This topic has been discussed here til many of us are blue in the face but I see from some new posters that we still need to discuss it more than ever.

Scams, rip-off artists and other bottom dwelling scum are extremely common in this business more than others. They count on people being desperate, eager and willing to plunk down any sum of cash necessary for a shot at fame and fortune. They come smiling, in the form of "consultants", "talent scouts", "advisers", "modeling teachers" and so on. They cold call, approach unsuspecting people, mainly parents of possible "stars" at malls, conduct seminars and will invite people to come and "audition" and then a "special few" will be "chosen" for their "classes".

This is CRAP. If you have cash, you or your child are IN. Absolutely no talent is necessary. No look, no "special something". NOTHING. They will compliment little Johnny or Susie and gush about "What a beautiful child and so talented" she is. They will fawn, fawn, and get your emotions going. Right while you are glowing is when they strike. They will probably get a second person over for crunch time now. If you have ever gone to a timeshare seminar, you know the drill. It's a tried and true sales technique and salespeople around the world do it. Why? Because it works. Heightened emotions make people vulnerable and when they are in that state they will hand over cash to pretty much anyone. DON'T BE A SUCKER. The truth is, when you really meet the real power players in the business, they won't gush. they won't want your money. They won't approach you at the mall and they will NOT meet you at a seminar with salespeople!

Please PLEASE PLEASE do diligent research before you pay ANYTHING to ANYONE. Go with your gut and ignore empty flattery from strangers. There are no such thing as "scouts" anymore. That was the 60's. This is the reality.

Use the website Rip-Off report and trust that if you are hearing enough bad press about a company, odds are EXTREMELY likely that it is true. Use the Better Business Bureau. Check that agents are licensed. Make sure the acting school has a good name. And if an agent/manager is interested in your child (or you) they will NEVER WANT CASH OR DEMAND YOU USE A CERTAIN PHOTOGRAPHER OR ACTING CLASS!!!


You smell a rat? RUN. Simple. Remember, there are no shortcuts. This is showbusiness and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Don't throw common sense and caution to the wind because of impatience/desperation. Use sound judgement at all times. When meeting people, ask lots of questions and don't be shy about it. If they are legit, they won't mind one bit.

Godspeed.......

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Hey Miss Stone!

Thanks for the great insight. I always am one to double check for scams, because out here some things seem too good to be true. The only way to find out is to ask questions, no matter how stupid they may seem.

So, I found this notice on CL about Breakdown Services-feeling skeptical, as usual I e-mailed them and asked for a sample like they had asked for you to do. They replied back with a sample of today's breakdown's ranging from film, television, pilots and shows already in production and/or films in pre-production. If you want, I can forward what they sent and from there you can determine. The e-mail it was sent from was "labreakdowns@yahoo.com". Also since it was mid month, they said they would only charge me $10 rather than the $20 monthly payment.

Once again, too good to be true perhaps..but help me out.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by tonisi:
Hey Miss Stone!

Thanks for the great insight. I always am one to double check for scams, because out here some things seem too good to be true. The only way to find out is to ask questions, no matter how stupid they may seem.

So, I found this notice on CL about Breakdown Services-feeling skeptical, as usual I e-mailed them and asked for a sample like they had asked for you to do. They replied back with a sample of today's breakdown's ranging from film, television, pilots and shows already in production and/or films in pre-production. If you want, I can forward what they sent and from there you can determine. The e-mail it was sent from was "labreakdowns@yahoo.com". Also since it was mid month, they said they would only charge me $10 rather than the $20 monthly payment.

Once again, too good to be true perhaps..but help me out.

Thanks!

I would never attempt to obtain the breakdowns illegitimately and in any case, I would be very suspicious of ANYONE supposedly offering them.

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It dismays me that this only has 350 or so hits.

This info is a MUST for newbies especially.

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SCAMS...STAY AWAY FROM THESE 2 AGENCIES: !!
1. McCarty Talent (Cody Garden) will not pay you!
2. Promo Models (hire all over US) also will not pay you!
These 2 agencies are very well known for not paying a large amount of talent. I don't know how they have not been caught! Stay away from these 2 agencies.

Yes, stay away from Cody Garden!! That guy will rip you off!!