PROSCOUT review: PROSCOUT 187

Proscout is not a scam. I got picked to go to an interview in New York, and now I am playing a large role in the Broadway production of Annie. Actually, I happen to b playing Annie. Therefore, this proves that all you people out at home are just inmature and jealous of those of us who did get chosen. Also, I'll imagine that most of you have no real talent, and those of you who think that you're "models, " are really just lazy sluts who sit on the couch and watch television all day. And maybe occationally pull through McDonalds. Sad that you think you're fit to be a model when you weigh 180 pounds and can't even fit in skinny jeans!

This entire website & all the post have gotten on my last nerve! With all these comments & fights going back & forth, the real issue doesn't really get addressed without someone's personal feelings attached. I wish I never even looked on this site! I've wasted two full days reading opinions! While I was doing my research, I decided to check all sides of the spectrum. Someone called & said don't do it. I'm an adult with a mind of my own & I don't jump when people say so! I pray & move on faith according to the answer of my prayers. So many of you have spent so much time belittling one another that you really aren't helping the cause at all. I'm going to KC in June & it has nothing to do with any of the comments posted. I paid my money well before I read this ball of confusion! My God is not a God of confusion. So, the way I see it, this was a mere distraction by the enemy to keep me from where God wants me. I wish everyone the best on here; believers & non-believers as well. I will say this in closing. Take the time to look inside yourself & take a good look. If you are pleased with what you see inside, then ask God is he pleased. If you are not pleased with what you see inside, then ask God to cleanse you, purify you, & make you complete. I didn't come here to preach, but I also didn't come here to read people bash each other! Be blessed. Go forth with positive thoughts, positive actions, & positive outcomes!
SN: clean this grammar up! It's horrible to read! Spell check has been around for many many years! Sheesh

I'm going in may and if i find out im being scammed.. ooh I'm telling those people off because the people who are going there have talent and worked hard to get that money. :/ If they do scam people. they must like to bring people down an awful lot. Yeah, they will never hear the end of it if they scam me.

OK, All you idiots agreeing to ProScout not being a scam, i want you to come back in a couple years letting me know your acting and modeling experience in commercials! meanwhile i got picked im doing a few commercials from another top modeling agency and not paying a single dollar, im getting paid for my work! But if you want to keep paying for a convention that at last has no result, i suggest you save your money and you fly to Los Angeles and drop off a few pictures :)

If you read the posts that claim Pro Scout is not a scam closely you will notice that they all say similar things...like "do not listen to people who say its a scam they are just mad they did not get pick". Other comments seem eerily close to the pitch lines used when they try to sell you on the $795 convention which does not include your travel cost or hotel or food. They are selling you a expensive weekend with a questionable outcome. They prey on people dreams and desires to " make it big" in a very tough industry that has millions wanting the same thing. I took my 13 year old son because we heard the radio ad say that they would have the agents at the hotel in Rancho Mirage, CA but it turns out your just being pulled in by their pitch man trying to make you feel special when you get your "card". After telling us how his mother spent $12, 000 to get him into modeling but got no where because she was scammed. He then a few minutes later let you know that you have actually been picked to have the "opportunity" to attend their seminar for $ 800 in Scottsdale, AZ. Well a sat through the hard sell but i knew it was crap but I spoke to a mom a knew who seemed fooled because her daughter wants to be on Disney Channel. Real agents DO NOT TAKE MONEY you can take quality photos on your own and submit to legit agencies most of the good ones are in the big cities. Take drama in school go out for school plays, local auditions which are free. Do Not waste your money making Pro Scout or better Pro Scam rich.

I went to the event just this weekend May 28-29, 2011 in Orlando, I got only one callback, that was great because he took me, he was really, really interested, now he wants me back in Orlando next week to do my head shots, and because I live in Miami, he is going to recommend me to his friends who are casting directors and acting agents in Miami, so that is really, really great! And you were supposed to pay them "DEANNA" because you are getting to meet agencies you can't meet everyday and Tyra Banks said if you are signed with the agency you are supposed to pay for pictures, clothes, or any other thing they offer you, so get your facts straight, ok!

are not supposed to pay for those things I mean!

I attended a ProScout seminar in Beechwood, Ohio recently with friends. ProScout stated they wanted 4 year olds and up. My friend did receive a card so we stayed for the 2nd. meeting, and I warned my friend to be careful. They said come with NO experience or photos, none needed but as I sat in the back row with my friends to my dismay I heard the one female agent tell several BEAUTIFUL Children they need experience so build on it for a couple years! Even after a couple kids said they have some experience. Wow...I can tell you one boy was so handsome, piercing blue eyes, clef in the chin, one that will make it in the future for his looks, and that was not just my opinion at the seminar. So my point is they say they look at you and see if you are good looking and fit and then to Lie and say in their brochure that NO Experience and photos required and to stand in the room and tell the kids that you need years of experience shows me NOT TO Trust them. I will see what happens to my friend now. I felt bad for all the good looking boys and beautiful girls they let go. Someones loss is someone elses gain!(meaning the company) Good luck kids! SCAM. BeBe.

We attended a Chicago convention. My daughter was chosen by one of the agencies. She has been moving forward ever since...getting jobs and making money. So far, no complaints.

I had attended one year(6 years ago), and am attending again, older, and MUCH more prepared. To those who say it is a scam, as no agent asks for money up front...they are not an agent. You are paying to go to a convention, in which you are seen by the biggest names in the industry. THAT is where I got skeptical. Why would the biggest names in the industry NEED Proscout? I do not doubt that Proscout pays them to come up there, and pays for meals, lodging, etc. On top of the costs of renting 5 star hotels, that is what you pay for, more than likely. Top agents are not going to come to this event FREE. That being said, they probably only take the best of the best. I for one have heard of many success stories from proscout, and know people who did in fact get call backs. Looking online, you will see a substantial amount of people saying they were signed. I would assume that these complaints, are from teens/adults who were not called back, or even more likely, parents of children not called back.

I went to the "Interview" today, and 3/4 of the actors/models who showed up, were turned away. Proscout had no guarantee that other 1/4 would shell out the $800. If Proscout was a scam, they would have not turned away 3/4 of the people that showed up. That is a lot of potential money they turned away, and that alone proves that they are legitimate.

Ok first of all, You are paying for the convention, seminars, and workshops. I am sure some portion of everyone who goes does go to the agents and to proscout. They have to fly all those agents who take their weekend to meet at a certain place for you to try to make it. I look at the facts a lot of stars have been chosen by an agent through pro scout. They are working. It truly can only be a scam if they take everyone money and no one makes it. Some do make it and if you are crying about you paid 795 to go and you did not get picked then i am sorry not every one will. You just decide is this what i want to do or not.

Look People I went to a seminar and they seemed pretty straight forward. All they GUARANTEED was that you would have the chance to be in the same room with top agencies. They never promised you were going to get a call-back so quit your whining that you didn't get called. and think about it. If you were an agent looking for talent would you look in LA or NY? Probably not because if somebody there thought they had it they just had to march into the NEXT modeling building thats down the street. Proscout looks in the places where talented people might not have that kind of chance. Another thing, i'm going to use the same analogy and say you were an agent. you don't have time to go to all of these seminars. (well for free anyway) wouldn't you want to get your airfare and hotel room paid for? if proscout didn't pay for these things the agents wouldn't come. So lastly, they CANNOT be a scam just because you didn't get called or interviewed. thats just how it goes they can only pick the people who they think have IT.

It amazes me that people can't see through this stuff. You are getting ripped off folks!

"I got picked to go to this convention or that convention." "You're just paying for them to come see you." And on and on it goes. It's complete BULL!

I have been in this business for 14 years. I began from scratch in Wilmington, NC and worked my way up, by training with a real acting coach who had 30 years worth of legit credits and doing extra work to add credits to my resume. Since those humble beginnings, I have gone on to LA, trained with the top coaches there, worked at my craft, earned my SAG card by booking (not via extra work), and have legit representation!

Today, I can tell you that I make 100% of my income from being an actor, TV show host, and coach. I have agents in NC & Louisiana, as well as a manager in LA. Never once have I had to pay convention fees to accomplish these goals. Not one agent, coach, casting director, or industry contact I've talked to has ever had anything positive to say about groups like PS.

The only $$ I spent on my career was for legit classes, legit headshots/comp cards (I ALWAYS chose my own photographer, typically used Kevin Major Howard - he's one of the best in LA), website (before the days of FB & IMDb), promo materials (biz cards and such), casting accounts (Actors Access, Backstage Online, & Agency Pro), and I pay my way to travel to auditions when not allowed to submit via tape.

If you truly want to be in this industry, find a legit acting coach and start learning your craft. That should absolutely step one! What work have they done, and with who? Who have they trained with and where? If you recognize none of their credits, then you may want to keep looking. If you want to be in film, then don't train with someone who's never done anything but theater and musicals! Get it? Also, WHAT do they teach? Scene study, audition technique, improv, cold reading? I recommend learning scene study first, so you can learn to develop a character among other things. It is entirely appropriate for you to ask a coach to tell you their background and have them back it up with credentials. If you are in a big market, you may have to audition to get into the class. You may also get placed in Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Master, based on your skill level. Never, should a coach offer you anything outside of "pay tuition, learn acting" and career guidance, that's it! These "one stop shops" of class, photos, advice, and representation are a scam 99.9% of the time.

Two, get good headshots taken. You can find photographers that do this type of shoot through your state film commission's online production guide. LOOK at their work! Compare it to LA & NYC headshot photographers who only do this type of photography. Pay attention to price! Outside big filming hubs like LA, NYC, Louisiana, & FL you can get these types of shots for well under $200 per sitting. Remember, you only need 2 headshots, one theatrical & one commercial. Anyone that tries to convince you to use "their photographer" is getting a kickback! You should always be at liberty to choose the person you 1) like the work of best, 2) are most comfortable with, and 3) can AFFORD! Agents are not supposed to push photographers on you; however, they may suggest several that they like the work of and allow you to decide. That's acceptable.

Three, build your resume! Student films, extra work, plays, shorts, anything legit. Keep that resume updated and current. You can find legit work by setting up accounts through Actors Access, Backstage Online, and Agency Pro. Submit yourself as much as possible. If you don't get auditions, you can't book work. Push comes to shove, buy a camera and make your own films!

Once you have some credits, and preferably a demo reel, you can begin submitting your materials to agents & managers. Understand that the odds of you getting signed with CAA or William Morris, when you are just starting out, is not likely to happen. Look for smaller agencies that are looking to develop young talent the right way. Look in smaller markets like NC, Louisiana, FL, and TX. This is a great way to start. It worked for me. LOL

Lastly, don't stop training and don't give up! This is a hard business, VERY hard! It may take you 10 years to see any real income. Just stop looking for that "overnight success" or "discovery" moment to happen. When/if that ever occurs these days, the odds are better that you'll win the lottery, so focus your energy, AND MONEY, to developing your career the right way!

Hope this helps.

"You are completely wrong about Prosout being a scam. I have also met the model they had there once. She use to be on extream home makeover, so I really doubt she would be involved with a scam."

It amazes me that people can't see through this stuff. You are getting ripped off folks!

"I got picked to go to this convention or that convention." "You're just paying for them to come see you." And on and on it goes. It's complete BULL!

I have been in this business for 14 years. I began from scratch in Wilmington, NC and worked my way up, by training with a real acting coach who had 30 years worth of legit credits and doing extra work to add credits to my resume. Since those humble beginnings, I have gone on to LA, trained with the top coaches there, worked at my craft, earned my SAG card by booking (not via extra work), and have legit representation!

Today, I can tell you that I make 100% of my income from being an actor, TV show host, and coach. I have agents in NC & Louisiana, as well as a manager in LA. Never once have I had to pay convention fees to accomplish these goals. Not one agent, coach, casting director, or industry contact I've talked to has ever had anything positive to say about groups like PS.

The only $$ I spent on my career was for legit classes, legit headshots/comp cards (I ALWAYS chose my own photographer, typically used Kevin Major Howard - he's one of the best in LA), website (before the days of FB & IMDb), promo materials (biz cards and such), casting accounts (Actors Access, Backstage Online, & Agency Pro), and I pay my way to travel to auditions when not allowed to submit via tape.

If you truly want to be in this industry, find a legit acting coach and start learning your craft. That should absolutely step one! What work have they done, and with who? Who have they trained with and where? If you recognize none of their credits, then you may want to keep looking. If you want to be in film, then don't train with someone who's never done anything but theater and musicals! Get it? Also, WHAT do they teach? Scene study, audition technique, improv, cold reading? I recommend learning scene study first, so you can learn to develop a character among other things. It is entirely appropriate for you to ask a coach to tell you their background and have them back it up with credentials. If you are in a big market, you may have to audition to get into the class. You may also get placed in Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Master, based on your skill level. Never, should a coach offer you anything outside of "pay tuition, learn acting" and career guidance, that's it! These "one stop shops" of class, photos, advice, and representation are a scam 99.9% of the time.

Two, get good headshots taken. You can find photographers that do this type of shoot through your state film commission's online production guide. LOOK at their work! Compare it to LA & NYC headshot photographers who only do this type of photography. Pay attention to price! Outside big filming hubs like LA, NYC, Louisiana, & FL you can get these types of shots for well under $200 per sitting. Remember, you only need 2 headshots, one theatrical & one commercial. Anyone that tries to convince you to use "their photographer" is getting a kickback! You should always be at liberty to choose the person you 1) like the work of best, 2) are most comfortable with, and 3) can AFFORD! Agents are not supposed to push photographers on you; however, they may suggest several that they like the work of and allow you to decide. That's acceptable.

Three, build your resume! Student films, extra work, plays, shorts, anything legit. Keep that resume updated and current. You can find legit work by setting up accounts through Actors Access, Backstage Online, and Agency Pro. Submit yourself as much as possible. If you don't get auditions, you can't book work. Push comes to shove, buy a camera and make your own films!

Once you have some credits, and preferably a demo reel, you can begin submitting your materials to agents & managers. Understand that the odds of you getting signed with CAA or William Morris, when you are just starting out, is not likely to happen. Look for smaller agencies that are looking to develop young talent the right way. Look in smaller markets like NC, Louisiana, FL, and TX. This is a great way to start. It worked for me. LOL

Lastly, don't stop training and don't give up! This is a hard business, VERY hard! It may take you 10 years to see any real income. Just stop looking for that "overnight success" or "discovery" moment to happen. When/if that ever occurs these days, the odds are better that you'll win the lottery, so focus your energy, AND MONEY, to developing your career the right way!

Hope this helps.

b5813 - Could you tell me any of the legit angent in Louisiana or how I would about finding them? I attened pro scout this past weekend and although my daughter did enjoy it, I felt it was a big waste. She didnt get any call backs and I was really surprised. It seemed like about of 700 people there have been maybe 100 call backs. Only about 10-20 were low numbers (childern). Anyway, I do not wish to go to another one of theire seminars but have no idea where to start. My daughter is 6 years old and already stands at 4'3"! She is very interested in modeling and I would like to start her out as soon as possible. If there is any information you can share I would be greatfull. Thanks!

Its funny how this is a COMPLAINTS board and people are on here saying what a great job PROSCOUT has done with their children... LOL!

nessa3678 - Certainly!

If your daughter is truly ready for an agent (i.e. has substantial training, headshots, resume with good credits, etc.) then this is a pretty solid list. It's a bit out of date: http://www.auditionagency.com/agency_directory/louisiana_agencies.htm

Another great source would be to go on the Louisiana Film Commission site. Under "Production Directory", search the "Support Services" category, and the "Talent Agencies" sub-category. This will be the most recent info.
http://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/film/crew.cfm

If your daughter has had minimal, or grade school play training only, then I suggest you enroll her into a real film-based acting class before even approaching an agent. Any agent willing to take someone with no training is either seeking developmental talent (fairly rare, but not unheard of with kids), is a new agent (meaning they may not be established enough to get their actors in on auditions), or they are complete shams.

Best way to spot a sham agent is if they ask for money. I don't care what it's for, they should never ask or suggest, period! Also, if they "require" you to use their photographer or acting coach, especially if either are in house, is a red flag. They may make recommendations of who they like the work of, but the decision is yours to make!

If you are close to New Orleans, I highly recommend Lance Nichols for training. Lance is a veteran actor who is highly regarded in this industry and has appeared in more than 100 films & tv shows over his career. He will help get your daughter started the right way.

Hope this helps!

nessa3678 - Let's try this again, without the crazy coding language!

If your daughter is truly ready for an agent (i.e. has substantial training, headshots, resume with good credits, etc.) then this is a pretty solid list. It's a bit out of date: http://www.auditionagency.com/agency_directory/louisiana_agencies.htm

Another great source would be to go on the Louisiana Film Commission site. Under Production Directory, search the Support Services category, and the Talent Agencies sub-category. This will be the most recent info.
http://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/film/crew.cfm

If your daughter has had minimal, or grade school play training only, then I suggest you enroll her into a real film-based acting class before even approaching an agent. Any agent willing to take someone with no training is either seeking developmental talent (fairly rare, but not unheard of with kids), is a new agent (meaning they may not be established enough to get their actors in on auditions), or they are complete shams.

Best way to spot a sham agent is if they ask for money. I do not care what it is for, they should never ask or suggest, period! Also, if they require you to use their photographer or acting coach, especially if either are in house, is a red flag. They may make recommendations of who they like the work of, but the decision is yours to make!

If you are close to New Orleans, I highly recommend Lance Nichols for training. Lance is a veteran actor who is highly regarded in this industry and has appeared in more than 100 films, tv shows over his career. He will help get your daughter started the right way. If for some reason he doesn't take her age group, he can put you on to a proper coach for her until she is old enough to train with him.

Hope this helps!

I really havent been to any of this before but before i start saying anything My friend who works with me at abercrombie and fitch who was ACTUALLY a legit model told me that she didnt have to pay. I might go due to the fact that my manager asked me to be a greeter which people dont get asked to do (for obvious physical features). people please stop talking shi just becuase you werent chosen doesnt mean it the end of the world if you TRULY want it that damn bad than take it and stop ### get a nose job, get face lift, get a body lift, hell be waaaaay more active and athletic, go to the gym stop expecting things this is life you have to ###in work for it lol believe me it'll be great when you actually succeed

My daughter did PS at 4 and now 8 was signed to 2 Agencies in 2 different cities. She made our fee back in about 4 months of being with her Chicago based Agency. She has done national print and commercials and is about 40k plus. Not bad for 800 and hotel. She is also about to audition for a movie project in NY. Some just have to come to grips that this is not for everyone. This is a tough competitive business. I'm not sure how many auditions we've done but she only got a small percentage of those but they paid well. No matter how you look a this you will spend money to make it.

I got invited to go to Denver this weekend for Proscout. The fee is $795 and I just can't decide if I should go or not. I looked up reviews and so e say it's a scam and some say it isn't. I need help

I went to the Event June [protected] in Denver, Colorado and I got 4 call backs... One of the agents wanted me to start work the next day. I met with my agent yesterday and we were chating a lil about Proscout and my Monologue that they really liked. what shocked me about it all was that they werent paid to be there and they also said that Proscout is a scam. I been to Proscout and got call backs but I honestly didnt like the people that works for Proscout and the Ceo of Proscout. Please guys be careful of this company.

I went to a ProScout event in LA about 5 months ago. It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot from it. I did not get any call backs but have been working one on one with Brian Marcus the president of ProScout for the past few weeks and will be attending another event this weekend feeling much more prepared. It is a legit organization and the agents are REAL agents. They can't sign everyone ( YES there are tons of people at these invitationals) so If your upset because you blew your one time shot infront of the people that matter, then thats on you. Good Luck to you all.

I think the unfortunate thing is many people confuse the word "scam" and how it is being used in this situation. Is ProScout guaranteeing anything more than you being able to see agents from across the company? No. Are they saying you HAVE to pay for professional head shots that are done at the convention in order to "be discovered"? No. A scam is if they tell you one thing, and do not follow through on their promise. It would be an agent saying, "Ok we need x amount of dollars ahead of time to even get you in the office and maybe, MAYBE see the clients". But ProScout is just offering a one-stop to meet many agents and IF the agents see the potential in representing you, then they will definitely get in contact with you.

I attended as an aspiring model years ago. Was it a bummer to spend $800 and not get signed? Absolutely. But I did sit down with agents from Elite, Mc2 and Ford. I kept in touch with them and I asked why the agency wouldn't pick me up and I learned: a pretty girl doesn't always make a model. There are industry requirements that LEGITIMATE agencies know what to look for and will not represent you if you don't fit them. Unfortunately, I wasn't thin enough and I wasn't willing to put the painstaking time into losing 10 lbs. Now, I'm working as an agent at an agency and we're looking into attending a ProScout convention because we know that most girls that work and are discovered come from the middle of nowhere and wouldn't be able to afford coming to NYC to visit all the agencies. It would cost an aspiring model more money to fly from, say, North Dakota over to NYC, stay in a hotel for 3 nights and visit agencies for their open calls. This industry is not a guarantee and ProScout is a business. They have expenses to cover and they do need to make a profit. So scam? Not at all. But it is an investment that you should calculate if you TRULY think you have a chance at "making it" after you have thoroughly researched the industry.

I attended a proscout event and am currently represented by two agencies (one in LA, one in Texas) both very reputable. One of the agents I encountered and still keep up with is now a manager at IMG, my agent in LA represents several celebrities. I flew to LA and went to the agency and saw for myself. I'm sure their are less-reputable agencies that do attend these events. It's up to you to do your research and make sure you're making a smart decision. Proscouts job is just to get you the exposure that you could never get on your own. I loved the experience!

Okay all I'm hearing is everyone saying that ProScout is a SCAM! Symone 12 stated that she got 4 call backs from ProScout! But wants to talk about how her agent didn't get paid from them being there and that her agent said that they are a scam! How is that even possiable because you are sitting in your AGENTS OFFICE TALKING ABOUT PROSCOUT! THE AGENT THAT YOU FOUND AT THE CASTING CALL! People please just stop bad mouthing the company. Okay if ProScout is making clams about their % of the models that get picked then yes it might be a false claim, every company has some claims that are far-fetched. If you decide to go to a casting call then go with the hope that you/or your child are the one that they are looking for and we/are them (your child) might get picked. EVERYONE doesn't get picked! Every class, photo shoot, and all the extras are your choice if you want to pay for them no one tells you that you have to pay or you will have a better shot if you pay for the classes they are just there if you want to take them. It's just like going to a cheer leading conference they have classes to jump higher, photographers, shoes that give you better grip on the mat all kinds of things that are offered when you attend you don't have to pay for it you can if you want to but you don't have to. The same with ProScout they probably invite vendors that have skills/or products that they want to sell. When I took my daughter she didn't get picked but it was just the experience of just going and seeing everything and meeting new people and their take on everything. I did get to talk to one of the agents before everything got started I asked her about what kind of pictures should take she told me snapshot are just as good as pro pictures she said just take a good full body shot, a face shot and a good pose shot and take them to walgreens she said they can see if she had it from any kind of pictures not just from the pro pictures. All Im hear on this site is bad mouthing the company that didn't pick them. so what try again next year who knows you might make it oh yeah I didn't see anyone say that if you every went to a ProScout casting call the next time you go it will be half price soooooo what's the problem?

Everyone is saying the same thing about proscout everyone can not be wrong. Let's be real about of 500 only about 30 get pick. That has a smell to it. This is how a company gets it's kicks by telling all these people they have a chance when they know it's a lie. They prey on peoples hopes and dreams. That is really low.