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Review 9/9/2009
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It is horrible how BE Productions takes advantage of parents and the dreams of their children for their own financial gain.
Last November, my daughter was approached by two different people, in the same store, 10 minutes behind each other. This was strange to me, but I took her to the "audition" at a hotel in Benicia to show my support.
There was a huge line of parents and children awaiting the "chance of a lifetime". When we finally got into the room, it was the most disorganized spectacle I had ever seen. The room seemed to have people piled on each other. There were children lined against the wall practicing "their lines", while their parent(s) sat in the middle of the room waiting for their child to audition in front of what looked like a video camera someone pulled out of an attic.
After my daughter was done, we then meet with a "talent agent" named Angelo. He really laid it on thick about how his son was successful with BE, and the movies, print ads, and commercials he already had done. Angelo kept telling my daughter how great she would be for modeling, and how pretty her eyes were. Of course any parent would know how beautiful their child was, but it was weird coming from someone who seemed to have $$$ in his eyes.
We meet for another meeting after Angelo's multiple harassing calls. We drove all the way to Emeryville. Angelo made it seem like it was a one-on-one appointment, but when I arrived, I was sadly mistaken. We waited in the "Hollywood Set" decorated building just to sit among at least 30 other parents and children to view BE's "success stories" movie. It got me pumped, it seemed promising. I even made a comment to my sister on how I wished the BE opportunity would have been available when we were children.
After the viewing, the whole room was introduced to Angelo, who again told everyone about his son's accomplishments with BE, and how wonderful the program was until........... he started talking about fees, and costs. At first it didn't sound so bad. I was calculating in my head, and felt that was something I could tolerate. He then said everyone would meet with the "talent agent' who "discovered" their child.
I became intrigued at every parent I seen meeting with the "agents" Each room had transparent sliding glass doors, almost like a patio door. I could see the parent(s) go in with a smile, and run out quicker than a roadrunner. I knew there was trouble. At one point, a mother and her child walked in, sat down, and walked back out all in a total of 30 seconds. Then I heard a cow bell, and the "agent" telling everyone that so and so could sign the special board to meet their favorite star at one of their showcases. I recalled in my mind that Costco Wholesale rings the same bell when someone purchases their Executive Membership. I began to shake.
Angelo then called my daughter's name. We stepped into his "office". Angelo began to pump me up by saying they wanted my daughter to attend class in Sacramento to start her modeling career. I was excited, then he said,"This is what we'll need before she starts". He then brought out this list of membership fees, and the cheapest one was over $1,000. Angelo said that amount was needed to get her started, and that space was limited. The most expensive was $2,995. That "membership" included all the classes she would need. My heart broke, but not enough to not tell him, "You know I support my daughter, but I can't afford that right now."
Angelo then said, "I understand, but you need to know that this opportunity is limited, and if she doesn't sign today, she will have to wait a year to try again." I said, "She can wait, I just can't afford that."
I left the building feeling a little bad, but empowered because I saved my daughter from BE Productions further disappointments.
True agents will never ask for money up front. Anyone who is reading this we got scammed by BE Productions, I feel for you, and I think we all should come together and make other aware of the BE Scam. Anyone who is thinking of signing up their child. BE VIGILANT. THE DEVIL WALKS ABOUT LIKE A ROARING LION SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR, and Be Productions is that lion.
STAY GUARDED AND PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S DREAM, AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.
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