MBC Australia, does anyone know anything about this agency? good/bad?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009, 08:55 am

ellewalker146 posts in thread

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Thread (146 posts)

Threaded Flat

Walter PlingeSun, 20 Dec 2009, 05:27 pm

If you can't read between

If you can't read between the lines of what everyone has been saying, it's as simple as: steer clear!

Rebecca JoSun, 20 Dec 2009, 08:20 pm

Don'tpay for a photo shoot

Don'tpay for a photo shoot with an agency. Don't pay to be put on an agencies books. Pick your agent in accordance with what you want to do. Agencies/agents will all have different reutations and contacts. Do a bit of research, find out what sort of actors are with these agencies. Do you want to do TV, Film, Theatre, Musical Theatre, work internationally...? The only thing you need to pay for is some decent headshots (get some coloured shots too... some casting directors arerequesting them now) nd Showcast, that's useful... Good Luck. x

Walter PlingeTue, 22 Dec 2009, 08:59 am

I am having the same issue,

I am having the same issue, Im going for an interview with MBC tomorrow morning. Have you heard anymore about them?

Walter PlingeTue, 22 Dec 2009, 09:29 am

Look at the content of all

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

trancefreakSun, 3 Jan 2010, 09:41 am

I also came to this site

I also came to this site hoping to find some information as I have been quoted $199 for a portfolio from the Agency in question. This site appears to be the ONLY site offering information (if one can call a bunch of deleted posts 'information'). I have been over and over the company's ORIGINAL website and have found that half the links are not working. I did speak with the talent manager and was asked to come into the studios in brisbane and have a photo shoot done. I am however a little worried about handing over the $199 BEFORE having the shoot done. I am not looking to start a debate leading to possible defamation- or even open a new thread on the topic- I am simply looking to hear other's experiences before I start the ball rolling. I'm only interested in hearing from people who HAVE ACTUALLY DEALT with this agency - and only the experiences at that. I'd actually like a legitimate reply that wont be deleted please!! Thanking all in advance!

LabrugSun, 3 Jan 2010, 10:21 am

Upfront

In some countries, it is illiegal for a talent agency to charge up-front fees.

You really need to read this... http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/labrug/fees_why_not_to_pay_them

And then read this... http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/labrug/finding_an_agent

And then anything here... http://www.theatre.asn.au/book_page/agents_and_agencies

This will tell you everything you need to know.

Making direct references to a specific agency can be treading a very fine line.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

trancefreakSun, 3 Jan 2010, 12:29 pm

Thanks for your advice. I

Thanks for your advice. I am new to this industry much like ellewalker so I'm appreciative of any advice I'm given. I read all of the suggested pages with much interest. I see its illegal to charge upfront fees in some places, thankfully in QLD I've not seen this. I am from south australia, where pretty much every site I joined had fees for registration!! a friend has joined up with a site recently (i dont know if im allowed to name it but i'll delete this post if it causes any trouble 'starsnow.com.au) and they charge a membership fee to APPLY for casting calls (?!!) seems a bit silly. I understand that there is a fine line when it comes to making references to a specific agency, however when us newbies sign up to agents its nice to get a bit of background info first. Still hoping for some ;)

NaSun, 3 Jan 2010, 01:16 pm

Just in regards to: "I am

Just in regards to: "I am from south australia, where pretty much every site I joined had fees for registration!! " It should be made clear that websites, like Arts Hub, Starnow, etc. ARE NOT AGENCIES. They are simply places to advertise jobs, much like Seek, etc. It is very legitimate to charge a fee for registering on these sites, and in fact there are many which are extremely useful and run by non-dodgy people and are not scams at all. The reason why they charge fees is because running a website, and having people spend their time scouting for information and auditions, is quite expensive. Many of these sites are also run by artists, in the industry, so paying a fee is also paying for an artist to have food in their mouths. Websites are an entirely different issue than agencies, and if you believe signing up for one of these websites means you just sit back and let them look for work for you, then you're wrong. An agent will go out and promote you to casting directors: a website will not. (Again, they're more like Seek or Careerone in this respect) Goddess Shadow Puppet on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

LabrugSun, 3 Jan 2010, 01:19 pm

Sites vs Agents

Must clarify that Agents and Sites are not the same thing. I am registered with Star Now myself, but must clarify that it is not the same as a service of an Agency. Far from it.

An agent is a person or company that is "hired" by yourself to research job ops for you. Their payment comes from taking a commission from what you earn as a result of their efforts.

Casting Sites are very different as they do not hunt for you. They provide a service where you can register to recieve emails on casting options. The castings can come from anywhere and anyone - casting consutants, student bodies, am theatre, and even con artists. You sign up to these and pay the fees at your own risk.

So technically, a casting site is not an agent and therefor not subject to the same laws.

Additionally, true professional work (such as Home and Away, full feature films, etc) will not advertise on these sites (nor anywhere else) except in extreme circumstances. They will use a casting consultant who will then use casting agents. If you want the big jobs, re-read the FAQs I posted above and think about getting an Agent.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

trancefreakSun, 3 Jan 2010, 03:03 pm

Thank you for your

Thank you for your clarifications, Na and Labrug. I stand corrected. I have a lot to learn. :)

LabrugSun, 3 Jan 2010, 03:05 pm

Endless

We all do. The learning never ends. ;-) Best of luck.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

LogosSun, 3 Jan 2010, 08:42 pm

In SA most of the agencies

In SA most of the agencies will charge you an admin fee on joining up. This is not a joining fee as such. In some cases it pays for the assessment they carry out to place you and your level of ability. I can in Adelaide recommend as honest SA Casting and Actors Inc, I only fail to mention any others as these are the two agencies I have worked with. Both of these agencies also offer training courses. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Walter PlingeMon, 4 Jan 2010, 08:30 am

Simple Rule

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

trancefreakMon, 4 Jan 2010, 09:27 am

Dear Skeptical, I actually

Dear Skeptical, I actually just had the same experience. I regret to say that I have paid the $199.. but *curses obscenely* did my background work AFTER. I understand that no work is guaranteed.. But I am bloody scared now. Will you be following through on this? Do you have any experience, Skeptical? Cheers!

trancefreakMon, 4 Jan 2010, 09:29 am

Shaynee Lea, What work is

Shaynee Lea, What work is this, exactly? How long have you been doing this for? Cheers

NaMon, 4 Jan 2010, 09:36 am

Trancefreak, my advice is

Trancefreak, my advice is to ignore ALL of the posts moderated as 'rubbish' (put your settings to view posts as 'fair'). Those posts are most likely from trolls: this thread, and some of the others have been frequented by people (rather, 'person') who is just out to cause trouble for the agency involved. EVERYTHING on EVERY agency thread should be taken with a huge grain of salt, when it comes to client satisfaction comments. As Tulipa points out below, and many of us have said time and time again: if you're ever even remotely unsure, don't rely on other people's opinions. Go with your gut instinct and choose a different agency to apply to. There ARE many, and instead of asking if a particular agency is good or not, rephrase the question: ask who people would recommend to apply to. Invariably the recommendations will find you a good agency, whereas asking for customer satisfaction reviews will get you trolls. Goddess Shadow Puppet on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

Walter PlingeTue, 5 Jan 2010, 02:18 pm

i also have just heard from

i also have just heard from that agency in brisban. did the people who got an offer for a $199 photoshoot actually go? and if so have you had any jobs from it?

Walter PlingeFri, 8 Jan 2010, 02:57 pm

I Heard from the agency today

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Walter PlingeFri, 8 Jan 2010, 03:47 pm

They sound dodgy as hell,

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Walter PlingeFri, 8 Jan 2010, 03:50 pm

The Today Tonight story

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Rebecca JoMon, 11 Jan 2010, 04:10 pm

Just got a call from these

Just got a call from these guys. WOW!

Walter PlingeMon, 11 Jan 2010, 04:40 pm

Wow, as in they're

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Rebecca JoMon, 11 Jan 2010, 05:57 pm

Just odd... Someone called

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Rebecca JoMon, 11 Jan 2010, 05:59 pm

Do they have a

Do they have a website? Who's on their books?

LabrugMon, 11 Jan 2010, 07:27 pm

According to...

According to the Business Registration details, they are relatively new.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

Walter PlingeMon, 11 Jan 2010, 08:57 pm

If they're that vague, I

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Walter PlingeTue, 12 Jan 2010, 07:58 am

Perfect Example

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

MusicalMumTue, 12 Jan 2010, 06:45 pm

I know it 's already been stated in this thread, but....

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan.

trancefreakTue, 12 Jan 2010, 08:44 pm

Everyone has mixed opinions

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Bass GuyTue, 12 Jan 2010, 10:01 pm

Our value for your money.

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

MusicalMumWed, 13 Jan 2010, 02:02 am

I'm confused, what should be "listening" to?

Eliot, can you clarify what you mean? I am not sure what we are meant to take away from TF's experience. Why is it the most valuable on the subject?

MusicalMumWed, 13 Jan 2010, 02:46 am

Has anyone had a good look at the website?

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan.

Walter PlingeWed, 13 Jan 2010, 11:38 am

Trance Freak- Please keep us posted on your photoshoot!

Trancefreak, I was very interested in your experience. I have recieved a call from this agency, he sounded professional- a good start I guess! I too am keen to enter the industry, and am very interested to know how you went after the photo shoot :) To be honest this company is the first to consider giving me a go (and yes I have no professional pics to send any agencies)but I don't want to throw the opportunity away if it's legit! Thank you for all the above posts, some of them are most helpful :)

NaWed, 13 Jan 2010, 11:46 am

Just a random thought

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

MusicalMumWed, 13 Jan 2010, 12:15 pm

For those of you who haven't come across this thread yet:

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan.

Walter PlingeWed, 13 Jan 2010, 02:14 pm

Stop, Look, Listen, Think.

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

LabrugWed, 13 Jan 2010, 02:24 pm

JOIN!

With advice like this, you should register. ;-)

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

Walter PlingeWed, 13 Jan 2010, 02:53 pm

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

Rebecca JoWed, 13 Jan 2010, 08:08 pm

It must be the week they're

It must be the week they're calling Rebecca H's... Very suspect.

MusicalMumWed, 13 Jan 2010, 09:16 pm

Ok, now I'm just really INFURIATED!!!

This message removed 8/2/2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason: alleged defamation

NaWed, 13 Jan 2010, 09:43 pm

Advice to Musical mum

I applaud your efforts, but sense that you are flying very close to the sun named Libel, Slander and Defamation. Please go back and look at previous threads, and this one, and note how quickly and how many posts get removed for one of the above reasons. I have tried many many times to advise people to use basic common business sense, and even for my mild (and sometimes even defense of the companies in question) commentary, they have been removed. I have also been on the receiving end of a particularly annoying offline attempt of harassment because of my comments here, so I advise you to tread carefully. If you'd like to make comments, I recommend you keep them general and not refer to one particular company's business tactics. (Even then, assume everything you type on these threads will be removed, whether it says anything 'controversial' or not) If you think no one but us watches these threads, you'd be extremely extremely wrong. Additionally, whilst I agree with some of your conclusions in previous posts, in regards to your last one, I do believe you have gone beyond what can be proven, and made a headlong leap into assumptions as to their claims of work. Without corroborating evidence, there is no reason to accuse them of lying. Even if it is incredulous to people with an idea of how the industry really works. There is a line between checking out what they say on their site and being wary, and calling them out-and-out liars. Tread very very carefully. Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne

MusicalMumWed, 13 Jan 2010, 09:55 pm

Na, I completely appreciate what you are saying...

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

NaWed, 13 Jan 2010, 10:08 pm

I think that your

I think that your statements about the recent productions can be misleading (that is, some people may believe you imply something which you do not/may not be implying). Again, these threads are always contentious and it's better to be as direct as possible, and not leave room for other people to jump up and down screaming "you're accusing them/us of such and such" (trust me, that happens even when we make statements of support towards agencies). I'm simply pointing out that that is a way in which your comments may be interpreted, even if you didn't intend it as such. "But maybe if just one or two see it before it bites the dust and it prompts them to really do their homework before handing anyone any money, then it's achieved something." I agree, which is why I post. Sadly, this is also why it's the 'song that never ends'. I am perfectly happy for those out there (and you know who you are and what you've done) to get their just desserts. Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne

Walter PlingeThu, 14 Jan 2010, 08:03 am

A Little Homework

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

MusicalMumThu, 14 Jan 2010, 10:56 am

Re 'Aida', I did wonder that myself....

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan.

trancefreakThu, 14 Jan 2010, 07:25 pm

update

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

MusicalMumFri, 15 Jan 2010, 09:52 am

This is probably cold comfort...

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

NaFri, 15 Jan 2010, 11:22 am

You point out one good

You point out one good thing that should be constantly hammered home: there's no such thing as a 'big break'. What it really is is lots of really small roles and lots of hard work/schmoozing to end up in a role that makes people sit up and notice. The only way to do that is if you actually have the talent to pull off characters in the first place, and that means experience and training. Someone on Yahoo Answers put it best: "Overnight success takes 10 years". Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne

Walter PlingeFri, 15 Jan 2010, 06:29 pm

MBC - Payment for photos!!!

This message deleted on 11 February 2010 at the request of Darcy Ryan for reason alleged defamation.

LabrugFri, 15 Jan 2010, 07:50 pm

Already Posted

Scroll further down... Much further down.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer

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