My Dear John Wood Letter

Dear John

Feel free to do what ever you feel you need to. I am fully prepared should it go that route, but I don't think it will go that route for a couple of reasons. I would bet that you and Karon probably talked to a lawyer. I also believe that he or she told you don't have a case. You see John if you did have a case against me your lawyer would have already been in contact with me. Now I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. Be that as it may the cards will fall where they will. You stated that you wanted to know when people are dissatisfied with your services well read the comments that people have posted about what you have done, its all here in black and white.

Marc

Karon Shea and John Wood Cut Ties

I just received this posting from Karon Shea and I think it is important to read. Following this posting you can read my comments that I replied

Karon Shea has left a new comment on your post "I received this email fron John Wood Tonight":

From Karon Shea:

1) John Wood is no longer affiliated with Karon Shea Model Management. He does not work with or for my company. He also does not represent my company.
2) Our address may have changed on a few occasions in our 20+ year history, but the name of our business has stayed the same. The agency "Karon Shea Model Management" was created as the firm represents women and men. LaFemmina (the school) means "the woman" and would obviously not be appropriate to carry that name to an agency that represents women and men.
3) If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding their business with my company they are invited to call me at the following: Karon Shea 508-755-0662


My response to Karon

Thank you Karon for your comment, I am glad that he no longer works for your agency. If you fired him you did the right thing. The best thing you could have done is to cut ties with him.This is the best news that I have heard and I know people are going to be very happy. Just so you know when he offered me a contract and had asked me to give him a check made out to him. It seems that if you read the blog the majority of posting were about John Wood. Unfortunately for you he was affiliated with your company.

John Wood, In my opinion and others scammed a lot of people. I also believe that he would throw you under the Bus in a moments notice. Prior to my second interview with John, I called Richard Bertone and he did nothing but Bad mouth you and John. I think that you do a lot of great work outside your organization for good causes and that is very honorable. I had to post that email that John sent me because I knew you would see it. Thank you for posting again and I hope now your company can prosper by doing the right thing.

If there is anything else that you would like people to know please keep posting. It is truly amazing what the power of the internet can do.

You see this proves my point John claims he works with Karon Shea, Karon says he doesn't! SOMEONE IS LYING AND I BELIEVE IT IS JOHN WOOD but why would you expect anything different from a man that has made an unbelievable income profiting off of the dreams of people just wanting to make it

I received this email fron John Wood Tonight

I just received this email from John Wood tonight, apparently he states that he is still with Karon Shea Model Management. Be that as it may I thought it made for interesting reading. In my promise to post every posting. I am a man of my word.

Read this very carefully Marc Reece. Karon is not taking legal action against me, WE are taking it against you.

I have ignored your badgering, your slanderous remarks, and your outright lies as long as I can. I have no idea what your objective is. Nor can I fathom anyone who has the negative motivation and the shallow mentality to devote so much time and energy to the sole purpose of destroying other people’s professional reputation and business. I can only assume that you are a frustrated want-to-be actor who chooses to blame others for your inability to land roles rather than accepting your own limitations.

Karon Shea, Richard Bertone, and I work together at KSMM in the most ethical and professional manner possible to deliver highest quality services and help aspiring talent achieve their objectives. We go out of our way to make it clear that we can offer no guarantees of success, and we require a written acknowledgement from anyone who uses our services that they have been so informed. If anyone is dissatisifed with our service, we want to know about it.

We provide packaging services within the agency for a competitive fee, but make it very clear that we are only one of many options that the client can use to obtain his or her headshots, composites and all the materials needed for a talent agency to present to a casting agent. We do not apologize for the fact that we believe that our packaging service and its associated value are inferior to none, superior to the vast majority, and an exceptional value to our clients.

Although you have attempted to make something clandestine out of the fact that, in addition to working with KSMM, Richard and I are providing packaging services outside the realm of the KSMM talent agency, there is nothing devious about it. We simply want to help aspiring talent present themselves in the most professional manner possible, and at a cost that is a tremendous value, regardless of the talent agency that they choose.

After spending more than twenty years in this business, I do take pride in the fact that I know what I am talking about, and present it in an effective, honest, and convincing manner. You may call it “slick”. Those in the know refer to it as knowledgeable professionalism.

People who run blog sites have a responsibility to monitor the content. Failure to do so makes them susceptible to slander suits. One of your most resent blogs stated that Karon Shea is suing me. This is could not be further from the truth! You have crossed the line. The three of us are meeting together to determine the appropriate legal action if your harassment does not stop immediately.

I find it truly amazing that so many people are great full to me for posting this blog, I have to wonder how much money was truly generated on Head shots from people wanting to live the dream. I am amazed at how many people have read these postings from all over the country. At least with this blog out there when people do internet research on the web they will see these postings and opinions and hopefully form there own. On a side note I am amused at my rankings on Google, depending on what you type in the search field.

I think it is great what you are doing. Until I had read your first posts some time back, I had that terrible feeling like I was scammed though had no proof. I've brought people to justice in the past for crossing me and I'll tell you this is exciting. I will help in any way I can - let me know.

I was looking for John's number to bid him a proper fair-well if he were to fall into laws grip. An anonymous Good riddance I say - I'll do what I can to help purify the system.

Another opinion about Karon Shea Model Management

I received this email today, if anybody else is willing to come forward we might be able to get Karon Shea to refund money to people that paid her organization money and fees through a civil action, this is your way to have your voice heard. I know that she views this blog on a regular basis.

Of course you can post that message. I will tell whoever I can to be aware of the blog. Keep on posting - I only wish this was around only 3 months ago Is she trying to accuse you of defamation?

Let me know if I can be of any assistance to your defense or to any action against her. I have been taken for $795 under false pretenses. The very fact that Jon Wood has been with her company for 3 years is fraud enough - his pitch relied heavily on the "fact" that he just moved here to get an edge on LA. What most salesmen call "creating urgency."

Jon also left the option open to get Comp Cards made elsewhere, but with the caveat that if they are not "to the agency standard" - he'll reject them and make you do it again. There is little doubt in my mind that he was prepared to "reject" your Comp Cards until you shelled out for the Bertone "deal."

I was also explicitly told that there is no kick-back from the fee. I clarified that a couple times with him. I'd love to see what they keep on the books.

The man is a soul-less scam artist. After all my questions and clarifications to alleviate my skepticism, I looked him in the eye and asked "will i be able, at the very least, recover this Comp Card investment in work?" He said without flinching "there is no doubt in my mind."

A person comes forward seeking a civial action against Karon Shea Model Management

I received this email today and wanted everybody to see it, hopefully Karon Shea will do the right thing and refund this persons money

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "I am not a talent agent or a modeling agent like K...":

I am in the process of getting my affairs in order with a law firm here in Boston. Why? Well, unfortunately, I am one of those who paid the 800 bucks because I had the "look." As soon as I did so, I realized that I was being scammed and called and asked for my money back. I got nothing in return. I called again and talked to no one but the receptionist. I finally received a call from Jon and after giving me some bull about what the contract said, he told me to call that Monday and I would get my money back. What did I get when I called on Monday? An answering machine and since then, I have not received a call since.

Since my last call, I have sent an email alert to the contact person, Hayley, stating that I was pursuing the matter with a law firm my sister works with. Again, nothing.

I find it funny that I came across this site today, as I am about to call Karen Shea today to give them the law firm's fax number. I am very much looking forward to hearing if they respond after that.

I don't want to drag this out any longer than it has to, I just want my money back. I never set up an appointment with their "photographer," I never received any services from them. Yet, they cashed my check right away. If they want to make this difficult, then so be it, let's go to court. I have a feeling people with similar stories to mine will be happy to join in.

My sourses of information

I just want people to know that all this information contained in this blog come from postings I have received, research that was done on the internet or personal experience. I have also posted several links to information that I have posted on this blog. I am not taking credit for writing any articles that I have posted unless I have written or posted them myself. This all started when I posted a request for information on Craig's List asking for information regarding Karon Shea Model Management, John Wood or Richard Bertone.

FYI I was informed that Karon Shea did work with the Easter Seals which is a great organization and a great cause!

Please note that this is not a personal attack on Karon Shea, John Wood, or Richard Bertone, but the way that business seems to be conducted, and it was mostly about John Wood WHO WORKED FOR KARON!

I WOULD REALY LIKE TO POST MORE POSITIVE COMMENTS ABOUT KARON, JOHN OR RICHARD SO IF YOU HAVE THEM PLEASE SEND THEM. All POSTINGS WILL BE PUBLISHED AND NOT EDITED FOR CONTENT.

I WANT THIS TO BE AN UNBIASED BLOG BASED STRICTLY ON FACTS OR OPINIONS PRESENTED.

I will go one step Further and Invite Karon or another member of her staff to talk about the postings. That goes for Richard or John Wood as well and will post them so people can get fair and balanced information!

In fact if I do get any positive postings I will not personally comment on them. I will only post other peoples responses to those postings.

Thank you. PLEASE REMEMBER THE STATEMENTS MADE FORTH ARE OPINIONS AND BELIEVED TO BE TRUE, BY THE AUTHOR.

RICHARD BERTONE PHOTOGRAPHY'S BBB REPORT

KARON SHEA POSTED ABOUT RICHARD BERTONE AND TOLD US TO CHECK HIM OUT.THIS A LINK TO THE BBB. THE BBB RATES HIS BUSINESS AS UNSATISFACTORY. CLICK TO SEE ACTUAL REPORT http://reports.bosbbb.org/Boston/Public/Reports/BrandedReport.aspx?firm=99994

DOES JOHN WOOD WORK FOR KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMET OR NOT THAT IS THE QUESTION

I RECEIVED THIS POSTING FOR IN RESPONSE TO A DIFFERENT POSTING BUT I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS SEEN.

I answered the CL ad for "promotional material" . What they wanted me to do was have a photoshoot with Richard Bertone for $540 and then print the cards up on my own. If I did this John would make sure that I was seen by Karon Shea Model Management. Before setting up this appt. with Richard I said that I wanted to investigate and check into this further. When I googled Karon Shea, because I am from out of state and had never heard of her agency, I found this blog. So, I called Karon and actually spoke directly with her. I wanted fto make sure I would be represented if I paid this money. karon said that John had not been with her agency for about a month now and thats she had no knowledge of him saying these things. That I would not be guaranteed anything with her agency unless I met her first. Then she could decide if Richard would be a good photographer for me because Richard is good for fashion photography not commercial. People with a commercial look would benefit by going to Pat O'Coonor. So, I set up an appt. with her to be seen. About a half hour later I got a call from John saying that Karon had just called him up upset about my calling her and saying that John had mentioned her agency. John insisted this had been a misunderstanding by myself about her agency. He said that he never said any of that. Yet where did I get her name from I had never even heard of her.

He said that I should get the cards done with Richard even though I do not have interest in fashion modeling strictly acting. Also, know this... John never even asked me what I looked like. He just wanted to set up the appt. with Richard and he said that he would personally meet me there at Richards studio. He told me that I should shop around for agencies and not sign with any that have exclusive contracts. When I asked him why Karon was so upset and what the deal was between them he refused to tell me and only said that he worked there for 2 years and 9 months and there was a reason why he wasn't there anymore but he did not want to go into it.

So, I asked to see some of Richards work because I find it funny that he has no website. He told me to check out his myspace page. I did and found only fashion models. He told me that when I showed up at Richards studio he could show me lot of books with his work. I then asked him about this blog and he said that he had never heard of the blog. He would check into it when we hung up. The number John called me from ws 617-710-7510. But he told me to call him back on a 978number. The same number that was listed in the original CL posting.Now that I have read this blog I realize that the 617 number is the same as Karon Sheas.

I called Karon back to cancel my appt. with her and also to question her side of all this. She said that John was a wonderful man and that she had nothing bad to say about him except that she did not authorize him to post that ad. yet now I see on the blog that she wrote that she is seeking legal action action against him but 10 mins.before she added that comment she said to me that he was a nice guy. Which is it!!! Karon also said that Marc Reece is just angry because they did not want to represent him at her agency. I asked her why he said that John wanted him to pay $800 if they didn't want him. She said that never happened that Marc was never seen by her agency. Maybe people should look into him.

I read everything and after talking to them (Karon and John, I did not call Richard even though John told me to) I believe you are correct and this is a SCAM!!!! I think that there scam is faling apart and they are trying to find a way to still make money. Al ot of finger pointing going on.

Some say IMTA Iis not a scam others say it is,read this and form your own opinion

I knew a lot of people were looking at this blog, but this blog has now reached across the country and this is a blurb I received from LA. The power of the internet is amazing. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSES.

AFTER THE POSTING YOU WILL SEE SOME OTHER LINKS TO HELP VALIDATE THIS POSTING. REMEMBER KNOWLEDGE ISN'T POWER UNLESS IT IS APPLIED!

I have no personal knowledge of Karon Shea, John Wood or any of the others mentioned in your blog. But I do have personal experience with IMTA.

FYI, the ONLY people who go to IMTA (or it's stepsister competition, iPop, which is about double the price) are expensive modeling schools. NO ONE ELSE. It is NOT the way professional actors enter the industry. 99% of the actors who attend never get a paying job in Los Angeles, because the training they have received is so horrible. AGENCIES do not send their clients there...why would they? So their clients could be stolen by a larger agency? Of course not! They send their acting school students (they are not really agencies) because conventions are big business..between paying for MORE classes, NEW pictures, and the convention itself, you would have dished out $10,000 or so. And don't think it stops there...you will get "callbacks" (a misuse of the industry term) alright. But the result will be that you were "almost there" and "just need a little more training". And back into the school cycle you go, so they can suck more money out of you.

BTW, if you want to compare Los Angeles prices, a great headshot photographer charges about $250 and 100 copies are about $75. The average cost for a top acting class is less than $50 per hour.

Another reality of Hollywood: AGENCIES are not legally allowed to advertise in CA. They cannot charge ANY fees upfront for photography, classes or anything else--that is a violation of the Advanced Fee Talent Service Law. Legit Hollywood companies do not post on craigslist--ever.

I think you must be a pretty savvy guy. From what I have read here, looks like you have spotted a scam, and managed to save yourself another $10,000 or so by NOT attending IMTA. $800 is ridiculous for professional headshots. Bravo for saying, "Stop the Madness!" and for speaking out.

Tip of the day: Google
"IMTA scam", "John Robert Powers scam" and "iPop scam". Just adding that little word to the end of your searches will bring up thousands of websites, including pretty much every consumer protection site in the nation. You are not alone!

KARON SHEA I have a question for you.

HOW MUCH MONEY, IF ANY HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM SENDING PEOPLE TO IMTA IN FORM OF SALARY OR COMMISSION?

IF YOU DON'T REMEMBER THE ADD THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION POSTED ON CRAIG'S LIST, I HAVE POSTED IT BELOW FOR YOUR REVIEW. Remember this is the original add I answered.

IMTA OPEN CALL (Boston)

---

Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-04-04, 10:21AM EDT


International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) is coming from NY to Boston

A few of IMTA discoveries are Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes, Elijah Wood, and many more.

Auditions are now being held for ages 4 to 58.

All ethnicities and sizes are encouraged to audition. No experience nec.

Call (617) 710-7510 for audition dates and times. (Notice the Phone number)
PostingID: 629909715

LINKS TO WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE IMTA AND OTHER CONVETIONS AND AGENCIES
http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=477
http://www.calorie-count.com/forums/post/78580.html
http://www.actorslife.com/forum_view.php?id=115
http://www.zoomonme.com/gallery/albun17/superman03
http://modelsadvocate.com/model-scams-blog.html
http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/mainlinemodelsandtalent.html
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/190/RipOff0190219.htm

JOHN WOOD HAS BEEN WITH KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT SINCE AT LEAST 2006

THIS IS PRICELESS THE FOLLOWING WAS COPIED DIRECTLY OFF KARON SHEA'S MY SPACE PAGE. UNDER WANNA BE A MODEL; LOOK WHO IS HER TALENT COORDINATOR, BUT IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY DIDN'T JOHN WOOD SAY HE JUST ARRIVED FROM LA 6 MONTHS AGO? CLICK THE LINK TO SEE THE ADD. http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=46839763&blogID=89089440 Saturday, February 18, 2006 Want To Be A Model? Current mood: accomplished Category: Jobs, Work, Careers Want To Be A Model? Karon Shea Model Management has been in business for over 25 years, has models in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, and has many accredited titles. Auditions are held every Saturday at our Worcester Location. For audition dates and times, call our Talent Coordinator John at: (617) 710- 7510 The point is John has been with Karon Shea Model Management for long than the 6 months he claims to be from new york 12:25 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos -

The Little Blog That Could, Karon Shea of Karon Shea Model Management speaks!

Wow I'm going to call this the little Blog that could. I guess you could say that this blog defiantly had an impact on and rocked the house over at KSMM (Karon Shea Model Management) I have received the following emails from Karon Shea's office. I will be making my comments below..

From: Staff @ Karon Shea [mailto:noreply-comment@blogger.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:19 PM
To: Marc Reece
Subject: [Opinions about Karon Shea and John Wood at Karon Shea Model Management] New comment on John Wood has decided to create another way to mak....

John Wood is no longer with us. (over 30 days now)What he does with his own time we cannot control at this moment WE are taking legal actions against him. If you have concerns please contact us info@ksmmonline.com

About Richard. He does work in NYC and for fashion house. please check out his work http://www.myspace.com/richardbertonephoto.
Karon is taking care of John. karon is picking out models herself with private one on one appts. any questions info@ksmmonline.com

as far as IMTA. any agency can bring their models to this event. An agency can take advantage of this and the amount of money but not having training leading up to IMTA in NYC. ours however has set up classes that meet twice a week. You need to be top notch for this event. so we are teaching all models the in's and out's. Please google the name Mark Lund. He is one of our teachers here at karon shea. He is helping the models prepare for IMTA in NYC July 21-27.just yesterday they had a full day class (10am-4:00pm) we hired a hair and makeup guy to show the models what would be best. We also hired a photographer who did have a photo shoot with each model. basically the amount of money is for the 2 month training and all expenses in NYC (hotel/ transportation/ food)for 7 days. basically the flack on the internet is from other agencies who have taken advantage and has not put the time and effort into their models before this event


OK SO THERE ARE THE EMAILS I HAVE RECEIVED FROM KARON SHEA'S OFFICE. I BELIEVE ,THAT BECAUSE OF THIS BLOG AND THIS BLOG ONLY THAT JOHN WOOD IS NO LONGER REPRESENTING KARON SHEA'S BUSINESS; HOWEVER AS OF TODAY 5/21/08 HIS NAME IS STILL LISTED ON HER WEB SITE AND KARON SAID HE HAS BEEN GONE FOR 30 ACCORDING TO HER EMAIL. JOHN WAS STILL WITH THIS COMPANY AS OF 2 WEEKS AGO. SO I CAN NOT CONFIRM THIS TO BE TRUE OR FALSE.

THAT BEING SAID ACCORDING TO HIS MOST RECENT POSTING ON CRAIG'S LIST HE MAY VERY WELL BE ON HIS OWN BUT WORKING WITH RICHARD BERTONE. IT WAS ONLY UNTIL RECENTLY THAT JOHN LEFT KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT (SUPPOSEDLY) BUT HE WAS WITH HER FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS. BEFORE THIS ALL CAME UP, SO UNLESS SHE WAS COMPLETELY OBLIVIOUS ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE ROOM WHERE THE CATTLE CALLS WERE GOING ON, PRIOR TO HER TALK. THE BUCK HAS TO STOP SOMEWHERE.

OK SO RICHARD BERTONE HAS A MY SPACE PAGE, I HAVE A BLOG! THE FACT THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE EVERYBODY HAS A WEBSITE UP IT SEEMS TO BRING LEGITIMACY TO YOUR BUSINESS. I MEAN EVEN KARON SHEA HAS A WEBSITE, I HAVE A BLOG, AND A WEBSITE. RICHARD DOES NOT.

IF RICHARD BERTONE IS THIS BIG NAME PHOTOGRAPHER WHY DOESN'T MORE COME UP WHEN YOU GOOGLE HIM. I MEAN YOU CAN GOOGLE ME AND I COME UP ALL OVER THE PLACE. I CALLED ONE OF THE PAGEANTS HE DID SOME WORK FOR AND THEY WOULD NOT GIVE A GOOD OR BAD REFERENCE OR SAY A WORD EITHER WAY! WHY?

IT RAISED A RED FLAG. I ACTUALLY SPOKE TO RICHARD ON THE PHONE AND HE SAID THAT PEOPLE WERE STEALING HIS WORK, I CANT CONFIRM OR DENY THAT STATEMENT TO BE TRUE. ALSO RICHARD BERTONE TOLD ME THAT HE RECEIVES A PERCENTAGE OF THE MONEY THAT KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT BROUGHT IN FOR HIS PHOTO SESSION, SOMEWHERE IN THE AMOUNT OF 350.00 THE REST WENT TO THE KARON SHEA AND JOHN WOOD.

FOR THE RECORD I HAVE A DIGITAL CAMERA AND TAKE PICTURES AS WELL.. BIG DEAL. ALSO I HAVE POSTED SOME COMMENTS THAT ACTUALLY FAVORED RICHARD BERTONE. YOU CAN READ THEM AND DECIDE. DO I THINK HE SHOULD GET PAID FOR TAKING PICTURES ABSOLUTELY! BUT WHY SHOULD KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT AND JOHN WOOD GET A CUT.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT JOHN SPECIFICALLY SAID HE DOES NOT MAKE A DIME UNTIL HE GETS YOU WORK. HE ALSO SAID THAT HE IS NOT MAKING A DIME FROM THESE PHOTOS.

AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE IMTA. (INTERNATIONAL MODEL AND TALENT AGENCY ) IT HAS BEEN SAID ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASION THAT THE SCHOOLS AND AGENCY'S THAT SEND PEOPLE TO THE CONVENTION GET A KICK BACK FROM THE IMTA.

IF YOU ATTENDED THE MOST RECENT IMTA CONVENTION THROUGH KARON SHEA ASK YOURSELF DID YOU GO BECAUSE YOU HAD THE LOOK OR DID YOU GO BECAUSE YOU HAD 5,000 DOLLARS. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT ATTENDED THROUGH KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT, AND IF SO WAS IT WORTH 5,000 DOLLARS.

HOW BAD DO YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS, THAT YOU WOULD HAND OVER 5K. YES SOME COULD SAY ITS AN INVESTMENT, THAT YOU HAVE TO INVEST IN YOURSELF. IT JUST SEEMS THAT EVEN WITH THE CLASSES AND THE COACHES IT IS RIGHT OUT OF WHAT THE BBB SAYS BEWARE OF.

More information and resources to help you figure out if you getting scammed by a talent agency

In an effort to continually help inform you on so called talent managers trying to take your hard earned money I found this helpful article

http://www.bizparentz.org/gettingstarted/avoidingscams.html

So how does a parent spot a scam?

1. LISTEN. One step is to really listen to your instincts. What seems too good to be true, usually is.
2. RESEARCH. Researching every company and person you are going to work with is of paramount importance. Use Google and check the names of the businesses as well as the names of the people you meet. Ask other parents. Email us. Look for common red flags. Some red flags of a scam or rip-off include:
1. being approached in a mall, family store or other public place
2. name dropping such as “a casting director from shows LIKE Hannah Montana and Nickelodeon” or naming famous alumni (which rarely turn out to be supporters of the program)
3. promising work or access to breakdowns
4. using several different names for their business or they change the name frequently
5. seeing an ad on Craigslist or in the newspaper, or hearing it on the radio,
6. the term “open call”,
7. use of the words “star”, “fame”, “you have the look”, “boot camp”, “Hollywood University”
8. putting pressure or time limits on the offer such as “we only bring back 10% of the kids we see, not everyone makes it”, “we can only hold the spot for 3 days”, etc.
9. use of the terms “top Hollywood talent agent/manager/casting director”
10. charging upfront fees for representation. In California, this practice falls under the Advance Fee Talent Service Act (*insert link*). This is why many scammers travel the country. Hollywood recognizes the scam artists so they can’t do business as easily here.
3. WAIT. Leave your checkbook at home. Sometimes the best way to spot a scam is to separate yourself from the situation and sleep on it. Talk to your spouse. Run it by a friend. And if you don’t have your checkbook/credit cards, it forces you to think about it without that pressure.

But some people say it is OK….. Of course every story has 2 sides, and you may find another person ‘vouching’ for
someone else. One very common example of these discussions revolves around talent competitions and talent/modeling schools. Consider this perspective as posted on Backstage:

"If we view a child's entertainment career as a business (because it is) - families who go the competition/convention route entering the business start off thousands of dollars in the hole - to "hopefully" get an agent and manager. For the people who really like their individual situation – ask them what's the success rate of ALL the children in their child’s classes? Never mind their little budding star... what about the others?"

Getting an agent or manager can be accomplished for under $100 via picture submissions. Really. Honest. Your child doesn't have to be at a convention to have an agent notice them and see if they might fill a hole in their roster. Signing with an agent (and perhaps manager) is the very basic cornerstone of the industry. It's not a guarantee of success. A good percentage of represented child actors never, ever work.

A child is going to need to book about $30,000 of work (at least) to even make up for the cost of the classes - depending on how many other people (agent, manager, trust account, and taxes) they are paying. It puts a tremendous strain on the child’s “business” to start out so much in the hole. The finances are often the source of many difficulties within a family.

The "awards" and training - will be the first thing to LEAVE the professional resume. The industry does not afford any respect to participation in talent competitions. Winning ‘Child Actor of the Year” isn’t going to bring you employment or success in the industry.

We understand why parents want to see it otherwise - but after hearing thousands of stories from people who experienced this, they describe that it's a lot like a slick boyfriend. They say all the right things to get you interested, but later, looking back, you sort of regret the time you spent with them. There are many people who have learned a lesson - and /or really don't appreciate how these businesses take advantage of families and their love for their children. Yet, good news for competitions - there are still people willing to believe that it's the best choice they can make to get their child an agent, when it's really the only option they ever even considered.

I’ve been scammed, what now?

First, don’t be embarrassed. MANY, many of us stumbled our way into this industry in ways we would rather forget. But you can recover. Perhaps the scammer did you a favor, and made your realize that A. your child really has a gift, and B. you need to get your business in order if you are going to support them the way they deserve.

There are legal remedies to getting scammed. Please email BizParentz and we can point you in the right direction if you feel like that is a route you want to pursue. Many families just count the experience as a very expensive lesson learned. Others choose to tell their story and prevent others from making the same mistakes. We applaud them! Next, re-group. You can find an agent/manager without spending any more money.

Read our article entitled “Just Getting Started".

There are respected and standard websites that exist for marketing and casting in the industry. There’s no need to seek out untested and dangerous alternatives. See also articles on this website – Online Casting and All Roles Aren’t Created Equal (PDF). Even if you are fortunate enough to find someone that is ‘safe” to work with from these alternative methods – there certainly won’t be the level of pay you might expect to receive for your work.

Remember – a child’s professional career is a business – and to give away their time, energy, and talent is unnecessary and unfair to them.

Comments on the IMTA (INTERNATIONAL MODEL & TALENT AGENCY) AND KARON SHEA

I HAVE FOUND SOME INTERESTING COMMENTS REGARDING THE IMTA. (INTERNATIONAL MODEL AND TALENT AGENCY) ON THE WEB IRONICALLY KARON SHEA AND JOHN WOOD PROMOTE THIS HEAVILY IN THEIR OFFICE LOCATED AT 65 WATER STREET WORCESTER MA.

I have been in the modeling business for over 15 years, and I can tell you that you SHOULD NOT use a modeling school, nor should you pay all that money for IMTA. Bottom line is that if someone has it to be a model, all they need to is walk into an agency on their open calls, and they will tell you if you are model material, or not. If you are, they will sign you and, if you're really amazing, they will advance the money for your photos. Modeling schools are nothing but ripoffs, taking the money from people by making them all pie-eyed and telling them that they will be made into a star. IMTA is another money-making concept for the organizers. They are bascially cattle calls, where those who paid thousands of dollars parade in front of agent. If there is that "rare jewel", the agent will approach the person; otherwise, you will get nothing out of it, but lost money and false hopes. If you want to be a model, go see an agency. They will tell you whether you need to "quit your day job", or not.

Beware of this big Scam. It's the International Modeling & Talent Association also known as IMTA. They hold so called modeling conventions in LA & NY. The IMTA charges each person $5000. and up to attend their events. They give gifts and money to small time agents to attend their IMTA model and talent showcase. Almost nobody ever gets discovered or receives any work through these IMTA events. In the past the IMTA directors have invited known pornographers to attend their conventions and judge and interview the models. At the IMTA convention in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan, one prolific adult film pornographer by the name of Stuart Young owner of Shadowplay Studios was allowed by IMTA directors and staff to interview young children ages 5 to 19. A well known NYC attorney by the name of William Unroch had to threaten oneof the IMTA executive directors who is Ms. Seale with legal action before she agreed to eject the pornographer and his staff. Protect yourself and your children, stay away from anyone connected to the IMTA.

Parents of models in the past have been led to believe IMTA was separate from the modeling school, and that their children were specially "selected" to attend the IMTA convention.
Industry critics and consumer protection organizations including the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission in the past have warned about modeling agencies and modeling photographers who split fees or make financially biased recommendations.
It is, however, no different with certain modeling schools and modeling conventions. There are backroom meetings. There are secret business partnerships. Fees are being split.
Modeling schools and modeling conventions have been closely associated in the past. Not only John Robert Powers and IMTA, but also Barbizon has worked closely with, and sent aspiring models to, IMTA.

When there are such clear conflicts of interest, corresponding consumer complaints, secret financial agreements, such high prices, and such large amounts of money to be made by the organizers of conventions, despite such low success rates, in an industry with very few laws to protect consumers, consumers need to think carefully before paying for modeling schools and modeling conventions.

It is not surprising modeling conventions are "in bed with" modeling schools. Students at modeling schools are, to use the sales term, hot leads. They want to become models, they have already shown they are prepared to pay to become models, and they have already been scouted, and there is a large group of them.

Furthermore, there will continue to be more models or more hot leads at the schools in the future. Therefore modeling schools represent the primary sales target of modeling conventions, who are seeking large groups of aspiring models who have money, and can quickly part with it. Model school students are basically ripe fruit ready to be picked, er, "selected."

John Robert Powers and Barbizon, the two franchised and most expensive modeling schools, both work with IMTA, the most expensive modeling convention. Is that a natural fit? Are their mindsets a perfect match?
IMTA has evidently courted them (their advertising and consumer reports say the schools promoted the convention) and paid them (insider stories, BBB).
IMTA gets it easy. They don't have to do the dirty work of scouting for models; the schools do all the work.
IMTA obviously wants a large number and reliable flow of aspiring models to attend each of their conventions.
Where else can they find so many well-heeled prospective models?
With a business arrangement with modeling schools, they can get exactly what they want. Indeed, the schools represent the most large and most reliable source of revenue for their business.

There are success stories, and the idea of them is not a scam. Models and actors need an agent to get work. That is a fact. Agencies are always looking for talent. That is a fact. It is hard to meet agents. That is a fact.
And you can't blame these agencies. Of course they support the concept. They support and attend all of these searches. Why not? They HAVE discovered people. They get PAID. It's a party weekend for them!
Those are not the issues. The problem is not in the idea, but how the idea is sold. At the cost of your dreams. Hey -- these companies have bills to pay. And we have great salaries -- about $80,000 per year -- not bad. There is nothing wrong with making money, but not by capitalizing on people's dreams, and misleading them.

Ways to spot a Liar

In this business it seems that it easy to be taken advantage of! People will try to profit off your dreams and ambitions here are some ways to spot a liar. CLICK LINK TO SEE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

https://www.qualityhealth.com/psp/poll.jspa?poll=1177&rf=28121&mc=MTYwOTg2MDA.&emailPID=content
Liar, Liar…

"I am not a crook.” “That dress looks great on you." Some lies have bigger consequences than others, but at some point, we've probably all told one. In fact, according to a Cornell University study, people lie in roughly 25 percent of their daily interactions. How can you tell if someone's trying to deceive you or if they're telling the truth? Here, we pinpoint a few common signs.

• Inconsistencies. One of the easiest, and most reliable, ways to catch a liar is to identify inconsistencies in their story—details that just don't jive with common sense, prevailing logic, or societal norms. For example, if your date claims he's as rich as Bill Gates but drives a Hyundai, you can bet he's telling a tall tale.
• Eye contact. When it comes to lying, the eyes can be a dead giveaway. Generally, liars avoid eye contact, but if you're dealing with a seasoned fabricator, he or she might stare excessively. In addition, most people's pupils dilate when they're lying because their adrenaline rises. According to an FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, liars may also blink rapidly or close their eyes for slightly prolonged periods in an attempt to block out auditory or visual stimuli.
• Contradictions. As they weave their tales of deceit, liars typically forget a few details along the way and reveal some telling contradictions. For example, if a friend backed out of your weekend plans because she supposedly had a life-threatening illness and later described the weekend as "wonderful," consider it a red flag.
• Stammering or scrambling. The majority of liars, especially under questioning, will utter a lot of nervous ahhs, umms, and wells in an effort to buy time and save face. When confronted with particularly tough questions, they may also scramble for flimsy rationales and far-fetched excuses to reinforce the lie.

Invitation for Karon Shea, John Wood, or Richard Bertone

I would like to invite Karon Shea, John Wood or Richard Bertone to add any postings to this blog they feel people should know or feel are incorrect. I am doing this in fairness as my purpose is not to harm but to inform people of a common thread that that seems to be prevalent. I welcome any and all posting from you, In regards to this matter. I have tried may different means to accomplish this and have posted many opinions on this subject. I look forward to more lively blogging and hearing from you. Many people feel this is a corrupt industry. Will you please help set the record straight about what I am posting on the industry and your agency..

John Wood has decided to create another way to make money from you ITS CALLED PACKAGING!

I Saw this on Craigs List today, John Wood of KARON SHEA MODEL MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN WORCESTER MASS ON 65 WATER STREET,THEY IS NOW LOOKING TO HELP YOU OUT AGAIN. THEY ARE CALLING IT PACKAGING, SUPPOSEDLY THEY FEEL THIS IS NECESSARY,TO GET YOU PREPARED TO GO TO AN AGENT. THEY CLAIM TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED IN ORDER TO SUCCEED. YOU DO NEED A GOOD PACKAGE, BUT YOU ALSO NEED GOOD REPRESENTATION, I EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY HOW JOHN WOOD OPERATES, HE IS VERY SLICK IN HIS PRESENTATION. I CONSTANTLY LOOK AT CRAIGS LIST POSTINGS TO SEE WHAT IS OUT THERE. I ALMOST CHOCKED WHEN I READ THE AD BELOW. WHEN I SAW THE PHONE NUMBER, I THOUGHT TO MYSELF THAT NUMBER LOOKS FAMILIAR, THEN I REALIZED IT WAS JOHN WOODS CELL NUMBER. I ONLY KNOW THIS IS JOHN BECAUSE HE LEFT HIS CELL PHONE NUMBER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ADD. The funny part is that John works for Karon Shea!

ACTORS and MODELS ... Tired of not getting AUDITIONS? (Boston)
Reply to: Date: 2008-05-16, 7:40PM EDTWe are trying to prepare all talent for the upcoming jobs to the Boston area. Before you can hope to get the call backs that you seek, you must have a promotional package that makes you stand out from the crowd, and meets industry standards. Your promotional package is what the talent agency submits to the casting director for auditions, and is the only representation by which a casting agent will determine if you are worth seeing. 99% of promotional packages are not up to industry standards, and will be rejected. This may be the reason that you are not getting call backs. Many try to enter the industry by creating their own package without understanding the very high professional standards that must be met. Others rely on their talent agencies to produce the promotional package. Although most agencies offer these services, this is not the primary focus of most, leaving you with a less than satisfactory representation, often at a very high price. Our sole business is to create a personal promotional package that will differentiate you from the crowd. Each of our team members has over twenty years in the industry that we will apply to help you meet your personal goals. We know what the industry looks for, and we make sure that your package satisfies their expectations. You are assured that your personal promotional package provides the highest quality representation, regardless of the agencies that submit your package. We are NOT a talent/modeling agency. We are NOT a school. Packaging is the key to your success… NOT your agency. There are no upfront consulting fees. Email or call

I am not a talent agent or a modeling agent like Karon Shea might think

I find it very funny that Karon Shea of Karon Shea Model Management and her staff our claiming that I am affiliated with a competitor that is trying to slander their good name. For the record I was a potential client that went to a cattle call of theirs. John wood told the group of us to check them out, so I did. I posted a simple posting on Craig's List asking for information regarding Karon Shea Model Management. I received many responses to my postings and felt the public had a right to know about what other people had experienced when dealing with John wood and Karon Shay at Karon Shay Model Management. I am not in the industry or related to any modeling agency. I am not signed with any industry in Massachusetts or in the continental US. I'm just trying to live the dream. Ironically Karon Shea sits on the Licesensing board for the city of Worcester, The Board of directors of the Hanover Theater, and a few others. It is my goal to inform you on the information I have received from other people that have dealt with this organization. I believe that they are scared and are once again thinking of changing their name. They are located at 65 Water Street in Worcester Mass. They have changed their name 3 times in the past. I would ask them why!!! The truth is I am not stating that you stay away from this organization I am just saying BUYER BEWARE! They violated the law in the past by posting false ads on Craig's List, God only knows what else they have done to the unsuspecting. I have emailed them several times to respond to anything that they find untrue yet I get no response. I have asked several times on various postings on Craig's List for positive feed back and I get no response. For the record I work in sales for a dot com. I'm pissed because they tried to pressure me to get my money. All I was, was a commission to John Wood and Karon Shay. By the way one source tells me that the 800 dollars they charge for pictures gets split up between the 3 of them. Check out what I am saying and then you be the judge! FYI my picture is up on my web site I am not hiding and I am not afraid to speak the truth on what I have found

Marc