We have all heard the story of the stranger in the mall who poses as a talent scout promising fame and fortune to people with stars in their eyes.
Who wouldn’t be flattered?
He approaches an unsuspecting person, praises her “look,” explains that he is in the midst of a search for a specific type that, as luck would have it, he sees in her.
He hands her a business card and asks her to call him to set up an appointment.
Seems too good to be true, but what harm is there in meeting the guy?
Beware, says Brenda Mack, a spokesperson for the Federal Trade Commission, which published “If You’ve Got The Look, Look Out,” a consumer report on how to avoid talent scams. What could be waiting is a hard sales pitch for acting lessons, photo sessions and so-called training programs that can cost up to several thousand dollars and lead nowhere.
“If you decide to pursue this, listen carefully to what they are saying,” Mack says. “It’s best to be cautious. Know that legitimate talent agencies don’t require money up front and don’t make promises about how much money will be made.”
Jessica Schoenholtz, a talent manager for J. Mitchell Management, a New York City talent management firm that represents children in commercials, film, television and theater, explains that legitimate talent agents and managers earn their fees only from commissions based on what a client actually earns.
No gig, no money.
“The whole scouting thing should seem suspect because most agencies don’t have that kind of budget or time or manpower to devote to that kind of search,” she said. “You also have to wonder how many other people have been approached.”
Gullible parents who believe their child has the cutest little baby face are easy prey, though, Schoenholtz says. “They are led to believe that it is required to shell out hundreds and thousands of dollars for pictures, portfolios, screen tests, acting lessons, initiation fees and Web site memberships.”
To find an agent, check Ross Reports, considered the definitive guide to the television and film industry.
Its listings of casting directors, agents, network prime-time programs, daytime serials, television and network producers and packagers, and films in preparation and development in New York City and Los Angeles are updated monthly.
Collect a list of talent agents and managers and send them a picture with a resume, Schoenholtz says. Or audition during open casting calls held by firms such as JMM.
“People come in with their information sheet and recite a commercial for their age group,” Schoenholtz explains. “Anyone can come in. It’s a quick way to tell if there is something interesting.” In the meantime, watch out for scams.
“There are organizations that call themselves development centers,” Schoenholtz says. “They say they can teach modeling and offer picture services. They say they have contacts, but many don’t.” Mack says consumers should also be cautious of print and Web advertisements that promise stardom. “A legitimate agency generally does not advertise,” she says.
Schoenholtz warns of Web sites that post pictures and claim to be insider sites. “Industry professionals may casually look at these but it’s not guaranteed like [the site owners] claim,” she says.
Be wary
The Federal Trade Commission posts the following tips on its Web site:
– Be skeptical of companies that require the use of a specific photographer, or payment in cash or money order.
– Be cautious of a school that claims relationships with specific agencies.
– Ask for names of actors who have secured successful work, and check with companies to verify they hired actors from the agency.
– Research agencies with the local consumer protection agency.
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Edited by Lara Weber (lweber@tribune.com) and alBerto Trevino (atrevino@tribune.com)
