 years.
If you really want to find a cause that will win you votes, campaign for the Equity website to carry the audition and casting information available in subscriber only sites like Castnet and Spotlight and make this information available free to its membership as the Equity Jobs area is woefully lacking in any decent information other than TIE tours.
Hi back to the Ugly question, I was invited to come along 'and impress them' (their words) this year. I did not go for a number of reasons, but have to say I regret in in some way. The main reason is that I am already with a number of model agencies. Norrie Carr/BMA/Ordinary people etc. I think they all get the same castings as there is always people from these and Ugly at most castings I go to, I found recently a job I was obviously right for as five agencies called me for it. So nowadays I just go with the one that calls me first, the other reason is that in the need to earn some proper money (after a few years of making my family suffer for my job satisfaction)I had to admit I was not earning enough, so I applied for and got a part time job, that I actually enjoy, gives me money and is flexible, I can change days. But I have had to turn down some (Background) work as I cant keep changing days.
I do think Ugly is worth joining as they can get some well paid work, but I also know people who have not had anywork from them. In terms of moddelling, I have had five photo jobs in a row recently, all been good, some good money, Usually means I have been minus clothing lol there seems to be a demand for fat blokes at present!!
This may make you laugh, at one of the castings they asked to see my book, I said I have not got one I leave all that to the agent, so i thought they must think me un pofessional, then I got the job! so who knows?
The thing with Ugly is this: They do charge and exhorbitant fee. And the story Always goes..."if an agency wants you, they want you, you shouldnt pay' I think you shouldnt pay, and certainly not that much, it isnt excatly a token sum is it? But on the other hand they dont take on everyone so hopefully they have some morals, If you can withhold the payment until youre first job then what do you have to lose?
17 years ago
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