Be Productions Deceptive and Ruthless San Diego, California

Please beware talent agencies that approach you at a mall or in a store.  My husband and I were shopping at Target when we were approached by a talent agent.  Our daughter was 5+ years when we were approached.  The talent agent invited us to attend a casting call.  

We showed up, as many families did and went through the process.  I believe the first time we went, we had to bring in a photo of our daughter and she had to read a one line sentence.  We were later called up one by one and spoke to a talent agent or representative.  We were told they were interested and asked us to go to a viewing at their San Diego Location - Be Productions.  There we watched a short film and we were called back one family at a time.  They did the whole break down of the prices and the different packages, ranging from $1,435.00 to $4,495.00  We were so excited that they were interested so we signed her up that evening.  

After a day or two, we had regretted making such a quick decision without really taking the time to think about it or even discuss it.  We too were left in the room to discuss the prices as we were not financially able to afford this.  We returned to their office and asked to be refunded.  That same day, a gentleman who was of importance to the company took us aside and told us he would cut us a break and offered installments in order to be able to afford the program.  We were in.

After pictures were taken and after acting classes, they organized Showcases were you took your child to read a commercial and be judged by the talent agents in hopes of getting picked up.  Time and time again, and after paying for the showcases in order to attend, it was always the same result.  Your child is not ready and needs more acting classes.  It was almost impossible to keep up financially with the classes, so we simply stopped going.  

Four years later, I am not surprised to see that this company is being sued.  I wish we would have been more careful and researched further before jumping in.  To all of you parents who are thinking about it, just beware.