- Report: #33095
Complaint Review: Trans Continental Talent (formerly Options Talent Group eModel TCtalent - West Palm Beach Florida
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Trans Continental Talent (formerly Options Talent Group eModel TCtalent
222 Clematis St., Suite. 207 & Nationwide West Palm Beach, 33401 Florida, U.S.A.
Phone:
561-514-9545
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Trans Continental Talent formerly Options Talent Group, eModel, NOW TCtalent and too many more to list!!dishonest lying cheating company ripoff cheated employees and screwed the customers even more!! Nationwide West Palm Beach Florida
I would like to share my story about Trans Continental Talent (formerly Options Talent, eModel, and too many more to list.)
A few weeks ago, I applied for a job online through a major online job seeking website (I'd rather not mention the name.) The ad stood out from the others. It said "Dream Job" in bright yellow bold print. It was an application to become a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I thought it would be a "dream job," so I filled out the questionnaire. I received an e-mail the same day asking me to come to an interview the next day at noon. It also said to be prepared to be there until 4pm. Excited, I went.
It turned out that there were alot of people who were being interviewed for the job of becoming a talent scout (approx. 50 total.) We all sat through a promotional video, and hours of talking about Trans Continental Talent. After that, we were all given a short, private interview. We were all told to go home, and at 6pm, we will be e-mailed to let us know if we got the job.
At 6pm, I checked my e-mail. I had gotten the job as a talent scout! I was told to report at the office for training the next day from 1pm-7pm.
I went to training to find out that almost everyone was hired! I just figured they were in serious need of talent scouts. We all listened to the instructor (again) and went through a mock scouting approach with each other. Then, after only hours after becoming part of the company, we were sent in groups to go out and "scout."
To get to the point, we were suppose to approach potential talent and flatter them by saying, "Hi, I'm so-and-so. I'm a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I think you have the look we're looking for. I would like to schedule you an appointment to meet with our Office Director, to see if he/she thinks you have the potential." Most people were so flattered, they eagerly accepted the business card with the appointment time on it.
The next day was the first open-call for the new scouts. Basically, the people that were scouted show up for their chance to be the next supermodel. About 40-60 people are hurdled into a little room to fill out applications while watching the promotional video. Then, they are sent to get snapshots and measurements taken. After that, they each get sent back into the small room to wait for their interview. The whole process takes about 2 hours or more. Then, each potential model, actor, or musician is told whether or not they are invited for a second interview.
Here's the catch. Almost everyone is invited back. They are then told to enroll and pay $575 to have photographs taken and posted on their website for many agencies to look at. They also have to pay $19.95/month to maintain the pictures. This is how Trans Continental Talent makes their money. But as a talent scout, we only get $25 commission for each person that pays the money and enrolls.
After only a couple days of scouting and two open-calls, I became curious. I had asked my Office Director why the name changed from Options Talent to Trans Continental Talent. I didn't get an answer. I also was weary when a new scout asked "What do we tell the person we're scouting if they ask how much money does it cost?" The response from the office director was "Avoid it and change the subject." I then started to realize that Trans Continental Talent was manipulating scouts by using them to manipulate innocent people!
The agencies we were told to mention that use our website to find talent included Marie Claire, Wilhelmina, and many more. After becoming suspicious about my new "dream job," I started doing research. I found out that this company has an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau, has had numerous complaints and lawsuits filed, and that it is using names of top agencies inappropriately. Most of the agencies we were told to mention DO NOT use Trans Continental Talent to find models, actors, or musicians!
Also, considering that the only was Trans Continental Talent makes money is off of the digital photographs (comp-cards), they accept anyone who will pay the $575! Nobody is turned down!
Needless to say, after a gut feeling and some research, I am no longer a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. That doesn't matter, though, because there will be more mass interviews until they find enough scouts to stay.
This company may have offices throughout the world, but it is not a professional business. I was only trained for a few hours before starting to scout people. I thought I had to be licensed or at least was going to go through more training than that! To know that ANYONE can go out and scout people is scary! I had so many questions, but no answers. I just kept quiet and did my job, hoping to make money. Then I realized what a manipulative company I was working for, and just stopped showing up. Did I receive any phone calls asking why I wasn't at work? NO! What legitimate company doesn't call an employee to find out why they stopped showing up?!?!
I wasted my time, gas, and money on my "dream job," which actually turned out to be a nightmare! I hope that this helps anyone who has any questions regarding Trans Continental Talent!
To everyone that I scouted, I am sorry. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Sincerely,
Sara
Please do not use any information (other than my first name) if you decide to print this. Thank you for the time to vent my story.
Sara
West Palm Beach, Florida
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Trans Continental Talent AKA Options Talent
A few weeks ago, I applied for a job online through a major online job seeking website (I'd rather not mention the name.) The ad stood out from the others. It said "Dream Job" in bright yellow bold print. It was an application to become a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I thought it would be a "dream job," so I filled out the questionnaire. I received an e-mail the same day asking me to come to an interview the next day at noon. It also said to be prepared to be there until 4pm. Excited, I went.
It turned out that there were alot of people who were being interviewed for the job of becoming a talent scout (approx. 50 total.) We all sat through a promotional video, and hours of talking about Trans Continental Talent. After that, we were all given a short, private interview. We were all told to go home, and at 6pm, we will be e-mailed to let us know if we got the job.
At 6pm, I checked my e-mail. I had gotten the job as a talent scout! I was told to report at the office for training the next day from 1pm-7pm.
I went to training to find out that almost everyone was hired! I just figured they were in serious need of talent scouts. We all listened to the instructor (again) and went through a mock scouting approach with each other. Then, after only hours after becoming part of the company, we were sent in groups to go out and "scout."
To get to the point, we were suppose to approach potential talent and flatter them by saying, "Hi, I'm so-and-so. I'm a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. I think you have the look we're looking for. I would like to schedule you an appointment to meet with our Office Director, to see if he/she thinks you have the potential." Most people were so flattered, they eagerly accepted the business card with the appointment time on it.
The next day was the first open-call for the new scouts. Basically, the people that were scouted show up for their chance to be the next supermodel. About 40-60 people are hurdled into a little room to fill out applications while watching the promotional video. Then, they are sent to get snapshots and measurements taken. After that, they each get sent back into the small room to wait for their interview. The whole process takes about 2 hours or more. Then, each potential model, actor, or musician is told whether or not they are invited for a second interview.
Here's the catch. Almost everyone is invited back. They are then told to enroll and pay $575 to have photographs taken and posted on their website for many agencies to look at. They also have to pay $19.95/month to maintain the pictures. This is how Trans Continental Talent makes their money. But as a talent scout, we only get $25 commission for each person that pays the money and enrolls.
After only a couple days of scouting and two open-calls, I became curious. I had asked my Office Director why the name changed from Options Talent to Trans Continental Talent. I didn't get an answer. I also was weary when a new scout asked "What do we tell the person we're scouting if they ask how much money does it cost?" The response from the office director was "Avoid it and change the subject." I then started to realize that Trans Continental Talent was manipulating scouts by using them to manipulate innocent people!
The agencies we were told to mention that use our website to find talent included Marie Claire, Wilhelmina, and many more. After becoming suspicious about my new "dream job," I started doing research. I found out that this company has an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau, has had numerous complaints and lawsuits filed, and that it is using names of top agencies inappropriately. Most of the agencies we were told to mention DO NOT use Trans Continental Talent to find models, actors, or musicians!
Also, considering that the only was Trans Continental Talent makes money is off of the digital photographs (comp-cards), they accept anyone who will pay the $575! Nobody is turned down!
Needless to say, after a gut feeling and some research, I am no longer a talent scout with Trans Continental Talent. That doesn't matter, though, because there will be more mass interviews until they find enough scouts to stay.
This company may have offices throughout the world, but it is not a professional business. I was only trained for a few hours before starting to scout people. I thought I had to be licensed or at least was going to go through more training than that! To know that ANYONE can go out and scout people is scary! I had so many questions, but no answers. I just kept quiet and did my job, hoping to make money. Then I realized what a manipulative company I was working for, and just stopped showing up. Did I receive any phone calls asking why I wasn't at work? NO! What legitimate company doesn't call an employee to find out why they stopped showing up?!?!
I wasted my time, gas, and money on my "dream job," which actually turned out to be a nightmare! I hope that this helps anyone who has any questions regarding Trans Continental Talent!
To everyone that I scouted, I am sorry. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Sincerely,
Sara
Please do not use any information (other than my first name) if you decide to print this. Thank you for the time to vent my story.
Sara
West Palm Beach, Florida
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Trans Continental Talent AKA Options Talent
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Maria Sanchez
West Palm,Florida,
U.S.A.
There are no substantiating facts??? Suzanne Boyd, WPEC got into trouble
#2UPDATE Employee
Thu, October 24, 2002
Sara, I as well applied for the job entitled "dream job" and I as well was hired through TCT. I was saddened to read how the experience with TCT did not forfill your expectations. I on the other hand am beyond satisfied with the position, team work, and comraderie that I have experienced. The negative reporting by Suzanne Boyd, WPEC got her in a whole bunch of trouble and our attorney called her boss to shut her unethical claims down. Notice there have been no further stories on us? There is a very positive enviorment at the TCT office, and I have seen how we inspire the dreams of many, one of which is my best friend. After signing with TCT only last week she has already gotten booked on Fast & Furious 2 taping right now in Miami. She is also performing at an up coming concert for a very large entertainer. Being that I have been the company for more than 2 days like yourself, I have been able to talk to talent who have come in the office..all of which are very happy! At each open call I am excited and enthused at what we can offer. Reading through your email I feel you have never been apart of the ent. business and that you don't know what open calls are like. You state in your email "About 40-60 people are hurdled into a little room to fill out applications while watching the promotional video. Then, they are sent to get snapshots and measurements taken. After that, they each get sent back into the small room to wait for their interview. The whole process takes about 2 hours or more. Then, each potential model, actor, or musician is told whether or not they are invited for a second interview." That is quite on the contrary. I have been to several open calls both here in S. FL & NY. The establishment you are referring to in WPB is pretty large & the professionalism showed is some of the best in the business, but that's not what makes the experience worth all it is...the excitement & energy in that room is b/c of the endless efforts of the staff. In addtion to the postive enviorment there is also a high expectation for professionalism which leasds me to question your comment in your email, "After only a couple days of scouting and two open-calls, I became curious. I had asked my Office Director why the name changed from Options Talent to Trans Continental Talent. I didn't get an answer. I also was weary when a new scout asked "What do we tell the person we're scouting if they ask how much money does it cost?" The response from the office director was "Avoid it and change the subject." I then started to realize that Trans Continental Talent was manipulating scouts by using them to manipulate innocent people!" There is no hiding of the fact that TCT was formerly Options, actually they still have the LA Look posters from when they gave away $100,000 modeling contract that say Options on them. Furthermore, I know that my director is very honest about the cost of marketing materials and if you have ever been in the "business" before you would know first you have to have the desire and then you need to purchase marketing materials. These comps and headshots typically cost a lot to set up and reprint...I have done it! I spent over 2000 during my first 6 months. Being able to go to an open call and be educated on the process is amazing in itself....how else would one know what they needed to do? Agents will request talent to do the same thing every time...go get comps or headshots...which cost at least $500. In conclusion the concept of the company make sense to a seasoned professional & I as well as many of my friends in the ent. business are extremely impressed by the approach, exposure and cost effectiveness that TCT offers to new talent. I don't know who you are, but I know that the points you have touched on in the email are untrue and sound like they are coming from someone who has never tried to break into the industry. Even your quotes on pricing are off... review your notes and get back with me. Sincerely,
The Fraud Chick
Ethics,Arkansas,
Flattery will get you everywhere...
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 22, 2002
The scheme used by the Trans Continental Talent "group" falls under the category of "vanity scam." The old saying "flattery will get you everywhere' is the underlying theme of separating hopefuls from their money. It's sad but true. I hope that your article will save thousands of hopefuls from these worms. Good Luck
Bill
Orlando,Florida,
Just some thoughts
#4UPDATE Employee
Tue, October 22, 2002
Sara, We who have been around the company all know that the large job posting site is Monster.com The dream job posting has been around for a while. The other jobs posted by TCT or Options/Emodel are "the best and the brightest" which is the inside sales job. Those are the people who conduct the phone interviews of the people you scout. Recently as other posts have indicated the job "Are you Jerry Maguire?" has showed up for Edge Talent. Beware of this as well as the company is affiliated with Options. Same people running both companies. Contrary to what you did you should mention Monster.com and as I have urged people recently to do, you should write monster and let them know of your dealings with TCT. Despite all the other ways of slowing this company down one very good one is to stop the infulx of new workers. NO ONE SCOUTING + NO ONE INTERVIEWING= NO ONE BEING RIPPED OFF Write monster.com and stop the "DREAM JOB" "BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST" postings!! Bill, IN TCT HELL FOR NOW
Sara
West Palm Beach,Florida,
More of my Comments
#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, October 22, 2002
I only categorized it as "Employers," because I was THEIR employee...until I quit! They fit under many more categories: Modeling Agencies (even though they say they're not), Corrupt Companies, etc.!!!! Anyone who has ever been associated with Trans Continental Talent (a.k.a. Options, eModel), either by working FOR them or WITH them, please help to stop this company!!!! If we all work together, we can stop them from ripping off more people!!!!
