John Robert Powers Modeling
School
To Whom It May Concern:
I attended a John Robert Powers (Ontario, California) convention
at a high-class hotel in Hollywood.
They talked of looking for talent and models. Each person
did a two-second or so videotape and was told to call
a number the next day at a given time.
Low and behold, my daughter was picked to do a video
in two days with MTV. All I needed to do was give them
fifty percent of the fee, and in thirty days pay
the rest.
I agreed to do this because they guaranteed she would
be in the video, and the other payment would come from
her wages for working in the video.
But we have not heard anything else since then. I have
been so worried that this is a scam. Is there any
information about this company that you can share?
I did suggest to my daughter to call the BBB. She believes
them and she said I made her feel bad for saying such
a thing.
G.C.
G.,
You said: "My daughter was picked to do a video
in two days with MTV."
If it has been longer than two days, by all means call John
Robert Powers. Find out what is going on.
If you paid and there has been a delay, they should
have already called you.
If you are unable to get through to JRP, or even if
you are, you could call MTV. Confirm they are working
with JRP, and confirm the date you were given for the
MTV video.
It is suspicious that JRP would guarantee work for anyone,
even if they are under contract with MTV. Usually the
client chooses the talent, not the agency, although there
are exceptions, e.g. very minor parts.
You could also inquire about JRP at the BBB. I can't
find an online listing for JRP in Ontario, California
in the BBB database. If it could upset her, your daughter
doesn't need to know you are making the call.
Since you are the one who paid, not your daughter, you
should investigate. Your concerns are not unfounded.
They should not be getting any upfront fees. It is totally
back to front. A talent agency is paid after the talent
is paid, not before.
How much did you pay? How long ago did you pay?
Please note the following information from the Los Angeles
BBB:
- As of January 1, 2000, new California laws relating
to "advance fee talent services" allow 10
days to cancel contracts without penalty or obligation.
In some cases, refunds must be provided within 48 hours,
or the company is required to pay the artist an additional
sum equal to the original amount of the fee. Cancellation
procedures should be outlined in your contract.
|
