Is InterFace Talent Network a scam?

Is InterFace Talent Network a scam?

• I was in the mall and they stopped me and my mom and they said I have nice eyes. My mom gave them our number and they are talking to my mom now. Is Interface Talent Network real or fake? They have a website, but because it was in a mall, I dont know if I should beleive it or not. Thanks!

• Answer:

  It's a total scam! There are no such thing as talent scouts who patrol malls in search of people to transform into celebrities. The company's only goal is to charge you huge amounts of money for classes, head shots and other promotional materials that are completely useless. Casting directors for TV shows and movies hire actors through agencies, since they know agents will send them experienced, professional actors who already know what's expected of them on the job. TV and film production are incredibly expensive, so directors can't afford to work with inexperienced actors, even if they have the potential to become great. There are many thousands of experienced actors of all shapes and sizes looking for work all the time, but there aren't enough jobs for them. Companies like InterFace and the others who operate out of malls and hotel ball rooms prey on the hopes and dreams of young people, but leave them disillusioned (and broke, since they charge thousands of dollars for nothing). Legitimate agents NEVER ask for money up front, since that's not how the industry works. They're paid on commission, earning a percentage of what actors are paid for jobs. They NEVER offer classes or sell head shots, since they only represent actors who've already proven they're qualified for jobs in a professional environment. There aren't any short cuts to an acting career, I'm afraid. The vast majority of the people you see on TV and in movies started out working in community theater, which is about the only place an aspiring actor can learn and master the craft of acting while gaining the professional experience needed to access other opportunities. If you're interested in acting, the best thing you could do is enroll in classes at a local theater. If you have talent and show that you're committed to the craft of acting, rather than becoming famous (you'd be surprised at how many people only care about that), you'll be considered for roles in upcoming productions. Once you've appeared in a few of those, you'll have the professional experience required to shop for an agent who may be able to find you other work. Most stage actors also work in commercials, TV and movies, so your theater peers will be able to guide you. Here's some more information about InterFace, though any so-called agency that solicits "clients" in malls is a fraud: http://www.ripoffreport.com/BBB-Better-Business-Bureau/InterFace-Talent-Net/interface-talent-network-scam-58b3p.htm