We met with an agent yesterday and it seemed fine. The asked if we would do the photos and dvd or they would do it for $590.00 and this would cover it for 3 yrs.


My question is he kept talking about a certain Geddes, why can't I just submit directly to them/Geddes? It seems like Gddes is an agent also.



Thanks in adavnce

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You'll give them $590 for 3 years and you'll never hear from them again.

And who is "Geddes" and what is the name of this "agency"???

We met with an agent called Audition Division/s LTD in Illinios and they submit all the photo's and dvd they make of my daughter to Geddes (who is also in Illions) They have a website which seems to be another agent.

I dont see why they would go thru all the trouble of doing the dvd and photos if all they are trying to do is make 500.00 off people.

My daughter is quite amazing in personality,looks and educational skills and Im just trying to pursue this as a hobby but dont want to get scammed.

Thank you for your replies and help.

I would absolutely NOT give them any money. You should check the Ross Reports for reputable agencies in your area. Small children who pursue acting do not need professional photos. At the most they need one headshot which you should be able to take care of for less than $150. And what is the DVD for? No casting director is ever going to watch it unless it is a reel of professional work. I have never heard of anyone submitting a DVD of scenes or whatever that is homemade. I may be wrong here, and someone else can correct me, but it seems like a completely unneeded expense.

Be patient and find the right representation for your child. You might ask specifics like what jobs have your clients booked, who are they and where can we see the finished work. Ask for a reference to another parent. Don't just agree because someone is interested in your DD. If they are, someone else will be too.

Joe--It is amazing what people will do for $500. This is a huge red flag--listen to the voices of experience here. Plus, you don't know what will come down the road... expensive classes... additional photos, etc.

An agency that sells you photos or DVDs is not "fine." Perhaps Geddes is a reference to the Getty stock photography agency? You'd want to research whether stock photography is something you want to be involved with. Do lots of research to make sure you don't get scammed or make poor business decisions.

quote:

Originally posted by Mykidz:
I dont see why they would go thru all the trouble of doing the dvd and photos if all they are trying to do is make 500.00 off people.

A DVD that takes them pennies to make... photos that cost them next to nothing to make .... all for $590. Okay, so if they have even only 10 people a week come in, that's 5K a week... 20K a month. Nice pocket change.

First, a 5 year old doesn't need professional pics until she's working steadily. Good, clear snapshots taken by YOU are sufficient to submit to agents, managers, and casting directors.

As far as the DVD???? For what??? A "reel" is a sampling of professional work you've already done. Not a DVD of you reading commercial copy or doing a monologue or anything like that.

I don't know why you would want to get your child into acting/modeling as a "hobby". This isn't a "hobby".... it's a very tough, very competative business. If you're looking for a hobby for your child, get her into sports or an arts/crafts program. If you really want her to do acting as a hobby, then join a local theatre group. You don't need an agent or manager if you're only pursuing this as a hobby.

I can almost guarantee you, once you give these people $590, you'll never hear from them again. It reminds me of the Kids Dot Com/Kids.com/Just Our Kids.com thing... they asked for "only" $590, too, for a 5 year "contract". They used to have an office in Illinois, but went out of business. I wonder if this is them operating under yet another new name???

Or the flip side to our meeting last night was I go out and get professional photo's and a 5 minute dvd myself. They(audition dv ltd) would do the submitting.

Geddes Agency is in Chicago and West Hollywood

Well you're getting terrible advice--no casting director is going to look at the DVD of someone with credits, let alone no credits. Did you read the various "getting started" threads?

quote:

Originally posted by CSilvera:
Perhaps Geddes is a reference to the Getty stock photography agency?

There is an agency called the Geddes Agency in Chicago http://www.geddes.net/#

However, I don't see why he would have to pay these people $590 to submit his daughter to them??? He'd be better off taking snapshots himself and submitting them himself if he wants her to be represented by an agent.

quote:

Originally posted by Mykidz:
Or the flip side to our meeting last night was I go out and get professional photo's and a 5 minute dvd myself. They(audition dv ltd) would do the submitting.

Your 5 year old doesn't need professional pics until she is working steadily. And she defninitely doesn't need a "dvd" if she hasn't done any work at all.

I have a feeling you're just going to ignore any advice offered here and do it your way and somehow justify it in your mind.

If you gave them the $590 already, I would put a stop payment on the check, send them something IN WRITING telling them you want to cancel the contract, and follow up with a phone call.

quote:

Originally posted by Mykidz:
Or the flip side to our meeting last night was I go out and get professional photo's and a 5 minute dvd myself. They(audition dv ltd) would do the submitting.

Geddes Agency is in Chicago and West Hollywood

And why would you have to pay them $590 for submitting????? The legit agencies aren't a secret... you can get the information yourself and submit her yourself. Get the Ross Reports at Barnes & Noble.

Also, you're making a huge deal over something you said is just a "hobby".... If you want to get your daughter in the business, I suggest you read all the "getting started" threads here and read the differnent forums here and see what the business is all about.

Diane, your response is very well taken and to the point. I have not given them any money.

When I say as a hobby,this is a secure reference for me and protecting my fears. Typing this on the internet should be viewed as open as possible. I know my daughter well enough,her Sherlie Temple looks and personality and MY dedication to this should get her on her way. I am just trying to find a platform to start off on and with your advice I think we will not pursue this Audition Div agency




I can't thank you enough

and please understand my comments

You're welcome, Joe.

If you're serious about getting her into the business, I would start by reading the "kids/teens getting started thread" on this forum and all the great information on the other forums here..... also, I don't know how busy it is in Chicago but keep in mind that this business takes A LOT of dedication. Let me give you an example... one day, my daughter was going to be off from school. I had planned the day for us. We were going to go to the Natural History museum and then to Central Park. Well, it just so happened that the day before, I got phone call after phone call. She had 2 auditions, a go-see, and a meeting with a manager. So much for our plans.... of course, I gave her the decision and she wanted to go on the auditions, etc. but that shows you how you have to be ready at the last minute and be willing to put things aside in order to pursue this.

Joe, I think you should go to the webpages of any of the big kids agencies and see the 1000s of other kids out there just as cute as your who already have big credits--just so you know what you're getting into. Here's one: http://ny.cesdmodels.com/core/search_results.cfm?category=225&gender=F

Not that she can't make it--but there are 1000s of others out there who think they can make it also.