One Source Talent

Around mid-March I signed up with One Source Talent and like many others here, reluctantly paid 495 + 39.95. Although this was ridiculous, I was asked back for a 3rd "interview" and the so-called "talent coordinator" was trying to force me to pay for their photographers, which was in excess of $400. So, before you get any jobs - if you get any jobs - you're are out nearly $1000. Since I could not pay for this, I was sent home; yet the interview states someone would look over my resume and cover letter. This never happened, which to me indicates a breach of contract. By the way I went to the Miami one and live about 2 1/2 hours away. In the meantime, I researched the company in depth, which I should have done before I went. I read every consumer problem on this website. Also, they are not with the BBB as of January 2011 and they had a C+ rating previously. There is another site that asks if this is a scam and a lot of people commented on that site saying it wasn't. I know for a fact that those people or most of them are employees or managers of the company. I decided to give them a chance so here is what I proposed. The show Burn Notice is set in Miami and I really wanted to get on the show. So, I said if you get me on Burn Notice, I will be somewhat satisfied. She said she would definitely check. While she was checking, I signed up with 2 different actual talent agencies who I paid ZERO dollars for. Within 2 days, I was asked to be on the set of Burn Notice and I was. So, when I returned home, I emailed the manager and asked if she had checked for me. She said that Burn Notice started a week ago from the day I was on it. This I know was not true as I was on the first day of the shoot. I have all the emails saved in case I want to get a lawyer. She also mentioned she submitted me to the Glades, which is also shot on location in South Florida. The other agency I signed up for for free also submitted me to the Glades and I was accepted to be on the show. I have already received my check from Burn Notice minus the 10% agency fee. So, here is the problem with OST. All they do is what you can do yourself. They submit you "supposedly" but they say if a director wants you they will call you. They are also making you pay for their website, which simply gets most of their castings from realitywanted.com where you can sign up for free. A Real talent agency sends of your photos (you don't necessarily need a comp card) to the producers and directors and oftentimes they tell the agency to send people of certain characteristics to them. In other words the agency decides to send you, then you simply follow instructions to whomever you need to report to on the set. It is VERY EASY to become an extra, which is by far the best way to break in the industry. Since OST is NOT an agency (although I was told it was) they DO NOT have rapport with directors like a real talent agency does. I have never acted professionally until I was on the set of Burn Notice. I was given a name of an agency by another extra. This agency sends me work at least twice a week. OST is border line legit, but definitely very corrupt. It is okay to pay for websites like exploretalent because you are paying them for audition information and I know for a fact they call producers to check if the producer is legit and how much money you will make. Given this, I did not mind the 39.95 from OST because it is a monthly website fee and many websites do do this so they can run it; however, the 495 fee is absolutely ridiculous. With all this said - Have they given people jobs? The real answer is yes. BUT - these people submitted themselves, paid lots of money, and few, if any, have gained maximum exposure. In other words, they paid 495 + 39.95 + 400 or more to submit and market ON THEIR OWN by clicking a few buttons on the website. As most actors and actresses say - never ever pay up front.

I was begged by one of their members about a few months ago to come in and "modal for them" apparently I have a look they really wanted. I had finally found their web sight again and gave them a call.
The girl who called me back was rude, and got mad that I couldn't come in the exact day she wanted. When I explained I had a HUGE business meet I was conducting and coudnt get away she with a foul voice said" fine I suppose we'll call you next week then since you have other little things to do" . That was off putting and shold have been my first hint. They called back and were very nice so I had made another appointment.. I had explained that I was not sure and the girl said" I know its a 2 hour drive for you and I really hope you come in we really want to see you so you have to come in" that is why I even agreed. On the drive there I called to find out the exact location of the building. The girl at the front desk Mitchell was very rude and HUNG UP ON ME. I called about 20 times and she just kept hanging up on me and would say " I don't care" or " what do you want". I was never rude to her I had even said that her hanging up on me was my fault even though I knew she hung up on me.
I walked in and thanked her for telling me how to get there and said I was sorry for any confusion Mitchell rolled her eyes and said well to bad go home.
After discussion with her she called her boss. who was even ruder then her. I showed her my call log saying look I called. I even explained that I wasn't mad about going home I was mad how rude every one was. She ended up saying that my time was worth nothing to her and that she had done all the talking she wanted to do ( this was the second phrase out of her mouth).
If I were you I would find a talent agency who is not rude!

I know this is late on the post but Sammi88, I happen to know your an employee or rep or something of that kind. Just like you all I've had a very rude, inexplicable experience with them. But as to Sammi88 I've read that same post many times, on comment forums as well as advertising websites such as Dripoo.com. That must be part of your job to go find complaints and remarks and copy and paste your prompt for ultimate persuasion. I'm warning you all now this is a major scam. There has been undercover reports done, all hoping to find a great response but, ended up with a fraud reports. These under covers shall rename nameless. They appear to be all friendly and what not but looks can be deceiving. All they want is your money. When I arrived everybody seemed so agitated like they had so much to do rather then wasting their time on me. I was even shockingly scolded for thinking over whether to pay the 495.00$, yes 495.00$, for a comp card. This was just unbelievable. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, ONE SOURCE TALENT IS A SCAM! Also, this is something to definitely think about: Why wouldn't they want commission? Because they have already made the money they want from you when you gave money for the 39.00$ monthly fee and 495.00$ comp card.
By the way, these are the findings of a 13 year old girl, that girl is me.

I need someone to respond as soon as possible, i am about to pay $500, and i didnt know one source talent was a scam. I want everyone to know they are a scam, thats why im going to record them! Is it a good idea? Is there anything else I can do or any other opinions? I doing this for sure nobodys stoping me, im just 14.

I was just there today. This place is a total scam. They make you wait forever because they clearly feel that your time means nothing and it's all part of their "we are so awesome here" motif. My story is similar to everyone else's on here. They ask you a few stupid questions and then do the "leave the room to evaluate you" routine. They come back and congratulate you on being one of the elite to be picked by them. They then hit you up for all their fees. I hesitated for a few minutes then the girl started yelling at me that I wasted her time. Stay away from this place!

The corporate office is wonderful and I would do business with the company just not the falls church location!

I had directions and the front desk lady told me the wrong address. I have modeled for years I am aware of the cut throat. I will say The front desk lady is being talked to about her rude behavior.

I'm researching this because at the beginning of November, I signed my daughter up w/OST and since i paid them, I've been the one contacting them. I've had no help in finding casting calls for my 13yr daughter. When I call them they say be patient it takes time. I made another appointment with Darlene Gilbertie and she was very rude to me. Were it not for me child being present it would have probably gotten very ugly in that office. I talked with her again today and she again was very rude and told me she couldn't deal with me.

From my understanding they are not an agency: http://scamorlegit.info/one-source-talent-reviews/

One Source Talent is a service for the fashion and acting communities. One Source Talent maintains an interactive database of models, actors and clients looking to fulfill creative requests and needs. The goal of One Source Talent is to create cost-effective, working relationships between talent and clients via its interactive network. Created in 2003, One Source Talent has quickly found success in an extremely competitive industry previously dominated by a select few. With the opening of its Dallas office, One Source Talent has quickly expanded to eight offices in less than five years of operation. Additional offices can be found in; Detroit (Headquarters); San Diego; New York; Chicago; Miami; Phoenix; and Los Angeles.With its unique business structure, advanced technology and a dedicated staff, One Source Talent is quickly changing how the modeling and acting worlds conduct business. Talent and Client Benefits All evaluated and approved talent will have the benefit of:Real-time access and submissions to nation-wide castings and auditions, an interactive composite card for all digital and traditional submissions, a personal email account, industry workshops, “meet n’ greets”, a commission free environment and a benefit program from select businesses in each market. All evaluated and approved clients will enjoy: A searchable database of talent with detailed characteristics, a commission free service, a detailed talent evaluation process to ensure they are getting dedicated people and a corporate staff with years of industry knowledge and contacts.