LOL, you guys. Okay, I'll bite.

Nole Marin was a name I used as a reference point for someone who has been in the industry for several years. (Semantics!)

I also know Shirley Grant, if it makes you guys feel better. (She's amazing, btw!)

My point, at the outset, was that it's inappropriate to call something a scam if you haven't actually been scammed. How this is incorrect somehow, is beyond me.

Yes, there are some companies in this industry that are awful; the same way that there are malicious photographers, talent scouts, coaches and otherwise.

My suggestion still stands, go out there and give it a go for yourself.

Lots of models and actors and singers got told no and did it their own way. When they make it, they're heroes. When they fail, they're idiots that got scammed for any services they invested in. If you're in a crappy band and you rent studio time and you don't get a record deal, did you get scammed?

This is ridiculous, y'all.

These companies would NOT exist if they didn't get folks work, but cheers to all of you guys being protective parents, because there aren't enough of you out there.

I do not work for PHAZE2. I am a parent of a child who was developed by the people of Phaze2. He is doing quite well in the industry. I am not saying that he couldn't have made it without them, but it was nice to have a start point. There are scams out there, absolutely, but I strongly feel that Phaze2 does not fall under this catagory.
Parents, "know your children". It's really easy to HEAR how cute your child is because you already know that. But does your child have what it takes? This is not an easy industry, and almost no one, especially kids come out of the gate a star. It sometimes takes 100 auditions before you get one booking. It is not for everyone.. by all means do your homework. Go check out Phaze2 they really are LEGIT.
One more thing, People who don't MAKE it, want to write about it, and have nothing positive to say. just think how may people want to be actors or models? Now think about how many you actually see on tv or movies, it's not that big of a playing field.
Good Luck!

Personally there are better known agencies and managers in the business that have casting calls that are free. There really isn't an up charge besides your travel, time and gas. You don't need to belong to their websites or have pro pictures taken to start.

So I wouldn't sign with a mall company. We started with Wilhelmina at an open casting.

This is just my opinion. If you are going to get started in the business realize it is a business and it is time consuming. So if you have a kid that is going to book - expect tons of go sees and bookings and driving, trains or subways cabs etc.

You have to have a commitment to the jobs and to hauling your butt all over (in our case) NYC. My kids love it and they love auditions - so I do it = but after a while you know what you will do and won't do. So - anyway - go with what you think is the right thing for you, your child and your family.

Here is free info. No need to get scouted at malls, pay people,ect. Check out these top NYC child agents websites in no particular order. All the info is there for submitting a child and yes a clear, clean, natural,simple pics looking like a kid in front of a blank wall in your house or under natural light will get your kid called in if they have the right look or size an agent is looking for at the time of submission. Start with agents then move onto managers. If you don't get any interest try again in 3-6 months.

Productmodelmgmt.com
Wilhelmmina.com
Fordmodels.com
cesdtalent.com
generationmm.com
FFTmodels.com
abramsartists.com

Great advice from mom2kids. True story!

okay, so MAYBE these "Mall Agencies" are not meant to be scams in the sense that they take your money and never do anything more for your child's career. BUT are they really looking for a partcilar "look" do they choose children who they really feel will succeed? Probably not. They will take anybody's money that is willing to give it to them. So yes, there are probably children who succeed but I'm willing to bet most do not.

I feel that anybody who wants to get into the business submit to one of the "free AND reputable" agencies. If their dream doesn't come true with one of these then MAYBE your child isn't meant for the business. If you feel that ALL of these agencies don't know what they are talking about then go ahead and pay TONS of money and take the chance that your child will never make that money back.

And might I add, even getting representation from any of these top agencies does not guarantee your child will be frequently requested for castings, be frequently booking nor making tons of money. It is a risk both the agencies and parents take. If you are too lazy or don't have the time to do your own research on submitting your children to these agencies then maybe you should reconsider the biz before paying someone that will virtually do the same thing if they are a legit scout.