Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Proscout? Are they legit?

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/29/2008


Question
I am considering going to a Proscout convention in Phoenix and it is a bit pricey, but they do say that legitimate agents will be present at the event. I was wondering, since you seem to have quite a bit of experience in show business, if you know if Proscout conventions actually bring in legitimate agents and if it is really the best option for an aspiring actress such as myself.

Answer
Anna,

Thanks for writing. I am not that familiar with Proscout. I've been asked about them before, and from the limited research I've done, it looks to me as if their successes have been primarily in the areas of modeling and print work. I don't believe they have discovered any young talent that has become a major film or television actor/actress.

The majority of young actors/actresses working in Hollywood today have representation through legitimate talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. Proscout is not considered a leading talent agency in either city, but that doesn't mean they aren't a legitimate organization. Use your instincts when meeting and talking to them. Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right or sound right, walk away.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.