Dream Stealers
Do you remember the story of ‘Joseph’ in the Bible? It’s a famous story, and it’s been made into a popular Broadway musical. In the Bible, Joseph had a dream. His dream was from God. Although he was just a young shepherd, God told him that he would one day be a great man- a ruler. Joseph was pretty excited about his dream, and he ran to tell his brothers. They were jealous of Joseph, and the Bible says, “they hated him yet the more.” (See Genesis Chapters 37-50.) If you have a dream to model, act, sing, or dance, beware of people and companies who may hate your dream or steal it. AMTC will guard and promote your dream in an honest, effective way. We believe we must warn you of Dreams Stealers and scams in today’s world that have been reported to us by many people.
Be Careful of:
Anyone who promises or implies placement.
No matter how beautiful or talented you may be, no one can guarantee your success.
Franchise schools who use high pressure sales or ‘bait and switch’ advertising.
Franchise schools who have been reported to AMTC with frequent complaints include John Robert Powers, Barbizon, and John Casablancas (JCC). Reports come in of extremely high prices for courses or a convention that offer inferior instruction, false promises, or no agent contacts.
What is ‘bait and switch’ advertising?
Franchise schools or events may advertise a well-known casting director who is coming into town to ‘audition.’ Here’s the “switch” part: you are really auditioning for classes- not a job, and everyone is selected. Once you pay for a high-priced class (often $3000), you will then be ‘auditioned’ or ‘encouraged’ to take another class or go to a subsequent convention, including iPop, IMTA, MB Expo, or Barbizon. These conventions are extraordinarily expensive and do not guarantee each and every contestant the ability to interview with even one reputable agent- much less an up-to-date, industry-ready and uplifting education.
A company or photographer selling a “portfolio” of pictures for a high fee.
A professional fashion photo session often ranges between $200.00 and $500.00; a “portfolio” is made over time with many photographers and actual jobs. The best photographers are usually found with recommendations from top agencies.
A traveling company that no one knows.
Be careful of traveling salesmen. Investigate them.
A new agency, photographer, or a company without a track record.
“New” is risky in the modeling or talent industry. Try to work with a company that has a solid reputation.
“Agencies” that travel into your community to sell you photos or comp cards.
Get to know an Agency and their reputation before having photos made. We do not know of any legit agencies that travel and sell photos or representation.
Companies that sell internet representation.
Major clients want to book experienced agency models, as opposed to unknown models from photos that can be altered.
“Agencies” that charge a fee to join.
Agencies do not charge a fee to join. They make their income by taking a percentage of your income. However, we do not know of any free rides in the modeling or talent industries. Expect to pay money for travel, photos, postage, and marketing materials.
A company with a poor record from the Better Business Bureau.
A company that does not answer its phone calls or return messages.
A company without an excellent web site, published placements, and/or referrals from industry leaders.
Your gut feeling tells you, “no.”
It doesn’t feel right. The staff is pushy or arrogant.
Q: How can I tell if an Agency, Photographer, or Talent Company is reputable?
A: You should look at 4 factors in judging a company or individual new to you:
- History: How long have they been in business? New can be risky in this industry.
- Reputation: What do their peers say about them? Are they licensed? What is their BBB record? Do they have testimonials from their customers?
- Success Stories: All successful modeling and talent agencies, conventions, photographers, and companies display their successes.
- Gut Feeling: How do you feel about what you have heard? Do you feel “pushed” or “promised” anything? Never ignore your basic good sense.
