Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/27/2006

Question
I recently met up with a manager from MPtalent agency. We met in a film screening where there was a lot of people from the industry in the Baltimore area. He seem to know alot of this people and know alot about the business but towards the end of our meeting he mention his 5-week workshop. He didnt audition me at all but he basically made it seem as if this was his way of auditioning you, to see how well you do in the class. Now I wonder if you have heard anything about MPtalent or Manuel Poblete? Do you think this is a scam?

Answer
If he is a manager (not an agent) he does not have to follow the rules given to talent agencies by the state they are located in.  As a manager, he is within his rights and the law to offer classes or training.  I have not personally ever heard of the person or company you mention, but given the geographic distance between us, that's not surprising.

If you think you'll get something from the classes, go ahead and take them.  If you're ready to work, and already have training under your belt, you may want to just get a licensed (particularly SAG franchised) talent agent instead.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty