MelodyJ Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 Anyone here know anything about the John Robert Powers School? My daughter was approached at the mall and invited to a modeling audition that will be attended by one of the top company execs. I looked up their web site and it actually seemed very legit, but if I remember correctly from a long time ago, they are one of those lead you in, get the kid all pumped up, and then ask for the cash to enroll. And, it is not cheap. I called their office and was told they only invite 10-15 people they feel might have "what it takes" to these things, and if a person has real potential, they (JRP) will not let finances stand in the way of trying to get that person noticed. She has talked about modeling before, she is 5'5, size 1, with jet black hair and green eyes. She is a beautiful girl no doubt, but I don't want to get her hopes up for a scam. Anyone with any experience, let me know please. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
Moose Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 I've modeled and so has Mrs. Moose. We never had to fork out any cash, and don't accept anything until you've heard, "I have a shoot for you already". Legit modeling agencies will put you to work immediatley. There are some that claim they will get you jobs, but then you have to pay them to put together a portfolio, get your name and mugs out on the market, yada, yada....all in all they spend a day with you and charge you for the next several months while they send out your information not really caring if you get a gig or not. Link to post Share on other sites
hugznkisses21 Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 i agree.....what i have learned is they technically work for you...if an agency wants someone there is no need to pay out cause they are taking you on as someone who can make them money by gettingyou work......good modelling agencies dont have schools.....scam scam scam..............take her to a good professional photographer get some pictures done and submitt them to a ligitamite agency whicha a list can be found under SAG......i think it is...here in canada its ACTRA... Link to post Share on other sites
morrigan Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 Moose is right--legitimate agencies will not make you pay for any photos until you get actual work. I was approached when I was 20 by a JRP scout when I was visiting Chicago. My mom and I drove back up for an appointment a week later, where an agent tried to persuade me to agree to pay $400 for a portfolio. My (smart) mother felt it was a scam, so we said no to the idea. As far as agencies for girls who want to get into fashion or magazine modeling, I'd look up the Ford, IMG, Elite, or Wilhelmina agencies. It's a tough business to get into, it's not always kind to a young girl's self esteem either. Link to post Share on other sites
Naive Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 When I was about 9 I was approached by an agent, when I was 11 again, and when I was 13 AGAIN. In California it's not to odd to get stopped by these "AGENTS". I cannot remember the name of these different places but two of them stopped me at the mall as well. I went to 2 auditions. There were really only 15-20 people there and they told my dad that I was perfect, that I had charisma, that I was beautiful...blah... blah... blah!!! Later on they asked my dad for money. It was all bs. They even had a couple of upcoming personalities there. They had me do a cheerios commercial as an audition in one and in the other audition it was for levi's. After all that they praise you and then BAM they ask for money! When I was about 15 I went to an audition that a local radio station was having. I got in and this time they did not ask my dad for any money. This one was legitimate. I went to modeling classes and actually did about 10 shows (modeling) but it was not as glamorous as you may think. My dad pulled me out of it because he wanted me to do better in school and I was actually happy about it. Just be careful because you never know. I don't think they are supposed to ask you for money. Link to post Share on other sites
Stone Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 i wouldn't trust the "mall Agents" at all, if you want to get your child into modeling you can get some headshots and do everything yourself.... don't let anyone SELL you a dream Link to post Share on other sites
Author MelodyJ Posted December 7, 2004 Author Share Posted December 7, 2004 You guys are right on. I did a little further investigating and came up with the same conclusions. I'm going to wait and see if she grows another 2 inches and then check into some real places. Link to post Share on other sites
Stone Posted December 8, 2004 Share Posted December 8, 2004 Becareful of the modeling drama, I was in an Hawian Tropic contest when I was 18.... when I was really hot Anyways alot of girls had eating disorders and had extreamly low self-esteems. Modeling is great and it builds confidence but at that note how many time's have you watched TV and hear " she is a 24 year old retired model" yea retired because there to old someone younger with smaller hips is always around the corner.... Let her get into it on her own, but make sure she knows that her education comes 1st.... 1/2 the girls I knew that tried to be models turned in to strippers.... Not to say this will happen to you daughter AT ALL!! But it is important to be taught that Brains and Beauty goes along way. Link to post Share on other sites
UnicornGirl Posted January 5, 2005 Share Posted January 5, 2005 John Robert Powers is dodgy. Don't do it! Link to post Share on other sites
karlym3 Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 do they ever pick people to model if they are only 5'5... I mean you can raise you ht by wearing heels? Link to post Share on other sites
Butterfly28 Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 I did face modelling. I am only 5"2' and they only shot me from waist up and sometimes just my face. I've also done hair modelling for hairsalon magazines. But for about 5 months I was registered with an agency (whom I won't mention)...and they just robbed me of my $$. Didn't have any photo shoots for a long time...but then I went to a different one, and got jobs right away. Link to post Share on other sites
XsilentlyX Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Most of you guys are right, those agencies are scams. They want you to pay a crap load of money to be not even guaranteed work. You really don't even have to be good looking to them, as long as you have the money...then they will tell you what you want to hear. I'm a part time actress/extra breaking into the modeling business. I recommend you go to a free website for models and have your daughter post some pics there. I'm on musecube.com and then there's also onemodelplace, and plenty others. From there I got photographers wanting to do TFP shoots (time for print) and other job offers.Be weary of some though. They will help you build your portfolio for free, well unless you go to a photographer that charges. There's lots of ways to get around all the high price of photos, you just have to know where to look. Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites
HotCaliGirl Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I also live in so. cal, and am aware of the John Robert Powers SCHOOL...I've had friends who enrolled in it back in high school - they were taught how to apply make-up, dress, etc. If someone has a real potential for modeling, they will hook them up and show you the way, you wouldn't be wondering what to do next. I think they've signed up some big names, but once they see you, they would tell you if you're one of the potentials, otherwise, you're wishing for the stars and have to just take it as a modeling SCHOOL and nothing more... Link to post Share on other sites
Elmo Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 I agree with everybody about the $$$ angle. Most of theses schools are just that....they get paid to teach people "how" to be a model. They take anyone that will pay. You'd be surprised at how many overweight, unattractive girls sign up for this. It is good for some of them...they learn good posture, how to present themselves, makeup techniques. If your daughter has a real chance at modeling and being paid for it she will have no trouble finding a legit agency. Of course you will have to lay out about $500 to get some really good shots of her by a professional photog. Then send these to the REAL modeling agencies and ask for an interview. Believe me if she has "it" they will call her in for an interview and size her up. They need new, fresh models every day. If you never get a call...you've got your answer. It sounds kind of cut and dry...but that is just how it works. Nothing personal. It's all about how you look and how well you photograph. I did some modeling in high school and college for a clothing company....mainly print work. It was kind of low end stuff, but still the money was incredible (for me) and helped pay for school. I wasn't very good at it, not comfortable enough in front of the camera...so I knew I could never make it a career. The competition is beyond fierce and the people were not so great. Kind of predatory on the younger girls. I'm actually glad I wasn't good enough to go on. I wouldn't want my daughter exposed to this stuff. Or acting either. Child actors get used up and spit out and are usually so messed up by the end of their "marketability"...it is beyond sad. I've seen this first hand and would warn anyone not to let their kids do anything but school/local theatre. Let them grow up, then as an adult if they want to audition it's their call. Link to post Share on other sites
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