Expert: Rusty Meyers - 5/20/2008

Question
My wife and I have our daughter enrolled in the Academy of Cinema and Television training from Phoenix which is being taught here in Cincinnati.  A first opportunity for my daughter who is an aspiring actor.  And whether it goes anywhere it has been fun for her and improved her capabilities and confidence.  My questions to are two-fold: 1) what is your opinion of their training and program if you know of it - has anyone seen success from it or should we call it quits from here and look for something else after this; and 2) they are now pumping a 4 day conference for kids and parents in Phoenix they are inviting kids to audition for that they call the "The" pronounce "Tea" which I can't find anywhere on the web that is supposed to have all kinds of agents and managers at, to conduct training and seminars with a great opportunity for the kids to get face time and possibly pick up an agent.  PRICE TO BE DISCLOSED AT THE AUDITION and my gut tells me it's going to be HIGH!!!!  Your thoughts?  Thanks for your read. Jim

Answer
I'm not familiar with this company but hopefully you will do as much of a background check on them as you can ie; google etc...
Personal websites can be deceiving.
If the people that are running it can't be found on imdb.com and thier "real" credits, then I would be cautious about thier knowledge of the business.
I would also check to see if these agents are SAG franchised.
You have to realize that these companies pay these people to come in and interview/audition people.
Of course there is a "possibility" to get an agent out of it, but is there any guarantee, NO!
Agents make money when thier client gets work, and NOT beforehand.
Has she done any local theate or is in a acting workshop currently?
Contact your local film office and look up some of your local agents to see if they would be interested in handling her.
Do you plan on moving anytime soon to LA or NY?
DO NOT get involved with John Robert Powers or John CasaBlanca, they will do absolutely NOTHING for her, other than take your money.
Just be careful.