Oh, I so remember how spring and summer just made me look and feel so good. The winter pasty look is traded in for a summer glow. The legs are no longer hidden (or in my case protected) by heavy tights and pants and the shorts and short skirts allow us to strut our stuff (again, assuming I still have stuff to actually strut . . . or remember how to strut?).
We all wished we could indeed be a California girl, and while I’m out there, maybe I’ll take some acting lessons, get some head shots, and maybe get noticed! Did you ever have those kinds of dreams?
Well, this time of year also brings out the best in those interested in capitalizing on these small moments of vanity – the modeling and acting businesses. Consumers share with BBB experiences where they were enticed by commercials encouraging auditions for well-known shows, when in actuality what they got was a hard sell for acting lessons. Their star rose and fell all in one swoop!
In searching for words of wisdom to remind us all that despite how adorable our kids are - or how much our teenagers want to just simply “be a star,” I found some great advice from the FTC.
Read “between” these lines:
- “We’re scouting for people with your ‘look’ to model and act.”
My commission depends on how many I sign up!
- “You must be specially selected . . . we accept only a few people into our program.”
We take almost everyone!
- “There’s a guaranteed refund if you are not accepted into the program.”
Again, everyone’s accepted so forget the refund!
And here’s a bit of BBB advice to toss in case you are considering diverting valuable and limited family dollars and with the hopes of winning minutes of fame:
- Avoid modeling or acting companies that require you to use a specific photographer or other industry service. The very best and most reputable may make referrals, but the give you several and they do not profit from those connections. They are only working for YOUR best interest.
- Apply your consumer savvy to modeling/acting services and avoid high pressure sales tactics (don’t sign today – take a contract home and think on it), be wary of claims about high salaries, guarantees, or over-promises, and get everything in writing – no verbal promises!
- Check out any agency or service with your BBB @ www.bbb.org to review what other’s have experienced and confirm the business is one that has a positive track record and is literally not a “fly by night.”
So here’s to stars in your eyes, dreams for us all, and to (keeping) money in your pocket! Talk soon – Angie J
