I'm not going to go out and say that this place is a scam. I don't know that it is, and it seems like they have some actors that actually have some minor success stories, which is about on par with most acting schools. Their nine month program seems interesting, and as far as schools of that nature go, it's well priced.
Here's the issue...I'm having a lot of trouble verifying a lot of the claims made by these guys, and there are a handful of...oddities to the staff, literature and the establishment itself. There's just a number of things that are weird...not good or bad, just weird.
The audition experience for their program was a positive experience for me. Didn't wait in their well stocked holding area too long, was tended to by a friendly receptionist, and there was a stream of other actors coming and going. Place seemed busy, which is a good sign in my book. When I asked the receptionist what exactly was this place, she was upfront that they were a bit different. Paraphrasing, she explained they were a "one-stop shop for serious film and TV actors" and boasted connections to numerous casting directors, a host of other helpful associations. Ties to Sundance directors and Disney TV Producers, for example. Cool, right?
The audition itself, which I eventually found out was for a year long program that they only allow in twenty at a time (unsure how many classes they have a year) was a unique audition, for sure. If anything it was a nice practice, it was basically a free 45+ minute audition class with critique and work shopping. A little weird but nothing bad or uncomfortable. The auditioner was a particularly intense former actor and company co-founder named Jim.
Then I was called back a couple days later, and met with the main guy, Tristan. Again, a pleasant experience. This was less of an audition, and more of an interview. He talked more about the program, what it could offer, some flaws with my acting career strategy that can be solved with his program, and a whole lot about who is Father and Grandfather were (big time Hollywood guys). He came off as an honest, earnest man who has a lot to live up to because of his family and this school is going to be his big claim to fame. It's only a few years old, but it is a program he believes in. Also, he said, top students once he feels they are "ready" get his personal connections to movers and shakers in film and TV (offering specific and impressive names). I walked away very enthused by the program and hoped I would get in.
I got the email that I was accepted the next day, and could join the class. This was when I was given info on the cost of the program, and no mention was made about it beforehand.
Here's the problem. I have had a lot of trouble verifying any of the information and connections they claim to have. Jim, according to his IMDB (if it's the same guy) was in a bunch of softcore porn in the 90's and then pretty much nothing. Tristan is even tougher to find on the internet, he isn't even in the "Bio" section of their site like Jim is, though he clearly is one of the teachers and main guy. Tristan claimed his grandfather was Abe Dinovitch. Why do they have different last names? I can't help but wonder if he found someone that was conveniently difficult to look into, but still impressive to be related to. His dad was a prolific director of the DGA, but I'm having trouble confirming the relation, so I have to take him at his word.
Other weirdness: Tristan spent a lot of time talking about his family, but didn't much to say about his own accomplishments other than founding this company. Also, the building has a sign outside that says "Talent Agency", but they don't claim to be one inside. Were they at one point but went in a different direction? Do they have a talent agency branch? Just seemed odd. The list of mentors they encouraged me to look up were relatively underwhelming (more successful than me, but no one that seemed to have illustrious careers in the biz). On that same note, I thought it was weird that they encouraged me to look these people up, when I made no suggestion that I didn't trust they were legit...seemed weird that it was on their minds.
So...I don't know. Seems fishy, but I can't quite confirm it's a scam, and it could actually be a great program. Give them your money at your own risk. Those that read this that have purchased and went to their program, please share your experience, good or bad. If these guys are legit, and just haven't been around very long to have their personal cred...that certainly is a possibility.
I give it three stars, but there's a catch. If these guys are legit, and everything they claim is truth, I'd give it 4 stars. But if they aren't truthful (which I can't confirm one way or another on a lot of what they say), then they should be given 1 star and be avoided. But the problem is, I don't know... read more