Really fun experience. I was on a handful of photo shoots that were fun. My FT job became too hectic to continue but I highly recommend this agency. It was fun to have folks say "hey I saw your pic on a billboard outside my office" or "is it just me or are you on a billboard as I got on the freeway"? The compensation is good. read more

How else can you get paid $1400 for sipping cappuccinos for a few hours? I kid you not, Blackwell files are amazing connectors and make it easy to pair you with ad agencies with huge production budgets. They take a few (free) pictures of you, put you in their database and call you when an ad agency decides you'd be a good look for their next spot. The best part is you don't even have to look like a model. when you go into their office you'll sit between a hipster and a guy with a starched shirt and a suit. They had me run around in a chicken suit for my last gig. I've had some great experiences and met some creative people with the Blackwell files - thanks guys! read more

Blackwell Files is casting for 'real people' models. They do not take models who are signed to other modeling contracts- they want real people who want to model occasionally. I have worked 2 gigs for them and they are professional and pay well. The office is gorgeous and everyone there has been easy to work with. Their website describes what they do- send photos to be considered! read more

So when I was much MUCH younger, I did the whole modeling thing and it turned out to not be a very realistic aspiration for me. I gave it up completely, graduated college, and entered the workforce and never thought about it again. An acquaintance who was signed to Ford Models actually advised I look up Blackwell. I guess he wasn't getting much work from Ford, dropped it and ended up getting flown to Utah for a big software campaign thanks to Blackwell almost instantly. So I sent in my pics on a whim, came into the studio for a very brief photo session (I think the entire paperwork/photo process took less than 30 minutes. I went on a my lunch break and didn't miss any time off work!), figuring it couldn't hurt. Long story short, they ended up booking me on a campaign for a well-known computer company (well-known being an understatement). I took 5 days off work and was whisked away to the amazing Telluride, CO, for one of the most memorable experiences of my life thus far. Note: I work full time and am also in grad school part time and at 30 years old, the idea of me modeling is almost laughable--but that's the thing about Blackwell. They're not looking for 6'0" 105-lb female career models. They want real people. People who have diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, of all ages and body types. It's a great opportunity to make [very good] money and travel and meet amazing people (I made some good friends on that campaign!), while not having to quit your day job. Plus everyone at the studio is friendly and accommodating and wonderful. read more

I never got booked with them once in the 3 years I have been in Blackwell Files database. I went in twice to register with the second time to update photos, but they never called me once to even audition. I know they find work for some people, but it is a long shot for most as this is not a place for everyone I guess. And I'm a professional actress and model in the Bay Area for many years. You are not even allow to submit your own photos, they take photos of you and you can't even use them for your own portfolio. So I can't tell if the photos they took of me are even decent(I recall closing my eyes half of the shots). When you walk in for the call time, nobody is there to greet you. I had to assume to fill out a form and wait for someone to recognize me. Their staff is many, but nobody is there to monitor the people coming in to register and take photos. I have yet to see how effective The Blackwell Files company is for finding work and being a productive team in general. read more

I have to say, these folks are remarkable. Seven years ago, I was walking down Sutter when two women jumped out of a doorway and asked if they could take my picture. I thought, "Right, they want me to buy a portfolio." But no, they took a couple of pictures, no strings attached, and some weeks later, I was invited to go on a shoot at Filoli for the Gap and paid $600 plus a nice lunch for about 4 enjoyable hours of "work." I don't think they're jumping out of doorways any longer, but I've gotten a call every 6 to 12 months for shoots that are usually one day and pay something near $1000. I've been a gent with his grand-daughter, a savvy techie and an international banker, in everything from a two-page spread in Wired to the annual report of a large multi-national corporation. Susette Blackwell and her crew are really a delight to work with. They ask you about availability, give you all the info you need to be "professional," and are about as pleasant a team to work with as any I've found. And now you don't have to be discovered: go to the website and you'll be walked through it. Who knows? You might be able to chuck that daytime job! read more

What a great experience! After being in the Blackwell Files for a few years, I was excited when got my first gig last week. I took two days off from my 9-5 and was whisked away into the life of a model....working with a renowned photographer, his amazing crew and their important client....it was fun, I learned a lot, made great money and made some new friends. The producer even commented on how wonderfully the talent got along....she said she's never seen it before. Well, we were all from The Blackwell Files...so the The Blackwell Files must be doing something right. The Blackwell Files have been great to work with from the simplicity of registering, the effective communication when an opportunity is available and the thorough preparation once you've been selected for a gig. All this while being minimally invasive to a hectic lifestyle....even the call back photos took less than 10 minutes! From my experience as talent, The Blackwell Files have been wonderful to work with and I can't imagine their clients have anything but the same wonderful experience! I can't wait to see what my future holds as part of The Blackwell Files...... read more

'Ey yo, check it! I used to model for a hot second before I became a social worker. I found out on a model shoot about Blackwell Files, and when I submitted, it actually wasn't long before I got a call from them. These folks are cool, professional, and reliable. What makes this agency stand out is their transparency and willingness to follow up when the talent doesn't receive payment. I've done shoots for other stuff, and I feel like such a D-bag when I call the photographer or agency and ask about when we'd get our checks in the mail (this would be after waiting patiently for 3-4 weeks). So yeah, folks, even if you've ever thought that modeling was far-fetched, check out Blackwell Files anyway! What do you have to lose? read more

Awesome, unique, casting studio located in San Francisco. Unlike other casting agencies, Blackwell Files tends to specialize in direct bookings! They keep your most recent photograph on file (focusing on real people), and when a job comes up that you may be considered for, they contact you via email and/or text message requesting your availability for the potential job. Rarely do they request you come into their offices, which is awesome and super convenient for those of us who are busy running around all day. Most importantly, Blackwell Files clients are well paying, professional, highly established, and fun working companies from in and out of the Bay Area. You'll have loads of fun on the job and get paid well. Amazing. Just an amazing agency! You gotta check them out! read more

When I was living in the bay area modeling and acting, Blackwells kept me paid, and my face in front of the camera. The Ladies of Blackwell, are not only beautiful, but very professional, and caring about you " the client," and the company. The photographers, and the other talents that I have worked with, were all super cool & looking to make each project the best it could be. I feel the company also offers a great experience to all talents, novice or pro. I now live in the Los Angeles angeles area, doing mostly on camera work and loving it. But when I get that call from Blackwell Files, and they tell me " I'm needed,...Trust me, I'm on the first thing smoking, because it's worth it! jR read more

I've had an incredible experience with The Blackwell Files. I've worked with a lot of different photographers and modeling agencies and am incredibly impressed by the professionalism The Blackwell Files brings to the experience. Before each shoot, The Blackwell Files staff has greatly prepared me to be able to best provide what the client is looking for. I always know when I get booked for a shoot through The Blackwell Files that the process will be very straight forward and that I will be coached by staff so I can bring my best to the job. read more

Blackwell Files is really awesome! When I was younger I had been represented by Stars and Look, but got really tired of going to casting calls, and got really over modeling generally ;) From my experience with Blackwell Files they have been fantastic, I have had one direct booking which was well paid fun and local, and have been on one go see there (which I am waiting to hear back from) I recommend a lot of friends to them because I can't think of an easier or more fun (legal) way to make sweet nice paycheck. Go see them it is totally worth your time! read more

I have been a client of Blackwell for at least eight years or so. Susette and her crew are very professional. The process seems to be very organized and well thought out. Susette is very protective of her clients and works to ensure that the agencies treat us well. The jobs that I have been sent on are fun and the crews very professional as well. Although it has been a while since I have been on a call, when they do happen I have had a pretty good track record in landing the gig. Patrick read more

I have worked with them over past 5 years now. My shoots included (AMD, PayPal, Sandisk, MassMutual and few more...) I have had no issues with them or any of their clients. They are very professional and always been pleasure to work with!:) Keep up the good work Blackwell girls!;) read more

Saw an ad for The Blackwell Files on craigslist and showed up for one of their open calls. Shortly after that Susette called to book me for a print ad with Dell Computers. Every since then I have gotten a semi-regular stream of work from Blackwell. All of the staff are super nice and extremely professional. Whenever I go on a booking, the clients are always happy with the service and results they have achieved. All in all, The Blackwell Files have been fantastic. read more

Absolutely the most professional agency I have had the pleasure to work with. The communication from Blackwell concerning jobs is always excellent. Every job I have booked has been with a top clients for professional, well paid projects. I have been so happy working with you ladies! Thank you for all you do! read more

The staff is ok, but one in particular is actually abrupt and rude. The pay they negotiate for the models/talent is below market rate and the contracts for use of your images are too open ended (e.g., all media in perpetuity...). The rude one acts like you should be grateful but don't fall for that. Thankfully since I have other avenues to get booked for jobs, I know what the rates should be. Sooo, I suggest that IF you register at The Blackwell Files that you make sure to sign up with multiple casting agencies and find yourself a talent agency, too. Verify that your talent agency is okay with you not signing on exclusively. However, if a talent agency is able to get you a lot of work for sure, then it makes sense to sign exclusive. read more

We booked one of the studios in The Blackwell Files for a corporate photoshoot and couldn't be any happier. The space we got, Studio 2, is beautiful, with lots of natural light, hardwood floors, a lovely balcony and tons of succulents. It was open enough that we could move things around and include our own props without much hassle, and yet decorated in a minimally hip fashion that looked good on its own. Susette was helpful and accommodating, dealing happily with a few changes in our schedule and making sure that we had everything we needed. Highly recommend this place! read more

This agency is the absolute truth! My family has worked with them for several years! I think we were the early one!! Great company!

I really, really enjoy Blackwells! I have been with this company for almost two years now and I have been so impressed. They are always prompt, follow through with everything and are so nice! They always email you right away when they find a job that fits your look, they lay out every single detail you could possibly need! Also if a job is time sensitive they call you to double check if you would like to take the job. They usually handle all the billing (depending on the company) and always remind you what to do at jobs when it comes to paperwork. I could not be anymore happy with this company. They have given me a few opportunities that are incredible and I guarantee I would've gotten elsewhere. Now I have some amazing experiences to put on my resume and its all thanks to blackwells! read more

Incredibly professional agency. Great at communicating. They get a lot of very interesting projects. Everyone I've interacted with are pleasant and professional. Very transparent in communicating the way the talent gets paid. No complaints whatsoever. Blackwell files, please keep up the good work! You guys are awesome. read more

If you need models for a photo shoot or want to do some modeling, there is no better casting agency in San Francisco than The Blackwell Files. I've been with them since 2003 and they specialize in real people (which if you couldn't decipher from my photos means that I don't fit the typical model type, but simply look like a normal person - usually a mom or a business woman). They have cast me for lots of print work for companies like Visa, Fujitsu, Nancy's Quiche, Visa, HP, Microsoft, A&E, and Kraft. Regardless of what side of the camera you are on, from Casting Director to model, the team at The Blackwell Files is amazing - professional, incredibly organized, and respectful. And most of all, in a business that's not always reputed for people being nice, Blackwell Files has the nicest team of people imaginable. read more

On a total fluke, I reported here for a casting call for a very high paid modeling gig. The call was for 55+ and not slim. You can imagine the line up, but the staff here treated everybody special and made it a super cool experience - going so far as to assure everyone that even if they weren't picked, the photos would be on file for future opportunities. Love the Blackwell Files! read more

As a producer The Blackwell Files is the first place I turn to when I need talent. Their experienced staff put estimates together in a hot minute, their fees are more than reasonable, and they ALWAYS go the extra mile to be sure that my clients get what they're looking for. I've placed calls to them for talent so arcane I figured they would just hang up, but they didn't even bat an eye; just got on the phone and started the search. So go ahead and try Model Mayhem or other casting networks, and when you've realized that the talent never shows up and if they do you don't recognize them from the pic that they have posted from 2001, then you can call The Blackwell Files first to fix your problem and me next so I can say I told you so. read more

I've worked with Blackwell Files for several years now and have referred many friends to do the same. I've gone out on possibly 9 shoots through them, but yes, it is tough to get your photos if you are looking to grow a portfolio. They are very helpful and the DO greet you when you come in for a "go-see" unlike what one of the reviewers said that hasn't gotten work through this agency. This is professional, fun and they work with awesome photographers and big companies come looking at Blackwell for real people for their ads. This isn't high fashion but it's the real deal which I think is way more fun! read more

I just went in yesterday to have my photos taken as I was called back after filling out the form online. I have to say...I was a little worried about going in the mission district after reviews online and i've been there once by bart at 6 pm when it was dark out, and i was pretty much terrified to say the least lol. BUT that is just around the BART station! so don't let this hold u back. the street that Blackwell flies is on is nice and quiet but there are still a few people around, that aren't druggies and stuff. i'm quite petite so i was scared but i'm so glad i went (i ended up renting a car and going lol so i could turn around if i still didn't like the area.) it was hard to find parking..i was looking for 40 minutes probably and the parking lot on fulsom and 17th was full : [ so i had to look for a meter and finally found like 10 meters that were open. great. lol so that is on 17th pretty close to blackwell flies. the girl who took the photos was really nice and started making convo after i did so it made my pix work out better too. it took like 10 minutes. and she was nice enough to show me the pictures too! : ] the studio is really nice inside as well. read more

I just used a studio of the Blackwell Files for a workshop I led for a SF client. Incredibly impressive. I dealt directly with Susette the owner who was easy and cool and willing to help solve any problem (there weren't any but I could just tell she could and would). I'd recommend to anyone who was looking for an ultra cool modern space to gather people for awhile to look her up. You'll have no regrets. read more

I still have a high regard for the professionalism of Blackwell Files despite never being contacted by them.

Hi! I have LOVED all of my experience with The Blackwell Files! I have been to several calls, and booked one gig with Metro Mint, which adds are now splattered across the internet! How exciting! THANK YOU BW FILES!!!! Besides booking a great paying gig, and getting great exposure through the BWF, I looooooove the girls in the office!! (I think they're all girls...) They are lovely, sweet, and kind, and WANT to get you great jobs! The company has a very loooong list of clients that use their services, and expect professional results. There is nothing else like the BWF in SF! Definitely send your pics to be considered! read more

I don't remember where I found Blackwell Files but I guess it was meant to be :) The application process is painless. At first when asked in for the general casting, I was hesitant. With some research and high rated Yelp reviews, I decided to give it a chance. If I don't get chosen, that's fine. That was my mentality coming in to the game since I'm a Plain Jane by looks and at heart. Don't get me wrong though, alot of hidden talents with this seemingly ordinary package ;) The general casting was a short 15 minute shoot. Fill out some forms, report your measurements, jot down a little about yourself, and the ladies simply shoot your face and any looks you have in mind. They do ask you to submit any photos of yourself you think represent you more wholesomely. I paid about a $10 fee at the sketchy lot around the corner, but to get my pics taken free of charge was worth it. A week later, I was contacted for a shoot for a project with a pretty famous corp. I met other Blackwell talent and some were tenured, some were new like me, and some had cool stories about their "go see"s. The talent I worked with were all friendly and had a full time job aside from our current gig. I didn't get to see my pictures from the general casting, but I did see a little headshot of myself that was with the MUAs and stylists. It was a fun, eye opening experience. Blackwell Files really preaches their mission, and that is to use real people as pro talent. read more

The Blackwell Files is a group of highly professional and motivated casting directors who help you book great jobs, coordinate details and stay on top of everything right up till when the shoot wraps. They take care of both their clients and their talent, and that is truly saying something. Within five days of attending a casting call at Blackwell for the first time, I was working on a phenomenal job with a fantastic crew. I am very happy to be working with The Blackwell Files, and can say without reservation that they are the best at what they do -- placing talent in great jobs! read more

Blackwell is a professional talent agency that is fantastic to be part of and to work with. I have been part of this agency for several years and have booked a few modeling jobs through them while working and going to school. The clients I have worked with through Blackwell have been amazing and overall it has been a great experience. I trust this casting agency and enjoy the work they have found for me. I absolutely recommend using Blackwell whether you want to make a career out of modeling, or just enjoy doing it! read more

I've worked as talent for Blackwell files for 2 plus years now, and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. They are fantastic, extremely professional and very organized. They are a talent agency / modeling agency for real people, from all walks of life. As talent you're not expected to be some kind of super model, just someone comfortable in front of a camera that people could relate to in an advertisement. When i get chosen for a casting I get an email a text and a phone call to alert me to the opportunity. I get a casting call roughly every 3 months and have done 4 or 5 shoots now and they've all been really pleasant experiences. You can really tell how much the companies that hire Blackwell Files respects what they do. All the photographers and style teams I've worked with have been great, and the shoots are fun, and they pay their talent well! I honestly have no complaints when it comes to working with the Blackwell Files. read more

I've had a great experience working with The Blackwell Files thus far. The staff has been not only professional, but personable. I expected this industry to be a bit uppity, but the ladies I've dealt with in the Blackwell Files offices have been just as "real life" as the models they seek. Nothing like the unfriendly talent/modeling agencies I've spoken to at least. They've answered my few questions quickly and don't seem to mind doing so. The process for scheduling a casting shoot, as well as the job itself, is very organized and is web-based, which I l like. The photo shoot I went on was a great experience as well, and was just plain fun. I would recommend working with The Blackwell Files to anyone considering it. read more

I love the Blackwell Files! I was already very impressed with them but, now I'm even more pleased because my son was recently chosen for his first shoot. That's a whole other story and needless to say it was an incredible experience. Back to The Blackwell Files though, go for it! You have nothing to lose! It's easy to get to, parking is easy too and the girls inside are very warm and friendly! It's legit! read more

This is the best modeling agency I've dealt with over my 15 years of modeling experience. Suzette Blackwell and everyone else at the agency are very professional, helpful and a pleasure to work with. It's also one of the easiest casting agencies I've dealt with because you get all the information up front, you are contacted immediately if a client wants to see you, and you know what to expect. They're great. You should go sign up today! read more

Recently signed up with Blackwell. Liked the online process, which was very easy. Signed up for the portrait special and had an amazing time working with Casey. She was very professional and took over 600+ pictures with wonderful backgrounds. I have a great portfolio with all these additions. Looking forward to more positive experiences ! read more

I have been working with suzette and her staff at Blackwell for at least 12 years and their casting and Talent are only the best and most professional people to work with and for. They are extremely prompt and organized in every facet of dealing with clients and talent. I have worked with very high profile companies, photographers and ad agencies ,always a great working experience. read more

I have modeled for Blackwell for 5 years. I am impressed with their organization and efficiency, level of professionalism and all who work at the agency. Sue Ewing read more

By referral of a friend I registered with Blackwell files an agency that uses all kinds of people for all kinds of photography needs) I just finished my first "shoot" arranged by the Blackwell Files -- what a blast! First Blackwell Files staff are all friendly and helpful. I was given all the info I needed with contact numbers..........SO I went where they did my hair and makeup and worked with a photography crew that made me feel like a star!! AND I got paid $500 for less than four hours of fun. What a winner! read more