I don't know why I keep getting these emails from them, but I do....

I got one today letting me know that for "only" $350 my DD and I can attend their new Fall Workshop. YIPPEEEEEE You didn't choose to rep my daughter at your open call but you'll be more than happy to take $350 from me?? I don't think so.

Ya, I got that too

too funny!!!

It really is funny... the auduacity of them to send this junk email out after turning you down for representation... Sure, I'll give you $350, no problem.... Absurd!

People who have left Product for other agencies also get these email invites. Guess they just send them to everyone who was ever in their datebase. I just delete them without opening. I would be very offended, though, if they sent it to me after they chose not to rep my kid. Not the keenest of business practices. DianeNYC, if it were me, I'd send an email to Product saying exactly what you've said on this board.

BTW, is this the same workshop they were doing before for $99?!!!

quote:

BTW, is this the same workshop they were doing before for $99?!!!

It's different this time...they have CD's and other "big timers" coming to interview and conduct classes with the kids...its all day until like 4pm...something like a showcase where you get 1-on-1 with CD's and on-camera ppl

I erased my email without reading. What is the point...is this so the kids can be seen for possible representation?

Due to an overwhelming response to our previous sold-out print workshops, and countless inquiries about our new on-camera division, Product Model Management has joined forces with a number of professionals spanning both the print and television industries to produce our upcoming Actors/Model Forum.

Our intimate Forum will combine information with actual Hands-ON learning, giving kids and teens who wish to become models, actors, or BOTH a chance to learn what it truly takes to make it in this business.

Product Model Management Agents will be joined by:
Barry Shapiro (Casting Director-Herman & Lipson Casting)
Andrew Steinman (Photographer – Mattel, Kellogg’s,etc.)
Erica Palgon (Casting Director-Erica Palgon Casting and Beyond…)
Sharon Elcock (former Bookings editor @ PARENTS magazine, Lucky Magazine, & Freelance Casting for editorial)
Donald Rey (acting coach/working actor)

Our panel of professionals will start the forum with a 1/2 hr introduction giving models, talent, and most importantly YOU, their parents an opportunity to meet the professionals who will be spending the day with you.

Learn all there is to know about the business. From submissions, to castings, to commitment, all topics will be covered. Our agents will teach you all there is to know about the agency world, casting directors and acting coaches will share auditioning secrets, while our photographer shares tips on how to make your photos stand out.

This informational will be a culmination of both print and television and can be beneficial for newbie’s or veterans. It’s NEVER too late to learn! For more experienced talent, it’s always great to brush up on your skills and get professional feedback.

After the Introduction, children will be broken up into age-appropriate groups and given a schedule of events for the day.

Our events will include:

Commercial Acting Technique – Conducted by Barry Shapiro, Casting director of Herman & Lipson Casting
Barry’s full hour class combines improvisation, expressions, cold read, dialog (an integral part of commercial acting). A great class at any level, and taught by the source! Herman & Lipson casting, in business since 1979, has cast over 5,000 commercials. Barry has been teaching for 26 years and has worked with top actors, many of which he has found with his workshops. You never know, your child may be right for his next project!

An Actors Eye & A Model’s Look – Conducted by Don Rey & Sharon Elcock
Don & Sharon’s class takes the art of modeling and acting to a whole new level. As a working actor and coach, Don brings his personal experience into his teaching. His instruction goes beyond the technicality of acting, and focuses more on the innocence and heart of the child beyond the camera.

While Sharon, a veteran print bookings editor teaches aspiring models and actors how to “work it” and give those casting directors what they want to see! As a fashionista herself, Sharon’s hair and styling tips are helpful in defining your child’s “look” and market.

Film Audition Intensive – Conducted by Erica Palgon
Erica’s class will cover monologues, dialogue, creative memorization exercises, and film auditioning technique. Erica, casting director and owner of Erica Palgon Casting and Beyond… has been casting for over 15 years. Working previously with Susan Shopmaker Casting and Judy Henderson & Assoc, and most recently Liz Lewis Casting, Erica has cast talent for notable films X-Men 3, Something's Gotta Give, Glory Road, and Mean Girls, just to name a few.

Behind the Camera – A Photographer’s Perspective – Conducted by Andrew Steinman
Want to score that big job? All it takes is talent, ambition, and a GREAT photo!

Andrew’s class will help teach models and actors the basics of photography, angles, and acting for a still camera. A real “Set” with camera will be provided to give you a true feel for the process, allowing models and actors a chance to work with Andrew on posing, attitude, and taking direction, ultimately creating that perfect headshot.

And the best part? A PERSONAL ONE-ON-ONE critique. As many of you know, the toughest part of the audition process is lack of feedback. How are actors or models supposed to learn from their mistakes, know their strengths or improve weaknesses without advice! With our classes, children and their parents are given personal feedback on all levels. Our panel of professionals will be on hand to provide individual constructive criticism of your child’s audition and photos. All talent will receive feedback forms at the end of the day.

Following the classes, PRODUCT agents and panel of professionals will conduct a ½ hr open Q & A session, giving all talent and their parents the opportunity to cover any additional questions, and to go over the day’s events. We will be holding a raffle at the end of this to award one of our lucky talents a PRODUCT prize package.

** PRIZE OPPORTUNITY

A pot luck drawing will be held on the day of the workshop where:

One lucky winner will receive a PRODUCT GRAND prize package: including a planner, a free photo shoot, 100 free headshots, 1 free private acting session, and many more goodies.

PLEASE NOTE**
These workshops will be limited to a select number of respondents, so if you are interested, please get back to us right away! These spots go quickly, and all spots must be confirmed/paid in full by October 19th.

The cost of our full-day workshop event is only $350.00 per child - and whether you’re new to the business or a veteran, this is a GREAT – and incredibly affordable investment - and an opportunity to find both financial success in the industry, and jump start your child's career in 2009!!

I received that same email message to and just hit the delete button after reading the the $350 dollar fee for my daughter to attend their convention. I will just save my $350 dollars and self submit to agencies to get my daughter seen.

Its funny how often I read these boards and rarely write anything. My DS is with Product and was signed after I attended one of their workshops back in march or april (can't remember)! Anyway, the people at product are great and the "workshop" was very informative. My DS has since booked 2 jobs-- he is only 3 or I would be attending this seminar.

While I agree that the pricetag seems a little steep, it is clear that this new workshop is completely different than the one I attending (which was primarily for parents). This one seems like a series of acting classes with big name casting directors.

I'm not sure what makes this different than ACT (my niece attended this) or Madelyn Burns' classes. All the CD's are the same, if not similar and the prices, while high are in line with all the rest.

I think if you are not interested, than click delete. But for those of you who have read the other boards about ACT, The Performing Option, Todd Edelson's classes, etc. Its all the same it seems to me.

quote:

Originally posted by KModelGirl:
I will just save my $350 dollars and self submit to agencies to get my daughter seen.

I agree KModelGirl. You should NEVER pay 350 TO BE seen! thats absurd!

But i maintain, I highly doubt that this workshop is to help get your child seen. It seems like a day of acting classes, not a pay to be seen event.

Only two of the guests are casting directors. You argue that the fee is close to what you would pay elsewhere for these cds. WRONG. At any of the places you mentioned you would pay that fee for 5-6 weeks of classes, not a few hours.

As far as the stylist and the photographer, children don't need modeling classes.

Lastly adoptomoma, I see you are very new to the business. It violates just about every ethical code in the business for agents and managers to offer classes. You are probably happy you paid $100 to get your son seen, but imagine how ripped-off all the people feel who paid the fee and did not get signed?

quote:

Originally posted by Brandondad:
Only two of the guests are casting directors. You argue that the fee is close to what you would pay elsewhere for these cds. WRONG. At any of the places you mentioned you would pay that fee for 5-6 weeks of classes, not a few hours.

As far as the stylist and the photographer, children don't need modeling classes.

Lastly adoptomoma, I see you are very new to the business. It violates just about every ethical code in the business for agents and managers to offer classes. You are probably happy you paid $100 to get your son seen, but imagine how ripped-off all the people feel who paid the fee and did not get signed?

I agree $350 for a few hours of classes is very steep when most acting coaches charge about the same price for a few weeks worth of classes.

quote:

Originally posted by adoptamama:
I'm not sure what makes this different than ACT (my niece attended this) or Madelyn Burns' classes. All the CD's are the same, if not similar and the prices, while high are in line with all the rest....
...ACT, The Performing Option, Todd Edelson's classes, etc. Its all the same it seems to me.

NOT the same at all. There is a BIG difference between Product charging for classes and Todd Ettelson or Performing Option offering classes...Product is an agency/model management company offering classes. Agencies/Managers offering workshops for a fee is very ethically questionable. While they do not come out and say you will have the opportunity to be seen and considered for representation, I have no doubt the perception is there. And if you do end up getting signed by Product after attending one of these workshops, then technically, it has become an "advance fee" situation. Also, how do you know they will not give preferential treatment in the class to kids who are already signed, or kids they might want to sign.

Re ACT, well, I won't get into that here, but they don't even belong in this comparison as they are clearly violating so many ethical practices and laws in the industry.

quote:

Originally posted by kipmil:

quote:

Originally posted by adoptamama:
I'm not sure what makes this different than ACT (my niece attended this) or Madelyn Burns' classes. All the CD's are the same, if not similar and the prices, while high are in line with all the rest....
...ACT, The Performing Option, Todd Edelson's classes, etc. Its all the same it seems to me.

NOT the same at all. There is a BIG difference between Product charging for classes and Todd Ettelson or Performing Option offering classes...Product is an agency/model management company offering classes. Agencies/Managers offering workshops for a fee is very ethically questionable. While they do not come out and say you will have the opportunity to be seen and considered for representation, I have no doubt the perception is there. And if you do end up getting signed by Product after attending one of these workshops, then technically, it has become an "advance fee" situation. Also, how do you know they will not give preferential treatment in the class to kids who are already signed, or kids they might want to sign.

Re ACT, well, I won't get into that here, but they don't even belong in this comparison as they are clearly violating so many ethical practices and laws in the industry.

mama mia!

I wrote, erased, wrote, erased...

Mine would have been too long! Thanks for sharing this insight.