Abby's Audition

Well, we finally saw first-hand everything we had been warned about "the business". After Abby's initial interview, we received a callback for a "tv show". At the callback, we were led into a large room with loud music and video clips on a large flat panel television. The names Jessica Alba and Miley Cyrus were constantly being dropped as if this company had discovered them from sheer obscurity. In fact, the talent director, Andy, told us that he personally discovered Jessica Alba in a Ms. Fields Cookie store in 1996. He said that Abby had everything going for her that he had seen in Jessica in the beginning. "And we all know where that took her," he told us. However, in a day of great technology and this little thing we call the internet, we quickly discovered that Jessica Alba was already doing television in the early 90s. Therefore, his discovery of this "shy little girl" could not have taken place in 1996. She was already on her way to stardom by then with made for television movies and numerous other roles on her resume.

So, after their used car salesman pitch, they took us into a room to meet one on one with Andy. I was onto them by this point, and KNEW we were not going to fall for this one. But, I played along so that I could see the whole presentation. First of all, I felt it would be fun to their song and dance. Secondly, I wanted to know what to look for in the future.

They asked for $4500 to make Abby's dreams come true. When we resisted, they knocked it down to $2600. I continued to say "no". Furthermore, I compared them to such scam artists as John Robert Powers, and others. Andy seemed insulted and said that it hurt him for Abby that we would not pursue this for her. As if he was the end all for her potential success.

Two hours after we left, I received another call from Andy saying he would lower the fee to $1500. I told Andy "you're a crook and a manipulator, and I'm not falling for your scheme." For some reason, he hung up the phone after that comment.

For anyone out there with children who are interested in "the business", BEware of BE PRODUCTIONS . It is a scam.

On a brighter note, Abby has interviews with 2 "reputable" modeling agencies in January. So, we'll see where that takes us. For the record, we are only pursuing this because it is something Abby wants to do. So, instead of ballet dancing and gymnastics, we let her model.

Check back tomorrow. I'll have the newest installment of "the Church Office". That's right. It's back!