Author:
mamarabbit (serious)
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Date Posted: 08:58:38 05/15/09 Fri
Hi I'm new to your forum and I have been reading the posts, some of them I've found very informative which seems to be the general idea. Parents helping parents make the best decisions for they're children.
I recently went to an International Talent Showcase. I heard their ad on radio and like the other parents here said "well dang my kids are good looking and talented, why not?"
We went to the appointed place. Brought the requested photo. Filled out the forms at which time we were all led to a big room with a little runway stage. The woman went through her speel told us how you should never pay upfront fee's etc. etc. Then she called the groups by sections of numbers and catigory. First models, then acting, singing and finally dancing. after which she told us callbacks would be the next day and of course the all important convention price, what it would encompass and that we should try to get sponsors.
After all this I did like many of you. I went home got on my computer and did some research. I found that no one really said anything bad about this paticular company. What I did find was this.....
1)States require these agencys to be legally bonded.
This one was not.
2)It is illeagle in New York State and Most of the others to accept or charge advance fees for a number of diffrent services including training, photo's, etc. For further information go to the SAG website or your states department of consumer affairs site.
This is exactly what their asking the fee for
3)Most modeling agencies will be more than happy to take your photo's and in fact offer open casting calls.Further most agencies have set business hours and do not conduct them at the times being offered by these companies.
4)The owner of this paticular agency worked for and left amta agency or imta(sorry can't remember the exact acronym). Which dateline did a piece on paticularly in regards to modeling conventions.
So here are my conclusions, at the time of writting this we recieved a call from ITA telling us our son had gotten the callback. After watching him preform I've come to the conclusion that I will help him follow this path if it's what he wants, just not with this company.
When faced with this seeming opertunity it's easy to get caught up in the fervor of the moment. After all their selling you hopes and dreams in a very compelling pakage. Further I can't honestly say that this is 100% a scam because it's not. You will get exactly what you pay for a CHANCE- not a garantee of work. When making your decision try to put aside the emotional and look at the practical. Would you go to the store and buy the most expensive product or would you try a little consumer savy and shop for the same product at a better price.
The money these companies are asking for is no small thing.If your like me you have a budget and every penny counts. Yet at the same time you don't want to sacrafice your childs chance at greatness over something like cash. And therin lies the problem. I think these companies are very aware of what lengths a hopeful prent or perspective talent might go to.
If you can afford it go have fun but if not wait theres a better way for you that won't strangle your pocket.
GOOD LUCK to ALL of you!!
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