HOW TO GET AN AGENT??

Question

My daughter is 5 years old and she just went to a casting fo John Robert Powers. I was told that they would like to work with my daughter,maybe because she is very active and way to smart for her age.So i went to the interview and the fee was crazy, it was $5,900. The guy at this agency talk to my little one and even had her do a commercial. I have been so stress out over this that i have not gotten any sleep for 2 days now. I was so confuse cause i don't have the money i am looking for ways to make this money up and then i went online to do some research on this company and i found out that this company is a scam and now i got a little one who is excited and very hurt because she wants to be a pop start so bad. I need some help.Can someone tell me what i need to do with my little one in order to guide her to the right path to succes.I have tried to do a lot of things with her for example she goes to dance school for hip-hop, tap, jazz and also gymnastics for a while now.so what else can I do.

Thank you

mom

Thanks to all of you who answer my 1st question.

Answer 1

JRP told me I should be in the entertainment industry too. They also told the person next to me that, and the next person. They tell everyone this. They can make all your dreams come true, all you have to throw down is 5 grand. *rolls eyes*

JRP is a scam. End of story. Look them up on BBB.com if you want more info. A real agency will NEVER ask for money. They get paid when you get paid (10% usually).

Answer 2

Hello my name is Devin.  Firstly acting agencies (legitimate Ones) do not charge an admission fee. They only take a portion of the money you receive from a job you received because of their services. So for next time remember this information before you make a decision concerning agencies.  Secondly your daughter seems to be very exposed to different forms of art which is very important.  I am 14 and the agency i am affiliated with is called Innovative artists.  It is a wonderful agency with no scams involved.  I will provide you with the link http://iachicago.com good luck to you and your daughter  

Answer 3

Try to explain to your daughter what really happened and that they tried to scam her. Let her know that if she waits, good things will happen and she might get a better opportunity some other time.

Answer 4

John Robert Powers- Biggest Scam Ever

Get her singing lessons

To get an agent

google agencys in your area

go to the screen actors guild website and look at their approved agencys then see what their website says you have to do

my agency had me send in a snapshot

then they called me and said they would call me in a couple of months

when they called me again they asked me to send in my headshot in an 8x10 and my resume so i did

I also put a cover letter that said:

Dear agents name here,

thank you for looking at this and considering adding me to your roster. i am going to keep this short because i know you have a very busy schedule. i will call in a couple of days to make sure you got it.

Sincerly,

your name here

make sure your cover letter is brief

now the agent has time to look at the resume and headshot

if your cover letter is too long, it will most likely end up in the trash with your headshot and resume

then call in a couple of days so that the agent knows youre true to your word.

this is exactly what i did and i got added to the roster

remember legit agencies only charge 10% of what you make and never ask for money upfront

Answer 5

Do your research!  JRP is a school, not an agency.  It is possible that the JRP in your area works with some great agents or is associated with agents or managers, and has a great placement program.  However, that would need to be in writing and be able to do your research.  Next...I would guess that the $5900.00 is for training.  Do you pay for your child to take dance classes?  Is the value of their training worth $5900.00, which you apparently can't afford at this time.  

The word SCAM is so easily used in the fashion and talent industry, usually by people who can't afford to participate in some program or didn't get instant gratification from something.  That is why it is always important to remember that everything in fashion and entertainment is contractual.  Get it on paper.  Things only become a SCAM when you invest money in something and the otherside does not deliver, or delivers in a way that does not meet your contractual agreement.  At that point you go to your states Attorney General.  

I would suggest you start your daughter in Theater.  Very low, or no cost.  Some Church's have theather groups, some YMCA's, and some community groups are great!  Some schools have great drama departmenrts.  It will give you some insight as to her true interest.  If JRP is an avenue that opens the best opportunity for her, then investigate!  They certainly have a big name, and have produced some stars.  Remember, no two actors used the same path to become a star.

Also, what is your goal?  Agents want to make money from marketable talent.  How much demand is there for a 5 year old?  Are you in an area that has opportunity, or will you eventually have to relocate?  Finally...if she want to be a Pop Star...get her into singing!  However, don't let anyone tell you that a voice coach that charges money is a SCAM.  

Final note:  I have yet to see any 5 year old Pop Stars!  

Answer 6

Look around for children's agencies in your area. Remember, you never have to pay for an agent. They only get paid when you get paid from booking a job. No more, no less.

If you're in a small town that doesn't have any agencies that represent children, just keep doing what you're doing with the classes and look around for performance oppotunities for her in community theatre, childrens opera chorus, childrens ballet, etc.