London-based NationalNews...legit?

..........

[mad editor]

Don't know, but here is a link to a site listing many news agencies in UK.


Journalism.co.uk :: Useful sites for journalists: media links directory

[Sime]

Not heard of them, doesn't mean they don't exist... (neither does a very quick google)

If in doubt, used Demotix.com (people powered, London based, Global press agency who are very Legit)

Though 50/50 rev share is nice, but only if they can actually shift your pictures.

Sime

[GTAltman]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

So I got this e-mail:

Hi Ryan,

My name is Jim Leffman and I run a press agency in London called National News.

I was looking at your site and I noticed the amazing pictures especially the rainbow baloons.
Basically we supply all the national newspapers in the UK who are always on the lookout for striking images.

We can't guarantee that your picture would be used but I think they stand a good chance.

Obviously if the pictures make we usually do a 50/50 revenue split.

If this is OK with you, could you send me the images high-res.

I would also need a brief description of how you came to take the pictures, where and when. How long did it take in preparation before actually getting the one you wanted?

If you could include a few personal details such as where you're from and your age that would be great.

Just to be clear, we are only seeking to distribute the pictures and obviously you would retain copyright of the images.

We are basically looking for a non-exclusive license in return
for a 50% share of revenues.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Anyone got any experience with these guys?

I'm really, not an English major, neither American English nor the Queen's English, however on a "Professional" request for "product and inventory" you should get the tenses correct.

Then there comes the pitch. He wants Hi-Res and a story behind them as well....Why (well I know why the Hi-Res, assuming it's legit). I was a cop for 20 years so when it comes to being cynical, I'm your guy!

So, what I'd recommend is no different that any customer we're interviewing for a job...references, proof of work, who they've dealt with, how much did they get for the placement of the pictures.

Then, if they're new (seems like it since they're un-Google-able), then they shouldn't be entitled to a 50/50 split, unless that is a new firm discount.

But hey, what do I know??? :-)

Gary

[BuddhaPi]

don't quote me on this, but i can almost swear I saw this exact same email in a post here a few months back only thing different was the "especially the ....." seems to me the words "golden rainbow" are coming to my mind.. I'll see if i can find this post or where the heck I saw it...

[MattG]

I could find the following:

National News Press Agency
109 Clifton Street, London, EC2A 4LD
Fax: 020 72216 4111
Tel: 020 7417 7707
Court and general news and features in London and the south east

listed at NewsDesk-UK : News agencies

A search on Jim Leffman did turn up some articles going back several years, identifying him as Director of National News and as supplying the press. Some examples:

Article on complaint re: copyright distribution issues of material purchased by The Independent Media group Article from 2005

BBC Article covering Met Police officer receiving apology from National News for inaccurate report - Article 2008

So it looks genuine but worth following aforementioned advice re: establishing expectations. I think it looks like he is looking for material to promote to the local media groups and has a business spanning at least 6 years.

[jojonac]

It seems fishy that they would need the full res stuff right away. They should be able to push the low res stuff and then if they find a buyer get the hi res. That is the only flag that I see.

[gturner]

Sheesh, you guys need to improve your google skills. (Google-fu as Inksta calls it)
MattG has found stuff, I have found some more, so certainly not a scam.
I would also agree with Joel above.