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Important information

• Additional Info:

  On November 12, 2015 BBB requested from the company a response to the following questions: names of all principals, affiliates and partners involved in the company and their positions; local, state and/or federal licensing requirements; copies of marketing materials, contracts and disclosures; a detailed description of all fees charged for services; listing of your company’s websites; and names and contact information of 3 current clients. As of November 22, 2015 the company has failed to BBB's requests.

  On November 12, 2015, BBB verified that company doing business under “Auditions Today” & “ Great American Model and Talent Search” are not registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State as required by Pennsylvania law although Aquarian Associates, Inc. is registered having Entity # 17017 dated 03/25/1973. 

  Information supplied on the company's website states the company conducts open casting calls throughout the United States each year. Open calls are advertised on the radio and by mail. After a participant is seen in person by an evaluator, they will go on camera for a brief filming session depending on their age. Those 7 years and older will also be provided a brief script to read on camera. 
  
  Participants recognized as having potential are sent an acknowledgment letter inviting them back for a meeting reviewing the company's offer to participate in their annual event held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To participate in the annual event consumers are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee. All expenses to and from the event are at the participant's expense.

  Consumers are advised that Auditions Today aka Aquarian Associates aka Great American Model & Talent Search do not offer employment nor do they provide representation or agent services. Per company's website they scout for new talent throughout the United States. This company claims to provide chosen individuals who qualify a chance for exposure to the modeling and film industry professionals.

  Before doing business with any talent agency it is important to note the following:

  Many people compete for a few openings.  

  Few people possess the unique combination of physical qualities and camera-friendly features to be top models.  Of those who do find success, only a fraction ascends to the most elite level of the industry to command large salaries.

  Beware of any agency that requires you to pay for classes, that conducts unprofessional or compromising photo sessions, or that requires you to use a certain photographer.

  Some agencies only produce directories which they distribute.  These agencies typically require you to pay to be in their directories.  They do not guarantee you will get any modeling work.

  Before committing to an agency, do some research.

  Although there are exceptions to the rule, be wary of warning signs that a company may not be legitimate, including:

  *Non-specific ads in help-wanted sections of newspapers such as: "Wanted: Male/Female with no experience."

  *Pictures of famous models on company business cards or office walls that deceptively suggest the company represents or has ties to those models.

  *Excessive guarantees. Modeling agencies are not employers; they represent clients and try to get them work, but they should not claim to guarantee placement.

  *Advance or registration fees. If an agency has to charge a fee upfront, be wary: there may not be enough money to support the business.

  *Pressure to leave a deposit or sign a contract immediately. Legitimate companies should have no problem allowing a potential client to take the contract home to think about it.

  *High-pressure sales tactics for photographs. Non-reputable managers may try to pressure clients into having photographs taken immediately through a specific photographer who may require payment in full before the work is completed.

  Though eventually all models must create a portfolio, remember that reputable firms are trained to recognize potential models and will likely accept photographs taken at home while a model is getting started. Also, before signing an agreement, read it carefully and understand what the company offers.  Ask about its success rate and ask for references.  Verify all claims made by the agency and make sure any oral promises are included in the written agreement.