Has anyone heard of this IPOP modeled show, taking place in Phoenix, August 6-9th at Hyatt Regency. Auditions taking place in "select" cities now, only auditioning A.C.T. students (their claim) for this nearly $1000.00 per day showcase ,with numerous agencies and agents coming (again, their claim) to scout children and talent. A Nathan B. is the director of these auditions, working from Las Vegas, with a Nedcom Productions company, with a one Lily traveling with him, as independent talent consultant, who helps him select. Scam? www.the-exp.us is site.

Run away. Fast. ACT is the latest and biggest scam going. Nothing more than a sure way to part you from your money with nothing to show for it.

quote:

Originally posted by frontstagemom:
Has anyone heard of this IPOP modeled show, taking place in Phoenix, August 6-9th at Hyatt Regency. Auditions taking place in "select" cities now, only auditioning A.C.T. students...(

YIKES...RUNNNNNNNNNN. According to the advocacy organization, BIZPARENTZ, "this could be the biggest scam in kid actor history!"

Here's a link to info on this board:

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9611031/m/5...=930109421#930109421

Hi frontstagemom...I was wondering where you found out about the "show?" Did you receive a flyer or hear about it on the radio? Are you (your chid) planning to, or did you already, audition? Also, you mentioned "Nedcom Productions." I've seen the name "Nedgam Productions" in association with A.C.T. and was wondering if this is the same one...maybe you just mistyped the name?

BTW, welcome to the board and thanks for posting!
kip

I just put my 7 year old girl through this and one of there Agents want to send her to L.A. in january is this all a joke because I would hate to leave a job that pays so good and I will not be able to get back pay rent there and here. He really thinks he can get her a job. Now I am not sure it is all real please help me .

Who is the agent? If you can tell us, we can better judge your chances.

You must count on your own income to support yourself and your daughter. Her income will have to go into a blocked account. It will take months if not years for your daughter to establish herself in LA, especially if she does not have credits. You have to factor in other expenses like classes and headshots, both of which she will need.

The Agent is Adam Griffin , she is in classes with A.C.T. and We already have the com cards and head shots . This explains alot thanks so much I did not know all of this not sure it is worth it they dont tell you all this. I am not willing to give up a 90,000 a year job on a wim.

quote:

Originally posted by babycakes2983:
I just put my 7 year old girl through this and one of there Agents want to send her to L.A. in january is this all a joke because I would hate to leave a job that pays so good and I will not be able to get back pay rent there and here. He really thinks he can get her a job. Now I am not sure it is all real please help me .

It is a REAL SCAM! Please do not drop everything and go to LA. Nothing will be waiting for you. Your child will be thrown into the mix competing with kids with existing representation, lots of training, experience auditioning and a list of credits. I don't know what you were told at the "event" you attended, but I would be very careful and would do TONS of research before even considering a move. Read everything on the Bizparentz website...read stories on the PARF board. I strongly advise against picking up and moving to LA based on something you were told/sold at a traveling road show. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book...ever see "The Music Man?"

Can you tell us more about the "event" you attended. Where/when was it? Who sponsored it? How much did you pay to attend? What "promises" were made? How did you hear about it? For your sake, I hope there there was integrity to the promises, but that is rarely the case.

Here is a link to some info on scams in the entertainment industry:

http://www.bizparentz.org/gettingstarted/avoidingscams.html

My seven year old heard it on t.v. it said you could be on Hannah Montana show and she wanted me to call so we did and went to Columbus convention center in ohio about 350 kids were there and when we got there all they wanted was your money no more talk about the show. But my daughter really wanted to do this so we paid the $2,000 and we go each month for classes with about 100 kids there . in 6 other classes the said she would have an audition with Adam Griffing , Ryan Daly and Paul Weber they never once said she would make it but this Adam Griffing ask for a call back and wants to send her to L. A. OR just travel there for auditions.

babycakes...there are so many things wrong with what has happened to you and your daughter...I don't know where to begin. Ok, my time is limited so I will point out just a few of the HUGE red flags. Just look at the money alone...$2000 and 100 kids, that you know of, are participating in Ohio...that's $200,000 on just these classes!!!! If they are doing this in multiple places all over the country...my goodness they are making money hand over fist!!!! Classic hook..."you could be on Hannah Montana." I'm guessing they were not authorized to use a Disney show as a hook to advertise their "event." Can't wait until Disney hears about it.

Now, what is it that Adam Griffin promised you? Adam, if my research is correct, is a manager (NOT an agent) with Kritzer, Levine, Wilkins Entertainment in LA. A manager can't get you work...you need an agent to do that. I don't know if Adam Griffin reps kids...I checked on IMDB and the youngest person I could find was 19, but I am sure this is not a complete list of his clients. Did he agree to manage you...did he offer a contract? I'm pretty sure he has no intentions of "sending" you to LA. You'd be responsible for getting there, finding housing, schools, supporting yourselves, getting training, and, ultimately finding an agent, which is just the beginning. Traveling to LA from Ohio for auditions is pretty unrealistic. Did he say what you'd audition for...features, episodics (guest star, co-star, recurring) pilots, commercials, industrials???

We never got promised or told we would make for any thing but the school did say with a face like hers she wont have a problem making it and landing a pilot and that this is a chance of a life time we should do it or she wont get a chance again. We have not put anything in writing . They wanted to know if we could move to L.A. or comute

They actually told you she won't have a problem landing a pilot?!!! And that it is a chance of a lifetime...and that she won't get a chance again!!!!! YIKES! Nobody with any credibility in this biz would/should encourage a parent to up and move to LA without the kid being signed by an agency for representation. And even with representation, it is not recommended or wise to move to the LA market if the kid does not have solid credits already. Do you know how many people get sold those lines, then drop everything, move to LA and go bust? Just ask around and you will hear stories that will make your skin crawl. There are very experienced people out there with kids in the biz who have seen it all and try to help people out of messes after they bought into the sale...hook, line and sinker! Check out the PARF board...get it touch with Bizparentz. Believe me...it is NOT easy to make it or land a pilot...and the expense (financial and emotional) is WAYYYYYY more than you could ever imagine.

In this biz, if it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. You are being sold a fantasy...and you are paying WAY too much money for it. You already said you are not willing to leave your job with a nice salary for a whim...trust your gut on that.

Please read the stories and warnings on this board about A.C.T, JRP, etc. (and follow the links we've posted to other resources). Don't let yourself be a victim...turn yourself in to an educated consumer. Read and learn about the biz before you make any decisions.

babycakes2983, PLEASE listen to kipmil and the other moms on this board - they are here to help you! Honestly, I am sick that you spent that much money on nothing. If you and your daughter are serious about pursuing this, start locally. The Talent Group in Cleveland is an agency I know to be legit. I think you may be closer to Columbus, so check out agencies in that area as well.

babycakes, feel free to PM me if you have additional questions or concerns. PM is easy...just click on my name and choose "Invite kipmil to a Private Topic."

GL.