Review: The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Mommy in CT]

I went to an open call yesterday and found it very informative and am going for it. The pictures are $350 but if youve ever had pictures done and put into a portfolio and you get the cd Its really not bad at all. Most photographers own your pics even after you spend that much.

[gmccoy]

My son was selected on Tuesday and we are going to the photo shoot tonight. The sitting fee is $349 which may sound high to some. Look at it this way, I went for my bridal session with a good not great photographer and the sitting fee was $300 last September. I did lots of looking for that special picture and $200 -$500 sitting fees were what was available. So as far as the sitting fee, you have to take a chance. The pictures are yours no matter what. And for those of you who are complaining the Keen agency will take head shots from another photographer the pictures have to be of good quality. The agency is putting its name out there for us they should be able to decide how their models are represented. I have complete confidence in the Keen agency or they would not be handling my son. I will come back and update you on his success with the company. You get out of life what you put into it! Keep smiling and never give up!!!!

[WarrenMom]

I actually brought 4 of my daughters to the open call in Holyoke, MA. Only 2 of my 4 daughters recieved a call back for the modeling. Yes I did purchase the photos from the photographer the use. Yes they did state we could use another photographer and they would accept the photos as long as they were natural, no make up or scenery behind them. We chose to use this photographer because he took numerous shoots, was reasonable priced, and best of all WE own the rights to the photo not him! If they were scammer just looking for money from hopeful parents wouldn't they have just told me all 4 girls made it and try to squeak out a few more dollars?

[Deborah L Keen]

WarrenMom wrote:

I actually brought 4 of my daughters to the open call in Holyoke, MA. Only 2 of my 4 daughters recieved a call back for the modeling. Yes I did purchase the photos from the photographer the use. Yes they did state we could use another photographer and they would accept the photos as long as they were natural, no make up or scenery behind them. We chose to use this photographer because he took numerous shoots, was reasonable priced, and best of all WE own the rights to the photo not him! If they were scammer just looking for money from hopeful parents wouldn't they have just told me all 4 girls made it and try to squeak out a few more dollars?

Warren Mom;

Thank you for your response. Since it does not state your daughters ages, and I DO NOT want you to give personal information via any site, please contact our office a.s.a.p. as we just had a few jobs come through for the CT and MA area 24 hours ago. It may not be a match for your daughters profile, however it is open to females only. Actually, if you have not been keeping up with the private pages, this information is posted there as well for your review. You may wish to check it out! The private/exclusive pages are often updated at random times as we receive work that is not pinpointed to a very specified-detailed profile and more general.

Good Luck!

Warmest Regards,

Deborah L Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Deborah L Keen]

Please be sure to keep in contact with our agency on a weekly basis. We will do everything we can to make things happen for our models If you have any -questions at any time....Please email our agency at www.keen-models.com .

Warmest Regards,
Deborah Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[susan]

both my kids got selected, i am curious to why i have to pay for the sitting fee? i was told that if its legite then the agency pays for the pictures. 349.00 is alot for the sitting fee.also i read that agencies that advertise arent legit because they should get plenty of people throwing themselves to you so why advetise??? i have one day to decide and cannot figure out what to do. should i pay the 349??

[Deborah L Keen CEO]

susan wrote:

both my kids got selected, i am curious to why i have to pay for the sitting fee? i was told that if its legite then the agency pays for the pictures. 349.00 is alot for the sitting fee.also i read that agencies that advertise arent legit because they should get plenty of people throwing themselves to you so why advetise??? i have one day to decide and cannot figure out what to do. should i pay the 349??

Although you did not post your name, as I state at my meeting, if you have "any" questions, please do not ever hesitate to call our office and we will be more than happy to assist you. However, I am willing to go about it this way as well.
First: We ARE a legitimate agency. As I explained at our meeting, we have been in business in the state of MA since January 2010 and the first three months have been about recruiting models. How can people "throw themselves at us" if they don't know we exist. We cannot just sit there and wait for people to find out about us. Would a new restaurant just hope people stop by and sample their food and hope that they like it, then hope people start lining up at their doorstep? Please, let's be realistic and honest about how every business works. Also, as explained at my meeting: The Keen Agency started booking models in jobs in April and had our first inspection in June which our compliance officer was impressed with what we were able to accomplish. Yes, the MA Department of Labor and Industry and the Divivision of Occupational Affairs.
Currently, we are in MA seeking models for immediate jobs we have in Worcester,MA., Stamford, CT and Northampton, MA. Therefore, since we do not have the "look" within our database for these events and they are great paying jobs, we must spend THOUSANDS OF OUR AGENCY DOLLARS ADVERTISING AND RECRUITING to sign models for these events. Why? These are new clients and we do not want to lose their business.
This industry is very tangled between the "good agencies" and the rip offs, that are not even agencies nor are they licensed by the state. This is ALL explained at my meetings and why I take so much time and pride in my presentation which is alway free, just like our representation. Models who already work professionally in the business submit their own photos(since they already have what we need) and they are up and running on our website (free) and many(not all, as we cannot guarantee work) getting jobs in a short period of time. The Keen Agency, Inc. works on a 10% agency fee for job placement.
I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions and made this a bit more clear to you and any other person who may have the same question.
Very Truly Yours,
Deborah L. Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Julia]

I am interested in going to a open call. What are you looking for in a girl?

[Oreo]

just wanted to know the name of other photograohers that you would except pictures from. Also if we get the pictures taken by someone else how do we take care of getting the portfolio made.

[Deborah L Keen]

Oreo wrote:

just wanted to know the name of other photograohers that you would except pictures from. Also if we get the pictures taken by someone else how do we take care of getting the portfolio made.

The same criteria will be necessary if using your own photographer. Just follow the guideline on the call back list I presented to you. Send in the format on a CD with a copy right release and a return envelope and postage for anything you may want returned.

We receive hundreds and hundreds of photos, CD, etc each week. It does take time to review and give people our best attention. Please be patient as it make take as long as it does for our models to receive their photos which is 6-8 weeks.

Do NOT ever hesitate to call our office for any reason. We are on your side and want nothing more than to see ALL of our models booked on jobs.(so we wish and continue to work and aspire!)
Again, our office is open for any questions you have. Never hesitate to call us for any reason at all.

Very Truly Yours,

Deborah L. Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc,.

[Deborah L Keen]

You can use any commercial photographer that works with actors and modes. You need a copyright release, a disc of 100 shots and email them to our office: 276 East Grove St,Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Phone# [phone].
Best,
The Keen Agency,Inc.

[Deborah L Keen]

These statements are false and liable for torturous interference with my business. I would like this persons name and email address to take legal action against their statements; or, remove the post from your site.

Sincerely,

Deborah L Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Deborah L Keen]

ScammedAndScarred wrote:

KEEN AGENCY IS A SCAM! DO NOT GO TO ANY OF THE CASTING CALLS!! TAKE IT FROM SOMEONE WHO GOT SCAMMED, save yourselves! Go to a real agency! They ask for money for a portfolio (YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR PICTURES IN REALITY!), so of course people will buy it thinking they will get somewhere. This is how they make their money. I'm infuriated with such SICK people. MODELS- NEVER go to a agency that holds meetings in a hotel!
Sincerely,
ScammedAndScarred

Dear Scammed and Scared;

Let me ask: Why are you scared? Scared of being held liable for your false statements which I have already contacted our corporate attorney to being the process of finding out your name to take legal action against you? Scared? As you sit behind a computer without giving your name and you chose to falsely accuse my agency of being a scam?

Your email does not even deserve an educated response as I do know that intelligent persons would not bother to pay attention to such ridiculousness.

Very Truly Yours,
Deborah L. Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency,Inc.

[Kendra]

Deborah L. Keen,
hello my name is Kendra and have a few questions about your agency. Is there a way i can contact you personally? I would like to attend an open call for my 2 children. There is one in my area but before I go I just want some information please.

[Deborah L Keen]

You can call our office Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm and if I am not available, any of our representatives can assist you. Our Public Relations Manager, Mrs. Karen Jones, will be in our office today until 4pm. 1-877-781-3180.

Best,

Deborah L. Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Scoffing]

Real modeling agencies don't make you pay to work for them; photos, "training," and other miscellaneous fees are just ways that these fake farms scam money out of little boys and girls with stars in their eyes and their parents who are looking to sell out their kids.
If you've got what it takes, go to a real modeling agency, and they'll set you straight. Keen is pathetic.

[Deborah L Keen]

Scoffing;

The Keen Agency, Inc. does NOT charge people for "training" or other miscellaneous fees. All models need photographs and that is done the their expense. Models have the right to use any professional photographer they choose who works in the modeling and acting industry.

Perhaps you should get your facts straight prior to making uneducated comments about the industry and The Keen Modeling Agency.

Very Truly Yours,
Deborah L Keen
CEO
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[ThinkingBoutIT]

Deborah L Keen,

I ma thinking about going to your open call Jan 18th. I was wondering what I will need to bring.
When someone is signed to your agency, what pictures do you accept? I would want to use my own photos and work with my own budget. I live far from the open call and do not want to drive there for nothing..I have been to too many open calls with a thousand fees. What can I expect?

[Deborah L Keen]

ThinkingBoutIT;

There are NO fees to sign with The Keen Agency, Inc. We will take a commission on any jobs which we book you for directly through our agency;our commission is 10% deducted from your pay. All of this is explained in complete detail, by our CEO: Mrs. Keen, at the open call event.

If you have photographs, please bring them and she can evaluate them right on the spot. Many people who work in the industry have great books/portfolios/head shots and she can use them for marketing and promotion on her website. You will need a copy write release from your photographer for her to do so. Just bring what you have! Worst case is they may not be accepted; best is they will. Also, keep in mind that you only need to provide photographs "IF" you are selected AND CHOOSE to pursue representation with The Keen Agency, Inc.

I do hope I have helped in responding to your request and questions. If you need additional help, please feel free to call our office Mon to Fri 9am -4PM(WINTER HOURS--DUE TO WEATHER IN MOST INSTANCES) toll free@1-877-781-3180.

Sincerely,

Leah Nemetz
Principal Operations Liaison
The Keen Agency, Inc.

[Gitty for green]

I am nervious about attending the casting call in norwalk on jan 23rd. When i was 16 i went with my girlfried at the time. They told her no and me yes, but i declined. If i get accepted again can i provide head shots at a latter date?