My son, Ernest, used to work with Marla Dell about 20 yrs ago. Ernest worked for many companies like old Navy, Macy's, And JCPenny...etc. Marla Dell Talent had good connections with the companies and gave him many opportunities. read more

MDT Agency, Inc. - Ernest was on the back cover of the catalog. - Talent Agencies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Very easy and professional phone skills. Easy to do business with. It means a lot to me to be able to get a complicated issue handled in such an expedient way! read more

Willing to acknowledge upfront that my experience may have been abnormal considering the other reviews for this agency. I found the initial interview steps to be fun and supportive, but from then on it was a pretty disappointing experience. All the auditions they submitted to me were self-submissions, which while intuitive given the state of the world (albeit restrictions were largely lifted by the time I signed), were still a bad introductory experience for someone just joining the industry. I noticed a lot do the effort being generally self-funded (including the subscription to Casting Networks and other cartel-like proprietary modeling services) which made me question what MDT was actually doing to help me. It seems like a lot of the reviews are from people who have been onboard for several years--maybe things were different back then in terms of onboarding and early support. Still, not a great introduction for me and it basically put an end to my modeling ambitions altogether. read more

Great Agency, amazing opportunities ,I'm so glad that I'm part of it. The team. I have been with the agency for about three years maybe a little bit over, and I love my agents, read more

I've been with MDT for the last 10 years and feel this review is long overdue. I joined as someone completely new to the industry, and the MDT team walked me through every step of the process until I was on set only a short time later. They are a team of professionals who are easy to get in touch with and pay quickly. Most importantly, even in such a hectic industry, they're fun to work with. I had a few bay-area agencies to choose from when I first joined, and I'm glad to say I chose the right one! read more

No responses after submitting application. It would be nice to at-least get a rejection email instead of no communication at all.

I have been working with MDT for the last 10 years and I have had a wonderful experience. I began as a fit model and have continued to receive work in the Print and On-camera divisions as well. I think it is common for actors and models to lack a connection with their agencies - my experience with MDT has been the opposite. The women that make up this company work hard and believe in who they represent. I've had steady work throughout the years and have always felt a familial connection to my agents and to the owner, Michelle. I know others who have tried to go with different agencies and ended up returning to MDT. I love that my agents have held me accountable and urged me to present myself more professionally. I can't recommend them enough. read more

The agents at MDT are simply incredible. I owe so much to Porsche, Rosemary, Michelle, Jenn, Lexie & Kristin. These ladies work their butts off to find their talent work and I couldn't be more grateful. I have been steadily booking since I signed and it feels like a dream! I seriously cannot thank them enough! Also important to note - this is an all female, woman of color owned business. Gotta love it! read more

I have been with MDT for over 3 years now. These beautiful women know what they are doing! Michelle the owner is very understanding, professional and works her butt off to find us the work we seek out. They have always kept me busy with auditions, go sees, fit modeling gigs, industrial videos etc. The only thing I can say to you if you are starting out or if you're looking for a new agency to represent you is to look no further. Michelle, Porsche, Sage, Rosemary, and Valisity are the best in the industry. So far I can say I have worked with big name companies while proudly representing MDT. They pay you on time, work extremely hard for you and wholeheartedly care about you as an individual and not a number. Please get yourself acquainted with these powerhouses you will be so glad you did. I will never part with MDT even if I moved out of State! Hopefully this helps people who are on the fence while seeking our representation. These women literally ROCK! Best Regards Keisha Brooks a proud MDT talent read more

I am signed across the board with MDT Agency, and I have been signed with for four years now. MDT Agency is an agency that genuinely supports its models and actors. They are professional and care about the success of the models/actors on their board and their reputation with clients. MDT believes in diversity and acceptance of people of various skin colors, orientation, and size. I am happy to be a part of MDT and work with a company that strives to help you reach your best and be successful in all ways possible. read more

MDT is an exceptional agency. They've been representing me for nearly 10 years across all four divisions (on-camera, voice over, print & fit modeling), and even throughout these unpredictable times of COVID, they've kept me busy with auditions, go-sees, and bookings. They are an incredible team of female powerhouses who truly work hard for those they represent. Bonus points for also being lovely real humans who are a pleasure to know and work with. I appreciate that they value integrity, professionalism, authenticity, and clear communication. If ever you have questions or concerns, they are there to listen and get you back on the same page. I always feel supported knowing they have my back and I couldn't be more grateful to have built this partnership with them. read more

MDT is amazing! The team is well organized, kind, understanding, and I get a ton of auditions- and bookings! I'm so happy I signed with them and I would recommend anyone who is serious about getting involved in the industry. read more

I am a client of MDT and I have to say I am so grateful for the hard work and support that this company provides to all of us. During the pandemic I happened to gain a little weight and I called my agent in October to discuss my future as a fit model as I was now more of the size that they had wanted me to be ever since I signed with them in 2017. Michelle was so focused on getting me the info I needed to get my proportions to a competitive place and within three weeks I was ready to go on a go see...flash forward two months later and I'm a regular fit model! Not to mention the commercials I booked in the bay are because of MDT! Great and supportive agency! Couldn't ask for more especially during these new and uncertain times! read more

We meet the MDT print division women through a friend who is signed with the agency and found them to be easy going and professional. We also did some back ground research and was impressed the agency of 25 years has a A+ rating with the BBB. Looking forward to our continued commitment with them. read more

MDT Agency, Inc. - Talent Agencies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My daughter had interviews with Gap, Pottery Barn and Old Navy within just a couple of months of signing with MDT! She has now already done 2 Old Navy Shoots and 1 Pottery Barn Kids shoot in the 3 months since we started working with them!!! Brit is awesome and quick to answer any questions I have! We have loved our experience with MDT and can't wait to see what more is in store for our little Q-T :) read more

The staff is really friendly and professional. My daughter got signed last month and within a month she booked her first print job. So far we are extremely happy with this agency and they work hard to get you booked. Thanks for all you do MDT! read more

I've been with Marla Dell Talent Agency a little bit short of a decade. I've been in the business for over twenty years and had numerous agents in both Chicago and San Francisco. I've been very happy being represented by them. They've had some turnover recently and now the new owner and president, Michelle, who's been with MDT for awhile is heading things up. All the agents, in my opinion, have been very friendly despite the fast pace and stress of castings, auditions, and bookings. MDT is a full service agency for adults and kids. I've always fetl they were approachable and understanding. They truly send and book people for everything from music videos, commercials, print, tradeshows, films, live performance..you name it. I've been booked at the NAB show in Las Vegas from MDT, worked on a film in Ohio, and shot commercials, industrials, voiceovers, and print in San Francisco thanks to my MDT representation. I had my daughter represented with MDT for her first few years and she booked Old Navy and some other baby gigs. We even got to do some great print work together. But we pulled her out once she turned two because it became increasingly challenging to manage a little 2 year old's career. We also wanted to avoid the child-actor, showbiz parent pitfalls, and my wife and I wanted her to make the decision on her own to enter the entertainment industry when she becomes an adult if she so chooses. MDT is a great agency for kids, but YOU must be willing to trust their professional advice which means haircuts, clothing, etc. It's a huge investment that you and your child must be ready to commit to. Auditions and go-sees usually come with only 24 hours notice. This entertainment industry is very hard and it takes a lot of patience, hustle, humility, sweat, tears, responsibility, sacrifice, prayer ( and some good headshots)! (You also have to learn to work hard on your own. Write, produce, direct, do theatre. Don't just wait around for MDT to call you. Build your resume). No one is an overnight success, but you can trust if you do your part, Marla Dell agents will do their part.The great part of MDT for me is that the SF market is a smaller community and you can get to know your fellow talent and casting agents pretty well over time. read more

Oh, delight. I'm happy to be the first person to review Marla Dell. I'm booked through this agency for fit modeling only, meaning I don't do print, voiceover, or TV stuff with them and can't comment on it. But I am very happy with my agent, Michelle, who works hard to not only book me on fittings frequently and for a good rate, but to also be considerate of their clients. She is also just plain nice. It's no wonder this agency has a good, long-standing reputation with some major companies in the area, and I also appreciate that they don't have a cheesy name (like Stars, for example). read more

MDT has been around for a very long time and has worked hard to build its reputation in the industry. My daughter was signed with them as a child for fit modeling. Once she graduated college, she decided to interview with MDT, again, as she has dabbled in the entertainment industry her entire life. They WANT you to succeed - read the contract; if they don't get you work within 4 months, you can cancel it. Yes, they are selective - they don't want to have 10 people who represent the same look, so if you don't get selected, don't take it personally. Try another agency who may not be representing anyone with your particular profile. MDT professionals are knowledgeable, helpful, and professional and I have no reservations whatsoever about their abilities, trustworthiness, or business acumen. MDT is legit! read more

MDT has worked hard to build the reputation that it has today. There is a reason why they have been around since 1988. I have been represented by MDT for 5 years now. They have booked me for fit, print, and on-camera. I was completely new to the industry when I first started. MDT took me in with open harms and trained me to be a professional. Within 6 months to a year of starting with the agency, I got booked on big commercials like Cadillac and Toyota. If you listen to the agents and also trust your own judgment at the same time, you will get consistent work. The agents will be flexible with your work schedule. You just have to make sure you book out on your calendar as well. When they bug you about headshots it's annoying I know, but they know what they are talking about. New headshots make a big difference. Half way through my representation I went to grad school in Europe. The MDT team supported my educational aspiration and kept me on the books for when I came back to the US. When I came back from school, I moved to the east coast for other work endeavors. We still kept in touch and sometimes they would send me direct bookings. Overall, I'm happy with MDT. Not only do they want you to succeed in your commercial aspirations but also your life goals as well. read more

I have been with MDT for nearly a year now. I feel so grateful to be represented by such an amazing group of talented hard working people. I feel so supported and taken care of by all of the agents and assistants. Plan on staying with MDT for a while! read more

If you're looking to take your career to the next level MDT is the agency for you! Professional, Friendly, Caring and Driven.

When I first started modeling for Marla Dell they found me jobs right ways. Banana Republic,Gap, Old Navy and Levi Jeans. They also take zero money upfront, and take a small % off the work you complete. read more

I've been with MDT for a while now, and I have to say that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Even through a pandemic, I've been booking gigs. I'm very happy with the whole staff, and feel like part of the family. Thank you for being such an important part of my team!! I look forward to a long relationship with you. read more

This was my very first experience meeting with a talent agency. All of my family, friends and coworkers were so insistent that my daughter (10 months old) was one in a million and that I should see about getting her into the entertainment industry. I honestly did not think it would go anywhere but I sent her photo to Marla anyways and she responded within 5 minutes of my email "definitely yes!" and instructed me to contact her assistant to schedule an appt. That in itself was nice to hear. So, I scheduled an appointment. This meant I would have to take a day off of work to meet with her which was a burden to me. Like I said, not really into the whole thing to begin with but I thought I would at least take my daughter in to see what happens. Everyone was egging me on and so excited about it. Marla Dell I believe is the only talent agency in town so there was no other choice anyways. When I got to Marla Dell I was 15 minutes early and I was not allowed inside to wait in the waiting room, which has enough seating for probably 20 people. I was asked to go for a walk and come back. Ok, fine. When I was let in, I was in the waiting area which had dead bugs & food crumbs everywhere and was just basically dirty inside. My daughter had been in a car seat and a stroller for the past 1.5 hours and wanted to move around so I had to follow her around and take all the yucky things out of her hands that she picked up off the floor b4 she put them in her mouth. When I was asked to sign in, the receptionist said to me "is she a red head?" I said yes. Looking at my daughter it is very obvious she is a red head so I am not sure why she had to ask me. I would realize later why she asked that question. When Marla was ready for us, we were brought into a room and I was asked to put my daughter in a sitting position so Marla could take some pictures. She spent about 2 minutes with her. My daughter would not sit still so Marla was not able to get any quality pictures. I can understand that in this business that your child must be willing to sit still for pictures so I knew that my daughter was probably not a good candidate at that point. Marla left the room and then came back and stated, "I already have a red headed baby girl." Ok........... This is why I will tell you that in my opinion Marla was unprofessional. She could have saved me all the trouble of coming in to see her. She did not introduce herself to my daughter to break the ice with her. All she did was ask me to put her against a wall for 2 minutes worth of pictures. Very unexpected and again, maybe this is just the way this industry is. I summed up the whole experience as one that I would rather not endure again. If Marla had told me she already had a red head beforehand; I would not have taken an entire day off of work, gone through the most god awful commute of my life and had a good friend take time off to join me as well. Marla had my daughter's pictures beforehand with her physical description written out for her. Very disappointed with the whole experience. read more

I signed with MDT several months ago and have been impressed by how much these women hustle. I have had 7 auditions from them in the last three days, including on-camera and voiceover, union and non-union (I am SAG-Eligible). Weeks vary in terms of how many projects there are, but they work hard for their clients. They give specific recommendations on what to wear for auditions, which may seem minor, but we spend so much time prepping for and getting to auditions, I appreciate not having to spend extra time trying to nail the look. Also, they have gone to bat for me to get overtime I hadn't received or a higher rate on an indie project. And they have been supportive when there are projects I don't feel comfortable with for whatever reason. Everyone's career is different and they get that, helping position you accordingly. They also host classes with local teachers (who are sometimes also casting agents) and mixers with the agents (great time to talk about any questions you have), other talent and sometimes headshot photographers or other contacts. The best advice I heard when getting an agent in the SF market was "go with the one that fits you best." I received multiple offers of representation, but I went with MDT because of their personal style, the drive of the agents themselves, and the fact that they do it all with a smile. read more

I joined MDT about 6 months ago and I have to say I am very impressed with the agency on so many levels. Working with them is very easy as they've embraced technology to best serve their clients. Working through the online service they use allows me to book out quickly and effectively as well as confirm auditions that they get for me. Their emails are informative and helpful to make sure that I best represent myself as well as the agency whenever I get in front of a CD. What I like most about the agency is that the agents are very personable. They take your career goals into account when they send you out. They are your number #1 fan and they root for you all the time. They'll even help promote any productions you've been in to get you the most exposure as possible. They are very approachable and down to earth. They are in the trenches fighting for you every day. If you have the opportunity to work with them, I'd whole heartily recommend you take them up on the offer, because I know you'll be happy with the decision. read more

When I first started in the business 8 months ago, 3 agencies in SF were interested in me. MDT Agency (MarlaDellTalent) was one of them. I met with all 3 agencies but only MDT's agents I had the meeting with I felt were, confident, knowledgeable and decisive. The 3 qualities I want in my agent and I was right. Yes, I have gotten jobs and I can say I'm a working lifestyle model. :) read more

Went to try fit modeling (note not print) ... I was seriously interested if not just as a career to get to another career. While I was booked and went on many go sees, I put a lot of time and effort into the whole situation that frankly was not worth it. I did my best to be on time all the time! Also,I did not feel, and some was based on a gut feeling and some by concrete comments made at the agency even in passing that I was being sent to all opportunites available due to my age, availability size 5/6 etc. It is simply not fair that the print girls get a go at the "Fit" gigs and not vice versa. And before you say I am just jealous I am not. It is a matter of contract. I want to be sent to fit modeling go sees as much as possible and I want to be sent before the print girls because that is my contractual agreement, ideally. At any rate I respect Michelle for calling me re my posting here and listening to what my opinions are. And I respect her honesty. According to her she sent me as much as possible and the clients didn't pick me. I am still not completely buying it that I was sent as much as others. To sum up, its lIke when I was in the 6th grade, my swim coach ignored my pal and I cause we weren't getting him any trophies and attention etc... Michelle/agency, the local fit modeling industry, etc...has reminded me of that for better or for worse. I am really done with it all. Thank God I was a lot better at tennis than swimming lol. I think that if you are a seasoned fit model or print model go here otherwise be ready to have lots of other irons in the fire... like maybe living with your parents and eating Ramen noodles 24/7? read more

I have 3 boys 10, 6 and 4. At the time I sent Marla some candid shots of our boys they were 8, 4 and 3. She responded and asked us in for an interview. She took some measurements and photos of he boys. She then interviewed my wife and myself. At first she directed her attention to my wife as she thought she would be taking the boys to meetings. After finding out that my schedule was much more flexible she began to speak to us both. She was quite frank with me, she said that I looked like I had a hard edge, being a former Marine, I took that as a compliment. Her point was that I may not fit in to this world as easy as my wife, well...she read me (correctly) as a protective father. I was willing to check it out and invest a bit of my time but no money in this venture (save the cost of gas). As it turned out Marla was able to see my softer side and became more comfortable with me. She asked us to do some very specific things. Get some head shots, Join Skybolt and SF. Casting. We let some months go by but finally got around to it. Within weeks our youngest was getting booked on jobs like Janie and Jack, The Children's Place, Pottery Barn Kids and Lives of Style T.V. an actual commercial! As I mentioned we have 3 boys and so far only one has worked and made money...that said, Marla, Michelle, Briar and Whitney have all treated us with care. They give us the feeling that they are pulling for us even though we have 1 down and 2 to go they continue to find go-sees and other gigs. All of our boys are having fun and learning alot about themselves. With each interview they become more confident and mature. They are also learning to deal with dissapointments and successes. It is a tough biz though. I believe that Marla looks for right parents as well as the right kids to match her style. So, why not a 5 out of 5! Well as I mentioned I am former Marine no one gets 5 out of 5! We will see you at the top! Thank you, MARLA, MICHELLE AND WHITNEY read more

Jessica E wrote, "Marla left the room and then came back and stated, "I already have a red headed baby girl." I also had a similar experience. I was told they had enough women who looked like me. read more

It may seem strange that I am writing a positive review after my daughter being rejected by this agency, but I was really appreciative of the way they handled things. Modeling for babies and toddlers is highly dependent on type and sizes. Your baby could be the most beautiful baby in the world, but if they don't make a good fit model, have different proportions from what is needed, or is the umpteenth blond, green-eyed model for an agency, they just won't work. The agency made it super easy to just send in a picture and my daughters various sizes, and they wrote a very nice letter back saying it wasn't what they were looking for . They also kindly returned the pictures. As someone who modeled as an adult in the past, this agency is far more professional than some of the "chichi" modeling agencies in town. Modeling and show business- it's not personal, it's professional. These people are professionals and they saved me a lot of time because of their own efforts to screen my child prior to bringing her in. They straight out tell you to not spend the money on professional photos. They also saved me the time of going in since my child didn't fit the criteria they needed. These people are trustworthy and honest. They won't waste your time or take your money. read more

Here's the deal. Old reviews don't apply. Things have changed. Marla was tops but she's gone now. Today it's MDT. The improvement is that after her long career, smart, motivated young people have taken over. Seriously, tip number one here is 2012 and older, just relax okay. Now, 2nd big tip. Yelp is a horrible place to evaluate agents. Zero stars if they hate me 5 stars if they sign me is flat dumb. You may love yourself or your baby, like American Idol, most people have no idea. What you need to know is this... There are tons of people who will take your money and promise you heaven. SAG AFTRA the screen actors guild only recognizes legit agencies. Here in SF there aren't many. MDT is one of the few. It's subjective too. An agent signs you if they believe in you. If you don't book jobs it is probably because they were wrong about you or that beutiful child of yours. You can try your luck with another agency or go get some acting classes, but you can't make production companies buy into your self love. An agent gives you a respectable shot and casting agencies trust those agents. Please do not cry if you don't get the job when the agent hooked you up and you sucked. Lastly, a real agent doesn't ask you for money. He/She gets ten percent if you get paid on a job you actually book. Otherwise they do everything else for you for free. That means they are taking a huge risk on you. YOU! Not the other way around. I got a National commercial with MDT. I'm working harder than ever to book more work and I am greatful for what they do and their faith in me. "My friends say" and "everyone who looks at my gorgeous child say..." is not the evaluation of an expert. Last thing; Dear friends, the competition is really tough. You can be good or even great but in a subjective world at an audition nobody really knows what the decision maker will do. Please don't Honey BooBoo yourself out of a job. Much love here, but apologies for any typos I may have missed. read more

Both our sons have been part of the MDT family for over a year (2 under 2!). In the year and a 1/2 my oldest has never been called to one call or direct book and my younger son was called one time a week after he joined (at 4 mos old), they are now respectively almost 3 and 17 months. When we did sign, there was a rapid agent turnover in the kids print division and I have no idea if their non-bookings had anything to do with it. After all, if my kids weren't working, then MDT was not going to make commissions, correct? I decided to reach out the agent and owner directly on separate occasions, as maybe I misunderstood the expectations. The owner, Michele was very kind and explained that children are much harder to "nail down" given sizing, market, etc. She was kind enough to send an email to her agents saying (in general) "can we try and get N and A something in the next few months"? Well, that was May and now its October and they have not been called once. In fact, as a "test" I did not renew their permit to see if I would get a call to ask if everything was OK - no communication from any agent AT ALL. I find it very difficult to believe that there has not been one opportunity for either child in over a year. I write this review, due to the fact that I was introduced to a one of Old Navy/GAP representatives who asked me why my kids were not modeling and with an agency - he would "book them all the time!". My response was "they are" and a larger conversation ensued and I can't say that I walked away feeling wonderful about my children's representation. In reading other reviews, it seems like the agency may have shifted to actors/adults and they are doing an exceptional job in that department; though if you have a baby/child model, I would look to other agencies in the City. I kick myself that I did not go with the one of the other agency's from the get go. While I would like to say that my experience was a one-off, I have four other friends, whose children are modeling (actively) who had a more direct experience with MDT and after offered representation, went with another agency. On the upside, they were booked with another agency outside SF Bay area and were both booked (direct v casting call) within a week and we're headed to NY next week for a print campaign for a major brand. read more

My Son and Daughter have been with MDT for about 3 years now. We feel very fortunate that we made the right agency choice the first time around. MDT is top notch. They have an extremely tenacious crew who work hard to maximize all of their Talent's opportunities. I was very intimidated when my kids first signed on with MDT, but we quickly became more comfortable in the industry with the help of MDT's agents. They are all very knowledgeable, extremely supportive and always accessible. I would highly recommend MDT to anyone who is looking to enter this industry or who may be considering a change of agencies. read more

MDT is a great talent agency for actors and provides full service representation tailored for each actor. Since I signed with MDT a few months ago, I've attended an amazing Health is Wealth workshop, a fashion show of local designers sponsored by MDT, a great acting course with a casting director, auditioned for commercials and worked with an award winning photographer with headshots that will get me work. At MDT, I feel cared for by a professional team of agents with a keen and sense of the business. Located in a stylish neighborhood similar to Beverly Hills or Madison Avenue, MDT has a savvy and hip awareness of today's entertainment industry and a great eye for nurturing talent. Shelby Smith is the best agent around, always encouraging and insightful, and making me feel like a partner in my career. She suggested that I work with renowned photographer Lisa Keating, who took amazing headshots that I will have for a long time. She worked with me on my clothing choice and hairstyle. Shelby invited me to sign up for a special on camera commercial and scene study acting class with successful working actor and coach George Maguire at Nancy Hayes Casting. It was an excellent and inspiring class with professional and seasoned actors. I was able to hone my audition skills, and on camera commercial technique, build my reel and feel much closer to booking a commercial, industrial or film. It's always a pleasure to work with Michelle, Kevin, Shelby and Porsche,who are the kindest, most knowledgeable and hardest working talent agents I have ever met in all my 20 years in the business. read more

A 5 star agency!! I loved working under them as a child and recommend this agency with no hesitation to all parents.

Marla Dell is so good with children! My daughter (4) signed with them a few months ago, and the experience has been wonderful so far. We had photos that were sufficient for headshots, so no need to pay anything to get her started, and she started auditioning right away, and has booked two great shoots. They really do everything using technology that is current, so things are run smoothly. They're the sweetest group of people and they're always rooting for their talent to succeed. So glad we found them! read more

My daughter has been with Marla Dell Talent for almost 8 years. Marla and her team are very professional and well respected in the industry. If you are lucky enough to be chosen as one of Marla's talent, congratulations! You have the best shot at a successful career. read more

My daughter signed with Marla Dell in 2012. She was booked for numerous jobs and was even cast for a commercial! Things were going great until......she was booked for an Old Navy gig. Once we got to the shoot we found out that someone had chosen clothes that were too small for her. Immediately, they gave us the boot and assured us we would be paid for the day. Upon sending the voucher for payment to Marla Dell we followed up 3 months after the shoot. This is the processing time in order to receive payment. We received no reply. After two calls to the office we were FINALLY told Old Navy wasn't gonna pay. Insisting they told me otherwise, the agent told me to resend the voucher for payment claiming they hadn't received the first one. LIES. I didn't have another voucher because I had already mailed it to them. And guess what? I never heard anything else about my daughter getting paid for that shoot. My daughter is still signed to the agency but we have not worked with them since this has happened. I feel a little hurt because I felt this was a good agency but the dishonesty has made me skeptical about returning. read more