Model Search USA, LLC

These companies claim to provide industry exposure for models by staging fashion shows at local hotels, malls, or other public places, promising attendence by top talent industry professionals. The industry sometimes refers to these productions as "dog and pony shows." Models must pay to be included in the production, and the company may also sell tickets for the event to friends, relatives, and the general public. We believe this company may be required to post a $10,000 bond and register with the Industrial Relations Board as an advance fee talent service. Any company that requires a fee in advance to procure or offer to procure employment, provide management services, give direction or counseling to develop the artist's career is required to be licensed with the Department of Industrial Relations. As of our last verification, on October 19, 2004, this company was not licensed as an advance fee talent agency. To obtain licensing information, or contact the Department of Industrial Relations, you may write to them at, P.O. Box 420603, San Francisco, CA 94142, call them at (415) 703-4846, or visit their website at www.dir.ca.gov. The Labor Commissioner will also pursue claims against model/talent agencies on behalf of customers. California laws relating to "advance fee talent services" allow 10 days to cancel contracts without penalty or obligation. In some cases, refunds must be provided within 48 hours, or the company is required to pay the artist an additional sum equal to the original amount of the fee. Cancellation procedures should be outlined in your contract.