As of January 1, 2010, a new law went into effect in the State of California. The law is called AB 1319, aka The Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act of 2009. The law is to protect you, the consumer, from unscrupulous acting/modeling/casting companies.
Based on a letter received from The Los Angeles City Attorney's office, office of Carmen A. Trutanich and signed by Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert, Consumer Protection Section, outlines the provisions of this law.
The letter clearly indicates (and is underlined) "These laws affect a broad range of businesses, including acting schools, casting workshops, website listing services, representation services, website listing services and call-in services to name just a few." The letter also states that "lack of knowledge" is not a defense to a ciminal violation of these laws.
On a big hand, we applaude this new legislation. It takes down the companies that indicate your child was "one of several individuals" being considered when in reality, they were really being evaluated if their parents could afford the tuition to the acting/modeling school.
I had to post a $50,000 bond with the California Department of Labor. The law was so new that no insurance/bonding carrier could determine what bond was needed. After some time, the appropriate bond was written and we did, in fact, post it with the the appropriate department in Sacramento.
This law has several benefits. One, a company/school cannot sell you a program that exceeds one year. There no longer are life-time programs in which to enroll. If you so choose, your child's photo must be removed from a website. All you have to do is give written notice and the company must comply within ten days.
The cancellation period to cancel your contract is ten business days from the date you sign the contract.
The unfortunate problem is that many individuals doing business in Los Angeles are not aware of this law or feel that they do not need to comply.
I personally think that a $50,000 bond is rather high - as the acting classes at The Performer's Academy start at $125 per month. The maximum dues is $325 per month for an unlimited program for a
family over the age of 13.
Needless to say, it is what it is. I'm personally happy the law is in effect. It creates a level playing field and insures that consumers are not going to be pitched and sold "lifetime" programs that range from $5900 to over $12,000.
When I opened The Performer's Academy, my goal was to have small affordable monthly programs and amazing teachers. This would allow students to pay as they go and get great classes from real industry professionals. So far, my plan is working!
If you have any questions, give me a call at the studio at 949-609-1600 -
or email me at
ThePerformersAcademy@gmail.com - I read my emails all night long!
