Modeling can be a great career choice for those who are photogenic and enjoy being in front of the camera. However, it is essential to research any modeling agency you are considering signing with to ensure they are reputable and will help further your career rather than take advantage of you.
It is estimated that there are over 10,000 modeling agencies in Canada. It can be challenging to choose the right agency with so many options available. Today, we will be taking a closer look at M Models, located in Toronto.
Table of Contents
About M Models Management
M Models and Talent is a Canadian-based modeling agency with Toronto, Mississauga, and Calgary locations. They provide models and actors with work opportunities and claim to have a roster of over 2000 models.
However, are their claims valid? Let’s take a closer look.
M Models Roster of Models
An agency’s roster of models is a good indicator of its success. If an agency has an extensive roster of high-profile models, they are likely doing something right. Conversely, a small or nonexistent roster is often a red flag.
Another critical observation would be how they display their models on their websites and social media. Are the images high-quality, professional headshots? Or are they low-resolution, watermarked images pulled from Google?
Unfortunately, M Models fall into the latter category. A quick scroll through their “Models” page on their website shows several headshots that are not of professional quality, and neither do the models look like a high-end agency represents them.
Men
Men’s portfolios are notably lacking. Out of the 15 men listed on their website, only a few have professional headshots, and the rest are low-quality images or have been taken from a smartphone. It begs to question, which clients would hire models that are not showcased in the best light possible?
This is not a good sign for an agency that is supposed to be helping models further their careers.
Women
M Models only shows 12 female models on their website, which is minimal compared to other successful agencies. This is worrisome since their about section says they have a roster of over 2,000 models.
Furthermore, the majority of images of the female models are also not exceptional. This is a major red flag, as it shows that M Models is not investing in their models and is not taking the time to produce high-quality content or market their talent.
Development
M Models does not have a development program for new or inexperienced models. This is not unusual, as many modeling agencies do not have such programs. However, it does mean that if you are new to the industry, M Models is not the right agency for you.
Is M Models Legit?
Modeling agency reputations have been known to plague newcomers to the industry. These scams often involve different methods of taking advantage of aspiring models, such as asking for exorbitant fees upfront or promising representation but never following through.
But is M Models a legitimate agency? Let’s find out.
Model Roster Diversity
When looking at an agency’s roster, it’s essential to see various types of models represented. This shows that the agency can find work for a range of different people, not just one “type.”
M Models does not appear to have a diverse or extensive roster of 2,000 models as it claims, which is concerning. Furthermore, the lack of high-quality images of their models makes it difficult to tell if they represent a wide range of people.
Agency Recruitment Process
It is not uncommon for modeling agencies to scout new talent at open calls or go-sees. This is a process where aspiring models can go to the agency and meet with a representative in person.
M Models encourages new faces to submit an online application form on their website. However, they also state that “all-new applicants may be subject to an interview and audition process.”
Google Reviews
M Models has an unusually high number of Google reviews (285) compared to other reputed modeling agencies in Toronto, which average under 50 reviews.
However, with a closer look at the 5-star reviews left for M Models, most reviewers have only left one review on Google, which is suspicious. These reviews may be bought and have been written by the agency itself to boost its ratings.
One of the most common complaints by reviewers is the requirement of upfront fees, promising work, and not being part of ACTRA, which is a red flag.
Website
When an agency’s website is not up-to-date, it’s a sign that they are not keeping up with the times and may not be invested in their models.
M Models’ website looks like it was made in the early 2000s and has not been updated since. As a result, the design is dated, the images are low quality, and the overall look is unprofessional. Additionally, the website is not SSL secure, which is a security measure that all websites should have.
An agency’s Instagram should be a portfolio of their best work and should show off the talent they represent in the best light possible.
M Models’ Instagram is not up to par with other successful agencies. The most concerning issue is the ratio of followers to likes on their Instagram profile.
For example, M Models has a total of 36,200 followers, but their images receive 30-60 likes, and a few images get over 200. This is not natural and may be due to them buying followers and likes.
Additionally, their images are not of exceptional quality and do not show off their models in the best light possible.
Model Portfolio Quality
When looking at an agency’s models, it’s essential to see various types of models represented. This shows that the agency can find work for a range of different people, not just one “type.”
M Models only shows 12 female models on their website, which is a tiny number compared to other successful agencies. Furthermore, the majority of images of the female models are also not exceptional. This is a major red flag, as it shows that M Models is not investing in their models and is not taking the time to produce high-quality content or market their talent.
Legit or Not?
Based on the information we have gathered, in our opinion, we do not recommend working with this agency. Many red flags should make aspiring models think twice about working with this agency, from their website to their Google reviews. However, we recommend doing your own research.
We would not recommend M Models to anyone looking for representation. There are too many better options that will not require you to pay upfront fees or produce low-quality content. Instead, do your research and only work with reputable agencies with a good reputation in the industry.
M Models Checklist
Photo Mill
A Photo Mill Agency is an agency that will hire anyone to make money off of them by having them hire expensive photographers who are under their employment. They will often charge upfront fees and provide low-quality images to their models.
Are M Models a Photo Mill?
No, as per our experience, M Models does not appear to be a photo mill as they do not require you to shoot with their photographers.
Up-Front Fees
When a modeling agency requires you to pay upfront fees, it’s a red flag that they may not be a reputable agency. A legitimate modeling agency’s primary source of income is your talent, not your upfront fee.
Do M Models Require Upfront Fees?
Yes, M Models does require new models to pay an upfront fee for representation. This is a major red flag, and we would not recommend working with any agency that charges fees upfront.
Reputable modeling agencies do not require upfront fees as their income comes from the work they book for their models. Therefore, any agency that asks for an upfront fee is a major red flag.
Mall Scouting Recruitment Process
Mall scouting is a scam where an agency uses an illegitimate or unauthorized process to find models. This often includes approaching people in malls or other public places and asking them to audition or sign with the agency.
Many aspiring models are lured in by the promise of work and end up paying significant upfront fees only to find out that the agency is not legitimate.
Are M Models a Mall Scouting Agency?
No, as per our experience, M Models does not appear to be a mall scouting agency.
Forced Signing
Forced signing is when an agency coerces or pressures a model into signing with them. This can often include intimidating the model, making false promises, or holding onto their identification or documents.
Many aspiring models are unaware of their rights and may feel pressured into signing with an agency. However, it’s important to remember that you do not have to sign with an agency if you do not want to.
Does M Models Force You to Sign?
As per our experience, M Models does not appear to use forced signing tactics.
The Bottom Line
Based on publicly available findings, we would not recommend M Models to anyone looking for representation. There are too many red flags associated with this agency, from their website to their Google reviews. However, if you’re looking for a reputable modeling agency in Toronto, we suggest checking out B&M Model Management, Anita Norris, or Dulcedo Management. Finally, we also recommend doing your own research before choosing a modeling agency.