Need Some Help ~ Anyone BTDT???
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive October 2005:
Need Some Help ~ Anyone BTDT???
OUr family is having to make a very dificult decision before 9pm tonite and I wondered if anyone has BTDT and could maybe give us some advice. Here's our situation:
Our 7 year old DD was "scouted" late this summer by a woman from a talent/modeling agency. She approached us as a family and we listened to her and my DD said she was interested in what she had to say. She took our contact info and said she would be in touch. Well, she called us about a week ago and made an appointment for a kind of "audition." It was last night. My DD had to get up on a stage with 20 other people (pre-teens, teens and 20 somethings.) They got up there one at a time and said who they were, how old they were, had to read a script they were given when we came in and then asked on a scale of 1-10 how much they were interested they were in this field of modeling/acting. The 2 "judges" had them all on camera and the kids had to turn in profile and all that junk. They were honest up front and said they were only going to chose 5 of the kids to continue on with this process.
We just got the call that our DD is one of the 5. We NEVER thought anything would come of this and now we are in the position of having to make a decision by 9pm EST tonite if we want to enroll her in the program that will potentially put her into contact with agents later next year. Here's the problem: we have to pay $300 down payment tonite over the phone if we say yes. The program she would be involved in starts THIS SAturday(that's why we have to decide right now) with a 6 hour day. One day every weekend until the end of November she would be attending the program (4-6 hours for each day of meeting.) The total cost of the program is about $1200.
We are very ignorant about all of this stuff and don't have a lot of time to educate ourselves. The woman on the phone was very nice and told us point-by-point what she liked about DD, why they chose her out of all the kids, and what she saw happening in her future (magazine and catalog photos, commercials, etc.)
Needless to say, we sat down with DD after the woman called and explained all of the work involved and how she would potentially have to give up some of her "fun things" to do all of this and she still said that this is what she wants to do. We don't want to tell her NO but we don't want to rush into this without someone with BTDT experience giving us some advice. We asked the woman if we could put this off for a year and she was honest when she said that our DD would have to "audition" again and it would all depend on who was up against her at that time. DD still wants to go after this now.
So....what would you do?? Does anybody have any experience in "the industry" good or bad who could lend some advice? HELP, we don't know what to do!!! 
I wouldn't do it. Anyone who want you to work for them and then requires you to pay them for something sounds bogus to me.
These sound like classes to teach her something, but the chances that you will actually make any money back is slim and to break into the modeling acting business is hard so it depends on what you want to do.
There was a dateline show about this. Anything requesting money is not legit! Be very careful!
Goodness, tough decision. I guess it would depend on what the Saturday program really involved and would it be worth the money and time? $1200 seems like a lot.
I'm sorry, I think I would lean towards no. If someone was interested in my DD for something ("industry"), then I would not put money out. Unless it was for headshots or something. Then, it's my understanding that if someone wants to represent you, then they do so without receiving payment. They make money when they get you work.
PS---the push for money tonight it a general technique to get you to pay before you can things through. Run! If your child is interested in acting pay for acting/drama classes but do not be pressured in this.
Good luck!
Well, I have not BTDT, but I do have a 7 yr. old ds. I personally, would not enroll him in a program that he has to spend 6 hours every weekend and that costs $1200. That is a lot of money to spend and a lot of time. What exactly are they going to be doing at these 6 hour sessions? I question anything that costs that much, especially when they are putting pressure on you to commit without much time to think about it. Also, this person approached you, have you checked them out? What do you know about the company and what is your dd going to get out of this? I just think the whole thing sounds kind of fishy. They want you to commit and put down a lot of money, without giving you time to check them out or to research anything. JMHO. Hopefully, someone that knows more about this will post.
Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission
If You've Got "The Look" . . . Look Out!
Avoiding Modeling Scams
What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says, "You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.
It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.
It's All an Act
If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Man, woman, or child — it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing — your money — and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.
What They Say vs. What They Mean
Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines.
"We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act."
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.
"Your deposit is totally refundable."
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.
"You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program."
We take almost everyone.
"There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program."
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.
"You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you."
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
"Commissions from our clients are our major source of income."
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.
Pose-itioning Yourself
To break into the business, you — the talent — need professional photos. There are two types of standard photographs — a "head shot" and a "composite card."
The typical marketing tool for an actor, experienced or not, the head shot usually is an 8" x 10" black and white photo of the face, with your resume printed on the back.
A "comp card," the typical marketing tool for the experienced model or the wannabe, usually features several shots on the same sheet, showing off the talent in different attire or settings.
Agencies and schools offer separate and distinct services. Make sure you know the difference.
Modeling (or talent) agencies secure employment for experienced models and actors. Some agents require that you sign up exclusively with them; others may allow you to register with them as well as with other agencies in town.
Modeling and acting schools claim to provide instruction — for a fee — in poise, posture, diction, skin care, make-up application, the proper walk, and more.
Modeling schools do not necessarily act as agents or find work for you — after you take their classes, you may be on your own.
Talent Tips
Steer clear of modeling companies that require you to use a specific photographer.
Compare fees and the work quality of several photographers.
Be suspicious if a company requires an up-front fee to serve as your agent.
Be cautious if the school has a special referral relationship with a specific modeling agency. The two could be splitting your fees, or the agency may not be suited to your needs.
Avoiding a Model Rip-Off
Ask yourself, "why me?" Don't let your emotions — and the company's flattery — take control. Think carefully and critically about how you were approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have been approached.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a blank copy of the contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.
Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.
Be wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in small markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work is irregular.
Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured successful work — recently — based on the company's training.
Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they've hired models and actors from the agency.
Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the "biggest" agency or a "major player" in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city or town.
Realize that different parts of the country have different needs. For example, New York is recognized for fashion modeling; the Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or training films.
Ask if the company/school is licensed or bonded, if that's required by your state. Verify this information with the appropriate authorities, such as your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General. Make sure the license is current.
Ask your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file about the company.
Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made orally.
Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract and company literature, in a safe place.
You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face
A special word to parents of infants and toddlers
Think your child is model material? Bogus talents scouts do. And they'll gladly set up a professional photo shoot to allegedly help you get modeling and acting jobs for your tyke. Of course, they don't tell you that the market for infant models and actors is very small. What's more, because an infant's looks change quickly, the photos become outdated. In truth, few infants are marketed with professional photos. Legitimate agents, advertising agencies, casting directors and producers generally ask for casual snapshots of infants that have been taken by family members or friends.
Where to Complain
If you've think you've been scammed by a bogus model or talent scout, contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau. They're in your local directory assistance.
You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone: toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: 202-326-2502; by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or through the Internet, using the online complaint form. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations.
The FTC publishes free brochures on many consumer issues. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357), TDD 202-326-2502.
I wouldn't do it. It has been suggested to me that I take one of my kids to an open call for modeling. It's free, and even if the agency decides to represent her, they get no money until she makes money. They then take a cut.
I called an agency and asked about classes, and they told me that they let people know about one day audition classes, etc, but they are through people who do just that. They are still not making money off of us.
I would think that if they really wanted your daughter, they wouldn't be rushing you into this, and wouldn't expect such a big payment over the phone!
Didn't have time to read all of the posts but here you go.
My DS did some modeling. It never cost us a penny! He made about $300 and I decided to stop after 4 months because we always had to drive to LA for interviews and such.
Let us know what you decide.
Yvonne, thank you for posting such complete information. I was pretty sure it is a scam but don't have time to do the research - and you have done it all.
And Andi has direct experience.
I agree with all above - it is a scam, bogus, and you will spend a lot of money for very little chance that you or your dd will get anything out of it except a credit card debt and heartbreak.
DOn't do it, you should never have to pay for modeling, ever!
The only thing you should have to pay for in modeling is your head shots.
Well, here it is at 7pm and we have made our decision!! After reading all of this WONDERFUL advice and doing some very hard thinking, DH and I have decided that it is just not right for DD right now.
I neglected to say in my original post that included in that price are actual modeling/acting classes, head shots AND the start of a portfolio but we have still decided against it.
From the start we were not comfortable with the rush-rush of it all. We were not comfortable with needing that money right up front and it just wasn't sitting right with either of us.
Sometimes one just needs to hear from others that those parental instincts are right, ya know!!??
We do know that there are 2 really good children's theater companies within an hour of our house, so we are going to start there and see how much DD really likes it before we put a ton of money into it. I know she will be disappointed when we first tell her that we have decided against it but she will be thrilled when we tell her we found these 2 companies for children's theater. I think she will love that!!
Thank you all so much for answering my post and for giving us great advice!!
I wouldn't do it either. Too expensive.
Kids modeling does not pay much and auditions take time to do. I
My dd was asked to go to an open call a few years back. In the end they were going to charge us $500. to have her headshot in a catalog that "all agencies" look at for picking models. That was a huge red flag for us. Anything paid up front is a money making business for the other people...not the potential model.
I agree that this particular way to go about getting dd into modeling is a very risky one.
I think that is the best decision. That sounds like a scam to me and the children's theater sounds like a much better way to spend your money!
My daughter has done modeling. Don't ever do it if you have to pay up front. If someone really wants her, they will pay her.
That is the #1 rule in modeling/acting. NEVER pay someone like that.
And, a little different view on something posted above. Kids modeling can and does pay quite a bit!
I am confident that you did the right thing. I know a lady who has a son who was very active in community theatre at the age of 13, and even starred in a couple of commercials. But he decided not to pursue a career b/c he wanted to do normal teenage stuff, like school, football, buddies, and girls.
If your girl wishes to pursue showbiz, she should do it slowly. Community theatre or local modeling would be a great start.
I think its a good decision that you choose not to do it.
I am with everybody else, scam, glad you didnt do it
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