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Originally Posted by dee2davis someone was saying that they charge the big dollars because it goes toward flying in the big guys well shouldn't the BIG guys have money to do that? If they know there is a chance of findind someone that can make them money that is an investment that they would take. Why would it cost $500 times 200 people just to fly in 50 people. NOT!!!! Believe what you want to believe but anytime there is a big talent scout going on and you have to pay all that money to "fly in the big guys" it's not worth it. For $2000 I can rent a car and go to NY or better yet fly to NY and see them myself. It is a slim chance that you'll get a callback and it is a slim chance that you'll KNOW that they are really from where they say they are from. KEEP YOUR MONEY!!! Been there done that it isn't worth it. |
The part I highlighted in bold is completely false. People need to stop thinking agencies have all this money to just thwo away on gambling they'll find a new big star. each week. the average top/known agency sees over 100+ models and get 1000s of emails from aspirants. Agencies only make money if the talent makes money and N talent is guaranteed work. That is the client's (not the agent) decision.
Aside from that one part, you are pretty much right.
But I need to add for clarification, that Proscouts is
NOT a scam. They're a legit operating business breaking no laws.
There is a major difference between smart business and SCAM.
Smart business for them is selling you on a dream.
Smart busines for you is knowing your true potential and how far you feel you can realistically make it. And then deciding if you will go directly to the agents or use a tool like Proscouts.
To be clear: Modeling Schools and Conventions are not scams. They just are unnecessary tools and for majority a waste of money.
Proscouts is highly reputable and many models have been scouted and had good careers. But on the same token, for every 1 model who makes it there are 100 who don't. But those 100 models just financed that 1 model's dream of being scouted.
The ONLY reason you should attend a model convention:
- If you meet the standard age and physical requirements for FASHION model houses.
- If you have definite strong look/ or if there's a current need for your look.
and
- IF you live more that 1000 miles away from the nearest major markets (NY, MIA, LA, Paris, Milan) AND you are willing to relocate at your OWN expense.
or (disregarding all of the above)
- If you can afford it and just wanna have fun and network with other models.
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Someone above stated that if a convention charges they are a scam. Well that would make nearly every convention a scam. Conventions are in the good business of bringing models and other talent together with agents/agencies.
The only bad business is when the conventions are dishonest in their promises. I.E. Claiming top agents will show up and they don't show up. Promising you a contract or something else thay they have no control nor involvement in.
Bragging about past models who has found success though them isn't misleading if it's true. Conventions only have one job, Agent/Talent Meet & Greet.
That is why they're in business.
They prey on the dreams of hopefuls and it's not for 90% of the attendees, but for the 10% or less who do go, it is probably the only way they'd get to see agents for an inexpensive price.
The average person living in the midwest who travels to NY will need to spend at least two weeks meeting with just a few of the TOP agents in NY. If you're lucky you can schedule appointments if you call ahead and they feel your snapshots are worth seeing you in person. Otherwise it's time to attend the opencalls. And not all the agencies have open calls. The average model gets to see around 10 agencies within a 1 to 2 week period. If you manage to get it done in a week (5 days) then here's your average trip cost.
One person trip
Flight: $150-$250+
Hotel: Low End: $200-$300 per night (if near or in Manhattan) $1000-$1500 wk
$150-$225 outside Manhattan which means increased cab fair. $750-$1250 wk
Food: $30-$40 per day (unless you plan on not eating so much) $150-200 wk
Mischellaneous: Depends on you
Total for 5 days: $1200-$2000+ for just one week est. Imagine the cost for two weeks.
Using travel sites can save you a little but not much.
Plus, depending on location and other resources such as free/discount rates or haing friends in these places will help. But if you have none of those resources and you live in Montana or Wyoming, it's going to be far from cheap.
If this is new information for you, then there is a lot more you need to read to get a clear understanding on model conventions.
One place to start is
www.newmodels.com
Back to point: YES there are conventions who scam, but to date, ProScout being one of the most reputable thus far, isn't. You just to be aware and informed enough to make the right decision on if you need to go or not.
I cannot stress this point enough: Just like modeling, Model Conventions are just NOT designed for everyone. And the less people who know about this fact, the more money the conventions make, But this alone does NOT make them a scam.
Regardless...always do your fact checking before handing over money on anything. A saint can become a demon in just one night.
Apologies for any long-windedness...
- Angelus (CEA)
http://myspace.com/wrekkastow
09-10-2006, 07:43 PM
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