Child Acting Scams
How to spot and separate a child acting / modeling scam from real opportunities.
The showbiz industry is filled with unscrupulous companies that pray on unsuspecting parents. The scammers know their targets well. They know that ALL parents think their children are talented, beautiful and smart. They know that proud parents want their children to be happy and succeed. They also know that all parents think their child has that “something special” quality to be the next big child star.
The truth is… we all have kids. They are all great and cute. There are millions of them and millions of parents who can be taken by sales pitches that feed the need to hear “Your kid should be a star”.
Here is how the scam works…
You answer a casting notice, get approached in a mall, or even get a phone call after filling something out online. The sales person pretending to be in the industry and posing as a casting director, agent or some other title tells you your child is “perfect” and would like you to audition for some part.
Excited you go to the audition with your kid in tow. Your child is also excited at this point. Once there you realize that there are 100′s of others there and that it is not a “real” audition. There is no part to fill, script to memorize or production company there. It is a sales meeting and you are in the audience. Someone goes up and reads a pitch to all the excited kids and parents. They tell you your kids were chosen to be a part of the showbiz industry. They go into how much fame and fortune the kids will achieve. Every word spoken is meant to excite your child to a point where it would break their heart if you said “no” at the end.
Now comes the end… What do you need to do to make your child’s dreams come true? Pay up. What else. This entire sales session was meant to pump you guys up to pay for expensive, inferior classes, worthless acting workshops and poor quality portfolios. They have now convinced your child that “if only” their parents would cough up the 1000′s, they would be stars. They tell you that there are tons of companies who need “new faces”… and miraculously, can’t find them in the sea of over population outside. “New faces” and cute kids are hard to come by and companies will pay fortunes, they stop short of trying to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. You and your child MUST buy their services or their dreams of stardom can never be.
At this point, the scammers expect proud parents to fold into the pressures of “mom, please” and pay the cash. And, luckily for them, many do.
How to protect yourself and your child
Do not believe anyone who approaches you out of the blue. The scammers pay people to hang out at malls and shopping centers to sign up kids for these things… It’s all fake.
Be very careful when answering open call and auditions. When a real production company needs someone, they need someone specific, as in 8-9 year old Indian girl who can ride a horse. If you go to a casting and see tons of kids with nothing in common of different age groups, then it’s most likely a scam and be very skeptical.
If it turns out to be a sales meeting, run. DO NOT allow your child to sit in.
NEVER pay up front fees for anything. This is supposed to be a job — meaning YOU get paid.
ALWAYS do your research. Google company names, agent names, etc. If you find nothing at all then it may be fake. Legit companies have tons of info available about them and their employees. Many companies that operate in the gray change names and locations often. Finding very little or no information at all should be a red flag.
Learn to read between the lines.
Their commissions depend on making you feel special and selected for something special. They have honed their sales pitch and know how to pull heart strings.
this is from the ftc
Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down. Take a look at what is said and what it means.
“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 everyone with money.
“There’s a guaranteed refund if you’re not accepted into the program.” - Everyone’s accepted so you can 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 suckers like you.
“I saw your child’s photo and think she is perfect for ‘fill in blank’ , the job pays $800 a day, I would like to submit her to the job “ – for a fee I will forward her info to the other scammer I found in a free CraigsList ad for kid auditions.
It is up to you to protect your child! All the above is unethical but NOT illegal. Authorities will not help you when you lose your money and your child gets no work.
These days there is little work for kids with years of training living in large markets whose families are in the business. The last thing a legit casting director for an ad campaign will do is travel small town malls seeking talent. Stay grounded in reality and never allow high pressure sales tactics to sway your judgement.
The Nigerian 419 scam and the acting twist.
If you think it’s unscrupulous sales people praying on dreams of fame and fortune, think again. The Nigerians entered the act as well. They are posting fake casting calls, trolling online profiles and contacting wanna bees with checks in hand.
How it works is they contact you through a submission through CraigsList, any online casting call, an email or a contact on a acting profile. They tell you they are casting directors and have cast you for a high paying role in your city. They love you so much from your pic that they will pre-pay you for the shoot… COOL! right? ahhh, wrong!
They send you a fake cashier’s check from an international bank. You are requested to keep your pay and forward the remainder to their crew for the shoot via western union. Your bank cashes the check and you forward the rest as told. 2 days later your bank holds you accountable for the thousands of dollars you withdrew against a fake check.
Authorities can not help you and you are left holding the bag. You cashed a check from a bad source against your account! These people are in Africa, US authorities can not touch them and they know it!
How to Get your child into Acting for “real”
Forget about fame and fortune and concentrate on your kid having fun with it and improving their skills.
Get your child involved in school plays, local theater groups and local student film projects. None of these will pay a dime but will give your child the experience needed to get an agent. In small markets, agents may not always be required.
Find out what is being filmed in your area and contact the legit casting companies. Join their lists. Most cities have a few background agencies that allow anyone to register for a small fee and many casting directors hold monthly open auditions for new talent.
Many states have websites dedicated to the film industry and production in the state. They are a good source of local info for small markets.
Check with Union sites. SAG, AFTRA, Actors Equity, all have lists of licensed agents and other valuable information.
The only real way into the industry is with a resume, training, hard work and an agent. An agent will not see your child unless they have some experience and training. Send your child to community acting classes and local workshops. Network with other families that are involved within your community.
Once you get an agent, it will be up to you to get your child to the auditions your agent sends you on. Be ready for lots of disappointment. This is not easy work. For every small gig your child lands there will be dozens he didn’t. If your child enjoys it and has a true passion for the art, he will succeed.
Check out the following related pages and articles
Comments
Comment from amyjane
Time 01/09/2011 at 4:14 AM
Do you know of any great agencies in Ontario Canada?
Comment from marine
Time 02/03/2011 at 6:43 AM
As a mom who’s been approached at the mall many times and has gone to one of these “sales invents” this was very useful info…thank you!
Comment from Monica Lambert
Time 02/09/2011 at 6:45 AM
thank you so much for all your information, it has helped me a great deal in understanding what to do and not because I have already ran into some scam artist. Im going to keep doing my home work with the information that you guys provided, nice to no there is some truth in California, i no its hard out here but to pray on peps is not cool.
Comment from Sammy
Time 02/21/2011 at 3:59 AM
hey i signed online for modeling singing and acting. the next day they got to me and it sounded very profesional and they booked a apoointment with my parent in new jerseyy. they said that if im not wat they r looking for then theyll say thanks for coming and bye but if they think i have talent then ill work together with the producers and directors. but i might have to pay , if they ask for money is it a scamm?? because dont we usually have to pay at first then they start paying uss?
Comment from free audition listings
Time 02/21/2011 at 9:43 AM
if they ask for money for lessons, conventions, joining their website and other expensive things then yes. Reputable agents will not sign you up online, they see you in person. You send them resumes and headshots by mail.
Comment from REBECCA
Time 03/04/2011 at 2:31 AM
I was wanted about the company kidztofame scouting agency. They state they only accept 7% of their application and you are one of the lucky ones. They make you answer these questions on a form they email you and they only give you 48 hours to complete it and send it back. You then get a final confirmation a few days later saying congrats again they accept you too their scouting agency but you have to pay 495.00 for them to represent you. I am nervous about making a move like this. Can anyone give me any advice on what to do or if they know anything about this company.
Comment from REBECCA
Time 03/04/2011 at 2:36 AM
I was wondering if anyone know about the scouting agency called KIDZ TO FAME. Their website is KIDZTOFAME.com. After you apply a few days later they said you a email saying that you made it though the first round and ask you to fill out a form and have it back to them with in 48 hous. They also ask for more head shots as well as a pic of your family. Then a few more days later after that has been submitted I got another letter saying congrats your child has been selected but you have to pay a fee of 495.00 for them to represent your child. Is this a scam? I dont want to make a mistake a pay for something I shouldnt. Please help me!
Comment from free audition listings
Time 03/05/2011 at 12:41 AM
sounds like a scam… ‘scouting agency’???, A legit agent will not ask for money. Actually, in many States such as CA it is not legal to do so. Send headshots out to legit agents(will never ask you for a signup fee). Don’t believe the 7% thing! A sales persons job is to make you feel ‘lucky’ to be selected, their commissions depend on you lowering your defense and making you feel like you were the only one chosen and privileged to hand them over your money. Just a sales tactic.
Comment from Anna
Time 04/17/2011 at 8:29 PM
Rebecca, my kid got the same thing! Did you ever sign up?
Comment from Emily
Time 05/11/2011 at 6:07 PM
I got the same response from Kidz to Fame and my husband and I decided to give it a try and pay the $495. That was 2 days ago and we have already gotten the contact information for one possible audition. We will have to see where it goes moving forward. This industry is crazy so we don’t expect anything overnite. Either way, the representative who is my contact with the company (Brandon) is fabulous so I have high hopes. I will update as things progress. You can also look on Babycenter and see some responses from mom’s who have also used this company. Trust me, I Googled the heck out of them before they got my money.
Comment from Libby
Time 06/14/2011 at 11:38 PM
OMG—I just got a call from Brandon tonight! Did anything ever happen? There is no way we will pay up front! He said they had someone already in line for our baby! I find this very hard to believe!
Comment from Jessica
Time 06/23/2011 at 3:18 PM
I got the same EXACT thing from Kidz to Fame. I am researching them right now and everybody keeps mentioning this Brandon guy. Sounds to me its more and more of a scam unless Brandon is the only “agent” they have working for them.
Comment from Harlee
Time 07/01/2011 at 7:36 PM
I run a production company. I know this business. These types of “agencies” are the black sheep of the entertainment business. Rule of thumb.. you NEVER EVER pay anyone to represent you. NEVER. That is not how it works. Anyone who requires payment before work is running a huge scam. Agents, by law, receive a set percentage from work they have gotten an actor. So if an actor is paid $75 per hour, the talent would receive $60 and $15 goes to the agent. Agents do not represent talent they can not get work for because they do not get paid otherwise. Be aware that there is no licensing for agents either, so anyone can claim to be one. And trolling the internet is no guarantee since it takes no time at all to put a ton of positive comments out there about yourself. It is so easy to prey on parents with stars in their eyes. These conventions that say you will meet agents (and you foot the bill for travel, accommodations, and a fee to be seen) are the same thing. Watch out for the ones that you hear on the radio saying that they will be at a hotel in your area. SAME THING. Parents have got to be smart and must be their child’s advocate. If you do not know the business, find out, and never pay for anything upfront, not even pictures. If someone says you must use their photographer and pay… RUN in the opposite direction. I have seen this all too often. When someone wants you for a project, they will pay YOU, they will provide transportation and lodging, and they will be willing to take any picture, even if it in front of the Christmas tree.
Comment from britni larsen
Time 07/06/2011 at 2:46 AM
I’ve had my daughter with Kidz to Fame and I actually work with Brandon and Sarah.
This “Harlee” person who claims to be a production company has no clue what they’re talking about.
My daughter was connected with numerous agencies and managers and booked 5 jobs, including a TV spot for Mattel and one for Macy’s last year. So, “Harlee” get your facts straight. First to correct you, Kidz to Fame never said they were an agency. They helped me get my 16 month daughter an agent and a manager, that I was unable to do on my own. I tried and spent a lot of time and money. Harlee, if you actually really knew this industry, you would know that no agent or manager will take kids under the age of 5, unless theyve already worked on TV. That’s a fact. I contacted every agent and manager in this country practically. Most of them basically said “no babies” and hung up on me!! I got very discouraged. Then, I found kidz to fame, recommended by a REAL producer in NYC. So, I really think you opened your mouth before you actually knew what you were speaking about. I receive amazing service from the reps at Kidz to Fame and was extremely annoyed when I found this post. It’s really annoying when people open their mouths up on line and try to bash a great company when they’re speaking total MIS truths. They basically do all the initial footwork for newbie parents and get you connected with the right agencies and managers. They also work with me almost on a daily basis with all the ins and outs of this crazy business. They helped me get a work permit, open a trust account, went over contracts with me, etc all for $495.00. I would have paid 3x that amount! Give me a break! Youre calling them a scam based on what? I’m an actual client that has worked and will tell other moms trying to break into this that getting a young child started in this business with no prior experience is almost impossible. Kidz to Fame got me with agencies and managers that I have submitted to for years with no luck at all. Scam? hardly. If people are going to bash companies on line, then “hide’ their identity, they’re nothing but cowards. I WILL identitfy myself. My name is Britni Larsen and my email is britni11031@yahoo.com. If any newbie mothers wishes to contact me for advice please do so. I would be glad to help you! To Harlee, you claim to be a production company. Please provide all of us the website to your production company so we can all verify who YOU are. You have nothing to hide….right Harlee? The kidz to fame reps have been wonderful, basically they have walked my husband and I through the very windy road of this endeavor. Yes, in any business there’s good and bad. Kidz to Fame has been around for years and years, obviously they’re doing soemthing right. Their kids book all kinds of jobs. My daughter, to date, has earned enough already to pay for a year and a half of college. I would hardly say that’s a scam. Some ignorant person spouting their mouth off on line is more of a scam to me. The business takes a little time, energy and money to start and A LOT of luck. If any parent thinks they’re going to start this based on luck and a cute kid, it’s just not at all reality. How do I know this? Because I was one of of those uninformed moms.
Good luck everyone.
To Harlee, get a clue. Find out what you’re speaking about before you actually open your mouth. We’ll be waiting for you to post your website. I’m also emailing a copy of this to the great reps at kidz to fame in case they wish to reply. I’m sure they probably have better things to do, like me, but, this got me real angry so I needed to put my two sense in.
bye… Britni
PROUD KIDZ TO FAME supporter
Love you Brandon and Sarah!!!!!!!!! xoxo
btw…. we have 2 auditions this week!!!!!!
Comment from jeremy toppeland
Time 07/06/2011 at 2:44 PM
Edit from the webmaster
************************
This is Erica, the person who runs this site, know the following and make your own judgments on what the commenter recommends
**** This person has posted as 3 different people so far ********
susan holiday, says they are a parent
IP address
97.80.104.123
leo laughlin, says they are a parent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
jeremy toppeland, says they are a agent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
*****************************************
End of webmaster edit
*****************
hey writers, my assistant found this chat and i wanted to quickly reply giving you some advice as i’m an agent in chicago and florida and i book babies and young children for a living, that’s what i do, so listen up, here’s my advice:
i do NOT EVER work with babies from parents mailing in pictures. sorry its too much work dealing with newbie parents. young children need work permits, trust accounts, there’s never ending child labor laws to deal, young kids pictures have to be updated constantly and kids do not have to be unionized (SAG-Screen Actors Guild) until the child is 4.
Also, finding the right parents with the right kids is also nearly impossible. many parents are doing this for the wrong reasons, trying to cash in from their cute kid or the moms are plain “pain in the butts”, same as the pageant mothers. Yuk!
So, in a nutshell, any new parent thats giving advice on how easy it is to send pictures of their cute kid to an agent or management company and get representation have no idea what theyre actually talking about. with older kids, teens to adults, you can do those time consuming and expensive mass mailings to us, but, with babies, no way! this is why agencies or managers who work with babies go through third party companies to scout them. i, myself have used kidz to fame over the years and have only gotten great kids and parents from them. they screen out the “seedy” parents and kids not cut out for this. then, once i sign their kids, they continue working with the parents on educating the parents and answering all of those never ending questions i spoke about. further, they dont take a percentage from bookings so obviously they charge a fee. what some of these parents got confused, which is obvious from what they wrote was that kidz to fame is not your agency or manager. they get you connected to people like me. agents and managers do work on commission. the hard part is getting connected with one when you have a young child with no work experience. Also, if your kids ends up working, you don’t have to worry about paying any commission to them, which would add up to much more than paying their flat rate. I only hear fantastic things about the kidz to fame reps!
if i wasn’t making money from their clients, i wouldnt be working with them for so many years.
i have worked with paula and brian. i dont know brandon but i have heard parents love him. many of their reps used to be agents or models themselves.
i also have to make a comment to that harlee person as well. this person claims that ANYONE can be an agent. that’s the furthest from the facts harlee. talent agencies must be licensed through the State they do business in, in most states, they must also carry a surety bond to ensure payments to clients on jobs, go through a crminal background check, get finger printed, etc…. harlee you’re way off!
So, once again, many newbies write things when they don’t know what they’re speaking about. (Britni above- you were right on!)
To sum it up, any legit agent or manager works on commission off work. that’s correct, that’s always the way it’s been. HOWEVER PARENTS; THAT DOESN’T MEAN THAT YOUR NOT GOING TO SPEND MONEY OR TIME IN THIS PROCESS. Nothing is this world is free, come on. For older children and teens, you will need professional pictures, coaching, training, and so on and YES! the parents pay for these industry “tools”. If youre a parent struggling in this tough economy right now, this business is probably not for you. It costs money, period.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, PROFESSIONAL PICS ARE NOT REQUIRED! PROFESSIONAL SCOUTING AGENCIES LIKE THE KIDZ TO FAME COMPANY, WILL WORK WITH REGULAR SNAPSHOTS. THAT’S IT.
If any company tells you to “buy” a $3,000 portfolio on a baby….run the other way… fast…. they ARE trying to scam you! Young kids change too quickly to invest in pictures!
Good luck people. Please don’t ask for my office mailing address. Like I said, I do not deal with parents and kids directly. I did want to take the time to reply to this blog though since there was so much inaccurate info being shared and i too got very annoyed.
take care and good luck,
Jeremy
Commercial, Film and Print Agent
Chicago, Florida
REMEMBER, IF IT WAS THAT EASY TO GET YOUR CUTE KID ON TV, EVERYONE WOULD BE DOING IT…… IT’S NOT.
A CHILD CAN NOT BOOK THE LEGIT JOBS OUT THERE WITHOUT GETTING A PROFESSIONAL AGENCY OR MANAGER TO REPRESENT THEM!
Comment from Cynthia
Time 07/06/2011 at 8:35 PM
The last 2 commenters sound like Kids to Fame reps.
Here is some input from an employee / ex employee – very enlightening
http://www.ripoffreport.com/modeling-talent-agencies/thetalent-network-ki/kids-talent-network-alex-simo-b9ac8.htm
I looked up the company, here is the info
Other names Kids to fame / Kidz 2 fame has gone by is Kids Talent Network, model republic and The Talent Network. They all share the same address.
Model Republic aka
The Talent Network, LLC
7473 W. Lake Mead Blvd. #100
Kids 2 Fame
(702) 562-1230
7473 W. Lake Mead Blvd. #100, Las Vegas, NV 89128
http://www.kids2fame.com
Las Vegas, NV 89128
Kids2fame website info:
Domain Name: KIDS2FAME.COM
Registrar: GODADDY.COM, INC.
Whois Server: whois.godaddy.com
Referral URL: http://registrar.godaddy.com
Creation Date: 11-jan-2010
Expiration Date: 11-jan-2012
Kidztofame.com
Created on: 09-Sep-10
Expires on: 09-Sep-11
The websites were created in 2010 – so they are either new, or changed names last year.
BBB listing – http://www.bbb.org/southern-nevada/business-reviews/modeling-and-talent-agencies/kids-2-fame-in-las-vegas-nv-81829
Rip Off Reports
http://www.ripoffreport.com/talent-scouts/kids2fame/kids2fame-model-republic-huge-ee45a.htm
http://www.ripoffreport.com/bbb-better-business-bureau/kids-talent-network/kids-talent-network-model-re-26f8e.htm
http://www.ripoffreport.com/modeling-agencies/kids-talent-network/kids-talent-network-alex-sim-wae79.htm
There are too many ROR reports to list here, you can Google the different company names.
If they are legit, why are they changing names? I think the only reason to keep changing company names is to hide the bad press and tons of ripoff reports.
Again, here is what their employee had to say http://www.ripoffreport.com/modeling-talent-agencies/thetalent-network-ki/kids-talent-network-alex-simo-b9ac8.htm
Comment from britni larsen
Time 07/06/2011 at 11:22 PM
Hey, Brit here again!
To dear “Cynthia” to clarify, NO, I’m not a rep I’m a client. I very happy one. So, when I see people referencing things that are total bs it’s irritating.
Sorry, I’m not that gullable to believe anything I read on line. If you Google Rip Off Report, you’ll find out that the owner, Ed Magedson, is a wanted fugitive by the FBI for Extortion and Fraud. I thought this link was interesting…. ezripofflawsuit He’s got over $50 million dollars in unpaid law suit judgements against him for creating phoney bad press on companies all over the world, then submitting them to various search enjines like Google and Yahoo!. Then, he approaches the business and offers to “clear up the mess” (that HE himself created) for a mere $50,000. Yeah, that websites real reliable!!!!
Now, on to the BBB. I guess you ALSO missed the 3 part expose on what a SCAM the Better Business Bureau is on ABC’s 20/20 last month? The BBB will give A grades to anyone who will pay them and write negative statements about those who dont! Wolfgang Puck and The Ritz Carlton and DisneyLand and others are suing the Better Business Bureau. On top of that thanks to 20/20 the organization is under indictment now in 6 states.
See Cynthia, I can do research too. So, “Google” all you want. Why are you putting so much time into this? Maybe there’s something more your not telling us? I was HONEST enough to give my contact info so any new parent can contact me for the facts of the baby business. Anyone who can’t identify themselves obviously are not that confident of what they’re saying or they wouldn’t be hiding behind their computer….hello?
Maybe your kid never was successful doing this, maybe this is personal for whatever reason you’re not sharing, who knows and who cares Cynthia, sure that’s your real name!
If people are so sure about what they’re saying is accurate, why hide?
I’m not! I posted my real name and real email address.
Who’s playing games here?
LOL! Get a life people!
Comment from Cynthia
Time 07/07/2011 at 2:52 AM
Britini – you are a sales rep for scammy operations and have been for years. here you are defending flash cast which from my Google search seems to have been closed down and indited by the LA city attorney in 2009 for the same type of operation. BTW, those are now not legal businesses in California. Nevada seems to be the place for them to go now since their laws still allow it.
in one post you say you are an agent, in another post you are a client? lies all around. Pick a story. You are not looking good.
here you are as an agent http://www.babycenter.com/400_is-kidz-to-fame-true-modeling-company_8316706_924.bc
here you are as a client defending these guys years back http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/posts-fake-casting-calls-c77004.html
**PRESS RELEASE**
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009
CHILDRENS TALENT SERVICE CONVICTED OF DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES
LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles City Attorneys Office today announced it has secured criminal convictions of the owner and operator of two Los Angeles talent services — Scooters Fab Flashcast a childrens talent broker — and Model Management, Inc. a talent agency for models — for deceptive business practices, following a successful prosecution by Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert of the Consumer Protection Unit.
Scooters operator, Carl Ken Carranza, and its owner, Flashcast Companies Inc., each pled no contest to two counts of false advertising and were placed on 36 months probation and sentenced to 90 days in jail or 600 hours of community service. Carranza and the Corporation were also ordered to pay $17,145 in restitution to 11 victims, not to attempt to collect any portion of outstanding fees from persons who notify the court by November 5 and to prominently display on future advertisements that the company is not a free service. Located in Universal City, Scooters Fab Flashcast now doing business as Scooters Kidz issued misleading advertisements primarily on the internet at craigslist.org appearing to offer a no-cost talent search for babies and young children for jobs in modeling, catalogs and television commercials. Parents responding to the advertisement spent hours at an audition only to discover that the company was in fact a service offering to obtain a licensed talent agent for their child at a cost of $1,495.
how funny, i have also been with fab flashcast since 2002 and they are great!!!
Here is her post about the scammers that got caught.
what idiot is trying to rag on them. the last client made a very good point. Fab Flashcast does not get the jobs for their kids, the agents do. so, these MORANS saying that Carl claims he casting for these big jobs with a casting director in his office is complete bu–sh–. They don’t do that.
Very smart of Linda to pick this up. obviously, someone is trying to damage Fab Flashcast because they have been around for over 20 years plus.
You can email me anytime at britni11031@yahoo.com for any info. on Fab Flashcast. They are wonderful people to work with. We would have never gotten the agent we had if it weren’t for Carl and Debbie.
Good luck,
Britni
Beverly Hills
link to her post http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/posts-fake-casting-calls-c77004.html
There are multiple posts by Britini rebutting to kids to fame complaints. Actually, a search goes back to 2006 and some other modeling scam that got closed down.
Wow, those wonderful people from your past got indited for scamming parents. Get a REAL job and stop scamming people!
Parents Beware
time to switch emails?
I am a mother that has been scammed before. I was approached by kids to fame and did my due diligence before handing out 500 bucks. I am glad I did.
Comment from leo laughlin
Time 07/07/2011 at 3:08 PM
Edit from the webmaster
************************
This is Erica, the person who runs this site, know the following and make your own judgments on what the commenter recommends
**** This person has posted as 3 different people so far ********
susan holiday, says they are a parent
IP address
97.80.104.123
leo laughlin, says they are a parent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
jeremy toppeland, says they are a agent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
*****************************************
End of webmaster edit
*****************
HERE’S AN OUTSIDER’S TAKE ON THIS WHOLE THING:
You people are so negative at each other. Geeezzzz. With all the bad stuff going on the in world you’re attacking each other over modeling and acting stuff?
Come on….. are we serious here? I want to chat not attack anyone or any company. People that attack and point fingers don’t come off credible.
I don’t have any interest in this business at all, my older daughter is in it.
She actually attended one of the Talent Conventions that were being bashed above. Well, she got scouted by Elite Model Management and Zoli Model Management in NYC and she’s been living in New York for almost 3 years and has been working non stop doing print work. She’s made quite a bit of money. She did it because she really wanted it. So, yes, we invested in it and it paid off. The convention company we went through had negative links on line, so what? Competitors, disgruntled employees, people who didn’t get agents, negative people in general.
You guys keep talking about money getting into this. The money we paid was well worth it even is she didn’t get an agent and we know many don’t! It was an experience of a lifetime for her! Welcome to that industry is what I say. That’s the nature of the whole business….isn’t it people?
Honestly, you guys sound very immature, just being honest. If a parent selects to pursue a certain way of breaking into an industry, who is anyone to go on a rampage saying how much they or we got ripped off.
I’ve never seen anything like it. I think these negative people are all persons who, for whatever reason, never were successful themselves. Does that ring true here? I think so.
Discuss something without attacking each other. We’re all human….right?
Regarding Internet stuff, I’m an expert in SEO work. First, anyone can post anything, use any name, any email address, change-alter dates, add names, delete names, add or change photos, make up phony press releases, copy other person’s email addresses, and so on. It’s not hard.
One thing most all people should have learned at this point is don’t take ANYTHING you read on line as fact.
A quick comment about Rip Off report.com. That is NOT at all a credible web site. A writer said the owner, who is Ed Magedson, is a wanted scammer by authorities. He is in fact. How do I know this? I was contracted by a huge company and while I was there the Rip Off Report guy posted a bunch of negative commentary about the company and then tried to extort $75,000 from the company to get it removed. The Fed’s got involved. So, anyone relying on information posted on there is wrong. Rip Off Report also goes under Pissed Consumer.com, Complaints.com, he’s opening as many of these fraudulent websites as possible before the Fed’s close down the main Rip Off site.
Another issue to raise, one of the writers has used the Better Business Bureau as a place for reliable information. To set the record straight, most people in the business world know that the “BBB” is not part of the government and is a sham itself. Nice to hear ABC’s 20 20 finally exposed them for what a fraud that it is.
You pay, you get an A. You don’t, you Fail with an F. Enough said on this issue.
So, instead of going on the attack with each other, why not share opinions and let others make their own decisions.
I’m sure there are many kids that go into the conventions like my daughter and don’t get picked. Does that mean they were ripped off? No, it means the agencies decided to go with other kids. It doesn’t mean the convention company didn’t do their job. The conventions promise nothing but opportunity, which they give. We had a blast.
Again, why attack each other? let’s be adults here people.
best regards to everyone on here,
leo
Comment from Hollywood Mom
Time 07/08/2011 at 9:36 PM
Any respected industry publication will tell you that the first rule of showbiz is “never pay upfront fees for representation”.
taken from http://www.bizparentz.org/entertainmentlaws/krekorianact.html
The Advance Fee Talent Service Law (SB1687 in 2005), and now the Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act (AB1319 in 2010) were created in California, home to the entertainment industry, to underscore that idea and go further. Even though it is a California law, we feel that actors from other states should understand it as well, because many unscrupulous businesses intentially work in other states attempting to avoid this law while claiming that they have Hollywood connections.
The law was designed as a protection to consumers. The intent was to label certain businesses as what they really are, and to protect consumers from companies who try to get around the California Talent Agency Act regulations by simply saying, “we are not a talent agency, we are a school/website/networking opportunity” and yet…they promise employment. Please note that this newest revision to the law was sponsored by every major studio in Hollywood, the Better Business Bureau, SAG, AFTRA and a slew of law enforcement. This should send a strong message to consumers that Hollywood simply does not do business this way.
AB1319 defines businesses that offer talent services in 4 different ways, and each has specfic regulations:
1. Advance Fee Talent Representation Service (ex. an agent or manager who charges up front) — PROHIBITED
2. Talent Training Servcies (ex. acting schools, CD workshops, etc.) — Permitted, but must comply with regulations
3. Talent Counseling Services (ex. those who charge to connect you with agents, advise you on how to get into the biz, etc) — Permitted, but must comply with regulations.
4. Talent Listing Services (ex. online casting services, background actor services, etc) –
Permitted but must comply with regulations.
The law also defines and “audition” as a job interview.
In short, any company that wants to charge you an upfront fee (for something like registration, modeling classes, or a talent competition), must post a bond, have certain refund policies, and they must follow certain rules about things like their success stories, their “scouts” etc. They cannot promise you employment and they cannot “sell” you an audition for an agent, casting director, or a job.
Comment from susan holiday
Time 07/08/2011 at 11:49 PM
Edit from the webmaster
************************
This is Erica, the person who runs this site, know the following and make your own judgments on what the commenter recommends
**** This person has posted as 3 different people so far, I checked the IP address ********
susan holiday, says they are a parent
IP address
97.80.104.123
leo laughlin, says they are a parent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
jeremy toppeland, says they are a agent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
*****************************************
End of webmaster edit
*****************
I also had both of my kids go through a talent convention called [removed]Actually, we had a wonderful time also.
I also happen to be educated myself, as is my husband and, i agree, so much negative he said she said boring stuff….blah blah blah. I’ve owned an accounting firm for over 35 years so I’m not stupid. (I don’t think-smile).
One of my kids, my daughter, ended up not really pursuin git but had an absolutely amazing time. She said it was the most exciting thing for her… ever!
So, in short, I, myself don’t need another individual stating what i did was wrong or we wasted money. Says who? Who are you? Some phantom writer on the internet that obviously has an axe to grind.
The talent convention was worth ever penny we spent. Like another gentlemen above said, we never expected anything and no guarantees were made ever.
My son is doing very well. He got a great agent, is in the union now (Sag), which seems to have plenty of it’s own problems, and he’s booked 4 national TV Spots.
We would NOT have done this if we hadn’t gone to [removed]. They connected us with the right people.
So people, you can rant and rave all you want about “all these scams” going on. Well, it worked for us. I admist it doesn’t work for everybody but what does? College? Not. Kids are going to college racking up $80,000 or more in loans and graduating with no jobs, so I guess they got ripped off too? Guess so.
Another issue, these phantom writers keep referencing the better business bureau as if their some credible source of accurate information. Another ignorant statement once again. I have had the “bbb” company along with their smarmy used car salespeople trying to sell me “membership” for years and years and yes, as exposed in abc’s 20 20 news magazine, they make it sound like they ARE part of our government and totally give you, and i’ll gladly quote….a fraudulent shakedown, as stated by mr. wolfgang puck!
So, i’m going to go by information supplied by them? Like another writer said…about the bbb… pay us we’ll give you the magical a+++++++ rating. How gullable can people be. Consumers should not take anything from the bbb as truth. it’s not. there are swarms of lawsuits against them right now. as the famous phrase from our phantom writers say…. “just google them”.
[removed] is not cheap, but, in our opinion, are we listening? My opinion, it well was worth every penny we spent.
Knowing that phantom writers are going to be probably bashing me after i post this (im a competitor, sales person, rep, whatever!), i will no longer post anything here. i too just felt a need to share my thoughts on this.
however you go about doing this, go by your gut instinct. if you have a gut feeling to pass on an opportunity, you should then. if you feel good about it and the people you’re going to be working with, go for it. don’t get caught up in all this internet chat drama. the same people posting this stuff will probably doing the same thing next year and the year after.
That being said, i wish everyone very good luck with whatever they pursue in this industry or any other and must agree with the last writer, let’s stop going on major attacks here against people. for what purpose?
We’re all adults here. I stole some of leo’s words… sorry but, i loved what you wrote leo!
have a nice weekend
my one and FINAL post here
P.S.; I know [removed] has negative reviews on line, and a lot of positive reviews. i take that stuff with a grain of salt, as should you. You really don’t know WHO is posting the stuff, do we? Like again leo stated, anyone can write anything on line, not reveal their identity and bash any person or company, good or bad.
Base your opinions on your own experiences not from some other hollywood wack job mothers. sorry…. that was wrong, but it fell real good!
sue
Edit from the webmaster
************************
This is Erica, the person who runs this site, know the following and make your own judgments on what the commenter recommends
**** This person has posted as 3 different people so far ********
susan holiday, says they are a parent
IP address
97.80.104.123
leo laughlin, says they are a parent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
jeremy toppeland, says they are a agent
Ip address
97.80.104.123
*****************************************
End of webmaster edit
*****************
Comment from free audition listings
Time 07/09/2011 at 3:47 AM
This is Erica, the webmaster.
A few words of advice
check with the BBB about any business you are unsure of. NO, you cannot buy a BBB rating! What you can buy is BBB accreditation. That is not the same as a rating. The BBB also has very strict policies about helping companies with a bad rating. To be fair to this industry, the BBB is known to be very harsh in its rating of child modeling companies because the track record is so poor and have been known to start a new company out as a C, D or F.
The ROR has issues, but, they are a great source of consumer input as well.
When researching companies, agents, conventions, whatever, keep the following in mind.
How long they have they been in business.
What others say, good and bad.
Do they promise something that is difficult to deliver.
Remember that good agents do not advertise nor try hard to solicit new business, you must find them.
The unions have lists available.
And yes, anyone can write anything, claim anything, be anyone they want on the internet, it is anonymous, read the webmaster edits above which brought me into this conversation to begin with.
And lastly, yes, in many states agents are not allowed to charge upfront fees, require you to use their photographer, take their classes and many other things.
Basically be sure you know the facts, know what others say and know EXACTLY what they are going to do for you, what their services are, are not and make sure you get the promised services or a refund.
Best to all
Comment from kathy
Time 07/26/2011 at 4:04 PM
i was actually believing this britani girl until i looked on babycenter.com and she claimed to be a “real agent”. sounds like a scammer 
Comment from Candi
Time 07/27/2011 at 4:55 AM
I am a new mom to the business. I submitted both of my children to Kidz to Fame. Only one child was excepted. I was told by Brandon that he possible job for my child. I signed up and paid the large fee. I received an email for the agent that was interested. Haven’t heard a word for Brandon or the agent. Not sure if I have been totally scammed or not. I know it’s not an overnight game. Guess I will have to wait and see what happens. It’s been a few days since I signed up.
Candi
Comment from Nita
Time 07/30/2011 at 5:32 AM
I am researching Kidz to Fame myself after getting the same response everyone else on here seems to have gotten. I just got the second followup email tonight but it seems a little strange that if only such a small percentage of kids have what they think they can use, how did so many of that small percentage find this site too? I’m still very undecided. I do appreciate the comments and the additional links, which appear to be legit since this Brittany person didn’t dispute ever making the comments she supposedly made.
Comment from Laura
Time 07/30/2011 at 11:59 PM
I just got an email tonight from Kidz to Fame as well… my feelings are that it’s a scam.. I’m not spending the $495…. that 7% seems to be everyone.. hahah
Comment from Candi
Time 08/04/2011 at 12:33 AM
I too have received a call from Brandon. Is this a scam or can it be trusted?
Comment from Tina
Time 08/12/2011 at 11:33 AM
I am so glad I came on this site. I too sent my daughters pic to kidz to fame on wed. thursday afternoon got an email stating that they wanted me to answer some questions and send a close up pic and a family shot, then i checked my email today at 6:30am est and it showed an email from kidz to fame from close to midnight my time asking for 495.00 so they can connect my daughter to agencies. This doesn’t feel right. First how can they respond to these emails I sent so quickly. Also as I have researched no agency whether talent or modeling will ask for money up front, if you have talent they represent you and take a percentage of your gigs. I had a bad feeling before I did research but now that I have and seen these posts it just confirms my gut feeling. I will continue to look for my little girl but I am not going to waste my money.
Comment from Momzwrite
Time 10/19/2011 at 6:48 PM
I do not see anyone has posted in awhile but I think I can help, or at least offer my two cents. We live in the midwest and my sons and now our daughter have gotten in the modeling/acting feild. I overheard some moms talking at a sports event how their kids do it and it helps fund their sports. I sent my kids pictures to agencies (not schools) and called eacha week later and asked for an appointment with their kid agent. All of them responded well and accepted the pics, sent them to some clients & got some bites. We went and had pro pics made for about 130 bucks, made about 50 copies for each agency and jpgs and sent all to the agenies.
I never considered my kids would not be working, It was just HOW to be working. It took some leg work which I was willing to do because I am an at home mom and I did not want to pay any management company what I could do myself. They have all been working talent for about 14 years now. Funded sports, a new car for one son, and now college education. I dont think my kids are super cute or talented or even have that soft ethnic look. (God bless them and our Swedish/German roots) We just approached the idea with: we are livng our life, how about we do this on the side and make it make money for us? We could really take it or leave it. But its been fun. I gues the important thing to remember is to not take it too seriously and just raise some good kids.
Comment from Mom in trouble
Time 10/26/2011 at 4:12 AM
I have been reading over things on this site and I am hanging my head in shame. I fell for this scam and I am not trying to figure out what to do to get out of it and to maybe recover my funds or is it a lost cause? Anyone have any tips or advice?
Thanks!
Comment from free audition listings
Time 10/26/2011 at 8:55 AM
what was the scam? There is no shame in being taken for money by a sales rep that tries to sell you the world.
Comment from ACTRESS SWEETY
Time 11/15/2011 at 12:51 AM
Guys please help. I am a freshman and I have taken a few acting classes and I’m in my high school’s drama club, however my parents do not want to get me an agent. Instead I decided to sign up to one of these sites. Are they scams and have you heard of any of these? I haven’t signed up yet please HELP!
http://www.igottalentnow.com/acting/ready-for-your-shot-to-be-on-nickelodeon/?gclid=CNy2pOWxt6wCFUJx4Aod3x53Gw
http://www.onesourcetalent.com/models/app/?r=27&gclid=CLOhwPOzt6wCFcZM4AodrT-YHA
http://www.interfacetalentgroup.com/?gclid=CPezovKzt6wCFcx-5QodvXN9Fg
http://www.actingcareersnow.com/new-jersey/acting-careers-casting-calls-2a.php
http://www.igottalentnow.com/acting/ready-to-take-your-talent-to-the-disney-channel/?gclid=CKOE5vCzt6wCFYqA5QodsjHAHQ
Comment from angela
Time 12/23/2011 at 5:56 PM
hey i go to a school in LA and its called baribizon they told my mom to pay 20000$ and she signed a contract about a month ago and we wanna get out of it but they wont let us becuse of the contract give me your opinion on how to get out of it because we are not so sure about this agency !!
Comment from Peak Talent School of Acting
Time 12/31/2011 at 9:53 PM
I love this post!! My name is Christine Williams-Reed, I am a former SAG licensed Los Angeles talent agent, the mom of a working child actor and the author of “Mom I Want to be on TV” A Parents Guide to the Entertainment Industry. I have to say I couldn’t have said it better! Anyone reading this needs to understand that what she says is 100% accurate. I have been in the entertainment industry for over a decade and I can tell you that legit talent agents and casting directors NEVER prowl the mall looking for new talent, nor do they place radio ads! There is no reason for them to do so…every day I would walk into my office at the agency and I had a pile of new headshot submissions on my desk. I never had time to sort through all of the submissions sent to the agency so the thought of going to the mall to search out new talent is absolutely insane! I now own Peak Talent School of Acting in Colorado and it amazes me how many parents come to me for advise about the so called “opportunities” they come across for their child. Please be careful.
Comment from Deborah
Time 05/05/2010 at 11:00 PM
I have joined a modelling agency called little adults and since half way through last year up to now I have not received any castings of any sort or even one audition. Are they or are they not a scamming agencie?