Hats off to The Zebra Collection ; who operate a unique “no commission” online service for new talent and aspiring models. Having only been established as recently as 2005, the Chelsea based The Zebra Collection is fast becoming one of the most used online talent directories in London. It’s the one stop shop for London’s print fashion, film and TV extras, showroom and event hosting, with clients like Guess Jeans the Richard and Judy and Breast Cancer searching their database for talent.
While filming undercover trying to expose rogue modelling agencies, I found The Zebra Collection to be quite the opposite. The Zebra Collection actually run a smooth operation; they deliberately keep their overheads low by relying heavily on their online management tool, which was surprisingly sophisticated and user friendly. The database is accessible by Members (talent) who have their own unique log in ID, giving them access to an exclusive members only area where they are given one on one coaching and guidance before auditions and castings, a track record of their individual auditions and job history to date and a summary of client fees paid or pending. On the flip side Clients in search for models and talent can register with The Zebra Collection and search their entire database using advanced search criteria for anything from shoe size to hair type.
It seems to be working pretty well, as their database with some 300 strong members from a variety of backgrounds and experience is definitely pulling in the clients. The Zebra Collection also don’t seem to be charging commission on each assignment for which their members are selected, which means all fees payable are paid directly to the member.
It’s a unique business model as they rely only on two sources of income; new talent pay Zebra for their professional photos to create their member profile and new clients pay a fee allowing them unlimited access to search The Zebra Collection's database. Much to my disappointment there wasn’t an awful lot expose about Zebra who appear to be operating a legitimate business, opening plenty of doors for up and coming talent. In fact I was successfully auditioned for a modelling job with Breast Cancer Uk within 3 weeks of posting my profile, earning a tidy of sum £125 for just 4 hours of work.
