Elizabeth Savage Talent
To Whom It May Concern:
I am looking for feedback relating to Elizabeth
Savage Talent in Phoenix, AZ.
While they have been in business for 13 years and claim
they don't charge anything up front, they require my
five-year-old to take a one-week class (cost $395) which
they call "Kid Skits A&B."
This class covers basic on-camera techniques, how to
stand out in an interview, and what to expect at an audition.
Savage claims that companies who are seeking models
(whether in commercials or print) won't consider my child
until she's taken this class.
Once my child obtains a job, they stated they take anywhere
from 10-20%, which I understand is pretty typical of
modeling agencies.
They offered her a two-year contract (which I have not
signed yet), and advised me that it could be broken at
any time.
Will we be required to send her to the IMTA?
S.G.
S.,
An earlier letter from a parent writing about Elizabeth
Savage made reference to IMTA, but it is unlikely your
five-year-old child will be required to attend IMTA.
In any case, if or when the subject comes up, you may
want to read the letters
about IMTA.
It is probably worth noting IMTA and Elizabeth Savage
Talent are located near each other. This could help explain
why both companies come up in the same conversation.
You said Savage is in Phoenix. Guess where IMTA is based?
INTERNATIONAL MODELING & TALENT ASSOCIATION
2525 E. Camelback Road #755
Phoenix, AZ 85016
You said: "While they have been in business for
13 years and claim they don't charge anything up front,
they require my five-year-old to take a one-week class
(cost $395) which they call "Kid Skits A&B."
It is the same thing, isn't it? How is the required
class with required fees not the same as upfront fees?
You may want to call other agencies in your city and
find out if they also have the same requirements and
upfront fees for modeling classes. Shop around.
You also noted: "Savage claims that companies who
are seeking models (whether in commercials or print)
won't consider my child until she's taken this class."
Also ask other local agencies about the claim without
naming Savage. There is no industry-recognized class
for modeling.
One thing which is questionable is charging for classes
when most agencies train their models free. Charging
kids for classes is arguably even more questionable,
since there is even less work available for them.
While the BBB record for Elizabeth Savage Talent is
clean, they do include a warning below:
- Consumers should be aware that in the state of Arizona
Model/Talent agencies are licensed by the industrial
commission as an employment agency. Agencies take a
commission (standard 20%) from the talent they represent
and charge an agency service fee (15-20%) to the client
that is hiring the talent. According to the Screen
Actors Guild, a legitimate talent agency does
not charge an advance fee for registration,
resumes, public relations services, screen tests, photographs
or acting lessons.
You said: "They offered her a two-year contract
(which I have not signed yet), and advised me that it
could be broken at any time."
Does that sound like a serious commitment? A contract
that can be broken at any time?
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