I am very new to this board and to this business but after reading some of these posts I need some advice.
She is very talented and I think she has a bright future in this industry. We heard about JRP joined in February. She auditioned for iPOP and was chosen. After reading some of the posts I am curious if anyone has had a good experience with JRP and/or was successful after iPOP.
My last question:
We have already paid for iPOP. Do you think I can get my money back?

There are so many posts about JRP, did you read any of them before joining?? I made the JRP mistake last year, didn't fall for the IPOP thing though. And you are NOT chosen , if you have a credit card to pay the 9000.00 then you're in!!!! They play it off well as if you are picked-the lucky one!! So sad it is. You can go to the city and see agents so much easier!! Just mail a photo.

momofaudrey,

I don't know if you can get your money back. You can certainly try (I would!), but I wouldn't bank on it.

We have a friend here in Alabama who bit, hook line & sinker. She was signed by an agent (or manager... not sure which) after iPop. She and her mom ended up moving to LA (leaving dad and sisters behind). They ran from class to class, audition to audition (and ran up the expenses in the process) trying to 'break into the biz', but ended up coming back empty handed.

I know they're pretty aggressive here in Alabama. I see you're in the southeast... not in Birmingham, are you?

momofaudrey:

I strongly recommend that you do all your research of JRP, and some research into the REAL industry and how it really works now. It might take a few days...there's ALOT out there.

You have two jobs ahead of you--
a. decide the real nature of what your are involved in (JRP/iPOP) and how you feel about it, and
b. then decide how to proceed next (get your money back? suffer through? abandon it and get an agent on your own? lots of choices there).

Here are a few places to start, outside of this board, which has a ton of threads on JRP and iPOP:

http://www.easybackgroundcheck...ohnrobertpowers.html

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/ipop.html

Professional Actors Resource Forum (tons of threads about JRP, iPOP and other such things):
http://forums.delphiforums.com/proactors
There is also a forum on Delphi specific to kid actors in the Southeast.

BizParentz.org
specifically this article, and all the links at the bottom:
http://www.bizparentz.org/gett...d/avoidingscams.html

We also have info on how to get an agent, and a listing of books to read in the Amazon store on that site.

Columns and books by casting director Bonnie Gillespie. Most specifically, her recent book, Self Management for Actors.

Also...just use plain old Google. But instead of googling just "John Robert Powers", use the exact location you are dealing with. Use people's names. Also use
"John Robert Powers scam" or "John Robert Powers complaint" (tens of thousands of hits for those)
or
"iPOP scam" etc.

Also...in relation to iPOP, make sure to check out IMTA (International Model and Talent Association). John Robert Powers schools used to go to IMTA, and it was the precursor to iPOP. Same organizers--there were lawsuits between IMTA and iPOP, but they are basically the same animal with a different name.

BIG NOTE: each JRP franchise is owned and operated independently. Sort of. Some owners own several franchises, and they often won't tell you who REALLY owns things. Think of it like McDonalds. So your idea of getting your money back will vary depending on where you are, and the level of deception. quality of classes, etc will also vary.

I don't think you are going to come away from this research believing you should invest your child's heart and soul (and your money)in JRP. YOur original post gives me the impression that you have discovered negative things already. But your plan of action for leaving will depend heavily on your particular location.

A big issue for JRP franchises is that they tend to go bankrupt frequently. They can charge you for 3 year contracts, but if the owners close their location in a year, you are out of luck.

Ex. one previous owner, Stanley Robinson, owned 2 JRP franchises in the bay area of CA. He skipped town one day and closed the JRP doors. He is now trying to declare bankruptcy and lists 2500 families are "creditors". Don't let that happen to you--it isn't uncommon.

In contrast, there are JRP locations that have been operating for years under the same ownership, and the owners are respected members of their communities. Ie. Albuquerque, NM and Tampa FL. If you were there, you might decide to continue at JRP, since you already paid, but pursue the legit industry in more mainstream ways.

Find out who REALLY owns your JRP location (not the manager, the OWNER). That will tell you how urgent your situation is.

NEXT--
Decide what to do next. You can try to get your money back. You can walk away--count this as an expensive lesson and start over.

What you CAN'T do, is continue to walk through this with blinders on. Your daughter deserves a knowlegable parent.

The good news is..and you probably owe this to JRP...you have found that your child has an interest, and possibly, a gift. That is rare and wonderful!

The other good news: you can start in this industry for VERY VERY little money. You can start over. There are lots of people to help you, on this board especially. They will help you for FREE.

Even if you decide, worst case scenario, that the whole JRP/iPOP thing is a nightmare, you can start over. Lots of us made mistakes at the beginning. You can shake it off and re-group.

You can do this...good luck!

A

Thank you for the great information.
Since I have already invested alot of money in 1 semester of classes and paid 75% of the iPOP fees do you think it would be harmful to my daughter to at least get the experience of the auditions and exposure?

I reviewed the paperwork and don't see that I am going to be able to get a refund. My problem was my own ignorance. JRP didn't make any promises to me or my child, we just didn't know how to get started in the industry and this seemed to be the way to do it.

If I were you, I would try to get my money back. The iPop experience is not really auditions. You are in a room in front of 4 - 6 judges and then at the end you win awards for best performances. I'm not sure how the agents see all these kids.

If you are not willing to move or come and stay at least 3-6 months in CA, then it is a huge waste of time and money.

Good luck!

First off you should really follow up on all of the information that henryshowbiz posted. She really knows what she is talking about. I am sorry to hear that you have spent so much money already. So many parents before you and many after will do the same. The agents at the events are actually paid to be there not really because they are looking for new talent. IF on the off chance an agent is interested in your child you will have to go to an interview/auditon in their office. If you get that far, you could have gotten that far without JRP. If your child really has the talent that you think she does she should be able to find an agent by submitting directly to them. I will also say that many Casting Directors in LA really look down on seeing JRP on a childs resume. I would suggest that you not give them another penny. Good Luck!

First off you should really follow up on all of the information that henryshowbiz posted. She really knows what she is talking about.

I am sorry to hear that you have spent so much money already. So many parents before you and many after will do the same. The agents at the IPOP events are actually paid to be there not really because they are looking for new talent. IF on the off chance an agent is interested in your child you will have to go to an interview/auditon in their office. If you get that far, you could have gotten that far without JRP.

If your child really has the talent that you think she does she should be able to find an agent by submitting directly to them. I will also say that many Casting Directors in LA really look down on seeing JRP on a childs resume. I would suggest that you not give them another penny.

You should never have to pay anything upfront.
Take some pictures of your dd a good close up and a full body shot in natural light. Find out the reputable and good childrens agencys in your area and/or the market you are seeking representation and mail them in with all of their statistics. DOB, height, weight, shoe size etc... Some agencies have specific submition requirements usually listed in a website or the receptionist can help you or connect you to a recorded message.

Good Luck!