*BUMP*

YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER PAY FOR REPRESENTATION. PERIOD.

Thanks to Henryshowbiz, here's another major SCAM to watch out for...
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Written by Henryshowbiz:
We've discussed the idea of standard business models quite a lot on this board lately. Alot about John Robert Powers too. I think this is an important news article, as it may very well be the biggest money scam in kid actor history.

We estimate that in a matter of a few months, Pacific Modeling and Acting Academy would have taken around $12 MILLION from parents across the country. And the same guy owned a John Robert Powers in Santa Clara, CA. He apparently stole their money as well. Pacific wasn't a JRP officially, but the business model was EXACTLY the same.

"Wannabe Child Stars Get Cold Introduction to Show Business"
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/31/me-cold-introduction-to-show-business/

"Families Scammed out of Shot at Stardom"
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=81648

The email they sent to some of the parents they were ripping off:
http://www.tampabays10.com/images/pdfs/pacific.pdf

We first heard of Pacific Modeling and Ating (based in Seattle) when they stole two BizParentz CARE press releases and reworded them to make it appear that they were sponsoring the event (NOT!!!)

Then we fielded a few phone calls from Tampa FL parents a month or so ago. Apparently, this company flew into town and did open casting calls at the convention center. They used various people in different cities, but in Florida, they used Talentworks agent Brandy Gold as bait. They ended up selling parents packages of classes, at the end of which they would go to a competition/showcase.

The parents in FL never got a single class. Apparently there were schools in Nashville, Albuquerque, Greensboro NC, and more...

HERE'S WHY THIS MIGHT BE IMPORTANT TO YOU...
There is another company called A.C.T. (Academy of Cinema and Television). Their business model is the same, and it even appears that they use a common recruiter, Kathy Eisner (yeah...ya noticing that Disney name...isn't that a convenient name for scamming??). In fact, we've seen a few common threads.

ACT is ALSO recruiting all over the country and is holding open calls RIGHT NOW.

Please be careful out there...
A

Additionally, the owner of Pacific , Stanley Robinsion, owned other John Robert Powers franchises. Are you starting to see a commonality? his is the same business model over and over and over again.

If you have been ripped off by either of these schools, please drop us an email. PAcfic parents are working on a class action, so we can try to help you out/connect you to the right people.

Another lesson for all of us that package deals, advance payment of acting class blocks and "open calls" are just not the way to get into this business.
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http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9611031/m/598106421

*Bump*

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, my sister and I were approached by the John Casablancas agency for representation. We went to their little casting call, I got a callback (presumably because of my voice) and my sister did not. It was only later, after the storm had hit that I found out that it was a ripoff. The whole thing took place under rather mysterious circumstances. One day they called my mom asking if she would like to take me and my sister to attend their casting call (I still don't know how they got our information), and we did. Everything was almost set until the storm hit and we never heard back from them. I have read reports that they have had questionable business practices elsewhere and I do feel now that even though it may have been an opportunity lost, it was necessary given their reputation.

Cjh... so sorry you had to deal with the storm, but thank you for sharing your experience.

Here are more experiences to read about.

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9611031/m/432106231

Just remember three things, gang:

1) I know this sounds crass but actors are a dime a dozen in this business. Real industry people do not post ads looking for clients. We do not advertize on message boards. Trust me. We have enough trouble fieldings the hundreds of calls and submissions that come into our office.

2) You should never have to pay for representation or management. That includes paying fees to be in so called books or websites. That's not the way we work. We gamble when we sign actors because we're hoping to make money from your future (if any) earnings. That's one of the reasons it's so hard to find an agent.

3) No agent would ever insist that you use their photographer. At best, we'll suggest someone we like but you're always free to make up your own mind. That's no such thing as the perfect photographer who's good for everyone.

Does this help?

Yeah, I just got an alert from LACasting from a guy named John Ngyuyen (I think I spelled that completely wrong but you get the idea) saying that he was impressed with my profile and that he was considering me for commercial and print work. I would have to call his number for a meeting. No agency. No website. Nothing. Smells a bit fishy. I e-mailed back for an agency name but I am not optimistic that he will get back to me.

I am so glad that he was impressed with my LACasting profile though.

quote:

Originally posted by cjh791982:
Prior to Hurricane Katrina, my sister and I were approached by the John Casablancas agency for representation. We went to their little casting call, I got a callback (presumably because of my voice) and my sister did not. It was only later, after the storm had hit that I found out that it was a ripoff. The whole thing took place under rather mysterious circumstances. One day they called my mom asking if she would like to take me and my sister to attend their casting call (I still don't know how they got our information), and we did. Everything was almost set until the storm hit and we never heard back from them. I have read reports that they have had questionable business practices elsewhere and I do feel now that even though it may have been an opportunity lost, it was necessary given their reputation.

Somehow John Casablancas got my number. They've been calling me every week asking me to come in and audition with them. I find it quite humorous. For those who know where I work at now, its especially funny! All these places are the same. Sure they have classes, but you're paying waaaaaaaaaaay too much for them. Great concept, horrid execution, and even more horrid marketing.

More on ITS - International Talent Showcase and IMTA.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8111031/m/74210075/p/2

I went to Model Talent too but I only went after an audition since I was in the neighorbood. I knew what it was as soon as I walked it and I saw this girl filling out the paperwork and I told her not to bother its a scam but she didn't want to listen she thought I wanted to mess her up. Anyway, I walk in, I told them why should I have to get pictures done if I have my own??? Well, I didn't get the chance to sit down before she said good-bye. She knew I wasn't stupid.