Complaint Review: Trans Continental Talent & Model Scouting

Lou Pearlman has been an innovator and a leader in both the travel and entertainment industries since he started his first business more than 25 years ago. He built his businesses by providing services and entertainment that met the needs and interests of consumers around the world. Because he has been so successful, he is sometimes a target for critics.

One of Lou Pearlman's first business ventures, started with borrowed funds, was a successful charter airline. Mr. Pearlman's airline business led him back to his first love, the music business, when he carried musical groups on his airline. He founded Trans Continental Records, a record company that focuses on developing new artists like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, LFO, O Town and Natural. Lou Pearlman also has started a publishing company for songwriters, a travel agency, and a production company that develops motion picture and television concepts, such as the successful television show, "The Making of the Band." Mr. Pearlman has won numerous awards recognizing his contribution to the entertainment industry.

In 2002, Mr. Pearlman's company hired some models for a music video he was producing, using a company called Options Talent as a source to identify these models. He believed that Options offered an innovative and valuable service that would fit in well with his entertainment businesses, and, after acquiring his interest in September 2002, he made a substantial investment in Options. Despite the good business concept and attractive product that Options offered, there was an increasing level of controversy surrounding Options. In October 2003, barely one year after first becoming involved with the company, Mr. Pearlman formally rescinded his agreement with Options and ended his involvement with that company.

Mr. Pearlman continues to expand his businesses, which employ hundreds, with the creation of Fashion Rock, LLC which present talent search events showcasing aspiring models, actors, vocalists and dancers to the entertainment industry. Mr. Pearlman also remains active in his many other business ventures, including real estate development, restaurant franchising, varied retail operations, and as a part owner of the Orlando Predators Arena Football Team. He also added "author" to his titles, with the release of his book, Bands, Brands and Billions.