Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/19/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Mr. Nemy,
JRP stands for John Robert Powers.  My daughter is going to participate in the International Modeling and Talent Association Convention. The association President is a lady named Helen Rogers.  Again I know only what JRP has told me.  It is a rather costly trip, but if it is going to give my daughter exposure and perhaps a contract with an agency I'm willing to participate.  Does this information help?  If so, what is your opinion of the convention? Mr. Nemy, according to what I have read and John Robert Powers says,they have represented and help get started this way famous names as, Kirsten Dunst and AJ Trauth (Even Stevens).They say about 40% to 60% of the people that participate get contracts.  I really don't know how to get in contact with people that have participated in the past.  My daughter auditioned with 132 other kids, and they only picked 26. I live in a VERY rural area and our contact with actors, talent agents etc... is extremely, limited.  How would I go about checking this event out, other than through John Robert Powers?  -------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Mr. Nemy,
My daughter is eleven years old and has been with JRP since Nov. 2003.
She auditioned with many other kids for a chance to take part in what they call the IMTA Convention. It will take place in Los Angeles. The trip is rather costly.  Do you know anything about this convention, and is it worth the expense and time?  I would appreciate your opinion before my daughter and I go.
Answer -
Dear Lydia,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, not only am I not familiar with the IMTA Convention, I don't even know what IMTA stands for, nor do I know what JRP is or what the initials stand for. Sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not much help on this one. Can you tell me any more?

Phil
Answer -
Lydia,

Thanks for the further information. JRP has been around a long time, so I assume they are a reputable entity. I didn't know that they participated in such a convention. If it's costly, as you say, I would encourage you to find out if it's truly worthwhile. For example, are there any JRP models/talent who have gone on to "big" success in the modeling or acting fields? And I mean big on the level of Cindy Crawford and other supermodels.

As far as the IMTA, I'm not familiar with it, but again, I'd want to know what's in it for your daughter. Meaning, what can she expect to gain from attending, will she be cast in lead or supporting roles in any major motion pictures or television productions? Will she secure any major modeling assignments either domestically or abroad? Is there a way to find out about the success of any JRP talent that have attend in the past?

I checked out the IMTA website and it doesn't tell me much. I'd say if you can't get any solid answers to squelch your concerns, then go with your gut.

Sorry I can't be more help in this area. Please do let me know what you decide to do, and ultimately, the results of the convention should you decide to attend.

Phil

Answer
Lydia,

To check out JRP, try calling your local Better Business Bureau to see if they have any information, good or bad, about JRP. You might also contact IMTA and see what you can learn from them about JRP.

Like I said, JRP has been around a long time and they appear to have a good reputation. I haven't heard anything bad about them myself, but then, I don't keep tabs on modeling agencies.

If you can't get any feedback from these two sources, then as I said previously, go with your gut and your instincts. Chances are they won't lead you astray.

One important note: while at the convention, DON'T SIGN ANY AGREEMENTS WITHOUT HAVE AN ATTORNEY REVIEW THEM ON YOUR BEHALF FIRST! Since you're not that familiar with the legal language of the modeling and entertainment industry, you'll want someone who is familiar with it looking out for you. Even if they pressure you to sign on the spot, tell them you don't sign anything without your attorney looking at it first.

Hope this helps!

Good luck.

Phil