Getting Jipped by fake Agencies

[Man Who Sold The World 0]

Okay, if you're not from L.A then it's probably not commonly known to you, but their are thousands of model agencies/talent scouts who "promise" fame out here, and it's hilarious to me. Anyways, upon checking out MTV's website for casting calls in my area (something that is always fun to do), I got a pop up for InfiniteTalent.com. To the untrained eye it would look like a very professional model agency, but from what I saw that had no information about their history of existence, and no list of success stories. So I gave them the benefit of the doubt, sent my picture in and immediately got an audition date. So that's when I do my research and found out how much money they've actually stolen from their clients. I was shocked to find out that they actually still operate business. I mean, in California it is illegal to charge clients membership fees from being their agent. They get paid when you get paid. So after all this, I decided, "what the hell", if they charge me I'll walk out. I didn't even see this one coming:

 

So I show up in Costa Mesa, 15 minutes early this morning to do the damn thing. I'm told it's on the 3rd floor. But if you weren't actually searching, you'd never know the place was there. There's no "Infinite Talent" banner or any Model pictures of ANY kind. It looks like an unlisted business. I'm so amused at this point, I have to continue on, just for shits and giggles. So I'm told by the receptionist (who looked coked out of her skull. Like, Bobby Brown coked out) to have a seat, and I do, wait about 10 minutes and this HOT fuckin' woman comes out calling my name. I mean, this chick was trained yo! She had these bright BLUE eyes, so short, had that innocent, yet "I'll get wild" look about her. If I was an idiot, I would have given her my bank account number and a hand in marriage no doubt! I follow her into her office, she asks me very stupid questions about why I'm interested and I tell her "I'm not even really looking to be a model. It's not something I've wanted to do ever, but my friends say I'd make a good one." and out of a 1-10 to show my interest, I say I'm about "7". That alone would of cut me off their list. Agencies want someone who THRIVES for the business, but no! Not Infinite Talent! They must of read me and said "STUPID WITH MONEY, BABY!". Because they take a few "test" shots and have me sit down for another ten minutes, bring me back in and say they've accepted me. Oh my god! A dream come true! She then says that I need a portfolio and I told her I'd make an appointment to get one. She says she "recommends" I go through their own personal photographer in order to guarantee quality shots (oh my fucken god!). Anybody would/should have walked out, but I just _HAD_ to stay to hear this shit out. She goes on about what they offer and never mentions ONCE what history they have, or why I should pay 29.99 a month for some damn model card that shows about six of my pictures this "photographer" takes and places it on the net in hopes I'll get work. She says I'll make anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars an hour depending on how many bookings I take. So, I go ok, how much is this photographer? Ready for this?:

 

SIX HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX DOLLARS.... PLUS TAX!!!

 

Get. The. Fuck. Outta. Here!

 

I got up and was like "Thank you for your time you fine honey dip." and left. I mean, the saddest part about this whole story is that some people actually buy into this and end up in major debt or worse. It's really sad, and the people that usually buy into that bullshit are from out of town. I was told in College when I took Drama, that I don't have to pay for _ANYTHING_ if they're interested in representing me. And it makes damn good sense. Why should I pay for plane tickets, photo shots, or anything of that nature if they want me? So, I wrote this blog diatribe for a few reasons: to vent my frustration on the poor people who don't do their research on business and make these people rich, and of course to warn the very _FEW_ of you people here who would like to be a model or plan on moving to LA to pursue an active lifestyle in entertainment. I hope this helped.

 

Oh, but that girl was still hot.

[Guest Fook]

I got up and was like "Thank you for your time you fine honey dip." and left.

 

You didn't actually say that.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

At least they didn't make you sell kitchen knives.

[NoCalMike 0]

Most people on reality shows weren't REALLY selected from audition tapes like the shows would have you believe, they are basically the people who tried out for tv shows as extras or bit parts and basically got laughed out of the building, so the next choice down was reality shows. That is why that just can't stop showing back up on more of them, because they think they are serious actors and this is the work they are being given.

[Eclipse 0]

Kind of reminds me of these perfume companies that exist around the country. Not sure what the name of the company is, but they promise you your own business and a very big money making business at that. It is sort of like a pyramid scheme. I know someone that has made it big there. It works, but like during the first few weeks, you make MAD LITTLE money. It's insane! Like, out of a 25 dollar bottle, you make like 5 or 7 bucks out of it. And then comes the fact that if you don't sell any bottles, you won't make money that week.

[Dobbs 3K 0]

I've been approached about so many multi-level-marketing and pyramid scheme companies over the past few years, it's pretty sickening. Of course, I've been in sales for about four years (retail, and then outside sales), so it's inevitable. I'm sure if you work really hard, you can make money on them, but I think a lot of people just end up blowing a bunch of their savings on buying product (perfume, whatever it is) and then never make all that money back. Plus a lot of it is just an emphasis on recruiting more people, which doesn't seem like a real solid business plan.

[Zack Malibu 0]

I remember when that modeling scam was the plot to an episode of California Dreams.

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

And that reminds me of the time on Saved By The Bell when Kelly become a model and would send a semester in Paris. And Zack was scamming to get her to stay.