Complaint Review: STAR SEARCH CASTING STAR SEARCH CASTING.COM - Boston Massachusetts

Maybe some of the casting calls on this site are real...and maybe not. I don't know, but I will tell you my experience as a consumer.

I placed my young daughter's profile on this site and then paid for the credits to get the contact information of a casting director who was casting for a child horror movie.

After contacting Mr. Martin he asked for 3 scenes. He said my daughter must be in shorts and barefoot so they could see how well she held still/played dead. After doing the 3 scenes and sending them back he responded my daughter was the best in her age group that they had seen. He requested 4 more scenes and said if we did good then she would be invited to come and film this summer. The pay ranged from 10-15k for a whole month of filming. Before continuing I asked him for his company name, website, Facebook page, phone number, or anything other than just an e-mail from some random man. I also asked for the plot of the movie, or what the role would exactly be that she was trying out for.

Something else that disturbed me, the first 3 scenes she pretended she was choking on a cookie, and calling the cops and what not...but one of the next scenes Mr. Martin asked for was my daughter in her pajamas and the blankets being ripped off and an intruder holding her down while she screamed and then killed her and she was to lay sideways on the bed with her neck hanging down off the bed and he told me to hold the camera on her face for 30 seconds and her neck for a full 30 seconds. I thought this scene was weird.

Anyways, he responded that they were a group of 30 crew, an independent group and they had no business name, website, or phone number yet. Then he said the movie plot was still a surprise for us at this point. Then he continued on about how interested they were in my daughter. I replied that without proof I would not continue auditioning my daughter and told him my fears of these videos being used for an online database for perverted men who fantasize about raping and killing little girls, or even worse, my fears of him being a human trafficker and using her videos to get bids from men from other countries and if they were interested I would be killed and my daughter sold.

The man never emailed me back. I re-sent my last message in case he didn't get it. No response again. I must have hit the nail on the head. So basically, I paid Star Search Casting to allow a pervert to play with himself while fantasizing about killing and raping my young daughter. Star Search Casting also has my address, and now I am worried for our lives. Thank you. I will never do any online auditions again with ANY company. I have also told FOX NEWS about this situation and if they contact me to do a full story and I will be happily complying. Parents need to be warned, and sites like this need to keep their customer safe by not letting just anyone on the Internet pretend they are a casting director and post on the site. What if my daughter was sold to human trafficking, or raped, or what if she gets kidnapped from our home in the future because of your "business"? I am severely disgusted and when he never responded to my messages I honestly cried in bed all night because of how horrible I felt that I trusted this company with my personal information and that my FIVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S LIFE is now at risk. SHAME ON YOU!!!

I read many reports on this site just for the pure joy in it. Usually you can tell when someone is blatantly bad mouthing another individual or company. I was believing the stories by Linday, Britini, Claude etc. until I decided to go to Google and type in Star Search Casting Scam. I wanted to see all the complaints they were receiving. I didn't find any complaints for Star Search but I did find several sites claiming that Star Search exposes entertainment scams. On the other hand, I also tried searching for them with the BBB and no company with that name could be found. I did, however, find the F rating for that other company. All in all, it is good entertainment reading these back and forth comments. Thanks!

Keep calling me Karl, that's fine. The new law will effect any website that advertises and registers consumers in CA, whether or not it's based out of CA, so, you're all screwed! You should check with your attorney. They caught on to the scam of posting bogus casting calls! Please list 20 major casting directors that use your site with contact info. Once again, all legit casting directors in major cities go though Breakdowns or La Casting, sorry.

Carl Carranza you just don't seem to get what our site is about and how it works. I suppose thats why you continue to write these fake complaints. Anyway you asked for a list of Casting Directors. Well anytime a Casting Director sets up an account on our site they are automatically added to the list of Casting Directors we have under the Talent Resources area. Here are over 800 Casting Directors that have accounts on our site: http://talentresources.starsearchcasting.com/casting_directors_directing_auditions And since you clearly don't understand what our site is about I will explain some basics. We have Casting Directors all over the world post casting calls on our site everyday. And we also find and post additional casting calls on our site. But in addition to posting casting calls on our site many Casting Directors don't post a public casting call for everyone to see. Instead they use our talent search and find talent that they want to contact directly. They send a message to the members they are interested in auditioning and those members log into their accounts on our site to read the message the Casting Director sent them. Some Casting Directors are just looking for a select few people to audition and some send a message to several hundred of our members. Thats why our site says that thousands of members have been contacted in the last 30 days. That number comes directly from the database which calculates how many people Casting Directors have sent messages to in the last 30 days. And you will notice that number is constantly changing as new members are contacted every day. It is true California is passing a new law requiring sites to get permission from Casting Directors before showing their casting calls. But that law does not apply to us as we are not in California. At one time we had a mailing address in California but our site has never actually been in California. But any other sites that are in California will have to make changes to the way they do things or move out of state. And I see you noticed we updated the headline on our site. Thats great but If you paid a little closer attention you would have noticed that for almost 2 years now we have referred to our site as a social networking for the entertainment industry in our Terms of Use agreement. And over 4 years ago we began transitioning our site away from just a simple talent site into a social networking site geared toward the entertainment industry. On the technical side we have programmers working full time everyday upgrading and adding new features and benefits for our members to take advantage of. But we are a bit behind updating the text all over the site to reflect the change in direction we have made. The website changes daily as we work on things but there is a tremendous amount of text all over the site that needs to be updated so this will take some time. Anyway that is the nature of the web and sites. Our site like many others is constantly evolving to be more interactive and take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies. And we will always continue to be innovative as technology pushes the internet closer to Web 3.0.

Carl Carranza you just don't seem to get what our site is about and how it works. I suppose thats why you continue to write these fake complaints. Anyway you asked for a list of Casting Directors. Well anytime a Casting Director sets up an account on our site they are automatically added to the list of Casting Directors we have under the Talent Resources area. Here are over 800 Casting Directors that have accounts on our site: http://talentresources.starsearchcasting.com/casting_directors_directing_auditions And since you clearly don't understand what our site is about I will explain some basics. We have Casting Directors all over the world post casting calls on our site everyday. And we also find and post additional casting calls on our site. But in addition to posting casting calls on our site many Casting Directors don't post a public casting call for everyone to see. Instead they use our talent search and find talent that they want to contact directly. They send a message to the members they are interested in auditioning and those members log into their accounts on our site to read the message the Casting Director sent them. Some Casting Directors are just looking for a select few people to audition and some send a message to several hundred of our members. Thats why our site says that thousands of members have been contacted in the last 30 days. That number comes directly from the database which calculates how many people Casting Directors have sent messages to in the last 30 days. And you will notice that number is constantly changing as new members are contacted every day. It is true California is passing a new law requiring sites to get permission from Casting Directors before showing their casting calls. But that law does not apply to us as we are not in California. At one time we had a mailing address in California but our site has never actually been in California. But any other sites that are in California will have to make changes to the way they do things or move out of state. And I see you noticed we updated the headline on our site. Thats great but If you paid a little closer attention you would have noticed that for almost 2 years now we have referred to our site as a social networking for the entertainment industry in our Terms of Use agreement. And over 4 years ago we began transitioning our site away from just a simple talent site into a social networking site geared toward the entertainment industry. On the technical side we have programmers working full time everyday upgrading and adding new features and benefits for our members to take advantage of. But we are a bit behind updating the text all over the site to reflect the change in direction we have made. The website changes daily as we work on things but there is a tremendous amount of text all over the site that needs to be updated so this will take some time. Anyway that is the nature of the web and sites. Our site like many others is constantly evolving to be more interactive and take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies. And we will always continue to be innovative as technology pushes the internet closer to Web 3.0.

Carl Carranza you just don't seem to get what our site is about and how it works. I suppose thats why you continue to write these fake complaints. Anyway you asked for a list of Casting Directors. Well anytime a Casting Director sets up an account on our site they are automatically added to the list of Casting Directors we have under the Talent Resources area. Here are over 800 Casting Directors that have accounts on our site: http://talentresources.starsearchcasting.com/casting_directors_directing_auditions And since you clearly don't understand what our site is about I will explain some basics. We have Casting Directors all over the world post casting calls on our site everyday. And we also find and post additional casting calls on our site. But in addition to posting casting calls on our site many Casting Directors don't post a public casting call for everyone to see. Instead they use our talent search and find talent that they want to contact directly. They send a message to the members they are interested in auditioning and those members log into their accounts on our site to read the message the Casting Director sent them. Some Casting Directors are just looking for a select few people to audition and some send a message to several hundred of our members. Thats why our site says that thousands of members have been contacted in the last 30 days. That number comes directly from the database which calculates how many people Casting Directors have sent messages to in the last 30 days. And you will notice that number is constantly changing as new members are contacted every day. It is true California is passing a new law requiring sites to get permission from Casting Directors before showing their casting calls. But that law does not apply to us as we are not in California. At one time we had a mailing address in California but our site has never actually been in California. But any other sites that are in California will have to make changes to the way they do things or move out of state. And I see you noticed we updated the headline on our site. Thats great but If you paid a little closer attention you would have noticed that for almost 2 years now we have referred to our site as a social networking for the entertainment industry in our Terms of Use agreement. And over 4 years ago we began transitioning our site away from just a simple talent site into a social networking site geared toward the entertainment industry. On the technical side we have programmers working full time everyday upgrading and adding new features and benefits for our members to take advantage of. But we are a bit behind updating the text all over the site to reflect the change in direction we have made. The website changes daily as we work on things but there is a tremendous amount of text all over the site that needs to be updated so this will take some time. Anyway that is the nature of the web and sites. Our site like many others is constantly evolving to be more interactive and take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies. And we will always continue to be innovative as technology pushes the internet closer to Web 3.0.

The #1 Social Networking Site for the Entertainment Business! Star Search Casting and Jonathan Parker are obviously running scared with a new law coming, ha-ha! What does that tell you? run jonathan run!

Obviously, YOU misunderstood what I said. Yes, casting people use websites to list their jobs on, which are LA Casting and Breakdowns ONLY. The difference is, LA Casting and Breakdowns receives their casting jobs from LEGIT CASTING DIRECTORS not scouring the internet looking for crap jobs to post on a site, just so you can say "hey, we have jobs here". I understand from an attorney friend of mine, once a new law in CA goes though, all casting websites must receive written permission from the employer before they can just post jobs on their sites. This will stop sites like yours being able to just post BS projects on your site and call it a "job" posting. Jonathan, please post a list of casting directors with contact info. around the country that actually use your site for castings? Bet you can't, can you? SO, PUT UP OR.... SHUT UP!

In one sentence you say no legit companies post jobs on the web and in the other you say that legit casting directors do use websites to post jobs. Sounds like you are a bit confused yourself. And unless you have been living under a rock for the last 5 years you would know that more and more Casting Directors all over the world are turning to the Internet to find talent. Casting directors from every major network and television station post casting calls online looking for talent. The web makes their job easier, faster, and more efficient. In addition you say all a person may get from our site is background work. Well anyone can look through the list of over 3,000 current casting calls, on our site, and see we have very few background jobs listed. If you are a real customer, then, like I have said before and like our policy has always been, just me a message through your account on our site and I will give you a full refund. We always give full refunds to any unhappy customer who contacts us within 30 days! By the way can you find any other site on the web that has more current casting calls listed than our site? This is our list: http://starsearchcasting.com/casting_notices/list.php

In one sentence you say no legit companies post jobs on the web and in the other you say that legit casting directors do use websites to post jobs. Sounds like you are a bit confused yourself. And unless you have been living under a rock for the last 5 years you would know that more and more Casting Directors all over the world are turning to the Internet to find talent. Casting directors from every major network and television station post casting calls online looking for talent. The web makes their job easier, faster, and more efficient. In addition you say all a person may get from our site is background work. Well anyone can look through the list of over 3,000 current casting calls, on our site, and see we have very few background jobs listed. If you are a real customer, then, like I have said before and like our policy has always been, just me a message through your account on our site and I will give you a full refund. We always give full refunds to any unhappy customer who contacts us within 30 days! By the way can you find any other site on the web that has more current casting calls listed than our site? This is our list: http://starsearchcasting.com/casting_notices/list.php

In one sentence you say no legit companies post jobs on the web and in the other you say that legit casting directors do use websites to post jobs. Sounds like you are a bit confused yourself. And unless you have been living under a rock for the last 5 years you would know that more and more Casting Directors all over the world are turning to the Internet to find talent. Casting directors from every major network and television station post casting calls online looking for talent. The web makes their job easier, faster, and more efficient. In addition you say all a person may get from our site is background work. Well anyone can look through the list of over 3,000 current casting calls, on our site, and see we have very few background jobs listed. If you are a real customer, then, like I have said before and like our policy has always been, just me a message through your account on our site and I will give you a full refund. We always give full refunds to any unhappy customer who contacts us within 30 days! By the way can you find any other site on the web that has more current casting calls listed than our site? This is our list: http://starsearchcasting.com/casting_notices/list.php

In one sentence you say no legit companies post jobs on the web and in the other you say that legit casting directors do use websites to post jobs. Sounds like you are a bit confused yourself. And unless you have been living under a rock for the last 5 years you would know that more and more Casting Directors all over the world are turning to the Internet to find talent. Casting directors from every major network and television station post casting calls online looking for talent. The web makes their job easier, faster, and more efficient. In addition you say all a person may get from our site is background work. Well anyone can look through the list of over 3,000 current casting calls, on our site, and see we have very few background jobs listed. If you are a real customer, then, like I have said before and like our policy has always been, just me a message through your account on our site and I will give you a full refund. We always give full refunds to any unhappy customer who contacts us within 30 days! By the way can you find any other site on the web that has more current casting calls listed than our site? This is our list: http://starsearchcasting.com/casting_notices/list.php

on their home page they refer to themselves as the number one casting site, yeah, right! That's the furthest from the truth! The only thing you may get from Star Search Casting is some crappy background work where you may make $30 or so per day. Legit casting people do not use this site. Like someone else said in a previous post, it's easy to telephone some major casting people and ask them how they operate and which services they use. They will all say LA Casting and Breakdowns. Star Search Casting, IN THEIR OWN WORDS, ADMITS, THEY SCOUR THE INTERNET for projects to post. No legit companies post jobs on the Net people, sorry. If a company has to go on the Net to get jobs, what does that say about THEIR COMPANY AND THEIR REPUTATION? NOT MUCH!!!!! Jonathan, you got what was coming to you, finally. You kept me money BUT... I'm glad this site has exposed you!

To address this last complaint, which is just several old complaints copied here from another site by Carl Carranza using the name Private Investigator, I have to begin by saying from 2003 to mid 2005 there was another company in Oceanside California that had the same name as we have. This caused major confusion for people because many of their customers thought we had charged their credit cards. So we ended up dealing with a lot of their customers and even tried to help some of them get refunds from that company who used our business name but had a different website. That company advertised its service by placing ads in news papers around the country and giving people an 800 number to call for more information. If you called their 800 number a sales person answered and would give you a sales pitch that talked about how you could make money in the entertainment business. The caller would then have to pay over the phone with their credit card and was directed to go to their website. But because this company used the same name as us many people who paid them over the phone went to our website and setup accounts thinking we were them. Then many of their customers would contact us and ask for refunds. We would have to answer the person and tell them to call the other companies 800 number and ask them for the refund. It became such a problem with that other company using our name and charging people over the phone that I had to call them on several occasions and ask them to please refund someone who they charged because the person keeps contacting us asking for the refund. When I called sometimes they would give the person a refund and sometimes they did not. At any rate that company went out of business in 2005 but there are still a few confused people like Carl Carranza who think we were the same company. A few easy ways to tell if the complaint was really from that other company who used our name is anytime a person says I saw an ad in a news paper it was that company because we have never advertised in news papers. Or if the complaint mentions the name Impact Legal then it was that other company and not us. Apparently that other company contracted with a company called Impact Legal to sell additional services. Also if the complaint mentions calling an 800 number or speaking to anyone over the phone or hearing a sales pitch then it was that other company because we have never had telephone customer service or sales people since we have been in business. All of our customer service has always been done online and NEVER by phone. Also that company that is no longer in business changed their name and website many times in the short time they were around. These are the different names they used: Hospitality Trainers Bartenders of America Exposed Casting Extra Exposed Casting Star Search Casting Prime Time Casting Show Time Casting Global Casting Network Global Entertainment Network In addition almost all of our members who decide to upgrade their accounts from our FREE membership level just pay the small monthly fee of $9.95 and can cancel that anytime through our website. That other company charged its members either $98 or $149 for a full year and they didn't have any monthly memberships like we do. And when a person wanted to cancel with them it was almost impossible because they made you send them a letter to cancel. Then they would usually say they never got the letter and ask the person to send it again. This led to that company charging the persons card again the following year. Because that company operated the way they did they were around less than 3 years. And in that short time the San Diego Better Business Bureau received over 200 complaints against them . That is more complaints than I have ever seen any other company get. And undoubtedly why they are no longer around. By contrast the real Star Search Casting has been around over 10 years and has maintained the best BBB rating possible of an A+. You can take a look for yourself here: https://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/cks.aspx?ID=1050419191358

To address this last complaint, which is just several old complaints copied here from another site by Carl Carranza using the name Private Investigator, I have to begin by saying from 2003 to mid 2005 there was another company in Oceanside California that had the same name as we have. This caused major confusion for people because many of their customers thought we had charged their credit cards. So we ended up dealing with a lot of their customers and even tried to help some of them get refunds from that company who used our business name but had a different website. That company advertised its service by placing ads in news papers around the country and giving people an 800 number to call for more information. If you called their 800 number a sales person answered and would give you a sales pitch that talked about how you could make money in the entertainment business. The caller would then have to pay over the phone with their credit card and was directed to go to their website. But because this company used the same name as us many people who paid them over the phone went to our website and setup accounts thinking we were them. Then many of their customers would contact us and ask for refunds. We would have to answer the person and tell them to call the other companies 800 number and ask them for the refund. It became such a problem with that other company using our name and charging people over the phone that I had to call them on several occasions and ask them to please refund someone who they charged because the person keeps contacting us asking for the refund. When I called sometimes they would give the person a refund and sometimes they did not. At any rate that company went out of business in 2005 but there are still a few confused people like Carl Carranza who think we were the same company. A few easy ways to tell if the complaint was really from that other company who used our name is anytime a person says I saw an ad in a news paper it was that company because we have never advertised in news papers. Or if the complaint mentions the name Impact Legal then it was that other company and not us. Apparently that other company contracted with a company called Impact Legal to sell additional services. Also if the complaint mentions calling an 800 number or speaking to anyone over the phone or hearing a sales pitch then it was that other company because we have never had telephone customer service or sales people since we have been in business. All of our customer service has always been done online and NEVER by phone. Also that company that is no longer in business changed their name and website many times in the short time they were around. These are the different names they used: Hospitality Trainers Bartenders of America Exposed Casting Extra Exposed Casting Star Search Casting Prime Time Casting Show Time Casting Global Casting Network Global Entertainment Network In addition almost all of our members who decide to upgrade their accounts from our FREE membership level just pay the small monthly fee of $9.95 and can cancel that anytime through our website. That other company charged its members either $98 or $149 for a full year and they didn't have any monthly memberships like we do. And when a person wanted to cancel with them it was almost impossible because they made you send them a letter to cancel. Then they would usually say they never got the letter and ask the person to send it again. This led to that company charging the persons card again the following year. Because that company operated the way they did they were around less than 3 years. And in that short time the San Diego Better Business Bureau received over 200 complaints against them . That is more complaints than I have ever seen any other company get. And undoubtedly why they are no longer around. By contrast the real Star Search Casting has been around over 10 years and has maintained the best BBB rating possible of an A+. You can take a look for yourself here: https://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/cks.aspx?ID=1050419191358

To address this last complaint, which is just several old complaints copied here from another site by Carl Carranza using the name Private Investigator, I have to begin by saying from 2003 to mid 2005 there was another company in Oceanside California that had the same name as we have. This caused major confusion for people because many of their customers thought we had charged their credit cards. So we ended up dealing with a lot of their customers and even tried to help some of them get refunds from that company who used our business name but had a different website. That company advertised its service by placing ads in news papers around the country and giving people an 800 number to call for more information. If you called their 800 number a sales person answered and would give you a sales pitch that talked about how you could make money in the entertainment business. The caller would then have to pay over the phone with their credit card and was directed to go to their website. But because this company used the same name as us many people who paid them over the phone went to our website and setup accounts thinking we were them. Then many of their customers would contact us and ask for refunds. We would have to answer the person and tell them to call the other companies 800 number and ask them for the refund. It became such a problem with that other company using our name and charging people over the phone that I had to call them on several occasions and ask them to please refund someone who they charged because the person keeps contacting us asking for the refund. When I called sometimes they would give the person a refund and sometimes they did not. At any rate that company went out of business in 2005 but there are still a few confused people like Carl Carranza who think we were the same company. A few easy ways to tell if the complaint was really from that other company who used our name is anytime a person says I saw an ad in a news paper it was that company because we have never advertised in news papers. Or if the complaint mentions the name Impact Legal then it was that other company and not us. Apparently that other company contracted with a company called Impact Legal to sell additional services. Also if the complaint mentions calling an 800 number or speaking to anyone over the phone or hearing a sales pitch then it was that other company because we have never had telephone customer service or sales people since we have been in business. All of our customer service has always been done online and NEVER by phone. Also that company that is no longer in business changed their name and website many times in the short time they were around. These are the different names they used: Hospitality Trainers Bartenders of America Exposed Casting Extra Exposed Casting Star Search Casting Prime Time Casting Show Time Casting Global Casting Network Global Entertainment Network In addition almost all of our members who decide to upgrade their accounts from our FREE membership level just pay the small monthly fee of $9.95 and can cancel that anytime through our website. That other company charged its members either $98 or $149 for a full year and they didn't have any monthly memberships like we do. And when a person wanted to cancel with them it was almost impossible because they made you send them a letter to cancel. Then they would usually say they never got the letter and ask the person to send it again. This led to that company charging the persons card again the following year. Because that company operated the way they did they were around less than 3 years. And in that short time the San Diego Better Business Bureau received over 200 complaints against them . That is more complaints than I have ever seen any other company get. And undoubtedly why they are no longer around. By contrast the real Star Search Casting has been around over 10 years and has maintained the best BBB rating possible of an A+. You can take a look for yourself here: https://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/cks.aspx?ID=1050419191358

To address this last complaint, which is just several old complaints copied here from another site by Carl Carranza using the name Private Investigator, I have to begin by saying from 2003 to mid 2005 there was another company in Oceanside California that had the same name as we have. This caused major confusion for people because many of their customers thought we had charged their credit cards. So we ended up dealing with a lot of their customers and even tried to help some of them get refunds from that company who used our business name but had a different website. That company advertised its service by placing ads in news papers around the country and giving people an 800 number to call for more information. If you called their 800 number a sales person answered and would give you a sales pitch that talked about how you could make money in the entertainment business. The caller would then have to pay over the phone with their credit card and was directed to go to their website. But because this company used the same name as us many people who paid them over the phone went to our website and setup accounts thinking we were them. Then many of their customers would contact us and ask for refunds. We would have to answer the person and tell them to call the other companies 800 number and ask them for the refund. It became such a problem with that other company using our name and charging people over the phone that I had to call them on several occasions and ask them to please refund someone who they charged because the person keeps contacting us asking for the refund. When I called sometimes they would give the person a refund and sometimes they did not. At any rate that company went out of business in 2005 but there are still a few confused people like Carl Carranza who think we were the same company. A few easy ways to tell if the complaint was really from that other company who used our name is anytime a person says I saw an ad in a news paper it was that company because we have never advertised in news papers. Or if the complaint mentions the name Impact Legal then it was that other company and not us. Apparently that other company contracted with a company called Impact Legal to sell additional services. Also if the complaint mentions calling an 800 number or speaking to anyone over the phone or hearing a sales pitch then it was that other company because we have never had telephone customer service or sales people since we have been in business. All of our customer service has always been done online and NEVER by phone. Also that company that is no longer in business changed their name and website many times in the short time they were around. These are the different names they used: Hospitality Trainers Bartenders of America Exposed Casting Extra Exposed Casting Star Search Casting Prime Time Casting Show Time Casting Global Casting Network Global Entertainment Network In addition almost all of our members who decide to upgrade their accounts from our FREE membership level just pay the small monthly fee of $9.95 and can cancel that anytime through our website. That other company charged its members either $98 or $149 for a full year and they didn't have any monthly memberships like we do. And when a person wanted to cancel with them it was almost impossible because they made you send them a letter to cancel. Then they would usually say they never got the letter and ask the person to send it again. This led to that company charging the persons card again the following year. Because that company operated the way they did they were around less than 3 years. And in that short time the San Diego Better Business Bureau received over 200 complaints against them . That is more complaints than I have ever seen any other company get. And undoubtedly why they are no longer around. By contrast the real Star Search Casting has been around over 10 years and has maintained the best BBB rating possible of an A+. You can take a look for yourself here: https://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/cks.aspx?ID=1050419191358

Modeling Agency News Whistleblower 9: Casting Call "Eyewitness News has learned that there are companies that will charge you just to be considered for a role as an extra. "He said, have your credit card ready. I said OK. I can't give you my credit card. In today's environment, you don't give out your credit card. And before I could get the credit card out good, he hung up on me," Umazar said. Eyewitness News called Star Search Casting to hear the sales pitch first-hand. A representative said Star Search would need to charge $99 to a credit card before considering anyone to qualify for roles. Eyewitness News looked at the Better Business Bureau's records on Star Search Casting, which is based in Oceanside, Ca. The investigation found numerous complaints, including 89 in the past 18 months and 72 in the last year. The BBB gave Star Search Casting an unsatisfactory rating. "If you complain, this company has been responsive in refunding people's money. So that's the good news. The bad news is they're still not getting people any casting calls or any acting work," said BBB president Tom Bartholomy."1 1. "Whistleblower 9: Casting Call," Eyewitness News, WSOCTV 9 http://www.wsoctv.com/specialreports/2600290/detail.html (Star Search Casting) ________________________________________________________________________ Star Search Casting Complaints - Fraud & scam Review all Star Search Casting complaints Star Search Casting Posted: 2008-07-01 by Lusy Lee [send email] Fraud & scam Complaint Rating: 60 % with 5 votes Company information: Star Search Casting Phoenix, Arizona United States www.starsearchcasting.com If you're planning on signing up with star search casting, don't. I did and wasted my money, got absolutely nothing but outdated free jobs. Their website totally misrepresents what they do. I emailed with questions about a dozen times or so and got no response. the company touts it's bbb approved. Well, after much research into the better business bureau company, I have found that they're also a scam organization that takes money from any scam business for the right endorsement. I am in the process of trying to begin a class action lawsuit against this company, if you can call it that. They have no real business address, just a mailbox drop, no telephone numbers, nothing. [Complaint comments] Comments [Complaint country] United States [Complaint category] Education Share with others: Digg it! Del.ici.ous Furl Yahoo My Web ________________________________________________________________________ 158 days ago by oprlvr +1 Votes I too wasted my money with Star Search Casting-----a LOOONG time ago. HOW do you realize they're a website SCAM???? Easily---- the front page has an area that allows you to "rate talent"...AND... some of the 'so-called "featured talent" are horrible, unprofessional photos of people! Why would a LEGIT site allow just anyone to "rate talent"???? When I "signed on" years back, I too checked the "audition" anouncements weekly. Most of them were outdated, or opened a blank or Error web page only. Duhhh. Big red flag there. I promptly CANCELLED my "bronze" membership with them (but still continued to receive SPAM emails from them some time afterwards) 121 days ago by s****. I have had no problem with star search casting and my daughter has landed several roles with reputable companies and is in the process of filming a major motion picture because of star search casting. i would say there are alot of disgruntled people who think they have the looks and talent and really have nothing at all. 87 days ago by bob carter +1 Votes DON'T PAY STAR SEARCH CASTING A DIME! They're a total scam, they post phoney casting job notices and when you try to get a refund from this Loser Jonthan Parker who runs the scam, you never hear back and there is no way to contact them. Don't bother with this company. They also go under Hollywood Profiles and about 50 other names. Jonthan Parker has his scam going worldwide!! Funny thing, this guys loves trying to show how legit HIS companies are and what scams the others are. He's also loves posting his own picture all over the place too. Maybe another actor who never made it, ha ha... The best thing, which is what I did, is call your bank and reverse the changes based on the fraud. In most cases, you will win. Bob, NYC 62 days ago by Alice +1 Votes Star Search Casting, Prime Time Casting; Bartenders America Att: Brian Williard, Sean Noble, Jonathan Parker 215 1/2 N Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 CC: Elena Olivas, Better Business Bureau Re: Request for immediate refund (Ref #30012297 Prime Time Casting) Dear Sirs: I am writing to request an immediate refund of $98 that Star Search Casting, Inc (SSC) has charged on 09/22/2003 to my husband's account as my membership fee. On 09/22/2003 I have made a grave mistake of signing up with SSC over the phone. Operator named William (#846) stated that if for any reason I should choose to cancel my membership I would be entitled for a full refund within 30 days. 10/20/2003 I have contacted Account Management at the number provided by William (866.291.1883) and requested a refund of the fee because I was canceling my membership. I was assured that the refund will be made within 5-7 days, however it had not happened. I further contacted SSC on more than SIX occasions (11/11/03, 11/24/03, 12/18/2003, 01/13/2004, 02/13/2004 and 02/24/04) requesting refund and was repeatedly assured that the refund will occur shortly. I was also contacted several times via email (02/17/04 and 02/23/04) by Mr. Jonathan Parker, claiming to be the President of SSC, who again assured me (and other former members in search of refund) that the refund will follow shortly. In one of the emails Mr. Parker referred to additional unauthorized charges that were supposedly by mistake made by Impact Legal. In fact, Impact Legal did charge my husband account and still has not refunded us with $199 that was charged without our knowledge. I have filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau which had contacted SSC on my behalf but SSC chose to ignore the complaint. I must notify you that, if the refund is not promptly made, you may be held liable for unjust enrichment. Further, numerous misrepresentation made by SSC, various addresses and phone numbers used, your manner of doing business and unauthorized charges made by Impact Legal has led me to believe that I (and probably many others) was involved in some sort of a fraudulent money extortion scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting customers. Please be advised that I reserve the right to bring this issue before the appropriate governmental and judicial authorities and customer protection agencies. In order to avoid further legal proceedings, we must receive the payment of the above indicated amount by 09 June 2004. I await an immediate response from you or your counsel. Alice New York, New York U.S.A.

Modeling Agency News Whistleblower 9: Casting Call "Eyewitness News has learned that there are companies that will charge you just to be considered for a role as an extra. "He said, have your credit card ready. I said OK. I can't give you my credit card. In today's environment, you don't give out your credit card. And before I could get the credit card out good, he hung up on me," Umazar said. Eyewitness News called Star Search Casting to hear the sales pitch first-hand. A representative said Star Search would need to charge $99 to a credit card before considering anyone to qualify for roles. Eyewitness News looked at the Better Business Bureau's records on Star Search Casting, which is based in Oceanside, Ca. The investigation found numerous complaints, including 89 in the past 18 months and 72 in the last year. The BBB gave Star Search Casting an unsatisfactory rating. "If you complain, this company has been responsive in refunding people's money. So that's the good news. The bad news is they're still not getting people any casting calls or any acting work," said BBB president Tom Bartholomy."1 1. "Whistleblower 9: Casting Call," Eyewitness News, WSOCTV 9 http://www.wsoctv.com/specialreports/2600290/detail.html (Star Search Casting) ________________________________________________________________________ Star Search Casting Complaints - Fraud & scam Review all Star Search Casting complaints Star Search Casting Posted: 2008-07-01 by Lusy Lee [send email] Fraud & scam Complaint Rating: 60 % with 5 votes Company information: Star Search Casting Phoenix, Arizona United States www.starsearchcasting.com If you're planning on signing up with star search casting, don't. I did and wasted my money, got absolutely nothing but outdated free jobs. Their website totally misrepresents what they do. I emailed with questions about a dozen times or so and got no response. the company touts it's bbb approved. Well, after much research into the better business bureau company, I have found that they're also a scam organization that takes money from any scam business for the right endorsement. I am in the process of trying to begin a class action lawsuit against this company, if you can call it that. They have no real business address, just a mailbox drop, no telephone numbers, nothing. [Complaint comments] Comments [Complaint country] United States [Complaint category] Education Share with others: Digg it! Del.ici.ous Furl Yahoo My Web ________________________________________________________________________ 158 days ago by oprlvr +1 Votes I too wasted my money with Star Search Casting-----a LOOONG time ago. HOW do you realize they're a website SCAM???? Easily---- the front page has an area that allows you to "rate talent"...AND... some of the 'so-called "featured talent" are horrible, unprofessional photos of people! Why would a LEGIT site allow just anyone to "rate talent"???? When I "signed on" years back, I too checked the "audition" anouncements weekly. Most of them were outdated, or opened a blank or Error web page only. Duhhh. Big red flag there. I promptly CANCELLED my "bronze" membership with them (but still continued to receive SPAM emails from them some time afterwards) 121 days ago by s****. I have had no problem with star search casting and my daughter has landed several roles with reputable companies and is in the process of filming a major motion picture because of star search casting. i would say there are alot of disgruntled people who think they have the looks and talent and really have nothing at all. 87 days ago by bob carter +1 Votes DON'T PAY STAR SEARCH CASTING A DIME! They're a total scam, they post phoney casting job notices and when you try to get a refund from this Loser Jonthan Parker who runs the scam, you never hear back and there is no way to contact them. Don't bother with this company. They also go under Hollywood Profiles and about 50 other names. Jonthan Parker has his scam going worldwide!! Funny thing, this guys loves trying to show how legit HIS companies are and what scams the others are. He's also loves posting his own picture all over the place too. Maybe another actor who never made it, ha ha... The best thing, which is what I did, is call your bank and reverse the changes based on the fraud. In most cases, you will win. Bob, NYC 62 days ago by Alice +1 Votes Star Search Casting, Prime Time Casting; Bartenders America Att: Brian Williard, Sean Noble, Jonathan Parker 215 1/2 N Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 CC: Elena Olivas, Better Business Bureau Re: Request for immediate refund (Ref #30012297 Prime Time Casting) Dear Sirs: I am writing to request an immediate refund of $98 that Star Search Casting, Inc (SSC) has charged on 09/22/2003 to my husband's account as my membership fee. On 09/22/2003 I have made a grave mistake of signing up with SSC over the phone. Operator named William (#846) stated that if for any reason I should choose to cancel my membership I would be entitled for a full refund within 30 days. 10/20/2003 I have contacted Account Management at the number provided by William (866.291.1883) and requested a refund of the fee because I was canceling my membership. I was assured that the refund will be made within 5-7 days, however it had not happened. I further contacted SSC on more than SIX occasions (11/11/03, 11/24/03, 12/18/2003, 01/13/2004, 02/13/2004 and 02/24/04) requesting refund and was repeatedly assured that the refund will occur shortly. I was also contacted several times via email (02/17/04 and 02/23/04) by Mr. Jonathan Parker, claiming to be the President of SSC, who again assured me (and other former members in search of refund) that the refund will follow shortly. In one of the emails Mr. Parker referred to additional unauthorized charges that were supposedly by mistake made by Impact Legal. In fact, Impact Legal did charge my husband account and still has not refunded us with $199 that was charged without our knowledge. I have filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau which had contacted SSC on my behalf but SSC chose to ignore the complaint. I must notify you that, if the refund is not promptly made, you may be held liable for unjust enrichment. Further, numerous misrepresentation made by SSC, various addresses and phone numbers used, your manner of doing business and unauthorized charges made by Impact Legal has led me to believe that I (and probably many others) was involved in some sort of a fraudulent money extortion scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting customers. Please be advised that I reserve the right to bring this issue before the appropriate governmental and judicial authorities and customer protection agencies. In order to avoid further legal proceedings, we must receive the payment of the above indicated amount by 09 June 2004. I await an immediate response from you or your counsel. Alice New York, New York U.S.A.

Modeling Agency News Whistleblower 9: Casting Call "Eyewitness News has learned that there are companies that will charge you just to be considered for a role as an extra. "He said, have your credit card ready. I said OK. I can't give you my credit card. In today's environment, you don't give out your credit card. And before I could get the credit card out good, he hung up on me," Umazar said. Eyewitness News called Star Search Casting to hear the sales pitch first-hand. A representative said Star Search would need to charge $99 to a credit card before considering anyone to qualify for roles. Eyewitness News looked at the Better Business Bureau's records on Star Search Casting, which is based in Oceanside, Ca. The investigation found numerous complaints, including 89 in the past 18 months and 72 in the last year. The BBB gave Star Search Casting an unsatisfactory rating. "If you complain, this company has been responsive in refunding people's money. So that's the good news. The bad news is they're still not getting people any casting calls or any acting work," said BBB president Tom Bartholomy."1 1. "Whistleblower 9: Casting Call," Eyewitness News, WSOCTV 9 http://www.wsoctv.com/specialreports/2600290/detail.html (Star Search Casting) ________________________________________________________________________ Star Search Casting Complaints - Fraud & scam Review all Star Search Casting complaints Star Search Casting Posted: 2008-07-01 by Lusy Lee [send email] Fraud & scam Complaint Rating: 60 % with 5 votes Company information: Star Search Casting Phoenix, Arizona United States www.starsearchcasting.com If you're planning on signing up with star search casting, don't. I did and wasted my money, got absolutely nothing but outdated free jobs. Their website totally misrepresents what they do. I emailed with questions about a dozen times or so and got no response. the company touts it's bbb approved. Well, after much research into the better business bureau company, I have found that they're also a scam organization that takes money from any scam business for the right endorsement. I am in the process of trying to begin a class action lawsuit against this company, if you can call it that. They have no real business address, just a mailbox drop, no telephone numbers, nothing. [Complaint comments] Comments [Complaint country] United States [Complaint category] Education Share with others: Digg it! Del.ici.ous Furl Yahoo My Web ________________________________________________________________________ 158 days ago by oprlvr +1 Votes I too wasted my money with Star Search Casting-----a LOOONG time ago. HOW do you realize they're a website SCAM???? Easily---- the front page has an area that allows you to "rate talent"...AND... some of the 'so-called "featured talent" are horrible, unprofessional photos of people! Why would a LEGIT site allow just anyone to "rate talent"???? When I "signed on" years back, I too checked the "audition" anouncements weekly. Most of them were outdated, or opened a blank or Error web page only. Duhhh. Big red flag there. I promptly CANCELLED my "bronze" membership with them (but still continued to receive SPAM emails from them some time afterwards) 121 days ago by s****. I have had no problem with star search casting and my daughter has landed several roles with reputable companies and is in the process of filming a major motion picture because of star search casting. i would say there are alot of disgruntled people who think they have the looks and talent and really have nothing at all. 87 days ago by bob carter +1 Votes DON'T PAY STAR SEARCH CASTING A DIME! They're a total scam, they post phoney casting job notices and when you try to get a refund from this Loser Jonthan Parker who runs the scam, you never hear back and there is no way to contact them. Don't bother with this company. They also go under Hollywood Profiles and about 50 other names. Jonthan Parker has his scam going worldwide!! Funny thing, this guys loves trying to show how legit HIS companies are and what scams the others are. He's also loves posting his own picture all over the place too. Maybe another actor who never made it, ha ha... The best thing, which is what I did, is call your bank and reverse the changes based on the fraud. In most cases, you will win. Bob, NYC 62 days ago by Alice +1 Votes Star Search Casting, Prime Time Casting; Bartenders America Att: Brian Williard, Sean Noble, Jonathan Parker 215 1/2 N Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 CC: Elena Olivas, Better Business Bureau Re: Request for immediate refund (Ref #30012297 Prime Time Casting) Dear Sirs: I am writing to request an immediate refund of $98 that Star Search Casting, Inc (SSC) has charged on 09/22/2003 to my husband's account as my membership fee. On 09/22/2003 I have made a grave mistake of signing up with SSC over the phone. Operator named William (#846) stated that if for any reason I should choose to cancel my membership I would be entitled for a full refund within 30 days. 10/20/2003 I have contacted Account Management at the number provided by William (866.291.1883) and requested a refund of the fee because I was canceling my membership. I was assured that the refund will be made within 5-7 days, however it had not happened. I further contacted SSC on more than SIX occasions (11/11/03, 11/24/03, 12/18/2003, 01/13/2004, 02/13/2004 and 02/24/04) requesting refund and was repeatedly assured that the refund will occur shortly. I was also contacted several times via email (02/17/04 and 02/23/04) by Mr. Jonathan Parker, claiming to be the President of SSC, who again assured me (and other former members in search of refund) that the refund will follow shortly. In one of the emails Mr. Parker referred to additional unauthorized charges that were supposedly by mistake made by Impact Legal. In fact, Impact Legal did charge my husband account and still has not refunded us with $199 that was charged without our knowledge. I have filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau which had contacted SSC on my behalf but SSC chose to ignore the complaint. I must notify you that, if the refund is not promptly made, you may be held liable for unjust enrichment. Further, numerous misrepresentation made by SSC, various addresses and phone numbers used, your manner of doing business and unauthorized charges made by Impact Legal has led me to believe that I (and probably many others) was involved in some sort of a fraudulent money extortion scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting customers. Please be advised that I reserve the right to bring this issue before the appropriate governmental and judicial authorities and customer protection agencies. In order to avoid further legal proceedings, we must receive the payment of the above indicated amount by 09 June 2004. I await an immediate response from you or your counsel. Alice New York, New York U.S.A.

Modeling Agency News Whistleblower 9: Casting Call "Eyewitness News has learned that there are companies that will charge you just to be considered for a role as an extra. "He said, have your credit card ready. I said OK. I can't give you my credit card. In today's environment, you don't give out your credit card. And before I could get the credit card out good, he hung up on me," Umazar said. Eyewitness News called Star Search Casting to hear the sales pitch first-hand. A representative said Star Search would need to charge $99 to a credit card before considering anyone to qualify for roles. Eyewitness News looked at the Better Business Bureau's records on Star Search Casting, which is based in Oceanside, Ca. The investigation found numerous complaints, including 89 in the past 18 months and 72 in the last year. The BBB gave Star Search Casting an unsatisfactory rating. "If you complain, this company has been responsive in refunding people's money. So that's the good news. The bad news is they're still not getting people any casting calls or any acting work," said BBB president Tom Bartholomy."1 1. "Whistleblower 9: Casting Call," Eyewitness News, WSOCTV 9 http://www.wsoctv.com/specialreports/2600290/detail.html (Star Search Casting) ________________________________________________________________________ Star Search Casting Complaints - Fraud & scam Review all Star Search Casting complaints Star Search Casting Posted: 2008-07-01 by Lusy Lee [send email] Fraud & scam Complaint Rating: 60 % with 5 votes Company information: Star Search Casting Phoenix, Arizona United States www.starsearchcasting.com If you're planning on signing up with star search casting, don't. I did and wasted my money, got absolutely nothing but outdated free jobs. Their website totally misrepresents what they do. I emailed with questions about a dozen times or so and got no response. the company touts it's bbb approved. Well, after much research into the better business bureau company, I have found that they're also a scam organization that takes money from any scam business for the right endorsement. I am in the process of trying to begin a class action lawsuit against this company, if you can call it that. They have no real business address, just a mailbox drop, no telephone numbers, nothing. [Complaint comments] Comments [Complaint country] United States [Complaint category] Education Share with others: Digg it! Del.ici.ous Furl Yahoo My Web ________________________________________________________________________ 158 days ago by oprlvr +1 Votes I too wasted my money with Star Search Casting-----a LOOONG time ago. HOW do you realize they're a website SCAM???? Easily---- the front page has an area that allows you to "rate talent"...AND... some of the 'so-called "featured talent" are horrible, unprofessional photos of people! Why would a LEGIT site allow just anyone to "rate talent"???? When I "signed on" years back, I too checked the "audition" anouncements weekly. Most of them were outdated, or opened a blank or Error web page only. Duhhh. Big red flag there. I promptly CANCELLED my "bronze" membership with them (but still continued to receive SPAM emails from them some time afterwards) 121 days ago by s****. I have had no problem with star search casting and my daughter has landed several roles with reputable companies and is in the process of filming a major motion picture because of star search casting. i would say there are alot of disgruntled people who think they have the looks and talent and really have nothing at all. 87 days ago by bob carter +1 Votes DON'T PAY STAR SEARCH CASTING A DIME! They're a total scam, they post phoney casting job notices and when you try to get a refund from this Loser Jonthan Parker who runs the scam, you never hear back and there is no way to contact them. Don't bother with this company. They also go under Hollywood Profiles and about 50 other names. Jonthan Parker has his scam going worldwide!! Funny thing, this guys loves trying to show how legit HIS companies are and what scams the others are. He's also loves posting his own picture all over the place too. Maybe another actor who never made it, ha ha... The best thing, which is what I did, is call your bank and reverse the changes based on the fraud. In most cases, you will win. Bob, NYC 62 days ago by Alice +1 Votes Star Search Casting, Prime Time Casting; Bartenders America Att: Brian Williard, Sean Noble, Jonathan Parker 215 1/2 N Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 CC: Elena Olivas, Better Business Bureau Re: Request for immediate refund (Ref #30012297 Prime Time Casting) Dear Sirs: I am writing to request an immediate refund of $98 that Star Search Casting, Inc (SSC) has charged on 09/22/2003 to my husband's account as my membership fee. On 09/22/2003 I have made a grave mistake of signing up with SSC over the phone. Operator named William (#846) stated that if for any reason I should choose to cancel my membership I would be entitled for a full refund within 30 days. 10/20/2003 I have contacted Account Management at the number provided by William (866.291.1883) and requested a refund of the fee because I was canceling my membership. I was assured that the refund will be made within 5-7 days, however it had not happened. I further contacted SSC on more than SIX occasions (11/11/03, 11/24/03, 12/18/2003, 01/13/2004, 02/13/2004 and 02/24/04) requesting refund and was repeatedly assured that the refund will occur shortly. I was also contacted several times via email (02/17/04 and 02/23/04) by Mr. Jonathan Parker, claiming to be the President of SSC, who again assured me (and other former members in search of refund) that the refund will follow shortly. In one of the emails Mr. Parker referred to additional unauthorized charges that were supposedly by mistake made by Impact Legal. In fact, Impact Legal did charge my husband account and still has not refunded us with $199 that was charged without our knowledge. I have filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau which had contacted SSC on my behalf but SSC chose to ignore the complaint. I must notify you that, if the refund is not promptly made, you may be held liable for unjust enrichment. Further, numerous misrepresentation made by SSC, various addresses and phone numbers used, your manner of doing business and unauthorized charges made by Impact Legal has led me to believe that I (and probably many others) was involved in some sort of a fraudulent money extortion scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting customers. Please be advised that I reserve the right to bring this issue before the appropriate governmental and judicial authorities and customer protection agencies. In order to avoid further legal proceedings, we must receive the payment of the above indicated amount by 09 June 2004. I await an immediate response from you or your counsel. Alice New York, New York U.S.A.

to a search on Google for, "Lists of Casting Directors in Los Angeles" "Lists of Casting Directors in New York City" "Lists of Casting Directors in Chicago" "Lists of Casting Directors in Florida" go with whichever location is closest to you! Simply obtain the list from various sources for a small fee, telephone at least 15 to 20 from the list and simply ask them, "Do you post your casting breakdowns on Star Search Casting.com's casting site, we're investigating their claims". If they state "yes", then, Star Search Casting may be somewhat legit. However; considering that I'VE ALREADY DONE THIS AND NOT ONE CASTING DIRECTOR I SPOKE WITH ACTUALLY USES STAR SEARCH CASTING.COM, I wouldn't count on getting positive results! Some of them laughed saying "are you kidding?... We use LA Casting or Breakdown Services only". One of them thought Star Search Casting was a porn site! Please though, do your homework, don't take my word for it, Jonthan Parker will just claim I'm a competitor trying to ruin his name. SEE FOR YOURSELF! Spend the few dollars to due your Due Diligence so YOU will see for yourself! Please post your results on this site. I think others would be interesed in what you have discovered. Good luck!

Here is Carl Carranza again using the fake names of Lydia Littleton and Cynthia to write 2 more fake complaints. It is funny Carl always mentions in these fake complaints that I bad mouth other companies. Actually anyone can look around at things I have posted on different sites and see I don't badmouth any of my competitors. There are over 400 other sites on the web similar to our sites and I have never said anything bad about any of them anywhere. The only companies that I have mentioned are ones who have been exposed as proven scams. Most of these scams come from Nigeria and other African countries. But some are companies like Flashcast that is run by Carl Carranza. I don't really have to bad mouth him because the news headlines and television stations in Los Angeles have already exposed his scam. And Carl Carranza will be in court again in a couple weeks facing criminal charges for almost the same thing he was already convicted of in 2002. Here are just some of the television stations in Los Angeles that have news stories about Carl Carranza and Scooters Fab FC ( http://www.scootersfabfc.com ): 1. http://www.ktla.com/news/local/ktla-talent-agency-charged,0,7477158.story 2. http://cbs5.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--TalentAgencyScam.xml 3. http://talentagents.blogspot.com/ 4. http://orangecounty.cox.net/cci/newslocal/local?_mode=view&view=LocalNewsArticleView&articleId=3963558&_action=validatearticle 5. http://cbs2.com/local/Carl.Carranza.talent.2.1011153.html 6. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/45195237.html 7. http://www.examiner.com/a-2018707~LA_talent_agency_charged_with_false_advertising.html 8. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-talent-company-charged,0,3748606.worldnowvideo 9. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-video-lights-camera-ripoff,0,2478203.worldnowvideo Its kind of ironic that in the fake complaint Carl wrote here under the name Cynthia he posted the entire new California law that was specifically written to shut down scams like the one he has been running for years. As you can see here that law is primarily aimed at advanced-fee talent services like Flashcast: The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Another obvious way to see that it is Carl Carranza posting fake complaints about us under fake names is that many times he bashes the Better Business Bureau. The only people who really hate the BBB like Carl Carranza does are businesses that are either not allowed to join because of their poor track record or business who have joined but have a low rating. The general public has no complaints with the BBB. So when Carl writes these fake complaints and pretends to be an upset customer of ours and also says the BBB is a scam then it is obvious that the person writing the fake complaint is actually a business owner who couldn't get a good BBB rating. For the record we always give any unhappy customer a FULL REFUND within 30 days. We don't have any contracts with our members and they are free to cancel service at any time. We answer all emails we receive every day including holidays. And we always try to do whatever it takes to make a member happy. That is why we don't have any BBB complaints and don't have any real complaints here either!

Here is Carl Carranza again using the fake names of Lydia Littleton and Cynthia to write 2 more fake complaints. It is funny Carl always mentions in these fake complaints that I bad mouth other companies. Actually anyone can look around at things I have posted on different sites and see I don't badmouth any of my competitors. There are over 400 other sites on the web similar to our sites and I have never said anything bad about any of them anywhere. The only companies that I have mentioned are ones who have been exposed as proven scams. Most of these scams come from Nigeria and other African countries. But some are companies like Flashcast that is run by Carl Carranza. I don't really have to bad mouth him because the news headlines and television stations in Los Angeles have already exposed his scam. And Carl Carranza will be in court again in a couple weeks facing criminal charges for almost the same thing he was already convicted of in 2002. Here are just some of the television stations in Los Angeles that have news stories about Carl Carranza and Scooters Fab FC ( http://www.scootersfabfc.com ): 1. http://www.ktla.com/news/local/ktla-talent-agency-charged,0,7477158.story 2. http://cbs5.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--TalentAgencyScam.xml 3. http://talentagents.blogspot.com/ 4. http://orangecounty.cox.net/cci/newslocal/local?_mode=view&view=LocalNewsArticleView&articleId=3963558&_action=validatearticle 5. http://cbs2.com/local/Carl.Carranza.talent.2.1011153.html 6. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/45195237.html 7. http://www.examiner.com/a-2018707~LA_talent_agency_charged_with_false_advertising.html 8. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-talent-company-charged,0,3748606.worldnowvideo 9. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-video-lights-camera-ripoff,0,2478203.worldnowvideo Its kind of ironic that in the fake complaint Carl wrote here under the name Cynthia he posted the entire new California law that was specifically written to shut down scams like the one he has been running for years. As you can see here that law is primarily aimed at advanced-fee talent services like Flashcast: The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Another obvious way to see that it is Carl Carranza posting fake complaints about us under fake names is that many times he bashes the Better Business Bureau. The only people who really hate the BBB like Carl Carranza does are businesses that are either not allowed to join because of their poor track record or business who have joined but have a low rating. The general public has no complaints with the BBB. So when Carl writes these fake complaints and pretends to be an upset customer of ours and also says the BBB is a scam then it is obvious that the person writing the fake complaint is actually a business owner who couldn't get a good BBB rating. For the record we always give any unhappy customer a FULL REFUND within 30 days. We don't have any contracts with our members and they are free to cancel service at any time. We answer all emails we receive every day including holidays. And we always try to do whatever it takes to make a member happy. That is why we don't have any BBB complaints and don't have any real complaints here either!

Here is Carl Carranza again using the fake names of Lydia Littleton and Cynthia to write 2 more fake complaints. It is funny Carl always mentions in these fake complaints that I bad mouth other companies. Actually anyone can look around at things I have posted on different sites and see I don't badmouth any of my competitors. There are over 400 other sites on the web similar to our sites and I have never said anything bad about any of them anywhere. The only companies that I have mentioned are ones who have been exposed as proven scams. Most of these scams come from Nigeria and other African countries. But some are companies like Flashcast that is run by Carl Carranza. I don't really have to bad mouth him because the news headlines and television stations in Los Angeles have already exposed his scam. And Carl Carranza will be in court again in a couple weeks facing criminal charges for almost the same thing he was already convicted of in 2002. Here are just some of the television stations in Los Angeles that have news stories about Carl Carranza and Scooters Fab FC ( http://www.scootersfabfc.com ): 1. http://www.ktla.com/news/local/ktla-talent-agency-charged,0,7477158.story 2. http://cbs5.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--TalentAgencyScam.xml 3. http://talentagents.blogspot.com/ 4. http://orangecounty.cox.net/cci/newslocal/local?_mode=view&view=LocalNewsArticleView&articleId=3963558&_action=validatearticle 5. http://cbs2.com/local/Carl.Carranza.talent.2.1011153.html 6. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/45195237.html 7. http://www.examiner.com/a-2018707~LA_talent_agency_charged_with_false_advertising.html 8. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-talent-company-charged,0,3748606.worldnowvideo 9. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-video-lights-camera-ripoff,0,2478203.worldnowvideo Its kind of ironic that in the fake complaint Carl wrote here under the name Cynthia he posted the entire new California law that was specifically written to shut down scams like the one he has been running for years. As you can see here that law is primarily aimed at advanced-fee talent services like Flashcast: The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Another obvious way to see that it is Carl Carranza posting fake complaints about us under fake names is that many times he bashes the Better Business Bureau. The only people who really hate the BBB like Carl Carranza does are businesses that are either not allowed to join because of their poor track record or business who have joined but have a low rating. The general public has no complaints with the BBB. So when Carl writes these fake complaints and pretends to be an upset customer of ours and also says the BBB is a scam then it is obvious that the person writing the fake complaint is actually a business owner who couldn't get a good BBB rating. For the record we always give any unhappy customer a FULL REFUND within 30 days. We don't have any contracts with our members and they are free to cancel service at any time. We answer all emails we receive every day including holidays. And we always try to do whatever it takes to make a member happy. That is why we don't have any BBB complaints and don't have any real complaints here either!

Here is Carl Carranza again using the fake names of Lydia Littleton and Cynthia to write 2 more fake complaints. It is funny Carl always mentions in these fake complaints that I bad mouth other companies. Actually anyone can look around at things I have posted on different sites and see I don't badmouth any of my competitors. There are over 400 other sites on the web similar to our sites and I have never said anything bad about any of them anywhere. The only companies that I have mentioned are ones who have been exposed as proven scams. Most of these scams come from Nigeria and other African countries. But some are companies like Flashcast that is run by Carl Carranza. I don't really have to bad mouth him because the news headlines and television stations in Los Angeles have already exposed his scam. And Carl Carranza will be in court again in a couple weeks facing criminal charges for almost the same thing he was already convicted of in 2002. Here are just some of the television stations in Los Angeles that have news stories about Carl Carranza and Scooters Fab FC ( http://www.scootersfabfc.com ): 1. http://www.ktla.com/news/local/ktla-talent-agency-charged,0,7477158.story 2. http://cbs5.com/californiawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=CA&category=n&filename=CA--TalentAgencyScam.xml 3. http://talentagents.blogspot.com/ 4. http://orangecounty.cox.net/cci/newslocal/local?_mode=view&view=LocalNewsArticleView&articleId=3963558&_action=validatearticle 5. http://cbs2.com/local/Carl.Carranza.talent.2.1011153.html 6. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/45195237.html 7. http://www.examiner.com/a-2018707~LA_talent_agency_charged_with_false_advertising.html 8. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-talent-company-charged,0,3748606.worldnowvideo 9. video - http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-video-lights-camera-ripoff,0,2478203.worldnowvideo Its kind of ironic that in the fake complaint Carl wrote here under the name Cynthia he posted the entire new California law that was specifically written to shut down scams like the one he has been running for years. As you can see here that law is primarily aimed at advanced-fee talent services like Flashcast: The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Another obvious way to see that it is Carl Carranza posting fake complaints about us under fake names is that many times he bashes the Better Business Bureau. The only people who really hate the BBB like Carl Carranza does are businesses that are either not allowed to join because of their poor track record or business who have joined but have a low rating. The general public has no complaints with the BBB. So when Carl writes these fake complaints and pretends to be an upset customer of ours and also says the BBB is a scam then it is obvious that the person writing the fake complaint is actually a business owner who couldn't get a good BBB rating. For the record we always give any unhappy customer a FULL REFUND within 30 days. We don't have any contracts with our members and they are free to cancel service at any time. We answer all emails we receive every day including holidays. And we always try to do whatever it takes to make a member happy. That is why we don't have any BBB complaints and don't have any real complaints here either!

I was actually checking out the Star Search Casting and Elite Casting Network sites and saw this. The owner Jonathan Parker, who goes to great lengths to say how every company out there is a scam but, of course, him. Funny thing after reviewing some of his "clients", They are NOT attractive in ANY way. These poor people are just dillusional (spelling?) thinking they can model or act. Many look like they live in the ghetto. I would love to see how many of these so called "actors" and "models" have received a legit job from this site. I bet you few to none. I was told that legit casting directors never use sites like this but they're all over the web taking money from newbies. Someone mentioned www.lacasting.com. Yes, I was told they are the only legit service real casting personnel actually use. Check them out. I also think it's funny how Jonathan himself has HIS picture everywhere, obviously a model that NEVER was. I think it's great this company is finally getting what they deserve. You bad mouth others it will ALWAYS come back to bite you. I guess Jonathan Parker's mother never told him that! SHAME ON YOU JONTHAN PARKER, STAR SEARCH CASTING AND ELITE CASTING NETWORK! Thanks for exposing this scum. THIS COMPANY HAS NO PHYSICAL ADDRESS, NO LEGIT TELEPHONE NUMBERS, AND IT APPEARS NO BUSINESS LICENSE. IT ALSO APPEARS THEY'RE NOT LISTED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN ANY STATE, I CHECKED. YOU CAN TOO!

First, thanks for the info. STAR SEARCH CASTING AND JONATHAN PARKER ARE KNOWN SCAMMMERS! Also, my friend works at the BBB, AS A SALES PERSON ON COMMISSION, so YES, they do sign ANY business (legit or NOT) that will pay them. I checked out the www.bbbroundup.com site and loved it! It's totally right on. Star Search Casting has nothing else to show their legitimacy except a BBB endorsement, whatever with that! Also, yes, www.lacasting.com is the top on line service to go too. IF YOU WERE PLANNING ON SIGNING WITH STAR SEARCH CASTING, DON'T WASTE THE MONEY. I read about the new law in CA regarding these on line casting scams. Here's a copy... BILL NUMBER: AB 1319 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Krekorian (Coauthor: Assembly Member Davis) FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act to repeal and add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to talent services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1319, as introduced, Krekorian. Talent services. Existing law regulates the licensing and operation of talent services within the entertainment industry. These provisions govern the making and canceling of contracts, fees to be charged for services, records to be maintained by talent services, bonding requirements, and remedies for violations of these provisions, a violation of which constitutes a crime. This bill would prohibit talent services from providing or offering to provide, in exchange for an advance fee, employment, an audition, career management or development, or the procurement of an agent. This bill would also impose additional disclosure and contract requirements for other forms of advance-fee services. Because this bill would impose new restrictions on advance-fee talent services, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that there exist in connection with a substantial number of contracts for advance-fee talent services, sales practices and business and financing methods which have worked a fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship upon the people of this state, particularly upon children and other minors; that existing legal remedies are inadequate to correct these abuses; that the advance-fee talent industry has a significant impact upon the economy and well-being of this state and its local communities; and that the provisions of this act relating to these are necessary for the public welfare. The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Nothing in this act is intended to prohibit talent training services, talent counseling services, and talent listing services from conducting business provided they comply with the provisions and prohibitions set forth in this act. SEC. 2. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code is repealed. SEC. 3. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) is added to Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read: CHAPTER 4.5. ADVANCE-FEE TALENT SERVICES Article 1. Definitions 1701. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Advance fee" means any money or other valuable consideration paid or promised to be paid by or on behalf of an artist for services rendered or to be rendered by any person conducting business under this chapter. "Advance fee" does not include the following: (1) A commission for employment earned as an artist. (2) (A) Reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by the payee on behalf of the artist for services rendered or goods provided to the artist by an independent third party if all of the following conditions are met: (i) The payee has no direct or indirect financial interest in the third party. (ii) The payee does not accept any referral fee or other consideration for referring the artist. (iii) The services rendered or goods provided for the out-of-pocket costs are not, and are not represented to be, a condition for the payee to register or list the artist with the payee. (iv) The payee maintains adequate records to establish that the amount to be reimbursed was actually advanced or owed to a third party and that the third party is not a person with whom the payee has a direct or indirect financial interest or from whom the payee receives any consideration for referring the artist. To satisfy this condition, the payee shall maintain the records for at least three years and make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local enforcement agency. (B) A person asserting a defense based upon this paragraph has the burden of producing evidence to support the defense. (b) "Artist" means a person who is or seeks to become an actor, actress, model, extra, radio artist, musical artist, musical organization, director, musical director, writer, cinematographer, composer, lyricist, arranger, or other person rendering professional services in motion picture, theatrical, radio, television, Internet, print media, or other entertainment enterprises. (c) "Audition" means a meeting, which may include a performance, for the purpose of obtaining a current or future employment opportunity, whether compensated or not, before any person, including a producer, director, casting director, or associate thereof, who has or is represented to have input into the decision to select an artist for the employment opportunity. (d) "Person" means an individual, company, society, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other organization. (e) "Talent counseling service" means a person that, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, offers to provide, promises to provide, represents it will provide, represents it will make a referral to another person who will provide, attempts to provide, or provides the artist with career counseling, career consulting, vocational guidance, aptitude testing, career evaluation, or career planning as an artist. (f) "Talent listing service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with any of the following: (1) A list of one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (2) A list of talent agents or talent managers, including an associate thereof. (3) A service that matches the artist with one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (4) A service that matches the artist with a talent agents or talent manager, including an associate thereof. (5) A service that distributes the name, photograph, Internet Web site, filmstrip, videotape, audition tape, demonstration reel, resume, portfolio, or other reproduction or promotional material of the artist to a talent agent or talent manager, or an associate thereof, or to a person represented as offering an audition or employment opportunity. (6) A service that searches, or provides the artist with the ability to perform a self-directed search of, any database for an audition or employment opportunity, or a database of talent agents or talent managers, or an associate thereof. (g) "Talent scout" means an individual employed, appointed, or authorized by a talent training service, talent counseling service, or talent listing service, who solicits or attempts to solicit an artist for the purpose of becoming a client of the service. The principals of a service are themselves talent scouts if they solicit on behalf of the service. (h) "Talent service" means a talent counseling service, a talent listing service, or a talent training service. (i) "Talent training service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with lessons, coaching, seminars, workshops, or similar training. 1701.1. This chapter does not apply to the following: (a) A public educational institution. (b) (1) A private educational institution established solely for educational purposes which, as a part of its curriculum, offers employment counseling to its student body and satisfies either of the following: (A) The institution conforms to the requirements of Article 5 (commencing with Section 33190) of Chapter 2 of Part 20 of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Education Code. (B) More than 90 percent of the students to whom instruction, training, or education is provided during any semester or other term of instruction have completed or terminated their secondary education or are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. (2) A person claiming exemption under this subparagraph shall maintain adequate records to establish the age of its students, including the name, date of birth, principal residence address, principal telephone number, driver's license number and state of issuance thereof, and dates of attendance, and shall make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local law enforcement agency. (3) A person claiming an exemption under this subdivision has the burden of producing evidence to establish the exemption. (c) A psychologist or psychological corporation, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, that provides psychological assessment, career or occupational counseling, or consultation and related professional services within the scope of its practice. (d) An educational psychologist, licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 4980) of Chapter 13 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, who provides counseling services within the scope of his or her practice. (e) A nonprofit corporation, organized to achieve economic adjustment and civic betterment, give vocational guidance, including employment counseling services, and assist in the placement of its members or others, if all of the following conditions exist: (1) None of the corporation's directors, officers, or employees receive any compensation other than a nominal salary for services performed for the corporation. (2) The corporation does not charge a fee for its services, although it may request a voluntary contribution. (3) The corporation uses any membership dues or fees solely for maintenance. (f) A nonprofit corporation, formed in good faith for the promotion and advancement of the general professional interests of its members, that maintains a placement service principally engaged to secure employment for its members with the state or a county, city, district, or other public agency under contracts providing employment for one year or longer, or with a nonprofit corporation exempted by subdivision (e). (g) A labor organization, as defined in Section 1117. (h) A newspaper, bona fide newsletter, magazine, trade or professional journal, or other publication of general circulation, that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (i) An Internet provider that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (j) An Internet Web site host that has no input into the content or design of a Web site, and has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (k) An advance-fee talent listing service, if all of the following apply: (1) A majority interest in the service is owned by one or more colleges or universities, or alumni associations affiliated therewith, and each of the colleges or universities is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and a member organization of the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation. (2) The service provides services exclusively for artists who are the alumni of colleges or universities specified in paragraph (1). (3) The service does not require, as a condition to receiving services, an applicant to have completed courses or examinations beyond the requirements for graduation from the applicant's college or university specified in paragraph (1). (4) More than 50 percent of the annual revenues received by the service are derived from paid subscriptions of prospective employers. (l) A public library. (m) A public institution. 1701.2. Compliance with this chapter does not satisfy and is not a substitute for the requirements mandated by any other applicable law, including the obligation to obtain a license under the Talent Agencies Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1700)), prior to procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements for artists. Article 2. Contract Agreement Provisions and Recordkeeping 1701.4. (a) Every contract and agreement between an artist and a talent service shall be in writing, in at least 10-point type, and contain all of the following provisions: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, the artist to whom services are to be provided, and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. (2) A description of the services to be performed, a statement when those services are to be provided, the duration of the contract, and refund provisions if the described services are not provided according to the contract. (3) Evidence of compliance with applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (4) The amount of any fees to be charged to or collected from, or on behalf of, the artist receiving the services, and the date or dates when those fees are required to be paid. (5) The following statements, in boldface type and in close proximity to the artist's signature: ""(Name of talent service) IS A TALENT COUNSELING SERVICE, TALENT LISTING SERVICE, TALENT REPRESENTATION SERVICE, OR TALENT TRAINING SERVICE. ONLY A TALENT AGENT LICENSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1700.5 OF THE LABOR CODE MAY ENGAGE IN THE OCCUPATION OF PROCURING, OFFERING, PROMISING, OR ATTEMPTING TO PROCURE EMPLOYMENT OR ENGAGEMENTS FOR AN ARTIST. YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (enter date of transaction) You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, if notice of cancellation is given, in writing, within 10 business days from the above date. To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of the following cancellation notice or any other written notice of cancellation, or send a telegram containing a notice of cancellation to (name of talent service) at (address of its place of business), NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF (date). If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, you may cancel the contract by sending the notification to: (e-mail address). CANCELLATION NOTICE I hereby cancel this contract. Dated: Artist Signature.'' (b) Except for contracts executed over the Internet, a contract subject to this section shall be dated and signed by the artist and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. In the case of a contract executed over the Internet, the talent service shall give the artist clear and conspicuous notice of the contract terms and provide to the artist the ability to acknowledge receipt of the terms before acknowledging agreement thereto. In any dispute regarding compliance with this subdivision, the talent service shall have the burden of proving that the artist received the terms and acknowledged agreement thereto. (c) If the talent service intends to list or display information about an artist, including a photograph, on the service's Internet Web site, or on a Web site that the service has authority to design or alter, the contract shall contain a notice that the talent service will remove the listing and content within 10 days of a request by the artist or, in the case of a minor, the artist's parent or guardian. The contract shall include a valid telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address for the talent service to which a request for removal may be made. (d) A contract between an artist and a talent service shall be contained in a single document that includes the elements set forth in this section. A contract subject to this section that does not comply with this subdivision, subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, and subdivision (e) is voidable at the election of the artist. (e) If a contract specifies a period during which it is to remain in force, the contract shall not be automatically renewed unless it provides conspicuous notice that it may be automatically renewed, a new 10-day cancellation period in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and the artist's signature or initials acknowledging these provisions. (f) If an artist cancels a contract by providing written notice of cancellation in the manner specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), the talent service shall refund in full any advance fees paid by, or on behalf of, the artist within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the talent service. If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, the artist may provide notice of cancellation through the Internet. (g) The talent service shall maintain the address set forth in the contract for receipt of cancellation and for removal of an Internet Web site or other listing, unless it furnishes the artist with written notice of a change of address. Written notice of a change of address may be done by e-mail if the artist designates an e-mail address in the contract for purposes of receiving written notice. (h) The talent service shall advise a person inquiring about canceling a contract to follow the written procedures for cancellation set forth in the contract. (i) If services are not performed as promised or as set forth in the contract, the talent service shall, upon demand by the artist, refund in full all fees paid for services not rendered within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the provider. (j) Before the artist signs a contract and before the artist or any person acting on his or her behalf becomes obligated to pay or pays any fee, the talent service shall provide a copy of the contract to the artist for the artist to keep. If the contract was executed through the Internet, the talent service may provide a copy of the contract to the artist by making it available to be downloaded and printed through the Internet. (k) The talent service shall maintain the original executed contract on file at its place of business. 1701.5. (a) Every person engaging in the business of an advance-fee talent service shall keep and maintain records of the person's advance-fee talent service business. The records shall contain all of the following: (1) The name and address of each artist employing that person as an advance-fee talent service. (2) The amount of the advance fees paid by or for the artist during the term of the contract with the talent service. (3) A record of all advertisements by the talent service, including the date and the publication in which the advertisement appeared, which shall be maintained for a period of three years following publication. (4) Records described in clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1701. (5) Any other information that the Labor Commissioner requires. (b) All books, records, and other papers kept pursuant to this chapter by an advance-fee talent service shall be open at all reasonable hours to inspection by the Labor Commissioner and his or her representatives and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney. Every advance-fee talent service shall furnish to the Labor Commissioner and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney, upon request, a true copy of those books, records, and papers, or any portion thereof, and shall make reports as the Labor Commissioner requires. (c) An advance-fee talent service shall post in a conspicuous place in its office a printed copy of this chapter and of other statutes as may be specified by regulation of the Labor Commissioner. Those copies shall also contain the name and address of the officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter. The Labor Commissioner shall furnish to the advance-fee talent service printed copies of any statute required to be posted under this section. (d) An advertisement soliciting artists to perform or demonstrate any talent for the talent service, or to appear for an interview with the talent service, shall clearly and conspicuously state: "This is not an audition for employment or for obtaining a talent agent or talent management." Article 3. Written Disclosure 1701.8. Prior to requesting any advance fee, an advance-fee talent service shall provide an artist with written disclosure of all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, and evidence of compliance with any applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (b) A copy of the talent service's fee schedule and payment terms. Article 4. Bond Requirement and Fees 1701.10. (a) Prior to advertising or engaging in business, a talent service shall file with the Labor Commissioner a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or a deposit in lieu of the bond pursuant to Section 995.710 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The bond shall be executed by a corporate surety qualified to do business in this state and conditioned upon compliance with this chapter. The total aggregate liability on the bond shall be limited to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The bond may be terminated pursuant to Section 995.440 of, or Article 13 (commencing with Section 996.310) of Chapter 2 of Title 14 of Part 2 of, the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) The bond required by this section shall be in favor of, and payable to, the people of the State of California and shall be for the benefit of any person damaged by any fraud, misstatement, misrepresentation, unlawful act or omission, or failure to provide the services of the talent service while acting within the scope of that employment or agency. (c) The Labor Commissioner shall charge and collect a filing fee to cover the cost of filing the bond or deposit. (d) The Labor Commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter that govern the filing and maintenance of bonds and deposits. (e) (1) Whenever a deposit is made in lieu of the bond otherwise required by this section, the person asserting the claim against the deposit shall establish the claim by furnishing evidence to the Labor Commissioner of a money judgment entered by a court, together with evidence that the claimant is a person described in subdivision (b). (2) When a claimant has established the claim with the Labor Commissioner, the Labor Commissioner shall review and approve the claim and enter the date of the approval thereon. The claim shall be designated an approved claim. (3) When the first claim against a particular deposit has been approved, it shall not be paid until the expiration of a period of 240 days after the date of its approval by the Labor Commissioner. Subsequent claims that are approved by the Labor Commissioner within the same 240-day period shall similarly not be paid until the expiration of that 240-day period. Upon the expiration of the 240-day period, the Labor Commissioner shall pay all approved claims from that 240-day period in full unless the deposit is insufficient, in which case every approved claim shall be paid a pro rata share of the deposit. (4) Whenever the Labor Commissioner approves the first claim against a particular deposit after the expiration of a 240-day period, the date of approval of that claim shall begin a new 240-day period to which paragraph (3) applies with respect to any amount remaining in the deposit. (5) After a deposit is exhausted, no further claims shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner. Claimants who have had claims paid in full or in part pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) shall not be required to return funds received from the deposit for the benefit of other claimants. (6) Whenever a deposit has been made in lieu of a bond, the amount of the deposit shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or execution with respect to an action or judgment against the assignor of the deposit, other than as to an amount as no longer needed or required for the purposes of this chapter and that would otherwise be returned to the assignor of the deposit by the Labor Commissioner. (7) The Labor Commissioner shall return a deposit two years from the date it receives written notification from the assignor of the deposit that the assignor has ceased to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond pursuant to subdivision (a), provided that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit. The written notice shall include all of the following: (A) The name, address, and telephone number of the assignor. (B) The name, address, and telephone number of the bank at which the deposit is located. (C) The account number of the deposit. (D) A statement that the assignor is ceasing to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall forward an acknowledgment of receipt of the written notice to the assignor at the address indicated therein, specifying the date of receipt of the written notice and the anticipated date of release of the deposit, provided that there are then no outstanding claims against the deposit. (8) A superior court may order the return of the deposit prior to the expiration of two years upon evidence satisfactory to the court that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit, or order the Labor Commissioner to retain the deposit for a specified period beyond the two years to resolve outstanding claims against the deposit. (9) This subdivision applies to all deposits retained by the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall notify each assignor of a deposit it retains and of the applicability of this section. (10) Compliance with Sections 1700.15 and 1700.16 of this code or Section 1812.503, 1812.510, or 1812.515 of the Civil Code shall satisfy the requirements of this section. Article 5. Prohibited Acts 1701.11. A person shall not provide or offer to provide any of the following services to an artist in exchange for an advance fee from or on behalf of the artist: (a) Employment or an engagement as an artist. (b) An audition. (c) Management or development of the artist's career. (d) Procurement of a talent agent or talent manager, including an associate thereof. 1701.12. (a) A talent service, its agents, and employees shall not do any of the following: (1) Make or cause to be made or published any false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive advertisement or representation. (2) Provide an artist any false or misleading information, representation, promise or guarantee concerning any audition, engagement, job, or employment. (3) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation concerning the opportunity for an artist to meet with or audition before any producer, director, casting director, or any associate thereof, or any other person who makes, or is represented to make, decisions for the process of hiring artists for employment as an artist, or any talent agent or talent manager, or any associate thereof, unless the talent service maintains for inspection and copying written evidence of the supporting facts, including the name, business address, and job title of all persons conducting the meeting or audition, and the title of the production and the name of the production company. (4) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation that any artist, whether identified or not, has obtained an audition, employment opportunity, or employment as an artist in whole or in part by use of the talent service unless the talent service maintains for inspection written evidence of the supporting facts upon which the claim is based, including the name of the artist and the date the contract was executed. (5) Charge or attempt to charge an artist for an audition or employment opportunity. (6) Charge or attempt to charge an artist, directly or indirectly, for creating or providing photographs, filmstrips, videotapes, audition tapes, demonstration reels, or other reproductions of the artist, Internet Web sites, casting or talent brochures, or other promotional materials for the artist. (7) Refer an artist to any person who charges the artist a fee for the services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) in which the talent service has a direct or indirect financial interest. (8) Accept any compensation for referring an artist to any person charging the artist a fee for services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) or to a talent training service or to a talent listing service. (9) Fail to remove the Internet Web site and its content of an artist within 10 days of a request complying with the notice requirements of this chapter by the artist, or parent of guardian of the artist if the artist is a minor. (b) A talent training service and talent counseling service shall not own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent listing service. (c) A talent listing service shall not do either of the following: (1) Own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent training service or a talent counseling service. (2) Provide a listing of an audition, job, or employment opportunity without written permission for the listing. A talent listing service shall keep and maintain a copy of all original listings; the name, business address, and business telephone number of the person granting permission to the talent listing service to use the listing; and the date the permission was granted. Article 6. Remedies 1701.13. A person, including, an officer, director, agent, or employee of a talent service, who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each violation is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. However, payment of restitution to an artist shall take precedence over the payment of a fine. 1701.15. The Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may institute an action for a violation of this chapter, including an action to restrain and enjoin a violation. 1701.16. A person who is injured by a violation of this chapter or by the breach of a contract subject to this chapter may bring an action for recovery of damages or to restrain and enjoin a violation, or both. The amount awarded for damages for a violation of this chapter shall be no greater than three times the damages actually incurred and not less than the amount paid by the artist to the service. When a service refuses or is unwilling to pay damages awarded by a judgment that has become final, the judgment may be satisfied from the bond or deposit maintained by the Labor Commissioner. If a plaintiff prevails in an action under this chapter, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the breach of contract or violation of this chapter was willful, the court, in its discretion, may award punitive damages in addition to any other amounts. 1701.17. The provisions of this chapter are not exclusive and do not relieve a person subject to this chapter from the duty to comply with all other laws. 1701.18. The remedies provided in this chapter are not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies or procedures provided in any other law. 1701.19. A waiver by an artist of the provisions of this chapter is deemed contrary to public policy and void and unenforceable. An attempt by a talent service to have an artist waive his or her rights under this chapter is a violation of this chapter. 1701.20. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

First, thanks for the info. STAR SEARCH CASTING AND JONATHAN PARKER ARE KNOWN SCAMMMERS! Also, my friend works at the BBB, AS A SALES PERSON ON COMMISSION, so YES, they do sign ANY business (legit or NOT) that will pay them. I checked out the www.bbbroundup.com site and loved it! It's totally right on. Star Search Casting has nothing else to show their legitimacy except a BBB endorsement, whatever with that! Also, yes, www.lacasting.com is the top on line service to go too. IF YOU WERE PLANNING ON SIGNING WITH STAR SEARCH CASTING, DON'T WASTE THE MONEY. I read about the new law in CA regarding these on line casting scams. Here's a copy... BILL NUMBER: AB 1319 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Krekorian (Coauthor: Assembly Member Davis) FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act to repeal and add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to talent services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1319, as introduced, Krekorian. Talent services. Existing law regulates the licensing and operation of talent services within the entertainment industry. These provisions govern the making and canceling of contracts, fees to be charged for services, records to be maintained by talent services, bonding requirements, and remedies for violations of these provisions, a violation of which constitutes a crime. This bill would prohibit talent services from providing or offering to provide, in exchange for an advance fee, employment, an audition, career management or development, or the procurement of an agent. This bill would also impose additional disclosure and contract requirements for other forms of advance-fee services. Because this bill would impose new restrictions on advance-fee talent services, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that there exist in connection with a substantial number of contracts for advance-fee talent services, sales practices and business and financing methods which have worked a fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship upon the people of this state, particularly upon children and other minors; that existing legal remedies are inadequate to correct these abuses; that the advance-fee talent industry has a significant impact upon the economy and well-being of this state and its local communities; and that the provisions of this act relating to these are necessary for the public welfare. The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Nothing in this act is intended to prohibit talent training services, talent counseling services, and talent listing services from conducting business provided they comply with the provisions and prohibitions set forth in this act. SEC. 2. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code is repealed. SEC. 3. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) is added to Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read: CHAPTER 4.5. ADVANCE-FEE TALENT SERVICES Article 1. Definitions 1701. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Advance fee" means any money or other valuable consideration paid or promised to be paid by or on behalf of an artist for services rendered or to be rendered by any person conducting business under this chapter. "Advance fee" does not include the following: (1) A commission for employment earned as an artist. (2) (A) Reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by the payee on behalf of the artist for services rendered or goods provided to the artist by an independent third party if all of the following conditions are met: (i) The payee has no direct or indirect financial interest in the third party. (ii) The payee does not accept any referral fee or other consideration for referring the artist. (iii) The services rendered or goods provided for the out-of-pocket costs are not, and are not represented to be, a condition for the payee to register or list the artist with the payee. (iv) The payee maintains adequate records to establish that the amount to be reimbursed was actually advanced or owed to a third party and that the third party is not a person with whom the payee has a direct or indirect financial interest or from whom the payee receives any consideration for referring the artist. To satisfy this condition, the payee shall maintain the records for at least three years and make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local enforcement agency. (B) A person asserting a defense based upon this paragraph has the burden of producing evidence to support the defense. (b) "Artist" means a person who is or seeks to become an actor, actress, model, extra, radio artist, musical artist, musical organization, director, musical director, writer, cinematographer, composer, lyricist, arranger, or other person rendering professional services in motion picture, theatrical, radio, television, Internet, print media, or other entertainment enterprises. (c) "Audition" means a meeting, which may include a performance, for the purpose of obtaining a current or future employment opportunity, whether compensated or not, before any person, including a producer, director, casting director, or associate thereof, who has or is represented to have input into the decision to select an artist for the employment opportunity. (d) "Person" means an individual, company, society, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other organization. (e) "Talent counseling service" means a person that, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, offers to provide, promises to provide, represents it will provide, represents it will make a referral to another person who will provide, attempts to provide, or provides the artist with career counseling, career consulting, vocational guidance, aptitude testing, career evaluation, or career planning as an artist. (f) "Talent listing service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with any of the following: (1) A list of one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (2) A list of talent agents or talent managers, including an associate thereof. (3) A service that matches the artist with one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (4) A service that matches the artist with a talent agents or talent manager, including an associate thereof. (5) A service that distributes the name, photograph, Internet Web site, filmstrip, videotape, audition tape, demonstration reel, resume, portfolio, or other reproduction or promotional material of the artist to a talent agent or talent manager, or an associate thereof, or to a person represented as offering an audition or employment opportunity. (6) A service that searches, or provides the artist with the ability to perform a self-directed search of, any database for an audition or employment opportunity, or a database of talent agents or talent managers, or an associate thereof. (g) "Talent scout" means an individual employed, appointed, or authorized by a talent training service, talent counseling service, or talent listing service, who solicits or attempts to solicit an artist for the purpose of becoming a client of the service. The principals of a service are themselves talent scouts if they solicit on behalf of the service. (h) "Talent service" means a talent counseling service, a talent listing service, or a talent training service. (i) "Talent training service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with lessons, coaching, seminars, workshops, or similar training. 1701.1. This chapter does not apply to the following: (a) A public educational institution. (b) (1) A private educational institution established solely for educational purposes which, as a part of its curriculum, offers employment counseling to its student body and satisfies either of the following: (A) The institution conforms to the requirements of Article 5 (commencing with Section 33190) of Chapter 2 of Part 20 of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Education Code. (B) More than 90 percent of the students to whom instruction, training, or education is provided during any semester or other term of instruction have completed or terminated their secondary education or are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. (2) A person claiming exemption under this subparagraph shall maintain adequate records to establish the age of its students, including the name, date of birth, principal residence address, principal telephone number, driver's license number and state of issuance thereof, and dates of attendance, and shall make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local law enforcement agency. (3) A person claiming an exemption under this subdivision has the burden of producing evidence to establish the exemption. (c) A psychologist or psychological corporation, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, that provides psychological assessment, career or occupational counseling, or consultation and related professional services within the scope of its practice. (d) An educational psychologist, licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 4980) of Chapter 13 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, who provides counseling services within the scope of his or her practice. (e) A nonprofit corporation, organized to achieve economic adjustment and civic betterment, give vocational guidance, including employment counseling services, and assist in the placement of its members or others, if all of the following conditions exist: (1) None of the corporation's directors, officers, or employees receive any compensation other than a nominal salary for services performed for the corporation. (2) The corporation does not charge a fee for its services, although it may request a voluntary contribution. (3) The corporation uses any membership dues or fees solely for maintenance. (f) A nonprofit corporation, formed in good faith for the promotion and advancement of the general professional interests of its members, that maintains a placement service principally engaged to secure employment for its members with the state or a county, city, district, or other public agency under contracts providing employment for one year or longer, or with a nonprofit corporation exempted by subdivision (e). (g) A labor organization, as defined in Section 1117. (h) A newspaper, bona fide newsletter, magazine, trade or professional journal, or other publication of general circulation, that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (i) An Internet provider that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (j) An Internet Web site host that has no input into the content or design of a Web site, and has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (k) An advance-fee talent listing service, if all of the following apply: (1) A majority interest in the service is owned by one or more colleges or universities, or alumni associations affiliated therewith, and each of the colleges or universities is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and a member organization of the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation. (2) The service provides services exclusively for artists who are the alumni of colleges or universities specified in paragraph (1). (3) The service does not require, as a condition to receiving services, an applicant to have completed courses or examinations beyond the requirements for graduation from the applicant's college or university specified in paragraph (1). (4) More than 50 percent of the annual revenues received by the service are derived from paid subscriptions of prospective employers. (l) A public library. (m) A public institution. 1701.2. Compliance with this chapter does not satisfy and is not a substitute for the requirements mandated by any other applicable law, including the obligation to obtain a license under the Talent Agencies Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1700)), prior to procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements for artists. Article 2. Contract Agreement Provisions and Recordkeeping 1701.4. (a) Every contract and agreement between an artist and a talent service shall be in writing, in at least 10-point type, and contain all of the following provisions: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, the artist to whom services are to be provided, and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. (2) A description of the services to be performed, a statement when those services are to be provided, the duration of the contract, and refund provisions if the described services are not provided according to the contract. (3) Evidence of compliance with applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (4) The amount of any fees to be charged to or collected from, or on behalf of, the artist receiving the services, and the date or dates when those fees are required to be paid. (5) The following statements, in boldface type and in close proximity to the artist's signature: ""(Name of talent service) IS A TALENT COUNSELING SERVICE, TALENT LISTING SERVICE, TALENT REPRESENTATION SERVICE, OR TALENT TRAINING SERVICE. ONLY A TALENT AGENT LICENSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1700.5 OF THE LABOR CODE MAY ENGAGE IN THE OCCUPATION OF PROCURING, OFFERING, PROMISING, OR ATTEMPTING TO PROCURE EMPLOYMENT OR ENGAGEMENTS FOR AN ARTIST. YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (enter date of transaction) You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, if notice of cancellation is given, in writing, within 10 business days from the above date. To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of the following cancellation notice or any other written notice of cancellation, or send a telegram containing a notice of cancellation to (name of talent service) at (address of its place of business), NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF (date). If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, you may cancel the contract by sending the notification to: (e-mail address). CANCELLATION NOTICE I hereby cancel this contract. Dated: Artist Signature.'' (b) Except for contracts executed over the Internet, a contract subject to this section shall be dated and signed by the artist and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. In the case of a contract executed over the Internet, the talent service shall give the artist clear and conspicuous notice of the contract terms and provide to the artist the ability to acknowledge receipt of the terms before acknowledging agreement thereto. In any dispute regarding compliance with this subdivision, the talent service shall have the burden of proving that the artist received the terms and acknowledged agreement thereto. (c) If the talent service intends to list or display information about an artist, including a photograph, on the service's Internet Web site, or on a Web site that the service has authority to design or alter, the contract shall contain a notice that the talent service will remove the listing and content within 10 days of a request by the artist or, in the case of a minor, the artist's parent or guardian. The contract shall include a valid telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address for the talent service to which a request for removal may be made. (d) A contract between an artist and a talent service shall be contained in a single document that includes the elements set forth in this section. A contract subject to this section that does not comply with this subdivision, subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, and subdivision (e) is voidable at the election of the artist. (e) If a contract specifies a period during which it is to remain in force, the contract shall not be automatically renewed unless it provides conspicuous notice that it may be automatically renewed, a new 10-day cancellation period in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and the artist's signature or initials acknowledging these provisions. (f) If an artist cancels a contract by providing written notice of cancellation in the manner specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), the talent service shall refund in full any advance fees paid by, or on behalf of, the artist within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the talent service. If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, the artist may provide notice of cancellation through the Internet. (g) The talent service shall maintain the address set forth in the contract for receipt of cancellation and for removal of an Internet Web site or other listing, unless it furnishes the artist with written notice of a change of address. Written notice of a change of address may be done by e-mail if the artist designates an e-mail address in the contract for purposes of receiving written notice. (h) The talent service shall advise a person inquiring about canceling a contract to follow the written procedures for cancellation set forth in the contract. (i) If services are not performed as promised or as set forth in the contract, the talent service shall, upon demand by the artist, refund in full all fees paid for services not rendered within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the provider. (j) Before the artist signs a contract and before the artist or any person acting on his or her behalf becomes obligated to pay or pays any fee, the talent service shall provide a copy of the contract to the artist for the artist to keep. If the contract was executed through the Internet, the talent service may provide a copy of the contract to the artist by making it available to be downloaded and printed through the Internet. (k) The talent service shall maintain the original executed contract on file at its place of business. 1701.5. (a) Every person engaging in the business of an advance-fee talent service shall keep and maintain records of the person's advance-fee talent service business. The records shall contain all of the following: (1) The name and address of each artist employing that person as an advance-fee talent service. (2) The amount of the advance fees paid by or for the artist during the term of the contract with the talent service. (3) A record of all advertisements by the talent service, including the date and the publication in which the advertisement appeared, which shall be maintained for a period of three years following publication. (4) Records described in clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1701. (5) Any other information that the Labor Commissioner requires. (b) All books, records, and other papers kept pursuant to this chapter by an advance-fee talent service shall be open at all reasonable hours to inspection by the Labor Commissioner and his or her representatives and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney. Every advance-fee talent service shall furnish to the Labor Commissioner and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney, upon request, a true copy of those books, records, and papers, or any portion thereof, and shall make reports as the Labor Commissioner requires. (c) An advance-fee talent service shall post in a conspicuous place in its office a printed copy of this chapter and of other statutes as may be specified by regulation of the Labor Commissioner. Those copies shall also contain the name and address of the officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter. The Labor Commissioner shall furnish to the advance-fee talent service printed copies of any statute required to be posted under this section. (d) An advertisement soliciting artists to perform or demonstrate any talent for the talent service, or to appear for an interview with the talent service, shall clearly and conspicuously state: "This is not an audition for employment or for obtaining a talent agent or talent management." Article 3. Written Disclosure 1701.8. Prior to requesting any advance fee, an advance-fee talent service shall provide an artist with written disclosure of all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, and evidence of compliance with any applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (b) A copy of the talent service's fee schedule and payment terms. Article 4. Bond Requirement and Fees 1701.10. (a) Prior to advertising or engaging in business, a talent service shall file with the Labor Commissioner a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or a deposit in lieu of the bond pursuant to Section 995.710 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The bond shall be executed by a corporate surety qualified to do business in this state and conditioned upon compliance with this chapter. The total aggregate liability on the bond shall be limited to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The bond may be terminated pursuant to Section 995.440 of, or Article 13 (commencing with Section 996.310) of Chapter 2 of Title 14 of Part 2 of, the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) The bond required by this section shall be in favor of, and payable to, the people of the State of California and shall be for the benefit of any person damaged by any fraud, misstatement, misrepresentation, unlawful act or omission, or failure to provide the services of the talent service while acting within the scope of that employment or agency. (c) The Labor Commissioner shall charge and collect a filing fee to cover the cost of filing the bond or deposit. (d) The Labor Commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter that govern the filing and maintenance of bonds and deposits. (e) (1) Whenever a deposit is made in lieu of the bond otherwise required by this section, the person asserting the claim against the deposit shall establish the claim by furnishing evidence to the Labor Commissioner of a money judgment entered by a court, together with evidence that the claimant is a person described in subdivision (b). (2) When a claimant has established the claim with the Labor Commissioner, the Labor Commissioner shall review and approve the claim and enter the date of the approval thereon. The claim shall be designated an approved claim. (3) When the first claim against a particular deposit has been approved, it shall not be paid until the expiration of a period of 240 days after the date of its approval by the Labor Commissioner. Subsequent claims that are approved by the Labor Commissioner within the same 240-day period shall similarly not be paid until the expiration of that 240-day period. Upon the expiration of the 240-day period, the Labor Commissioner shall pay all approved claims from that 240-day period in full unless the deposit is insufficient, in which case every approved claim shall be paid a pro rata share of the deposit. (4) Whenever the Labor Commissioner approves the first claim against a particular deposit after the expiration of a 240-day period, the date of approval of that claim shall begin a new 240-day period to which paragraph (3) applies with respect to any amount remaining in the deposit. (5) After a deposit is exhausted, no further claims shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner. Claimants who have had claims paid in full or in part pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) shall not be required to return funds received from the deposit for the benefit of other claimants. (6) Whenever a deposit has been made in lieu of a bond, the amount of the deposit shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or execution with respect to an action or judgment against the assignor of the deposit, other than as to an amount as no longer needed or required for the purposes of this chapter and that would otherwise be returned to the assignor of the deposit by the Labor Commissioner. (7) The Labor Commissioner shall return a deposit two years from the date it receives written notification from the assignor of the deposit that the assignor has ceased to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond pursuant to subdivision (a), provided that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit. The written notice shall include all of the following: (A) The name, address, and telephone number of the assignor. (B) The name, address, and telephone number of the bank at which the deposit is located. (C) The account number of the deposit. (D) A statement that the assignor is ceasing to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall forward an acknowledgment of receipt of the written notice to the assignor at the address indicated therein, specifying the date of receipt of the written notice and the anticipated date of release of the deposit, provided that there are then no outstanding claims against the deposit. (8) A superior court may order the return of the deposit prior to the expiration of two years upon evidence satisfactory to the court that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit, or order the Labor Commissioner to retain the deposit for a specified period beyond the two years to resolve outstanding claims against the deposit. (9) This subdivision applies to all deposits retained by the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall notify each assignor of a deposit it retains and of the applicability of this section. (10) Compliance with Sections 1700.15 and 1700.16 of this code or Section 1812.503, 1812.510, or 1812.515 of the Civil Code shall satisfy the requirements of this section. Article 5. Prohibited Acts 1701.11. A person shall not provide or offer to provide any of the following services to an artist in exchange for an advance fee from or on behalf of the artist: (a) Employment or an engagement as an artist. (b) An audition. (c) Management or development of the artist's career. (d) Procurement of a talent agent or talent manager, including an associate thereof. 1701.12. (a) A talent service, its agents, and employees shall not do any of the following: (1) Make or cause to be made or published any false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive advertisement or representation. (2) Provide an artist any false or misleading information, representation, promise or guarantee concerning any audition, engagement, job, or employment. (3) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation concerning the opportunity for an artist to meet with or audition before any producer, director, casting director, or any associate thereof, or any other person who makes, or is represented to make, decisions for the process of hiring artists for employment as an artist, or any talent agent or talent manager, or any associate thereof, unless the talent service maintains for inspection and copying written evidence of the supporting facts, including the name, business address, and job title of all persons conducting the meeting or audition, and the title of the production and the name of the production company. (4) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation that any artist, whether identified or not, has obtained an audition, employment opportunity, or employment as an artist in whole or in part by use of the talent service unless the talent service maintains for inspection written evidence of the supporting facts upon which the claim is based, including the name of the artist and the date the contract was executed. (5) Charge or attempt to charge an artist for an audition or employment opportunity. (6) Charge or attempt to charge an artist, directly or indirectly, for creating or providing photographs, filmstrips, videotapes, audition tapes, demonstration reels, or other reproductions of the artist, Internet Web sites, casting or talent brochures, or other promotional materials for the artist. (7) Refer an artist to any person who charges the artist a fee for the services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) in which the talent service has a direct or indirect financial interest. (8) Accept any compensation for referring an artist to any person charging the artist a fee for services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) or to a talent training service or to a talent listing service. (9) Fail to remove the Internet Web site and its content of an artist within 10 days of a request complying with the notice requirements of this chapter by the artist, or parent of guardian of the artist if the artist is a minor. (b) A talent training service and talent counseling service shall not own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent listing service. (c) A talent listing service shall not do either of the following: (1) Own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent training service or a talent counseling service. (2) Provide a listing of an audition, job, or employment opportunity without written permission for the listing. A talent listing service shall keep and maintain a copy of all original listings; the name, business address, and business telephone number of the person granting permission to the talent listing service to use the listing; and the date the permission was granted. Article 6. Remedies 1701.13. A person, including, an officer, director, agent, or employee of a talent service, who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each violation is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. However, payment of restitution to an artist shall take precedence over the payment of a fine. 1701.15. The Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may institute an action for a violation of this chapter, including an action to restrain and enjoin a violation. 1701.16. A person who is injured by a violation of this chapter or by the breach of a contract subject to this chapter may bring an action for recovery of damages or to restrain and enjoin a violation, or both. The amount awarded for damages for a violation of this chapter shall be no greater than three times the damages actually incurred and not less than the amount paid by the artist to the service. When a service refuses or is unwilling to pay damages awarded by a judgment that has become final, the judgment may be satisfied from the bond or deposit maintained by the Labor Commissioner. If a plaintiff prevails in an action under this chapter, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the breach of contract or violation of this chapter was willful, the court, in its discretion, may award punitive damages in addition to any other amounts. 1701.17. The provisions of this chapter are not exclusive and do not relieve a person subject to this chapter from the duty to comply with all other laws. 1701.18. The remedies provided in this chapter are not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies or procedures provided in any other law. 1701.19. A waiver by an artist of the provisions of this chapter is deemed contrary to public policy and void and unenforceable. An attempt by a talent service to have an artist waive his or her rights under this chapter is a violation of this chapter. 1701.20. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

First, thanks for the info. STAR SEARCH CASTING AND JONATHAN PARKER ARE KNOWN SCAMMMERS! Also, my friend works at the BBB, AS A SALES PERSON ON COMMISSION, so YES, they do sign ANY business (legit or NOT) that will pay them. I checked out the www.bbbroundup.com site and loved it! It's totally right on. Star Search Casting has nothing else to show their legitimacy except a BBB endorsement, whatever with that! Also, yes, www.lacasting.com is the top on line service to go too. IF YOU WERE PLANNING ON SIGNING WITH STAR SEARCH CASTING, DON'T WASTE THE MONEY. I read about the new law in CA regarding these on line casting scams. Here's a copy... BILL NUMBER: AB 1319 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Krekorian (Coauthor: Assembly Member Davis) FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act to repeal and add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to talent services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1319, as introduced, Krekorian. Talent services. Existing law regulates the licensing and operation of talent services within the entertainment industry. These provisions govern the making and canceling of contracts, fees to be charged for services, records to be maintained by talent services, bonding requirements, and remedies for violations of these provisions, a violation of which constitutes a crime. This bill would prohibit talent services from providing or offering to provide, in exchange for an advance fee, employment, an audition, career management or development, or the procurement of an agent. This bill would also impose additional disclosure and contract requirements for other forms of advance-fee services. Because this bill would impose new restrictions on advance-fee talent services, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that there exist in connection with a substantial number of contracts for advance-fee talent services, sales practices and business and financing methods which have worked a fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship upon the people of this state, particularly upon children and other minors; that existing legal remedies are inadequate to correct these abuses; that the advance-fee talent industry has a significant impact upon the economy and well-being of this state and its local communities; and that the provisions of this act relating to these are necessary for the public welfare. The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Nothing in this act is intended to prohibit talent training services, talent counseling services, and talent listing services from conducting business provided they comply with the provisions and prohibitions set forth in this act. SEC. 2. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code is repealed. SEC. 3. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) is added to Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read: CHAPTER 4.5. ADVANCE-FEE TALENT SERVICES Article 1. Definitions 1701. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Advance fee" means any money or other valuable consideration paid or promised to be paid by or on behalf of an artist for services rendered or to be rendered by any person conducting business under this chapter. "Advance fee" does not include the following: (1) A commission for employment earned as an artist. (2) (A) Reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by the payee on behalf of the artist for services rendered or goods provided to the artist by an independent third party if all of the following conditions are met: (i) The payee has no direct or indirect financial interest in the third party. (ii) The payee does not accept any referral fee or other consideration for referring the artist. (iii) The services rendered or goods provided for the out-of-pocket costs are not, and are not represented to be, a condition for the payee to register or list the artist with the payee. (iv) The payee maintains adequate records to establish that the amount to be reimbursed was actually advanced or owed to a third party and that the third party is not a person with whom the payee has a direct or indirect financial interest or from whom the payee receives any consideration for referring the artist. To satisfy this condition, the payee shall maintain the records for at least three years and make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local enforcement agency. (B) A person asserting a defense based upon this paragraph has the burden of producing evidence to support the defense. (b) "Artist" means a person who is or seeks to become an actor, actress, model, extra, radio artist, musical artist, musical organization, director, musical director, writer, cinematographer, composer, lyricist, arranger, or other person rendering professional services in motion picture, theatrical, radio, television, Internet, print media, or other entertainment enterprises. (c) "Audition" means a meeting, which may include a performance, for the purpose of obtaining a current or future employment opportunity, whether compensated or not, before any person, including a producer, director, casting director, or associate thereof, who has or is represented to have input into the decision to select an artist for the employment opportunity. (d) "Person" means an individual, company, society, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other organization. (e) "Talent counseling service" means a person that, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, offers to provide, promises to provide, represents it will provide, represents it will make a referral to another person who will provide, attempts to provide, or provides the artist with career counseling, career consulting, vocational guidance, aptitude testing, career evaluation, or career planning as an artist. (f) "Talent listing service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with any of the following: (1) A list of one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (2) A list of talent agents or talent managers, including an associate thereof. (3) A service that matches the artist with one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (4) A service that matches the artist with a talent agents or talent manager, including an associate thereof. (5) A service that distributes the name, photograph, Internet Web site, filmstrip, videotape, audition tape, demonstration reel, resume, portfolio, or other reproduction or promotional material of the artist to a talent agent or talent manager, or an associate thereof, or to a person represented as offering an audition or employment opportunity. (6) A service that searches, or provides the artist with the ability to perform a self-directed search of, any database for an audition or employment opportunity, or a database of talent agents or talent managers, or an associate thereof. (g) "Talent scout" means an individual employed, appointed, or authorized by a talent training service, talent counseling service, or talent listing service, who solicits or attempts to solicit an artist for the purpose of becoming a client of the service. The principals of a service are themselves talent scouts if they solicit on behalf of the service. (h) "Talent service" means a talent counseling service, a talent listing service, or a talent training service. (i) "Talent training service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with lessons, coaching, seminars, workshops, or similar training. 1701.1. This chapter does not apply to the following: (a) A public educational institution. (b) (1) A private educational institution established solely for educational purposes which, as a part of its curriculum, offers employment counseling to its student body and satisfies either of the following: (A) The institution conforms to the requirements of Article 5 (commencing with Section 33190) of Chapter 2 of Part 20 of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Education Code. (B) More than 90 percent of the students to whom instruction, training, or education is provided during any semester or other term of instruction have completed or terminated their secondary education or are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. (2) A person claiming exemption under this subparagraph shall maintain adequate records to establish the age of its students, including the name, date of birth, principal residence address, principal telephone number, driver's license number and state of issuance thereof, and dates of attendance, and shall make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local law enforcement agency. (3) A person claiming an exemption under this subdivision has the burden of producing evidence to establish the exemption. (c) A psychologist or psychological corporation, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, that provides psychological assessment, career or occupational counseling, or consultation and related professional services within the scope of its practice. (d) An educational psychologist, licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 4980) of Chapter 13 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, who provides counseling services within the scope of his or her practice. (e) A nonprofit corporation, organized to achieve economic adjustment and civic betterment, give vocational guidance, including employment counseling services, and assist in the placement of its members or others, if all of the following conditions exist: (1) None of the corporation's directors, officers, or employees receive any compensation other than a nominal salary for services performed for the corporation. (2) The corporation does not charge a fee for its services, although it may request a voluntary contribution. (3) The corporation uses any membership dues or fees solely for maintenance. (f) A nonprofit corporation, formed in good faith for the promotion and advancement of the general professional interests of its members, that maintains a placement service principally engaged to secure employment for its members with the state or a county, city, district, or other public agency under contracts providing employment for one year or longer, or with a nonprofit corporation exempted by subdivision (e). (g) A labor organization, as defined in Section 1117. (h) A newspaper, bona fide newsletter, magazine, trade or professional journal, or other publication of general circulation, that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (i) An Internet provider that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (j) An Internet Web site host that has no input into the content or design of a Web site, and has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (k) An advance-fee talent listing service, if all of the following apply: (1) A majority interest in the service is owned by one or more colleges or universities, or alumni associations affiliated therewith, and each of the colleges or universities is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and a member organization of the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation. (2) The service provides services exclusively for artists who are the alumni of colleges or universities specified in paragraph (1). (3) The service does not require, as a condition to receiving services, an applicant to have completed courses or examinations beyond the requirements for graduation from the applicant's college or university specified in paragraph (1). (4) More than 50 percent of the annual revenues received by the service are derived from paid subscriptions of prospective employers. (l) A public library. (m) A public institution. 1701.2. Compliance with this chapter does not satisfy and is not a substitute for the requirements mandated by any other applicable law, including the obligation to obtain a license under the Talent Agencies Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1700)), prior to procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements for artists. Article 2. Contract Agreement Provisions and Recordkeeping 1701.4. (a) Every contract and agreement between an artist and a talent service shall be in writing, in at least 10-point type, and contain all of the following provisions: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, the artist to whom services are to be provided, and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. (2) A description of the services to be performed, a statement when those services are to be provided, the duration of the contract, and refund provisions if the described services are not provided according to the contract. (3) Evidence of compliance with applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (4) The amount of any fees to be charged to or collected from, or on behalf of, the artist receiving the services, and the date or dates when those fees are required to be paid. (5) The following statements, in boldface type and in close proximity to the artist's signature: ""(Name of talent service) IS A TALENT COUNSELING SERVICE, TALENT LISTING SERVICE, TALENT REPRESENTATION SERVICE, OR TALENT TRAINING SERVICE. ONLY A TALENT AGENT LICENSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1700.5 OF THE LABOR CODE MAY ENGAGE IN THE OCCUPATION OF PROCURING, OFFERING, PROMISING, OR ATTEMPTING TO PROCURE EMPLOYMENT OR ENGAGEMENTS FOR AN ARTIST. YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (enter date of transaction) You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, if notice of cancellation is given, in writing, within 10 business days from the above date. To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of the following cancellation notice or any other written notice of cancellation, or send a telegram containing a notice of cancellation to (name of talent service) at (address of its place of business), NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF (date). If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, you may cancel the contract by sending the notification to: (e-mail address). CANCELLATION NOTICE I hereby cancel this contract. Dated: Artist Signature.'' (b) Except for contracts executed over the Internet, a contract subject to this section shall be dated and signed by the artist and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. In the case of a contract executed over the Internet, the talent service shall give the artist clear and conspicuous notice of the contract terms and provide to the artist the ability to acknowledge receipt of the terms before acknowledging agreement thereto. In any dispute regarding compliance with this subdivision, the talent service shall have the burden of proving that the artist received the terms and acknowledged agreement thereto. (c) If the talent service intends to list or display information about an artist, including a photograph, on the service's Internet Web site, or on a Web site that the service has authority to design or alter, the contract shall contain a notice that the talent service will remove the listing and content within 10 days of a request by the artist or, in the case of a minor, the artist's parent or guardian. The contract shall include a valid telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address for the talent service to which a request for removal may be made. (d) A contract between an artist and a talent service shall be contained in a single document that includes the elements set forth in this section. A contract subject to this section that does not comply with this subdivision, subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, and subdivision (e) is voidable at the election of the artist. (e) If a contract specifies a period during which it is to remain in force, the contract shall not be automatically renewed unless it provides conspicuous notice that it may be automatically renewed, a new 10-day cancellation period in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and the artist's signature or initials acknowledging these provisions. (f) If an artist cancels a contract by providing written notice of cancellation in the manner specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), the talent service shall refund in full any advance fees paid by, or on behalf of, the artist within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the talent service. If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, the artist may provide notice of cancellation through the Internet. (g) The talent service shall maintain the address set forth in the contract for receipt of cancellation and for removal of an Internet Web site or other listing, unless it furnishes the artist with written notice of a change of address. Written notice of a change of address may be done by e-mail if the artist designates an e-mail address in the contract for purposes of receiving written notice. (h) The talent service shall advise a person inquiring about canceling a contract to follow the written procedures for cancellation set forth in the contract. (i) If services are not performed as promised or as set forth in the contract, the talent service shall, upon demand by the artist, refund in full all fees paid for services not rendered within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the provider. (j) Before the artist signs a contract and before the artist or any person acting on his or her behalf becomes obligated to pay or pays any fee, the talent service shall provide a copy of the contract to the artist for the artist to keep. If the contract was executed through the Internet, the talent service may provide a copy of the contract to the artist by making it available to be downloaded and printed through the Internet. (k) The talent service shall maintain the original executed contract on file at its place of business. 1701.5. (a) Every person engaging in the business of an advance-fee talent service shall keep and maintain records of the person's advance-fee talent service business. The records shall contain all of the following: (1) The name and address of each artist employing that person as an advance-fee talent service. (2) The amount of the advance fees paid by or for the artist during the term of the contract with the talent service. (3) A record of all advertisements by the talent service, including the date and the publication in which the advertisement appeared, which shall be maintained for a period of three years following publication. (4) Records described in clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1701. (5) Any other information that the Labor Commissioner requires. (b) All books, records, and other papers kept pursuant to this chapter by an advance-fee talent service shall be open at all reasonable hours to inspection by the Labor Commissioner and his or her representatives and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney. Every advance-fee talent service shall furnish to the Labor Commissioner and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney, upon request, a true copy of those books, records, and papers, or any portion thereof, and shall make reports as the Labor Commissioner requires. (c) An advance-fee talent service shall post in a conspicuous place in its office a printed copy of this chapter and of other statutes as may be specified by regulation of the Labor Commissioner. Those copies shall also contain the name and address of the officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter. The Labor Commissioner shall furnish to the advance-fee talent service printed copies of any statute required to be posted under this section. (d) An advertisement soliciting artists to perform or demonstrate any talent for the talent service, or to appear for an interview with the talent service, shall clearly and conspicuously state: "This is not an audition for employment or for obtaining a talent agent or talent management." Article 3. Written Disclosure 1701.8. Prior to requesting any advance fee, an advance-fee talent service shall provide an artist with written disclosure of all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, and evidence of compliance with any applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (b) A copy of the talent service's fee schedule and payment terms. Article 4. Bond Requirement and Fees 1701.10. (a) Prior to advertising or engaging in business, a talent service shall file with the Labor Commissioner a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or a deposit in lieu of the bond pursuant to Section 995.710 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The bond shall be executed by a corporate surety qualified to do business in this state and conditioned upon compliance with this chapter. The total aggregate liability on the bond shall be limited to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The bond may be terminated pursuant to Section 995.440 of, or Article 13 (commencing with Section 996.310) of Chapter 2 of Title 14 of Part 2 of, the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) The bond required by this section shall be in favor of, and payable to, the people of the State of California and shall be for the benefit of any person damaged by any fraud, misstatement, misrepresentation, unlawful act or omission, or failure to provide the services of the talent service while acting within the scope of that employment or agency. (c) The Labor Commissioner shall charge and collect a filing fee to cover the cost of filing the bond or deposit. (d) The Labor Commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter that govern the filing and maintenance of bonds and deposits. (e) (1) Whenever a deposit is made in lieu of the bond otherwise required by this section, the person asserting the claim against the deposit shall establish the claim by furnishing evidence to the Labor Commissioner of a money judgment entered by a court, together with evidence that the claimant is a person described in subdivision (b). (2) When a claimant has established the claim with the Labor Commissioner, the Labor Commissioner shall review and approve the claim and enter the date of the approval thereon. The claim shall be designated an approved claim. (3) When the first claim against a particular deposit has been approved, it shall not be paid until the expiration of a period of 240 days after the date of its approval by the Labor Commissioner. Subsequent claims that are approved by the Labor Commissioner within the same 240-day period shall similarly not be paid until the expiration of that 240-day period. Upon the expiration of the 240-day period, the Labor Commissioner shall pay all approved claims from that 240-day period in full unless the deposit is insufficient, in which case every approved claim shall be paid a pro rata share of the deposit. (4) Whenever the Labor Commissioner approves the first claim against a particular deposit after the expiration of a 240-day period, the date of approval of that claim shall begin a new 240-day period to which paragraph (3) applies with respect to any amount remaining in the deposit. (5) After a deposit is exhausted, no further claims shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner. Claimants who have had claims paid in full or in part pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) shall not be required to return funds received from the deposit for the benefit of other claimants. (6) Whenever a deposit has been made in lieu of a bond, the amount of the deposit shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or execution with respect to an action or judgment against the assignor of the deposit, other than as to an amount as no longer needed or required for the purposes of this chapter and that would otherwise be returned to the assignor of the deposit by the Labor Commissioner. (7) The Labor Commissioner shall return a deposit two years from the date it receives written notification from the assignor of the deposit that the assignor has ceased to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond pursuant to subdivision (a), provided that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit. The written notice shall include all of the following: (A) The name, address, and telephone number of the assignor. (B) The name, address, and telephone number of the bank at which the deposit is located. (C) The account number of the deposit. (D) A statement that the assignor is ceasing to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall forward an acknowledgment of receipt of the written notice to the assignor at the address indicated therein, specifying the date of receipt of the written notice and the anticipated date of release of the deposit, provided that there are then no outstanding claims against the deposit. (8) A superior court may order the return of the deposit prior to the expiration of two years upon evidence satisfactory to the court that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit, or order the Labor Commissioner to retain the deposit for a specified period beyond the two years to resolve outstanding claims against the deposit. (9) This subdivision applies to all deposits retained by the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall notify each assignor of a deposit it retains and of the applicability of this section. (10) Compliance with Sections 1700.15 and 1700.16 of this code or Section 1812.503, 1812.510, or 1812.515 of the Civil Code shall satisfy the requirements of this section. Article 5. Prohibited Acts 1701.11. A person shall not provide or offer to provide any of the following services to an artist in exchange for an advance fee from or on behalf of the artist: (a) Employment or an engagement as an artist. (b) An audition. (c) Management or development of the artist's career. (d) Procurement of a talent agent or talent manager, including an associate thereof. 1701.12. (a) A talent service, its agents, and employees shall not do any of the following: (1) Make or cause to be made or published any false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive advertisement or representation. (2) Provide an artist any false or misleading information, representation, promise or guarantee concerning any audition, engagement, job, or employment. (3) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation concerning the opportunity for an artist to meet with or audition before any producer, director, casting director, or any associate thereof, or any other person who makes, or is represented to make, decisions for the process of hiring artists for employment as an artist, or any talent agent or talent manager, or any associate thereof, unless the talent service maintains for inspection and copying written evidence of the supporting facts, including the name, business address, and job title of all persons conducting the meeting or audition, and the title of the production and the name of the production company. (4) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation that any artist, whether identified or not, has obtained an audition, employment opportunity, or employment as an artist in whole or in part by use of the talent service unless the talent service maintains for inspection written evidence of the supporting facts upon which the claim is based, including the name of the artist and the date the contract was executed. (5) Charge or attempt to charge an artist for an audition or employment opportunity. (6) Charge or attempt to charge an artist, directly or indirectly, for creating or providing photographs, filmstrips, videotapes, audition tapes, demonstration reels, or other reproductions of the artist, Internet Web sites, casting or talent brochures, or other promotional materials for the artist. (7) Refer an artist to any person who charges the artist a fee for the services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) in which the talent service has a direct or indirect financial interest. (8) Accept any compensation for referring an artist to any person charging the artist a fee for services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) or to a talent training service or to a talent listing service. (9) Fail to remove the Internet Web site and its content of an artist within 10 days of a request complying with the notice requirements of this chapter by the artist, or parent of guardian of the artist if the artist is a minor. (b) A talent training service and talent counseling service shall not own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent listing service. (c) A talent listing service shall not do either of the following: (1) Own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent training service or a talent counseling service. (2) Provide a listing of an audition, job, or employment opportunity without written permission for the listing. A talent listing service shall keep and maintain a copy of all original listings; the name, business address, and business telephone number of the person granting permission to the talent listing service to use the listing; and the date the permission was granted. Article 6. Remedies 1701.13. A person, including, an officer, director, agent, or employee of a talent service, who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each violation is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. However, payment of restitution to an artist shall take precedence over the payment of a fine. 1701.15. The Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may institute an action for a violation of this chapter, including an action to restrain and enjoin a violation. 1701.16. A person who is injured by a violation of this chapter or by the breach of a contract subject to this chapter may bring an action for recovery of damages or to restrain and enjoin a violation, or both. The amount awarded for damages for a violation of this chapter shall be no greater than three times the damages actually incurred and not less than the amount paid by the artist to the service. When a service refuses or is unwilling to pay damages awarded by a judgment that has become final, the judgment may be satisfied from the bond or deposit maintained by the Labor Commissioner. If a plaintiff prevails in an action under this chapter, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the breach of contract or violation of this chapter was willful, the court, in its discretion, may award punitive damages in addition to any other amounts. 1701.17. The provisions of this chapter are not exclusive and do not relieve a person subject to this chapter from the duty to comply with all other laws. 1701.18. The remedies provided in this chapter are not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies or procedures provided in any other law. 1701.19. A waiver by an artist of the provisions of this chapter is deemed contrary to public policy and void and unenforceable. An attempt by a talent service to have an artist waive his or her rights under this chapter is a violation of this chapter. 1701.20. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

First, thanks for the info. STAR SEARCH CASTING AND JONATHAN PARKER ARE KNOWN SCAMMMERS! Also, my friend works at the BBB, AS A SALES PERSON ON COMMISSION, so YES, they do sign ANY business (legit or NOT) that will pay them. I checked out the www.bbbroundup.com site and loved it! It's totally right on. Star Search Casting has nothing else to show their legitimacy except a BBB endorsement, whatever with that! Also, yes, www.lacasting.com is the top on line service to go too. IF YOU WERE PLANNING ON SIGNING WITH STAR SEARCH CASTING, DON'T WASTE THE MONEY. I read about the new law in CA regarding these on line casting scams. Here's a copy... BILL NUMBER: AB 1319 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Krekorian (Coauthor: Assembly Member Davis) FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act to repeal and add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to talent services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1319, as introduced, Krekorian. Talent services. Existing law regulates the licensing and operation of talent services within the entertainment industry. These provisions govern the making and canceling of contracts, fees to be charged for services, records to be maintained by talent services, bonding requirements, and remedies for violations of these provisions, a violation of which constitutes a crime. This bill would prohibit talent services from providing or offering to provide, in exchange for an advance fee, employment, an audition, career management or development, or the procurement of an agent. This bill would also impose additional disclosure and contract requirements for other forms of advance-fee services. Because this bill would impose new restrictions on advance-fee talent services, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that there exist in connection with a substantial number of contracts for advance-fee talent services, sales practices and business and financing methods which have worked a fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship upon the people of this state, particularly upon children and other minors; that existing legal remedies are inadequate to correct these abuses; that the advance-fee talent industry has a significant impact upon the economy and well-being of this state and its local communities; and that the provisions of this act relating to these are necessary for the public welfare. The Legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to safeguard the public against fraud, deceit, imposition, and financial hardship, and to foster and encourage competition, fair dealing, and prosperity in the field of advance-fee talent services by prohibiting or restricting false or misleading advertising and other unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive, unscrupulous, and fraudulent business practices by which the public has been injured in connection with advance-fee talent services. Nothing in this act is intended to prohibit talent training services, talent counseling services, and talent listing services from conducting business provided they comply with the provisions and prohibitions set forth in this act. SEC. 2. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) of Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code is repealed. SEC. 3. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 1701) is added to Part 6 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read: CHAPTER 4.5. ADVANCE-FEE TALENT SERVICES Article 1. Definitions 1701. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Advance fee" means any money or other valuable consideration paid or promised to be paid by or on behalf of an artist for services rendered or to be rendered by any person conducting business under this chapter. "Advance fee" does not include the following: (1) A commission for employment earned as an artist. (2) (A) Reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by the payee on behalf of the artist for services rendered or goods provided to the artist by an independent third party if all of the following conditions are met: (i) The payee has no direct or indirect financial interest in the third party. (ii) The payee does not accept any referral fee or other consideration for referring the artist. (iii) The services rendered or goods provided for the out-of-pocket costs are not, and are not represented to be, a condition for the payee to register or list the artist with the payee. (iv) The payee maintains adequate records to establish that the amount to be reimbursed was actually advanced or owed to a third party and that the third party is not a person with whom the payee has a direct or indirect financial interest or from whom the payee receives any consideration for referring the artist. To satisfy this condition, the payee shall maintain the records for at least three years and make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local enforcement agency. (B) A person asserting a defense based upon this paragraph has the burden of producing evidence to support the defense. (b) "Artist" means a person who is or seeks to become an actor, actress, model, extra, radio artist, musical artist, musical organization, director, musical director, writer, cinematographer, composer, lyricist, arranger, or other person rendering professional services in motion picture, theatrical, radio, television, Internet, print media, or other entertainment enterprises. (c) "Audition" means a meeting, which may include a performance, for the purpose of obtaining a current or future employment opportunity, whether compensated or not, before any person, including a producer, director, casting director, or associate thereof, who has or is represented to have input into the decision to select an artist for the employment opportunity. (d) "Person" means an individual, company, society, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other organization. (e) "Talent counseling service" means a person that, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, offers to provide, promises to provide, represents it will provide, represents it will make a referral to another person who will provide, attempts to provide, or provides the artist with career counseling, career consulting, vocational guidance, aptitude testing, career evaluation, or career planning as an artist. (f) "Talent listing service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with any of the following: (1) A list of one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (2) A list of talent agents or talent managers, including an associate thereof. (3) A service that matches the artist with one or more auditions or employment opportunities. (4) A service that matches the artist with a talent agents or talent manager, including an associate thereof. (5) A service that distributes the name, photograph, Internet Web site, filmstrip, videotape, audition tape, demonstration reel, resume, portfolio, or other reproduction or promotional material of the artist to a talent agent or talent manager, or an associate thereof, or to a person represented as offering an audition or employment opportunity. (6) A service that searches, or provides the artist with the ability to perform a self-directed search of, any database for an audition or employment opportunity, or a database of talent agents or talent managers, or an associate thereof. (g) "Talent scout" means an individual employed, appointed, or authorized by a talent training service, talent counseling service, or talent listing service, who solicits or attempts to solicit an artist for the purpose of becoming a client of the service. The principals of a service are themselves talent scouts if they solicit on behalf of the service. (h) "Talent service" means a talent counseling service, a talent listing service, or a talent training service. (i) "Talent training service" means a person who, for an advance fee from or on behalf of an artist, provides or offers to provide the artist with lessons, coaching, seminars, workshops, or similar training. 1701.1. This chapter does not apply to the following: (a) A public educational institution. (b) (1) A private educational institution established solely for educational purposes which, as a part of its curriculum, offers employment counseling to its student body and satisfies either of the following: (A) The institution conforms to the requirements of Article 5 (commencing with Section 33190) of Chapter 2 of Part 20 of Division 2 of Title 2 of the Education Code. (B) More than 90 percent of the students to whom instruction, training, or education is provided during any semester or other term of instruction have completed or terminated their secondary education or are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. (2) A person claiming exemption under this subparagraph shall maintain adequate records to establish the age of its students, including the name, date of birth, principal residence address, principal telephone number, driver's license number and state of issuance thereof, and dates of attendance, and shall make them available for inspection and copying within 24 hours of a written request by the Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a state or local law enforcement agency. (3) A person claiming an exemption under this subdivision has the burden of producing evidence to establish the exemption. (c) A psychologist or psychological corporation, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, that provides psychological assessment, career or occupational counseling, or consultation and related professional services within the scope of its practice. (d) An educational psychologist, licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 4980) of Chapter 13 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, who provides counseling services within the scope of his or her practice. (e) A nonprofit corporation, organized to achieve economic adjustment and civic betterment, give vocational guidance, including employment counseling services, and assist in the placement of its members or others, if all of the following conditions exist: (1) None of the corporation's directors, officers, or employees receive any compensation other than a nominal salary for services performed for the corporation. (2) The corporation does not charge a fee for its services, although it may request a voluntary contribution. (3) The corporation uses any membership dues or fees solely for maintenance. (f) A nonprofit corporation, formed in good faith for the promotion and advancement of the general professional interests of its members, that maintains a placement service principally engaged to secure employment for its members with the state or a county, city, district, or other public agency under contracts providing employment for one year or longer, or with a nonprofit corporation exempted by subdivision (e). (g) A labor organization, as defined in Section 1117. (h) A newspaper, bona fide newsletter, magazine, trade or professional journal, or other publication of general circulation, that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (i) An Internet provider that has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (j) An Internet Web site host that has no input into the content or design of a Web site, and has as its main purpose the dissemination of news, reports, trade or professional information, or information not intended to assist in locating, securing, or procuring employment or assignments for others. (k) An advance-fee talent listing service, if all of the following apply: (1) A majority interest in the service is owned by one or more colleges or universities, or alumni associations affiliated therewith, and each of the colleges or universities is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and a member organization of the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation. (2) The service provides services exclusively for artists who are the alumni of colleges or universities specified in paragraph (1). (3) The service does not require, as a condition to receiving services, an applicant to have completed courses or examinations beyond the requirements for graduation from the applicant's college or university specified in paragraph (1). (4) More than 50 percent of the annual revenues received by the service are derived from paid subscriptions of prospective employers. (l) A public library. (m) A public institution. 1701.2. Compliance with this chapter does not satisfy and is not a substitute for the requirements mandated by any other applicable law, including the obligation to obtain a license under the Talent Agencies Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1700)), prior to procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements for artists. Article 2. Contract Agreement Provisions and Recordkeeping 1701.4. (a) Every contract and agreement between an artist and a talent service shall be in writing, in at least 10-point type, and contain all of the following provisions: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, the artist to whom services are to be provided, and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. (2) A description of the services to be performed, a statement when those services are to be provided, the duration of the contract, and refund provisions if the described services are not provided according to the contract. (3) Evidence of compliance with applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (4) The amount of any fees to be charged to or collected from, or on behalf of, the artist receiving the services, and the date or dates when those fees are required to be paid. (5) The following statements, in boldface type and in close proximity to the artist's signature: ""(Name of talent service) IS A TALENT COUNSELING SERVICE, TALENT LISTING SERVICE, TALENT REPRESENTATION SERVICE, OR TALENT TRAINING SERVICE. ONLY A TALENT AGENT LICENSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1700.5 OF THE LABOR CODE MAY ENGAGE IN THE OCCUPATION OF PROCURING, OFFERING, PROMISING, OR ATTEMPTING TO PROCURE EMPLOYMENT OR ENGAGEMENTS FOR AN ARTIST. YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (enter date of transaction) You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or obligation, if notice of cancellation is given, in writing, within 10 business days from the above date. To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of the following cancellation notice or any other written notice of cancellation, or send a telegram containing a notice of cancellation to (name of talent service) at (address of its place of business), NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF (date). If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, you may cancel the contract by sending the notification to: (e-mail address). CANCELLATION NOTICE I hereby cancel this contract. Dated: Artist Signature.'' (b) Except for contracts executed over the Internet, a contract subject to this section shall be dated and signed by the artist and the representative executing the contract on behalf of the talent service. In the case of a contract executed over the Internet, the talent service shall give the artist clear and conspicuous notice of the contract terms and provide to the artist the ability to acknowledge receipt of the terms before acknowledging agreement thereto. In any dispute regarding compliance with this subdivision, the talent service shall have the burden of proving that the artist received the terms and acknowledged agreement thereto. (c) If the talent service intends to list or display information about an artist, including a photograph, on the service's Internet Web site, or on a Web site that the service has authority to design or alter, the contract shall contain a notice that the talent service will remove the listing and content within 10 days of a request by the artist or, in the case of a minor, the artist's parent or guardian. The contract shall include a valid telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address for the talent service to which a request for removal may be made. (d) A contract between an artist and a talent service shall be contained in a single document that includes the elements set forth in this section. A contract subject to this section that does not comply with this subdivision, subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, and subdivision (e) is voidable at the election of the artist. (e) If a contract specifies a period during which it is to remain in force, the contract shall not be automatically renewed unless it provides conspicuous notice that it may be automatically renewed, a new 10-day cancellation period in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and the artist's signature or initials acknowledging these provisions. (f) If an artist cancels a contract by providing written notice of cancellation in the manner specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), the talent service shall refund in full any advance fees paid by, or on behalf of, the artist within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the talent service. If the contract was executed in part or in whole through the Internet, the artist may provide notice of cancellation through the Internet. (g) The talent service shall maintain the address set forth in the contract for receipt of cancellation and for removal of an Internet Web site or other listing, unless it furnishes the artist with written notice of a change of address. Written notice of a change of address may be done by e-mail if the artist designates an e-mail address in the contract for purposes of receiving written notice. (h) The talent service shall advise a person inquiring about canceling a contract to follow the written procedures for cancellation set forth in the contract. (i) If services are not performed as promised or as set forth in the contract, the talent service shall, upon demand by the artist, refund in full all fees paid for services not rendered within 10 business days after delivery of the demand to the provider. (j) Before the artist signs a contract and before the artist or any person acting on his or her behalf becomes obligated to pay or pays any fee, the talent service shall provide a copy of the contract to the artist for the artist to keep. If the contract was executed through the Internet, the talent service may provide a copy of the contract to the artist by making it available to be downloaded and printed through the Internet. (k) The talent service shall maintain the original executed contract on file at its place of business. 1701.5. (a) Every person engaging in the business of an advance-fee talent service shall keep and maintain records of the person's advance-fee talent service business. The records shall contain all of the following: (1) The name and address of each artist employing that person as an advance-fee talent service. (2) The amount of the advance fees paid by or for the artist during the term of the contract with the talent service. (3) A record of all advertisements by the talent service, including the date and the publication in which the advertisement appeared, which shall be maintained for a period of three years following publication. (4) Records described in clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1701. (5) Any other information that the Labor Commissioner requires. (b) All books, records, and other papers kept pursuant to this chapter by an advance-fee talent service shall be open at all reasonable hours to inspection by the Labor Commissioner and his or her representatives and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney. Every advance-fee talent service shall furnish to the Labor Commissioner and to the representative of the Attorney General, any district attorney, or any city attorney, upon request, a true copy of those books, records, and papers, or any portion thereof, and shall make reports as the Labor Commissioner requires. (c) An advance-fee talent service shall post in a conspicuous place in its office a printed copy of this chapter and of other statutes as may be specified by regulation of the Labor Commissioner. Those copies shall also contain the name and address of the officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter. The Labor Commissioner shall furnish to the advance-fee talent service printed copies of any statute required to be posted under this section. (d) An advertisement soliciting artists to perform or demonstrate any talent for the talent service, or to appear for an interview with the talent service, shall clearly and conspicuously state: "This is not an audition for employment or for obtaining a talent agent or talent management." Article 3. Written Disclosure 1701.8. Prior to requesting any advance fee, an advance-fee talent service shall provide an artist with written disclosure of all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the talent service, and evidence of compliance with any applicable bonding requirements, including the bond number, if any. (b) A copy of the talent service's fee schedule and payment terms. Article 4. Bond Requirement and Fees 1701.10. (a) Prior to advertising or engaging in business, a talent service shall file with the Labor Commissioner a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or a deposit in lieu of the bond pursuant to Section 995.710 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The bond shall be executed by a corporate surety qualified to do business in this state and conditioned upon compliance with this chapter. The total aggregate liability on the bond shall be limited to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The bond may be terminated pursuant to Section 995.440 of, or Article 13 (commencing with Section 996.310) of Chapter 2 of Title 14 of Part 2 of, the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) The bond required by this section shall be in favor of, and payable to, the people of the State of California and shall be for the benefit of any person damaged by any fraud, misstatement, misrepresentation, unlawful act or omission, or failure to provide the services of the talent service while acting within the scope of that employment or agency. (c) The Labor Commissioner shall charge and collect a filing fee to cover the cost of filing the bond or deposit. (d) The Labor Commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter that govern the filing and maintenance of bonds and deposits. (e) (1) Whenever a deposit is made in lieu of the bond otherwise required by this section, the person asserting the claim against the deposit shall establish the claim by furnishing evidence to the Labor Commissioner of a money judgment entered by a court, together with evidence that the claimant is a person described in subdivision (b). (2) When a claimant has established the claim with the Labor Commissioner, the Labor Commissioner shall review and approve the claim and enter the date of the approval thereon. The claim shall be designated an approved claim. (3) When the first claim against a particular deposit has been approved, it shall not be paid until the expiration of a period of 240 days after the date of its approval by the Labor Commissioner. Subsequent claims that are approved by the Labor Commissioner within the same 240-day period shall similarly not be paid until the expiration of that 240-day period. Upon the expiration of the 240-day period, the Labor Commissioner shall pay all approved claims from that 240-day period in full unless the deposit is insufficient, in which case every approved claim shall be paid a pro rata share of the deposit. (4) Whenever the Labor Commissioner approves the first claim against a particular deposit after the expiration of a 240-day period, the date of approval of that claim shall begin a new 240-day period to which paragraph (3) applies with respect to any amount remaining in the deposit. (5) After a deposit is exhausted, no further claims shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner. Claimants who have had claims paid in full or in part pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) shall not be required to return funds received from the deposit for the benefit of other claimants. (6) Whenever a deposit has been made in lieu of a bond, the amount of the deposit shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or execution with respect to an action or judgment against the assignor of the deposit, other than as to an amount as no longer needed or required for the purposes of this chapter and that would otherwise be returned to the assignor of the deposit by the Labor Commissioner. (7) The Labor Commissioner shall return a deposit two years from the date it receives written notification from the assignor of the deposit that the assignor has ceased to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond pursuant to subdivision (a), provided that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit. The written notice shall include all of the following: (A) The name, address, and telephone number of the assignor. (B) The name, address, and telephone number of the bank at which the deposit is located. (C) The account number of the deposit. (D) A statement that the assignor is ceasing to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a talent service or has filed a bond with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall forward an acknowledgment of receipt of the written notice to the assignor at the address indicated therein, specifying the date of receipt of the written notice and the anticipated date of release of the deposit, provided that there are then no outstanding claims against the deposit. (8) A superior court may order the return of the deposit prior to the expiration of two years upon evidence satisfactory to the court that there are no outstanding claims against the deposit, or order the Labor Commissioner to retain the deposit for a specified period beyond the two years to resolve outstanding claims against the deposit. (9) This subdivision applies to all deposits retained by the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall notify each assignor of a deposit it retains and of the applicability of this section. (10) Compliance with Sections 1700.15 and 1700.16 of this code or Section 1812.503, 1812.510, or 1812.515 of the Civil Code shall satisfy the requirements of this section. Article 5. Prohibited Acts 1701.11. A person shall not provide or offer to provide any of the following services to an artist in exchange for an advance fee from or on behalf of the artist: (a) Employment or an engagement as an artist. (b) An audition. (c) Management or development of the artist's career. (d) Procurement of a talent agent or talent manager, including an associate thereof. 1701.12. (a) A talent service, its agents, and employees shall not do any of the following: (1) Make or cause to be made or published any false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive advertisement or representation. (2) Provide an artist any false or misleading information, representation, promise or guarantee concerning any audition, engagement, job, or employment. (3) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation concerning the opportunity for an artist to meet with or audition before any producer, director, casting director, or any associate thereof, or any other person who makes, or is represented to make, decisions for the process of hiring artists for employment as an artist, or any talent agent or talent manager, or any associate thereof, unless the talent service maintains for inspection and copying written evidence of the supporting facts, including the name, business address, and job title of all persons conducting the meeting or audition, and the title of the production and the name of the production company. (4) Make or cause to be made any advertisement or representation that any artist, whether identified or not, has obtained an audition, employment opportunity, or employment as an artist in whole or in part by use of the talent service unless the talent service maintains for inspection written evidence of the supporting facts upon which the claim is based, including the name of the artist and the date the contract was executed. (5) Charge or attempt to charge an artist for an audition or employment opportunity. (6) Charge or attempt to charge an artist, directly or indirectly, for creating or providing photographs, filmstrips, videotapes, audition tapes, demonstration reels, or other reproductions of the artist, Internet Web sites, casting or talent brochures, or other promotional materials for the artist. (7) Refer an artist to any person who charges the artist a fee for the services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) in which the talent service has a direct or indirect financial interest. (8) Accept any compensation for referring an artist to any person charging the artist a fee for services described in paragraphs (5) and (6) or to a talent training service or to a talent listing service. (9) Fail to remove the Internet Web site and its content of an artist within 10 days of a request complying with the notice requirements of this chapter by the artist, or parent of guardian of the artist if the artist is a minor. (b) A talent training service and talent counseling service shall not own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent listing service. (c) A talent listing service shall not do either of the following: (1) Own, operate, or have a direct or indirect financial interest in a talent training service or a talent counseling service. (2) Provide a listing of an audition, job, or employment opportunity without written permission for the listing. A talent listing service shall keep and maintain a copy of all original listings; the name, business address, and business telephone number of the person granting permission to the talent listing service to use the listing; and the date the permission was granted. Article 6. Remedies 1701.13. A person, including, an officer, director, agent, or employee of a talent service, who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each violation is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. However, payment of restitution to an artist shall take precedence over the payment of a fine. 1701.15. The Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may institute an action for a violation of this chapter, including an action to restrain and enjoin a violation. 1701.16. A person who is injured by a violation of this chapter or by the breach of a contract subject to this chapter may bring an action for recovery of damages or to restrain and enjoin a violation, or both. The amount awarded for damages for a violation of this chapter shall be no greater than three times the damages actually incurred and not less than the amount paid by the artist to the service. When a service refuses or is unwilling to pay damages awarded by a judgment that has become final, the judgment may be satisfied from the bond or deposit maintained by the Labor Commissioner. If a plaintiff prevails in an action under this chapter, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the breach of contract or violation of this chapter was willful, the court, in its discretion, may award punitive damages in addition to any other amounts. 1701.17. The provisions of this chapter are not exclusive and do not relieve a person subject to this chapter from the duty to comply with all other laws. 1701.18. The remedies provided in this chapter are not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies or procedures provided in any other law. 1701.19. A waiver by an artist of the provisions of this chapter is deemed contrary to public policy and void and unenforceable. An attempt by a talent service to have an artist waive his or her rights under this chapter is a violation of this chapter. 1701.20. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

Well here is another fake complaint written by Carl Carranza who always likes to make up these complaints using womens names like Suzie, Linda, Britni, Lisa and a host of others. He has posted about 10 fake complaints here on Rip-off Report while at the same time he pays for search engine advertising bashing the Rip-off Report at this fake site he built: http://www.ripoffreportisgoingdown.com/ In many of his fake complaints he inadvertently reveals his true identity by bashing the Better Business Bureau because they give him their lowest rating of an 'F'. If it were true, like he says (using the names Lisa, Claude, and Suzie), that anyone can just pay the BBB money and get a membership with a good rating then why cant Flashcast Companies get a rating any higher than an 'F'? http://www.la.bbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyID=44000311 You can also tell this fake complaint is written by Carl Carranza because he always says we are associated with Hollywood Profiles which we are not. Somehow he got this wrong information stuck in his head and now adds it to many of the fake complaints he posts all over the place. But this is also a good way to tell it is actually Caral Carranza using fake names to try to bash our good reputation. Another easy way to tell these fake complaints were written by Carl Carranza is that he actually pays for search engine advertising to open this fake complaint about us at Rip-off Report. Apparently he considers these complaints he wrote his best work and thinks it is worth spending money each time someone clicks on the advertising link to show this phony complaint. Instead of writing fake complaints about us Carl should probably be preparing for his Arraignment in court scheduled for June 17, 2009 in Division 81 of the Los Angeles Superior Court where he is again being charged with five criminal counts of making false or misleading statements in order to sell a good or service. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/45195237.html The current charges against Carl Carranza and Flashcast Companies follow a 2002 jury conviction on 10 counts of false advertising for similar business practices involving print advertisements for casting calls that turned out to be a service charging for submissions. The company was on notice that their advertising practices constituted false advertising, in violation of the laws of the State of California. http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4380693-1.html Because Carl Carranza, who didn't learn his lesson the first time when he was convicted in 2002, along with other similar operations in California continue to scam people out of their money City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo sponsored Bill AB1319, with California State Assembly Member and Assistant Majority Leader Paul Krekorian (D-Glendale) in order to further protect the public from becoming victims of talent scams like the one he operates. This bill introduces new legislation that will hopefully shut these types of scams down in California for good. -- http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1301-1350/ab_1319_bill_20090227_introduced.html Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, who will be instrumental in convicting Carl Carranza again on these criminal charges, says Although the majority of businesspeople and entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles entertainment industry are honest, upstanding members of the community, there are still unscrupulous individuals who prey on the hopes and dreams of would-be entertainers. As prosecutors, it is our responsibility to protect the residents of Los Angeles from scam artists looking to make a quick buck at our expense. -- http://www.cityofla.org/atty/attypress/attyattypress6960340_05152009.pdf In the last year alone Carl Carranza has changed his Flashcast Companies website 3 times in an attempt to shake his bad reputation and scam new prospects out of their money. His latest website, which probably wont be around for to long, is under the name Scooters Fab FC -- http://www.scootersfabfc.com. But he has also recently operated under Scooter's Fab Flashcast -- http://www.scootersfabflashcast.com, Fabulous Flashcast -- http://www.fabulousflashcast.com, Flashcast Kids -- http://www.flashcastkids.com, and Flashcast Entertianment. Hopefully the judge wont be as lenient with Carl Carranza this time and give him what he really deserves.

When on Google, enter "Star Search Casting" Scam. Also, look at the other reports on THIS SITE regarding this company. Save your money people! Go to (((ROR redacted))) Other scam companies by this shady Jonathan Parker: Elite Casting Network Hollywood Profiles Google his other companies. sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company, ..plus, if you post a competitors name more than likely they will show up on search engines as a Rip-off! - - your comments on this policy are welcome. CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report. In this case we removed an alleged competitor's name

When on Google, enter "Star Search Casting" Scam. Also, look at the other reports on THIS SITE regarding this company. Save your money people! Go to (((ROR redacted))) Other scam companies by this shady Jonathan Parker: Elite Casting Network Hollywood Profiles Google his other companies. sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company, ..plus, if you post a competitors name more than likely they will show up on search engines as a Rip-off! - - your comments on this policy are welcome. CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report. In this case we removed an alleged competitor's name

I am now a working (yes working, I have 2 nationals running) as a SAG actress with a top agency. I know a few friends that were taken by Star Search Casting. Just put "Star Search Scam" into Google. All these companies do is search the internet looking for low pay no pay jobs and then they post them as "jobs" on the internet. Most people new just don't know that many of the projects are BS. A complete waste of time and money. Legit casting directors mostly nowadays go through LA CASTING.COM. Anyone can register , even if you don't have an agent yet! They will even help new adults find agents. Check out www.lacasting.com. All of these other on line scams are a waste of money! BTW, my friend happens to be an entertainment lawyer and said there's a new law coming out in January that will require these on line so called "casting" sites to obtain written permission from the casting director or photographer BEFORE they can actually post the casting notice. You will see that many of these companies will go belly up. It won't matter where the company is located, if they're advertising on line in CA, they will be under the new law coming. This guy seems to love bad mouthing other companies. Doesn't say much about him. Star Search Casting touts themselves as being "scrutinized" by he Better Business Bureau. Give me a break. Most people know now that any company that pays the BBB will get endorsed. Just check out www.bbbroundup.com. See what the LA Times just had to say about the BBB in California. They're being exposed nationwide. The best way to get your money back is to file a complaint-dispute with your credit card company. They will help. The people I know that were scammed by Star Search Casting just wrote if off as being naive at the time. Oh, one more thing. People, if you're trying to pursue this form the Mid West or something, forget it! You need to be in NYC, LA, FL or Chicago. There are no legit jobs in places outside of major cities! That's why casting sites like this get away with ripping people off. They're know your naive! I loved the comment about this scammer Jonathan putting his photo up everywhere. It's probably him 20 years ago! YUK! Good luck everyone and watch it out there! Remember, check out www.lacasting.com WARNING: Star Search also operates under Hollywood Profiles.com! Google them too!

I am now a working (yes working, I have 2 nationals running) as a SAG actress with a top agency. I know a few friends that were taken by Star Search Casting. Just put "Star Search Scam" into Google. All these companies do is search the internet looking for low pay no pay jobs and then they post them as "jobs" on the internet. Most people new just don't know that many of the projects are BS. A complete waste of time and money. Legit casting directors mostly nowadays go through LA CASTING.COM. Anyone can register , even if you don't have an agent yet! They will even help new adults find agents. Check out www.lacasting.com. All of these other on line scams are a waste of money! BTW, my friend happens to be an entertainment lawyer and said there's a new law coming out in January that will require these on line so called "casting" sites to obtain written permission from the casting director or photographer BEFORE they can actually post the casting notice. You will see that many of these companies will go belly up. It won't matter where the company is located, if they're advertising on line in CA, they will be under the new law coming. This guy seems to love bad mouthing other companies. Doesn't say much about him. Star Search Casting touts themselves as being "scrutinized" by he Better Business Bureau. Give me a break. Most people know now that any company that pays the BBB will get endorsed. Just check out www.bbbroundup.com. See what the LA Times just had to say about the BBB in California. They're being exposed nationwide. The best way to get your money back is to file a complaint-dispute with your credit card company. They will help. The people I know that were scammed by Star Search Casting just wrote if off as being naive at the time. Oh, one more thing. People, if you're trying to pursue this form the Mid West or something, forget it! You need to be in NYC, LA, FL or Chicago. There are no legit jobs in places outside of major cities! That's why casting sites like this get away with ripping people off. They're know your naive! I loved the comment about this scammer Jonathan putting his photo up everywhere. It's probably him 20 years ago! YUK! Good luck everyone and watch it out there! Remember, check out www.lacasting.com WARNING: Star Search also operates under Hollywood Profiles.com! Google them too!

I am now a working (yes working, I have 2 nationals running) as a SAG actress with a top agency. I know a few friends that were taken by Star Search Casting. Just put "Star Search Scam" into Google. All these companies do is search the internet looking for low pay no pay jobs and then they post them as "jobs" on the internet. Most people new just don't know that many of the projects are BS. A complete waste of time and money. Legit casting directors mostly nowadays go through LA CASTING.COM. Anyone can register , even if you don't have an agent yet! They will even help new adults find agents. Check out www.lacasting.com. All of these other on line scams are a waste of money! BTW, my friend happens to be an entertainment lawyer and said there's a new law coming out in January that will require these on line so called "casting" sites to obtain written permission from the casting director or photographer BEFORE they can actually post the casting notice. You will see that many of these companies will go belly up. It won't matter where the company is located, if they're advertising on line in CA, they will be under the new law coming. This guy seems to love bad mouthing other companies. Doesn't say much about him. Star Search Casting touts themselves as being "scrutinized" by he Better Business Bureau. Give me a break. Most people know now that any company that pays the BBB will get endorsed. Just check out www.bbbroundup.com. See what the LA Times just had to say about the BBB in California. They're being exposed nationwide. The best way to get your money back is to file a complaint-dispute with your credit card company. They will help. The people I know that were scammed by Star Search Casting just wrote if off as being naive at the time. Oh, one more thing. People, if you're trying to pursue this form the Mid West or something, forget it! You need to be in NYC, LA, FL or Chicago. There are no legit jobs in places outside of major cities! That's why casting sites like this get away with ripping people off. They're know your naive! I loved the comment about this scammer Jonathan putting his photo up everywhere. It's probably him 20 years ago! YUK! Good luck everyone and watch it out there! Remember, check out www.lacasting.com WARNING: Star Search also operates under Hollywood Profiles.com! Google them too!

Unfortunately, while sites such as this one exist to help protect consumers from frauds and scams, anybody can use these sites to post completely false information against their competitors. Such is exactly what has happened here with all the negative reports against Star Search Casting. Every single one of these complaints has been traced back to the same person who used various names (Linda in Beverly Hills, Linda in Boston, Claude in Boston, Britni in L.A., Britni in Buena Park, etc.) in an effort to make his story believable. This individual was a competitor of Star Search Casting at one time. His websites have since been taken down, and last Friday, May 15, 2009, he was indicted by the Los Angeles District Attorney on five counts of fraud. (He was also convicted in 2002 of 10 counts of false advertising). For information on his indictment last week, see this report on CBS news: http://cbs2.com/local/Carl.Carranza.talent.2.1011153.html This is a report from KTLA TV in Los Angeles about him: http://www.ktla.com/news/local/ktla-talent-agency-charged,0,7477158.story Here is a video from KTLA-TV in Los Angeles about his company: http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-talent-company-charged,0,3748606.worldnowvideo So in cases like this one -- where a person tries to do everything he can to ruin the reputation of a reputable company like Star Search Casting how do you tell who's telling the truth and who's lying? Well, it's really not very hard to do. The best way I know of quickly and easily discovering the real truth is to go to a completely unbiased third-party source for more information. And there's no better source than the Better Business Bureau who has been in business since 1912 protecting the American public from fraudulent business practices. Did you know that when law enforcement is investigating a company, one of the first things they do is get their BBB file? That's because the BBB is the most reliable and unbiased organization in this country that tracks businesses. One thing most people don't know is that it not easy to even becomes a member of the BBB -- the requirements are extremely stringent and many businesses fail the test. As a matter of fact, Star Search Casting is, to our knowledge, the only online casting site of its kind that has gone through the rigorous scrutiny necessary to become a member in good standing with the BBB. (Note that the lying competitor using the name Linda called the BBB a scam in one of his complaints against us. Hmm . . . wonder why?) The BBB in it's thoroughness of assessing businesses gives every company a rating from A+ to F. There's only one way you can get the highly enviable A+ rating from the BBB, and that is by adhering to the highest standards of customer satisfaction and having no customer complaints! So what is Star Search Casting's BBB rating?? The highest you can get: A+! (In contrast, our former competitor who wrote the false complaints against us received a rating of F!) Click on the BBB website to check for yourself: http://www.la.bbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyID=44000311 So here's the reality of the situation: in a business that has over 400 online direct competitors, you've got the most ethical company with the indisputably best customer service (not to mention the best track record for helping people get work in the entertainment industry) being viciously attacked by an unethical competitor who has been convicted of false advertising, indicted for criminal fraud and would like to see Star Search Casting out of business because of our success! I'm not going to bother to address every specific accusation made against SSC by our now-defunct competitor (such as those by an imaginary former employee), not only because our record speaks for itself, but because most of these lies -- such as our casting calls being fake -- are very easy to check out. Just go to our site, click on a few of the hundreds of casting notices, and find out for yourself: http://Auditions.StarSearchCasting.com In an online world where it's all too easy for people to set up scams that are quick to take your money but don't offer any legitimate service or product, it's very easy to get ripped off. This is true, unfortunately, of online casting companies where dozens of copy-cat, want-a-be companies pop up each month trying to compete with established, tried and true companies like Star Search Casting that have been in business for many years and have thousands of casting directors and entertainment professional who frequently come to the site in search of new talent. We have a great deal of experience in this industry and for that reason caution people to BEWARE, ask questions, and thoroughly check out any casting site before they join. For further information on how to do this and what questions to ask, go here: http://starsearchcasting.com/html/before_you_join.php We encourage you to check us out at: http://StarSearchCasting.com. Check our BBB standing and rating: https://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/cks.aspx?ID=1050419191358. Check our track record of success. Check our site to see how many people have been contacted by casting directors and entertainment professionals in the last week, month and year. Read some of the unsolicited success stories and testimonials from almost a thousand people on our site, and compare this to any other site in the casting business. Notice our certifications from TRUSTe, McAfee Secure, PayPal, Godaddy and BuySafe, and then check the competition's certifications. Also notice that anybody can join Star Search Casting for free. Unlike most other sites, we personally answer all our customer emails, so if you have a question, please contact us anytime. Sincerely, Jonathan Parker, Founder, StarSearchCasting.com

what a scam, they took my money too for their pathetic website scam. I'm glad other people are exposing them now. I complained several times and never got a response...not surprised. they are now advertising all over the Net, hopefully, people will check this site before they pay any money to them! what scum... Jonthan is an obnoxious gay guy who's very full of himself!

I 'm glad I stumbled upon this report on Star Search Casting. What a scam. My old friend Betty worked for Jonathan Parker for s short time...what a scammer he is! She told me he would sit there all day (from his apartment-no office-no employees0 just making up jons to put on his useless site. He hired her as a talent consultant to give legitimacy to the business, but she had to quit after she discovered what a scam it was, and he never paid her on time and his checks bounced more than 3 times. Well, it seems Jonathan has contiuned his scam all over the place now. He makes it very hard for people to complain. Betty told me he used to just laugh when a complaint came in. Well, his scam has spread. If you're even thinking about paying Star Search Casting, don't. Consider your money GONE! He also spends a lot of time bad mouthing other companies, what a loser. Goodbye..