I am new to this whole modeling acting bug scene, but here is my experience with Tctalent. I was approached by a scout in January and was told that I have "that look", then invited to a "private call". I said to myself "Wow this is strange and should I really follow through with this?" Nevertheless I agreed to go because of the excitement from friends and family (their excitement was actually fueling my own).
Well, you know what happens now, many faces at location, blah blah blah. Measurements taken blah, blah, blah. Corporate recruit speaks gives orientation on our new modeling/acting/musical careers blah, blah, blah. As the orientation went on I started to think that maybe this could go somewhere, they were feeding very well on entertainment hopes and ambitions.
After the orientation was done, I did a brief one on one session. I smiled for the scout, did a turn and a half and gave my jacket size (keep in mind this was all done in a very dim practically dark room). I was told "congratulations" and given the winning smile.
I was told to read the Industry magazine with the 8 page TCT info mag glued to the back (I discovered that later on after this whole thing), and to expect a call on Tuesday at 8pm (the call was Saturday, that's 3 days). A rep from Orlando called 2 and a half hours past 8pm. Again with the congratulations, she asked a few questions then asked if I was interested *Correction she said ".. So how will you be paying for this?".
The woman on the phone kept raving about my look (the pics they took were horrible), and how this is my golden opportunity.
I asked her If I can think about it and she said that I may have to wait up to a year for her to get back to me. She bsically said the decision had to be made then.
Honestly, usually I am pretty careful when it comes to things like this especially when it involves money, but I guess I was taken by the glint of hope that this could be a valid opportunity. I agreed to pay 795.00 to be apart of their database.
I was already hung up on the almost 800.00 to join. At this point I gues my senses were coming back from their vacation. I received another call a few days later, (again with the congratulations) inviting me to attend the Orlando Fashion Rock Event. The rep said I was among the 100 chosen to attend and that it would be a wonderful thing packed with agencies, models and entertainment.
After the whole schpeil she put me on hold for 10mins, she gets back on and tells me on of the uppermanagement scout were checking out my pics (horrible pics). The rep said that it was a good thing, that there were only a few spots left and that I should act now and prepare plans to go to Orlando.
She said the trip will be 895.00 excluding travel to and from Orlando Fl. I thought to myself, now I just became apart of the database, I haven't updated my pics from what they took at orientation, and the pics that they do have are really horrible and with all this I still am a good candidate for this Fashion Rock Event!!!
I told her that I was in a financial bind, she sat quiet for a few, then said that I can place the charge on multiple cards, that I can do a payment plan and 245 down would be needed. I refused and said I had to think about it. She said that the slots are going fast, but then gave in and said I can call her in two days but she will definitely need an answer by then.
The next day it just so happened I had a third interview with TCTalent, with my "advisor" of some sort. This person is so suppose to help me along with updating my digital comp card and get started in creating exposure for my self.
That was my last contact with them, I am suppose to be taking pictures for my portfolio (which will cost an additional 500.00). I am constantly being told by them that a time slot/position here is limited an oppourtunity there is fading.
After then I decided to do what I should have done in the beginning and began researching this group. Not good reviews at all, and I am not really disappointed in myself but more like "trick me once, shame on you."
There are several questions that I have like 'How will I make that money back? If I continue just to get the pictures will it be worth it? Who will have exclusive rights to the pictures and What can I do to either make it worthwile or should I just cut my losses?
I am glad that I did my research when I did, because eventually I would have done it but 'sooner is always better than later'
Txckid
Columbus, Ohio
U.S.A.
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