Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering how you can may an objective decision about a company like ProScout, if you've never been to an open call or ever really researched the company?  Proscout has never claimed to be an agency.  They are simply direct, face to face exposure with the biggest and best agencies.  Which as aspiring talent, this can be the hardest part.  I know this first hand, having had to get into this industry without help from anyone.  I realize there are a lot of scams out there, but I suggest you research a company a little more thoroughly before you start making allegations against them.

ANSWER: Hi Eric,   It doesn't take a genius to see what ProScout and the other big businesses who have showcase events are doing. They are taking advantage of the fact that there are thousands and thousands of wannbes out there who are willing to play large sums of money on the chance they will be discovered.  That almost never happens. These companies are much more interested in the profits they are making off their exhorbitant fees that they charge those who attend. I do know of one person who got an agent through such an event.  One out of hundreds that I talk to. I have clearly stated that they are not exactly a scam. That they do what they say they are doing.  However, they are also taking advantage of thousands of young people who will never be picked by any of the agents or casting directors at their events. Do you have statistics of the percentage of those who attend that get anywhere from being there? I'd love to know what they are.  Regards, Doc

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QUESTION: First off, ProScout is one of the most legitimate, integrity based companies I’ve ever worked for.  Often people assume that if there is a charge associated with getting into the industry, the company charging that fee is illegitimate.  All you have to do is use a little common sense.  Unfortunately, most people are lacking just that.  The talent side of the entertainment industry is all about exposure.  As an aspiring model or actor, you need to get in front of as many “heavy hitters” in the industry as possible.  Whether you travel to these people, in LA, New York, Chicago, Miami, Milan, Tokyo, London, etc., or you have the opportunity to attend an event (which is only a few hours away) and meet them there, you have to get in front of these people, one way or another.  Coming from an acting background, I know how hard it can be to get started in this industry.  There are a lot of people that try to take advantage of you.  I know this first hand, having had to deal with companies like this in Los Angeles.  I would never associate myself with a company that I felt took advantage of aspiring actors and models, and I would absolutely never be a part of a company that I believed was a fraud. ProScout has never claimed to be something they are not.  ProScout is a business, a business that scouts for models and actors.  For fourteen years ProScout has been the #1 direct scouting source in the world.  We have put more models on the new faces boards of the top agencies than any other entity in the world.  Basically, we have discovered more aspiring models than any other company.  Some companies claim to be things they are not (i.e. modeling schools).  Some companies say they are an agency, and then charge people thousands of dollars for things they don’t even need.  These companies are scams.  ProScout has been backed by the Better Business Bureau since its conception and prides itself on its reputation.  ProScout is very cut and dry.  It is a company that says what it means and does what it says.  Yes, there is a fee for ProScout.  Of course there is.  Reason being, we do all the work for the aspiring actor or model.  We get the best agents from every major market and bring them to you.  If you think that you can find a more efficient and cost effective way to go about meeting the industry’s top professionals, I'd like to hear it.  ProScout is an amazing opportunity for aspiring models and actors that are serious about getting into this industry.  You mention that ProScout takes advantage of young people that would never be picked by agents.  Let me ask you this, if someone is driven, motivated, and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, who am I to say that they do not deserve to get in front of the right people.  You're basically saying that because they don't have all the typical physical attributes of what we consider to be "star" quality, that they shouldn't be seen by top agencies.  This industry is looking for so many different things.  And to say that someone who may not be the best looking person does not deserve the same opportunity as someone who is pretty, seems not only unethical, but flat out wrong.  We don't have specific statistics of percentages, as we lose touch with most people after the event, whether or not they get an agent.  But in my honest opinion, as someone who had to knock on doors, and send out pictures, I feel that this is hands down the most effective way to put yourself in front of the right people.  I suggest you come to one of my open calls.  You might learn a thing or two.



ANSWER: No one said that ProScout was illegitimate or lacked integrity.. I just said they were more interested in profit than helping people, just like colleges and acting schools. The talent side of the industry is not all about exposure, though it may help, if one has talent. Your personal story is quite touching, wanna hear mine? I got the first SAG job I auditioned for and found it quite easy to break into professional acting. Because I had tons of experience and training that enhanced my natural ability to make me very effective as an actor. As an industry professional is who you are to say whether someone is deserving or not. Lord knows the industry is flooded with wannabes with no ability. By accepting a liberal attitude that no one can be judged, you fail every student who should be told that they cannot make it and should do something else.  At least America's Got Talent does that. The reason to do that is to save these poor kids the great finacial burden of your events. I am not saying because of lack of physical attributes, I am saying because of a lack of talent and physical attributes they should not be encouraged to attend. I notice  you did not address my charge that your company and others like it take advantage of the underqualified and spin off instead by asking a question. You also demondstrate a liberal bias as you say that all people should have the same chance regarless of qualities. The work is not a fair place where all get the same chance. How much would your open call cost me?
  It is too bad that your feelings got hurt by my opinions regarding your business (It is a business and not a charity, right?).  I have never said it was not a legitimate business, but I will continue to say that I do not think it is a good investment for the average wannabe. Doc

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QUESTION: Okay Doc, obviously we're not going to see eye to eye on this.  That's fine.  But you can't deny the facts.  You may like to think that you hurt my feelings, but the reality is that this is not about feelings.  This is about facts.  And facts cannot be debated.  The fact of the matter is that  without legitimate representation you can only go so far.  And I think you will also agree that to get in front of the right agency is no easy task, let alone getting representation from them.  I'm not saying you can't do it your own.  It's just extremely difficult, regardless of your talent.  When I do my open call I explain this to the people there.  It's like Proscout is the valet service of the entertainment industry.  You could park 10 miles down the road, and walk in the blistering heat to get to your location.  Or, we can drop you off right in front.  In regards to being "liberal" in my decision making.  You couldn't be anymore wrong.  I only callback those that I feel truly deserve this opportunity.  I'm sure you'll find some negative way to spin this as well.  But instead, I again invite you to come to one of my open calls.  In regards to the cost... they are free.

Answer
Okay,Erik, we agree to disagree. It's a country of free thought. You are not arguing from the same set of facts. So we can argue which facts are pertinent.  I agree in order to get ahead, one needs legit representation. I feel that there is better way to prepare for it. And I also believe there are many "right" agencies.  What I argue is that ProScout makes a huge profit with it's valet service that really only helps a very small number of those paying for their service. You cannot refute that fact. This is not any worse than colleges or acting schools who say they are going to help their students become actors and then don't. I am glad to hear you are selective in chosing call backs.  I gather they also are free and that only the finalists have to pay the high prices for the big event. Now if everyone or even a large majority of those who attended the big event got an agent or a role in a film, you'd have something to be proud of. Unfortunately, I am semi-housebound and unable to travel, so I must decline your invitation. But I have enjoyed our repartee. Best wishes, Doc