Talent Conventions
(Part II)
The Results Are In!
Ask Ashton Kutcher or Jessica Biel and they'll probably tell you that they consider IMTA (International Model and Talent Association) as a major steppingstone in their path to stardom. It is true that talent conventions like IMTA pride themselves in launching some of Hollywood's most lucrative careers and the list of successful actors and models that have come out of such conventions is impressive. Equally jolting, however, are the stories we hear from parents who feel they've been taken advantage of or misled. Last month, three major talent conventions were held across the country; between them they hosted literally thousands of kids. Children In Film conducted a survey to get feedback about your experiences at talent conventions.
To get the results of our survey
What is a Talent Convention?
Talent conventions like IPAC, iPOP and IMTA showcase the children who have completed courses at one of the nationwide franchised acting/modeling "training schools" like Barbizon, John Robert Powers, or John Casablancas. The Pitch: if your child has "what it takes," they can be "seen" at a talent convention by the hundreds of qualified industry professionals (agents, managers, casting directors, etc) who attend these events. Should your child be "discovered" at a talent convention, the investment was worth it. If he isn't, you risk feeling like you have wasted a lot of time and money only to face rejection your first time out.
You are not alone! Although talent conventions do provide a forum for talent representatives to view literally thousands of kids in a short period of time, very few attendees will walk away with representation. What's a parent to do?
To read more
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