Does anyone know the cost of an IMTA convention?

Question

I would like to compare the cost of the convention to the price my daughters manager gave me.

Answer 1

If your manager is charging you and you're considering going to one of these conventions that's going to charge you I think you're going about this all wrong.

Legitimate people do not charge you up front. They believe in you and help you to get started. Yes things cost money like taking classes and getting headshots, etc. but getting representation should not cost you one red cent!

If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent your daughter 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.). Another great resource is Ross Reports especially because they update their info so often but not all of the agents they list are SAG and you have to pay for the list. That doesn’t mean they’re not legit, but that’s why I always tell people to start with the SAG list. It’s free and those agents have signed an agreement to put the actor first! www.rossreports.com If you subscribe to backstage.com you can get a combo subscription which can come in handy but can also get quite expensive.

Then you can send the agencies your daughter's headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview. You never call the agencies directly. That is a big no-no! At least it is in LA. Please remember that reputable agents take exactly 10% of your pay AFTER they help you get a job. Not one cent more and not one cent before. Anything else is a scam. This is strictly for talent agents, not modeling agents or talent managers who take different percentages.

Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out www.actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance / commission / society or whatever your state calls theirs (some have more than one). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre (and other auditions on backstage), you can go to www.backstage.com or www.actorsequity.com (click on casting call) 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.

For modeling info start here:
http://www.fordmodels.com/main.cfm - click on ‘global scouting’
http://www.elitemodel.com/flash.html - click on ‘be discovered’

Another good resource is www.workingactors.com Even if you're not in the LA area, you can get an idea of what you're looking for by looking at the guide. Those listed in this guide do pay to be in here so you still have to check them out before you use them, but it's still a great guide.

Also, www.SAG.org and www.AFTRA.org have info for newcomers

PLEASE don't give anyone your money until you've checked out other options.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Barbizon is really reasonable by IMTA can end up costing a lot. A lot of people have been discovered at conventions like IMTA though so if this is something you are serious about and have true potential it may be worth it. You should ask your local Barbizon for costs.

Answer 3

Sounds like you are being robbed. What are the qualifications of your daughter's manager? All you need to be a manager is to say you are. If he/she is recommending IMTA they are probably scammers themselves. IMTA is a HUGE ripoff. Do a bit of checking on this manager. Did they approach you and say she had a look then send you to a photographer who charged a lot? Be careful. I hate to see people who don't know the business get scammed. You can e-mail me with any more specific questions if you want.

Answer 4

IMTA are not ripoffs. It is a very good chance to be exposed by people in the movie/ commercials business. Yes, it's very expensive, but it is once in a life time and some people who can afford it , do go several times to win. Look up Katie Holmes She did when she was a girl She went and did not win and felt she was not ready for it, so she went again. Then she was noticed. So , do allow her this experience of you think she will do well with it.