Is JRP a scam??? Can you actually make money???

Question

I recently signed up for JRP and have only attended one class. I'm nervous, because I've heard a lot about how that school might be a fraud. Will I get an agent at the end of the classes? Anyone who knows anything about this, please help!

Answer 1

Here is some information regarding JRP:

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/johnrobertpowers.html

http://www.2nd-tier.com/showfax_bbs/index.cgi?noframes;read=4985

http://www.corporatenarc.com/john-robert-powers-scam.php

I feel that almost all of the information regading the "business" of acting/modeling is available for free with a little research. There are countless books, tapes, etc., about the "business aspect" of the entertainment industry, many of which are great resources. However I find that the vast majority of the information is these publications is out there for free or very little cost. Here is an example of publications that are a waste of money: Numerous books have listings for casting directors and agents. Agents and casting directors move around and come and go very often. Most casting directors work at a production office specific to a particular project, then move on. So these publications are outdated quickly unless they send you updates on a frequent basis. Updated information for agents, casting directors, and casting assignments are available at places like LA411.com, or in "The Ross Reports". The purpose of this group is to provide valuable information at no cost. People can feel free to give recommendations regarding workshops, classes, photographers, etc. I simply want people to understand where money should be wisely spent.

Alan Baltes


Here is my Actors Resources Group at MySpace:

http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupid=105768971&Mytoken=F01B797A-229B-4B90-A9CA06386A280A5282303480

Answer 2

Nope. I went there as a teen and took their classes. The 'classes' are glossed over to the point of being nearly worthless.
But since you already went and did it and signed up, all I can say is to make the best of it you possibly can and keep retaking the classes (even if they are basic) until you feel comfortable with it. You're supposed to be able to take them as many times as you want.

Will you get an agent? Not really. They will try to send you to LA for the convention thing and say that a lot of people find agents and contracts there - but again it's out of your pocket to go.

If I remember, JRP had like a casting call once or twice a month that you could show up for; usually a commercial or something. Go to those I guess.

Don't expect JRP to do any legwork for you or find you work. They sell you the classes and that's about it. I think they put you on a head sheet, but the photos (and shoot) are out of pocket too and NOT covered by the money you are already paying. Also the make-up class will hit you up for $100 or so to buy the makeup they say you'll need for your photo shoot. Just head's up on that.

Answer 3

I don't think they're necessarily a scam, I mean they will teach you a lot, but it should not cost as much as they are charging. The price is the scandalous part. Now that you're in, just soak up all the info and tips you can get and put it to good use later. There are a lot of opportunities for models of all types, but the trick is to make it happen yourself. Even if you have an agent, you have to work at it and get yourself the opportunities . Fortunately these days, there are a lot of casting notices you can find online. And visit this site:
www.ModelingAdvice.com

Answer 4

Yes, JRP is a scam. They only want your $2,000.00 they will not teach you modeling. You will not get a legitimate agent, if you get an agent he or she will probably be associated with JRP's scam. Try to get your money back from them.

Legitimate Modeling Agencies NEVER, charge you to take classes. Legitimate Modeling agencies train your first.
When you make money as a model, they take their commisison from the money you make modeling.

Answer 5

Sorry, but you got taken. Do like the others suggested. Make the most of it for now, but don't believe anything they tell you and do not sign up for anything else through them.

If it's acting you're interested in and you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.)

Then you can send them your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview.

Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance. Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre, you can go to backstage.com or http://www.actorsequity.org/castingcall/... If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying.

If it's modeling you want, start by checking these out:
http://www.fordmodels.com/main.cfm - click on ‘global scouting’
http://www.elitemodel.com/flash.html - click on ‘be discovered’

There are way more resources, but why not start at the source? I don't know where you are, but if you want to be a model or be on Broadway go to NY. If you want to be on tv or in movies, go to Los Angeles.

Good luck to you!