Ever since Thomas Edison patented the motion picture camera, people have dreamed about seeing themselves on the screen. Unfortunately, for just about as long as that fantasy has existed, unscrupulous individuals have sought to take advantage of the dreamers. In Atlanta, and other media centers across the country, con artists posing as talent agents prey on the hopes and aspirations of those seeking to become actors in commercials, films, television shows, and other productions.
People are aware that the validity of many talent agencies is questionable.
However, despite following what their common sense tells them, people lose all perspective when a silver-tongued persuader tells them they've got what it takes to become a star. When you start using these hopes and dreams to advance your financial position, that's when you get into trouble. When dealing with a talent agent, a good rule of thumb is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A legitimate talent agent, according to those contacted for this story, would never make any promises or guarantees regarding work. That's not the agent's decision, it's dependent on the client or the director's approval.