I would like to share my story about Trans Continental Talent (formerly Options Talent, eModel, and too many more to list.)
A few weeks ago, I applied for a job online through a major online job seeking website (I'd rather not mention the name.) The ad stood out from the others. It said "Dream Job" in bright yellow bold print. It was an application to become a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I thought it would be a "dream job, " so I filled out the questionnaire. I received an e-mail the same day asking me to come to an interview the next day at noon. It also said to be prepared to be there until 4pm. Excited, I went.
It turned out that there were alot of people who were being interviewed for the job of becoming a talent scout (approx. 50 total.) We all sat through a promotional video, and hours of talking about Trans Continental Talent. After that, we were all given a short, private interview. We were all told to go home, and at 6pm, we will be e-mailed to let us know if we got the job.
At 6pm, I checked my e-mail. I had gotten the job as a talent scout! I was told to report at the office for training the next day from 1pm-7pm.
I went to training to find out that almost everyone was hired! I just figured they were in serious need of talent scouts. We all listened to the instructor (again) and went through a mock scouting approach with each other. Then, after only hours after becoming part of the company, we were sent in groups to go out and "scout."
To get to the point, we were suppose to approach potential talent and flatter them by saying, "Hi, I'm so-and-so. I'm a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I think you have the look we're looking for. I would like to schedule you an appointment to meet with our Office Director, to see if he/she thinks you have the potential." Most people were so flattered, they eagerly accepted the business card with the appointment time on it.
The next day was the first open-call for the new scouts. Basically, the people that were scouted show up for their chance to be the next supermodel. About 40-60 people are hurdled into a little room to fill out applications while watching the promotional video. Then, they are sent to get snapshots and measurements taken. After that, they each get sent back into the small room to wait for their interview. The whole process takes about 2 hours or more. Then, each potential model, actor, or musician is told whether or not they are invited for a second interview.
Here's the catch. Almost everyone is invited back. They are then told to enroll and pay $575 to have photographs taken and posted on their website for many agencies to look at. They also have to pay $19.95/month to maintain the pictures. This is how Trans Continental Talent makes their money. But as a talent scout, we only get $25 commission for each person that pays the money and enrolls.
After only a couple days of scouting and two open-calls, I became curious. I had asked my Office Director why the name changed from Options Talent to Trans Continental Talent. I didn't get an answer. I also was weary when a new scout asked "What do we tell the person we're scouting if they ask how much money does it cost?" The response from the office director was "Avoid it and change the subject." I then started to realize that Trans Continental Talent was manipulating scouts by using them to manipulate innocent people!
The agencies we were told to mention that use our website to find talent included Marie Claire, Wilhelmina, and many more. After becoming suspicious about my new "dream job, " I started doing research. I found out that this company has an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau, has had numerous complaints and lawsuits filed, and that it is using names of top agencies inappropriately. Most of the agencies we were told to mention DO NOT use Trans Continental Talent to find models, actors, or musicians!
Also, considering that the only was Trans Continental Talent makes money is off of the digital photographs (comp-cards), they accept anyone who will pay the $575! Nobody is turned down!
Needless to say, after a gut feeling and some research, I am no longer a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. That doesn't matter, though, because there will be more mass interviews until they find enough scouts to stay.
This company may have offices throughout the world, but it is not a professional business. I was only trained for a few hours before starting to scout people. I thought I had to be licensed or at least was going to go through more training than that! To know that ANYONE can go out and scout people is scary! I had so many questions, but no answers. I just kept quiet and did my job, hoping to make money. Then I realized what a manipulative company I was working for, and just stopped showing up. Did I receive any phone calls asking why I wasn't at work? NO! What legitimate company doesn't call an employee to find out why they stopped showing up?!?!
I wasted my time, gas, and money on my "dream job, " which actually turned out to be a nightmare! I hope that this helps anyone who has any questions regarding Trans Continental Talent!
To everyone that I scouted, I am sorry. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Sincerely,
Sara
Please do not use any information (other than my first name) if you decide to print this. Thank you for the time to vent my story.
Sara
West Palm Beach, Florida
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