www.EliteCastingNetwork.com members are becoming increasingly diligent about researching agents, managers and other entertainment industry professionals before establishing business relationships with them. In cases where Elite Casting Network members are uncertain about the legitimacy of an agent or manager, they often post their questions to the community forum where the Elite Casting Network staff and other members are quick to assist.
Most recently, a Elite Casting Network member was invited to an audition by Model Management Inc. in Los Angeles. While the member reviewed the company’s website, she still wasn’t sure if the company was a legitimate business. So she posted the name and address of the agency to the community forum to get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.
When we researched Model Management Inc. we discovered that there were no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau against this company, nor were there any complaints on the web. However, there was not much information available about the company at all, other than the company’s website, Myspace.com profile and posts on sites like Craigslist.org.
When we called the company’s Los Angeles office number, we got their voicemail. When we called their toll-free number, we also got a recorded message. In researching the Los Angeles address that the company included in their email to the Elite Casting Network member, we found that the company rents an HQ Global suite. HQ Global is a leading provider of virtual offices and small business suites. According to the company’s website, they have offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
None of the information we uncovered indicates that the company is engaged in fraudulent activity. However, we always recommend that if you’ve diligently researched a company and you still have reservations, feel free to call and ask a few questions if it will make you feel more comfortable.
Not every agency or management company will be a huge enterprise with a full staff and a fancy office. That doesn’t mean that the company isn’t capable of helping you to reach your goals as a model, singer, dancer or actress. In fact many smaller agencies are able to provide their clients with more personalized service. Explore all of your options, both small and large agencies, and then based on the information they provide, decide which option is best for you.
2 comments:
Hi I recently met with Model Management Inc and THEY ARE A SCAM. The moment I sat down I noticed the credit card machine. There is no reason a legit company would ask you for money. I listened to her explain to me I had to take new pictures and that it would cost $800. I politely declined and left feeling angry and disgusted. I have a good agent and manager so I know what is fishy when I see it. But there are a lot of people who want to this be real ( of course I did as well) and they are taking advantage of people. Before I went in I met a girl who was soo happy that she had just signed with them. I wish I would have known the truth then so I could have warned her. I hope this is helpful to people and that the "company" does not get another dime from anyone.
I had the same experience and I wish I had read your posting beforehand. Please, readers, do your research and find out as much as you can before working with "faux agents" that are more interested in taking your money that helping you earn it. Check out business references and ask to see evidence of actual bookings. There are agents who were involved only briefly in casting, then inflate their experience to coax aspiring models into hiring photographers "they work with" for kickback fees. Also, be careful about paying for website exposure. That seems to be another "client service" that offers little advantage. At least ask a model featured on their website if the exposure has earned them a booking. Find out as much as you can up front. I wish I had.
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