Opportunity Exists for New Talent but Consumers Must do Their Homework

Opportunity Exists for New Talent but Consumers Must do Their Homework

LONDON, February 21/PRNewswire/ --

- UK's Leading New Faces Agency, The Casting Suite, Supports the
Department of Trade and Industry's Crack Down on Bogus Talent Agencies but
Says Public Awareness is Needed to put Phony Agencies out of Business

Yesterday's announcement that The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
is to investigate and penalise unscrupulous talent brokers has been applauded
by the UK's leading new faces agency and online directory for models and
extras, The Casting Suite (www.thecastingsuite.com). But says its CEO, public
awareness is required to make sure fair value for money is delivered..

"We are pleased that the DTI is investigating bogus talent agents," said
Paul Booth, CEO of The Casting Suite, which represents over 10,000 new faces.
"Bogus companies are damaging the reputation of legitimate, reputable
agencies like ours. But it's not about passing legislation it's about raising
public awareness, getting would-be extras to do their homework and
investigate the agency thoroughly before paying any fees."

"As stated by the DTI, anyone interested in becoming an extra should not
sign a contract with an agency until they have read the terms and conditions
of the company and feel comfortable with those terms".

"The DTI has also taken into account that our business has gone through
radical change. It's no longer about 'Mr Ten Per Cent'. The internet has
changed the way production companies search for talent and there is enormous
demand for 'real people' for TV, film and commercials. Being an extra or
model today is about being on the radar and paying for listings in
directories is a way to do that. Be sure the company you're doing business
with is a reputable one."

"We support the DTI's initiative and hope the increasing media attention
will raise public awareness and prevent people going to hotels where they are
convinced to part with hundreds of pounds, never to hear from the "agency"
again."

The Casting Suite's "new faces" section of the site has seen major growth
in the last year. It is used by 5,000 of the UK's leading producers and
researchers. Members of The Casting Suite's site pay annual membership fees
of GBP77 which includes a photo session and filming of a show reel which are
posted online for producers to view. Members also receive regular newsletters
detailing new opportunities and castings.

Source: The Casting Suite

Ken Hooper, Cherish PR, +44-(0)20-8996-9545, ken.hooper@cherishpr.com

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