My daughter and I were walking at a mall when we were approached by a female handing out exclusive invites to take screen tests.
We thought it would be fun to go see what its about. We stood in line with a bunch of other families. It was my daughters turn for the screen test. Of course they said, she would be great Red Hair and Green eyes, they are looking for girls with that combanation. Scout said we would be contacted in the nest 3 days if she was selected.
Two Days later we received a phone call telling us my daughter was selected and to come to Be Productions in Emeryville, Ca. They gave us a date and time to be there for the orientation and see if we are interested.
Be Productions talked up a good story and a man named Domingo Casanas told us this was a one time offer and we get a special deal. For $3000 we could join Be Productions for 3 years and that he would help us with whatever we needed anytime. Also a fee of $99.58 was charged for the internet link service that supposedly agents review looking for new talent.
We were told to get her photo taken at Blue Sky, 2325 THird St #434, San Francisco, Ca. Our paperwork said "you will need 50 prints to send to agents, cost of prints are $75". My daughter and I went to Blue Sky on 1/21/09, had my daughter's picture taken, the portrait fee was $75, CD the we were told we needed for $25, shippiing and handling of $6.95 and Tax of $8.50. What we thought was going to cost $75 turned out to cost $115.45.
Professional Acting Lessons were next on their list and Rising Star was were we needed to go for them. By doing that we were saving $1200 for belonging to Be Productions. We were sent to 883 Sneath Lane Suite 225, San Bruno, CA 94066. We live in Livermore and classes were every Sat and Sun starting February 14, 209 thru March 22, 2009. This was a very long drive and the closest they had for the classes. The lessons were another $290 for that time period. Other expenses I incurred was the gas to drive back and forth all those days plus the toll fee for the bridge.
I didn't hear from Domingo the agent who signed us up. I called and called, left messages with no returns. I then got in touch with a Sean Casamento who was a Be employee. I was then told Domingo had quit a month or so ago. Sean also told me Be Productions was moving down south but would have a San Francisco office that he will be at off and on and would help me with anything I needed.
I had sent an email to Be Productions that I was not getting called back by anyone and that I wanted to be refunded my money. The last email I sent a threat to go other routes to get my money refunded. They said oooo sorry of course and to call Sean in San Francisco. Sean assured me everything was going to be just fine and I needed to continue with the next class which was a Modeling Course and the teacher was to be Suzanne Von Schaack.
As I explained to Sean I am on permanent disability and used the last of my savings to join Be Productions, get pictures, and acting classes and could not afford to drive long distance like I was for the Rising Star lessons.
I haven't heard from Be Productions since April 23, 2009.
Please add my name to any law suits that exist so I can get a hopefully full refund!