Editorial by Juan Carlos Lopez

Another Arnold

Just when you thought a show couldn't get bigger it did. The 2012 Arnold Classic had Olympia trials and that really did help a lot. As usual I avoided the Saturday expo but enjoyed the last few minutes on Sunday before closing.

Talent Agencies and Managers

Ever since the Anna Watson news came on to the light many competitors have asked me what makes an agency or manager reputable?

There isn't enough proof in the case with Anna Watson that the modeling agency is legitimate or not. But they claimed to use a very well known client and needed very muscular women for a mainstream ad. This makes no sense, mainstream ads use models are always skinny and far away from the look Anna Watson sports. Anna Watson looks great indeed but not for the mainstream. Highly doubt she uses anything anabolic, her muscles aren't full like those of women that use. Takes a second to realize this if you have been around the industry.

Here is great link to see which states require a license, employment license and bond.

Link

The most basic element to understand that a talent agent is different from a manager. As a manager you don't need a license to manage someone. A manager's role is more related to scheduling affairs but not necessarily booking gigs and jobs and also getting the payment first. That is more like a talent agency which holds the payment takes a cut and then releases the rest to the model. In other cases they charge a booking fee and also take a percentage from the model.

If a manager is showcasing models and acting as a talent agent where you can select a model and work with her then he/she is acting as a talent agent not a manager per se. So this means he/she would need to have a license as agent or employment license and usually a bonding company (like insurance). So if you are dubious of a certain manager acting as a talent agency check the link above and search for them to see if they have any type of license.

The best solution in the fitness industry is always to self represent and never sign anything with talent agency or manager that is exclusive. If you are currently a model outside the fitness industry and you have a involved with a non exclusive agency then you should keep that as you may get some jobs but anything else you have to be your own boss in order to generate more income.

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