Elizabeth Savage Talent
The consumer complaints against Savage are they charge for classes but don't get models and talent work, yet they keep recruiting more people, when they haven't even got those who already paid them work.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am looking for feedback relating to Elizabeth Savage Talent in Phoenix, AZ.
While they have been in business for 13 years and claim they don't charge anything up front, they require my five-year-old to take a one-week class (cost $395) which they call "Kid Skits A&B."
This class covers basic on-camera techniques, how to stand out in an interview, and what to expect at an audition.
Savage claims that companies who are seeking models (whether in commercials or print) won't consider my child until she's taken this class.
Once my child obtains a job, they stated they take anywhere from 10-20%, which I understand is pretty typical of modeling agencies.
They offered her a two-year contract (which I have not signed yet), and advised me that it could be broken at any time.
Will we be required to send her to the IMTA?
Concerned Parent
Answer:
An earlier letter from a parent writing about Elizabeth Savage made reference to IMTA, but it is unlikely your five-year-old child will be required to attend IMTA. In any case, if or when the subject comes up, you may want to read more about IMTA.
It is probably worth noting IMTA and Elizabeth Savage Talent are located near each other. This could help explain why both companies come up in the same conversation. You said Savage is in Phoenix. Guess where IMTA is based?
INTERNATIONAL MODELING & TALENT ASSOCIATION
2525 E. Camelback Road #755
Phoenix, AZ 85016
You said: "While they have been in business for 13 years and claim they don't charge anything up front, they require my five-year-old to take a one-week class (cost $395) which they call "Kid Skits A&B."
It is the same thing, isn't it? How is the required class with required fees not the same as upfront fees?
You may want to call other agencies in your city and find out if they also have the same requirements and upfront fees for modeling classes. Shop around.
You also noted: "Savage claims that companies who are seeking models (whether in commercials or print) won't consider my child until she's taken this class."
Also ask other local agencies about the claim without naming Savage. There is no industry-recognized class for modeling.
While the BBB record for Elizabeth Savage Talent was clean, they added a significant warning below:
- Consumers should be aware that in the state of Arizona Model/Talent agencies are licensed by the industrial commission as an employment agency. Agencies take a commission (standard 20%) from the talent they represent and charge an agency service fee (15-20%) to the client that is hiring the talent. According to the Screen Actors Guild, a legitimate talent agency does not charge an advance fee for registration, resumes, public relations services, screen tests, photographs or acting lessons.
Since SAG speaks for the acting industry, and Elizabeth Savage Talent is clearly violating it (or was when you were given a price), there is cause for concern. In some states, like Florida, Texas, and California, a talent agency cannot require talent to take classes (for a fee).
