I couldn't find the relevent law to check it against. According to WikiAnswers, there's nothing to stop anyone charging a signing on fee, providing that it is clearly detailed that the said fee is not a contract or promise of work.

But to use an analogy, would you pay, or expect to pay, any fees to a staff agency that you signed on with, to do any temping work? Would you pay or expect to pay, any estate agent that put your property on their books, before they had sold it?

Trust me Broomy, you'll not find many people more cynical and wary than me, especially when it comes to money for nothing. But I'm going by what I've been told, which is that there are a couple of very reputable agencies who will charge a fee to weed out wannabes from serious people. Whether or not they actually get all of the people who pay upfront any work is a matter for discussion and not one I have personal experience of, but it can and does happen ...

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"Up-front fees - those charged in advance of an agency finding performers (& models) work - were banned in 2004. The only exceptions are where the charge is a 'reasonable' estimate of the cost of producing a publication such as a casting book."

From The Stage - April 27 2006 - The Ban comes from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Stage also gives this great advice:

"Reputable agencies earn their money when the people on their books get work. Thankfully, they far outnumber the shysters. If you have been tempted to enter the entertainment industry, then good luck to you — but be very, very aware. If you are asked to pay an up-front “administration” fee, walk away."

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Thanks Rufus! God, I love this place and all the support/info./knowledgeable people on it

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I feel that the big problem is that people in genral are easily led into believing the hype of easy money (although the truth is modelling isn't as easy as it sounds) and being famous. The danger is that someone will exploit the dreams of others to make a fast buck.

I guess if you are going to spend money joining any type of agency (except maybe a dating agency) then you need to do some serious research into how effective they have been at getting work.

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