Be Careful of Franchise Schools

AMTC conducted a Talent Search in Birmingham last weekend. We met some great families! I had the opportunity to see promising actors, singers, dancers, and models. However, watching the local models audition was sometimes disturbing. Several of them strutted the runway with an exaggerated walk and poses than have been out of style since the 1980’s. Yet, they seemed proud of themselves. They also had pictures they believed to be “professional” that were very poor. When I looked at their applications, I noticed they had all been involved in a local franchise modeling school. Unfortunately, a better word for “involved” might be “taken.”

I urge everyone in America to be careful of franchise modeling schools. While good ones may exist, I have yet to find one. The common denomenators in franchise schools seem to be high pressure sales, half-truths, outdated training, and poor pictures. I believe reputable agencies feel sad, just like we do at AMTC, when a franchise school graduate walks in for an interview. We know they have spent a lot of money, and most of what they learned about the modeling or talent industry is wrong. Education is important, but it must be a good education. It must be honest. It must be current.

So, parents, teens, and talent of all ages, be cautious of big talk, hard sales, and false promises. Follow your gut feeling. Listen to your heart. Almost everyone I have talked to said, “I didn’t feel right about it.”