I went back and got a refund. There were so many people there paying money and not getting any work. What a ripoff. read more

One Source Talent - Talent Agencies Near Me - Emeryville, California

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So disappointed I wasted my time on this damn place, I knew I smelled something fishy the second I walked in that building. I have a good amount of modeling experience and I have been looking for an agency to join with and somehow they popped up on my radar one day and scheduled me right away after "finding me" on my ModelMayhem profile. They made an apt, I live in SF and their office is in Emeryville and the day I was scheduled I wasn't able to make it in time. I forgot about it because they never really caught my attention to begin with, but got many emails afterwards saying how much they wanted me and to make an apt again so I went along with it and made the apt. My apt was scheduled for today (Saturday) at 1pm. I am a professional so I arrived 20 minutes early, its 4 o'clock now and I just got to leave. Why? Because they scheduled ALL the people, of all ages some with screaming babies to an apt at 1 o'clock.....they didn't even have water there or a water fountain nearby. I should have read these reviews first, I feel like such a fool for wasting my time with these people, of course I got a callback card for Monday but Im sure as hell not going and wasting more of my time, I can get work without paying $500+$40 a month for this "agency" to put my profile up on their site. Im sorry but none of the 50+ people in the waiting room could have been models...Im sorry but this is such a scam its pathetic. Im embarrassed I even gave this a go and lost a few hours of my life. Shady people. read more

I personally went through the interview process. Like all others I've read reviews by, I was lucky enough to be called back for a 2nd interview. (I shoulda known when all 4 people I spoke to were invited as well) the 2nd was more in depth but felt false. Especially the fake 25 min wait while they verify w/ corporate if your qualified. Guess what? I was accepted. I had already told myself the min they wanted any cash I was gone soooo. The $495 question? I'm out because you are a scam. Seen it too many times n feel dumb for going through w/ 2 interviews. Not a good look. read more

One Source Talent - The $495 office. SMH - Talent Agencies Near Me - Emeryville, California

I'm not sure what other people are talking about? I've been with OST for about 6 months now and within a few days of joining I was requested to be an extra in a movie. A month after that I landed another acting job, it was a protagonist part in a short film and I started filming right away. Acting is my true passion, so I hope to find more acting auditions with the help of One Source Talent, but they have also gotten me several photoshoots for modeling gigs and I'm having a great time with that too. Joining OST was a good decision to me, but I will admit it takes work you need to login and actually submit yourself to castings... read more

I agree with the review made by SY... I didn't sign up for their program either, and were very nice to me when I scheduled my appointment and during my interview. They did mention it the $495 start up fee during the "sales pitch", but was was glossed over. It was similar to those commercials on TV for drugs like Lyrica or Viagra and the voice over goes through symptoms really, really fast. The $39.95 monthly fee wasn't so vague. The thing that bothered me is they don't physically find you jobs. They'll set up a profile for you and you enter your statistics and upload your own pictures. You still have to actively look for jobs yourself and there is no guarantee you'll even book a job. I paid an initial sign up fee of $25.00 with $11.00 monthly for SFCasting for the exact same thing. Another thing is that they were all about looks. That's fine with the modeling aspect of the company. I was told repeatedly that I had a great look and that I had a great personality, that's very flattering... but what about the acting portion of it? Though I can act, they don't know that. Their sales pitch was somewhat convincing. But, truth be told, I was just a little put off by the being constantly questioned about my commitment. I shouldn't have to put down money to prove that I want to be successful. And I shouldn't have to be asked to. read more

I didn't sign up for their program, so I wish there was a way to give a "neutral" review, so I'll just give three stars. Just some thoughts to think about: They have actually gotten gigs for their talent, so this company is not a scam. On the other hand, given that they charge YOU a $495 startup fee, plus a monthly of $39, how do you think this company is making its money? Their money is made based on their subscriber base of hopeful actors and models. That said, there's no built in accountability to motivate them to find you work. It could happen, but this company makes their money either way. So for you, it's a $500+ gamble that might or might not pay off. So naturally, their talent pool is limited to those willing to pay the startup fee. To be attractive to casting directors, you'd want to have a large talent pool as possible. So I have to wonder how they manage to attract casting directors to their talent pool. Here's what you can expect: A presentation about the company. This is a sales pitch in disguise. In my particular experience, the guy was half fashion industry snob, half drill sergeant, and not exactly great at public speaking. An "interview". You believe you have to impress the guy because you are told that if you do well, you might be called back. Again, this is a sales pitch in disguise- I suspect they tell everyone that they "qualify". A second meeting. This is where they finally tell you that the startup fee is $495. Luckily if you've read this far, you don't have to go through all this trouble to find out. They ask a few questions, and then go and call corporate and vouch for you. This is such a dog and pony show. You wait in a room for a bit, and the guy comes back saying he's got great news and they want to move forward. All they need is your credit card.... My experience at this point was that the guy was too busy convincing me that I had to impress him, that he forgot to impress me. To be honest, I would have given this agency more serious thought if the guy at least made an effort to throw me a bone. Coming from a sales background, you can always spot another sales pitch, especially a bad one. These guys are bad salesmen. But that doesn't necessarily mean the product is bad. In conclusion, common sense tells me that although they aren't overtly dishonest, I'd prefer an agency that was paid based on auditions or gigs landed. ---EDIT--- I forgot to mention, just like Edna V., I signed up for SF Casting which is a MUCH better option for those just starting out. The initial setup fee is $25 and the monthly is as low as $5! I've landed many gigs since signing up with them last Fall, so their fees have more than paid for themselves! Sorry One Source, but I just don't know why anyone would go with you guys when SF Casting works so well. read more

I am a San Francisco based photographer and one of the commercial photographers that One Source Talent commissions to photograph their models portfolios and I am very surprised by the neutral reviews I am reading. I have found the agency to be nothing but professional and friendly. And I have been extremely impressed by the calibre of talent that I have had the privilege of meeting and photographing. I see that the earlier reviews were written in September when One Source Talent was just starting out in the Bay Area so these remarks my have been due to inevitable growing pains that the company was experiencing while getting up to speed. If you do a Yelp search on any of the other metropolitan areas where One Source Talent has an established office you will see only positive reviews and good ratings. Let's hope moving forward that One Source Talent can impress their subscribers and can help some talented Bay Area residents get their part-time or full-time careers started. read more

They've actually been very helpful for us. I signed my daughter up with OST a few months ago and they have already requested her for two auditions. She didn't get the first role, but she nailed the second audition and she will be in her first movie. It's not a feature film that will be in theaters, but it's going to a large film festival and if it does well then it will start playing in local theaters, we are pretty excited to see how it pans out. My daughter has also gotten a few modeling opportunities including modeling in the Destiny fashion show and she absolutely LOVED it! read more

I completely change my mind about these guys. Since I became a member they haven't found me a single job! I have payed and gotten NOTHING back! read more

Soooooo.... Where to begin... Alright so if you're looking to be signed to an agency that you pay for and you can afford 495 upfront and 39.95 a month then this is the place for you. The first interview was a group interview of 42 people where we all listened to a speech about who they are. They praised the talent they had that have booked photo shoots or other deals. (They love Diamond white) After we heard the speech they called us in one by one for a quick photo and measurement. ........after that I sat for 2hours! in a lobby watching The devil wears prada!!!!!! Once I was called in for the personal interview I mustered up a smile and went back. I sat down for 2 min!!! 2 minutes and the lady told me I had what they were looking for and they wanted me to come in to be signed in 2 days. (Soo me thinking, ok maybe I won't need to pay the money upfront. I could wait to get booked and pay later.... I decided to come back) So today September 9th 2013 I went in for the second interview brought my photos and was told numerous times I'm cute I have the drive. ( at that point I was getting really excited) But then we went over the contract and POW! They wanted 495 dollars that day. I looked up and said well I definitely can t give you this today. She said and I quote "well can you make some phone calls" ---- I thought to myself what kind of ghetto place is this. No I can't make some phone calls. --- she said O well we don't reschedule. I said oooo well I guess this isn't the place... And I departed . MORAL OF THE STORY - this place will probably help you get your name out there and will get you auditions and help you find auditions. But be prepared to pay for it on your own. -if you get a booking they don't take money but its you that has to work on your own profile to be presentable. THEY DO NOT. HAPPY ENDING - if you have what it takes to model or act a talent agency .... A real talent agency lol Will realize that and set you up. I made arraignments and was invited to another talent agency that did not ask for money upfront .and I'm now one step closer to my dreams. God bless read more

First off! One Source Talent is not an Agency! If they were you wouldn't have to pay a dime! But they are a complete rip off! $149 for a digital comp card??? No one in the industry is really using that. What people are doing is building websites and creating video reels/ resumes (for Actors). They are basically charging you for information you can obtain on your own, through outlets such as SF casting or hell even Craigslist. They invite you to this fake casting call where this girl with a thick and heavy accent tells you why One Source Talent is so special and how all these famous people (who aren't really famous, i.e. some girl in a Target add from 5 years ago) started. Then they make you wait for an "interview" where "Surprise" more BS is thrown at you and tell you that you've been invited back for a 2nd interview where you pay the $149+ $39.99 monthly fee. At the 2nd interview they tell you that they'd like to get to know you more and ask you a few more questions. They take a couple of head shots that would be used for the $149 digital comp card (which is again, crap!) But before they take your money they need to talk with their "casting department" to decide if you'll be a great fit or not. A lot of mind games going on here. They'll leave you in a room for up to 30 mins. I highly doubt there is any kind of casting team in the office seeing how, I myself only saw two employees the whole hour they made me wait for the interview and heard the same girl talking to another victim/ potential talent and taking them into another room to be interviewed. But the girl finally comes back and "Surprise" you've been selected to join One Source Talent. Now how would you like to pay? The next step is that they schedule you a third interview where they will ask for more money, like $500 for a real "professional" photo shoot (that only last 30 minutes). I didn't sign up with them for multiple reasons, not just because it's a waste of money but also I had a bad feeling as soon as I stepped foot in the door, there was no one at the front desk and they played this awful music all over the floor. The whole office screams SCAM. The girl who gave the presentation came off as very superficial and not genuine. You could tell when she looked at us all she was seeing was dollar signs $$$. She was also the one who interviewed me and her phoniness didn't fade. My advice to any one really serious about starting in the industry for modeling or acting, if you have absolutely no experience, DO NOT fall for these types of companies they do not help you once you hand over that cash. Instead enroll in training course to gain experience and I find that your instructors are always the first to help you gain real work experience. It's all about hard work and determination. Yes, you do need to invest time and money into your dreams (i.e. paying for trainers, photo shoots, classes, etc.) but don't put that money into a company that doesn't really care if you make it or not. Find a real agency to represent you or simply look up castings on your own there are tons of websites, just do the research. One Source talent is not getting private castings from select people. They are getting the same listings any other agent or free casting listing companies/ websites are getting. You'd have to answer the casting calls on your own if you were with One Source Talent so save yourself some money and do it on your own. Good Luck to you all! read more

I was already feeling like I'd be disappointed after the horrendous things I was hearing, and prepared for the worst. When I came for an interview on Monday, I was an hour early. I live in Sacramento, so I gave myself enough time to find parking and whatnot. I get to the agency, and the receptionist at the desk would not let me sit down. I could not lounge in the lounge area!! How absurd is that?? All the chairs were empty, so it was not like they were busy or didn't have enough space. I sat in my car for 45 minutes. That receptionist was putting on airs, if you catch my drift. Rude! Then, they had us sit down FINALLY... while Chase gave us this grand speech, but he seemed rude and obnoxious telling a mother and her toddler to go sit somewhere else, and told any of us to leave so we don't waste his precious time. When he was finished, we finally had a one on one in which the lady still did not offer me a seat but to stand against the wall while we had a conversation. I thought it a bit strange that I couldn't sit down. They did not show any courtesy whatsoever. They then asked me to come in for a second interview in which, I drove from Sacramento AGAIN and in another review, this is exactly what happened : " This is where they finally tell you that the startup fee is $495. Luckily if you've read this far, you don't have to go through all this trouble to find out. They ask a few questions, and then go and call corporate and vouch for you. This is such a dog and pony show. You wait in a room for a bit, and the guy comes back saying she's got great news and they want to move forward. " I bolted, I smelled something fishy the minute I stepped foot into that shabby looking agency. DO NOT SIGN WITH THIS AGENCY. They are rude, obnoxious, and a waste of your gas. You can do so much better. read more

I drove all the way from Sacramento to attend the "open casting call" when I got there the people were rude and unprofessional. The man Chase was very condescending to my roommate who came with me, told her to wait at Denny's down the street. Here is the piece de resistance; they never mentioned on the phone that they want to charge me 400$ and 40$/mo for their services... I looked at the Better Business Bureau and they gave this sham a C - and they're not accredited. People should know STAY AWAY from these scammers. read more

Very unprofessional, disorganized and LACKING Customer service including the front desk gal. I wouldn't trust doing business with them. Right when you get in the office, they're blasting 107.7 the Bone station. The song NUMB was playing and after that it was all about getting high and drinking songs. read more

SERIOUS ACTORS NEED NOT APPLY - It's where timeshare pitches meets casting agency. Strike 1 - They called me congratulating me that they accepted my application. I didn't remember ever applying, but it appears they found me by trolling the internet. Strike 2 - They couldn't email me the info regarding "the interview." I called twice for it and still didn't come thru and I checked my junk/spam folder. Strike 3 - After speaking with them a couple times on the phone and telling them I am a serious actor not looking for reality tv shows nor extra work they still stated come check them out. They made it seem like I was going to meet with someone right at 7pm for an interview. It felt wrong when I entered the door but stayed for the pitch and then waited til 755pm and finally walked out. I wasted about 3-4 hours driving there and back. They should have paid me to simply show up. If you're not a serious actor and just want to give your money to this company with a hope and a prayer that you get some work, go for it. read more

During the presentation to the group, the fee for the comp card photography is said to be $150. The monthly fee is $40. I sensed something was amiss, so didn't go past the second interview. read more

O my gosh. This is so freaking wasting my time. We drove from Pao Alto just to attend the appointment. The people that just came out from the interview told me that 150 dollars for photography, however, they seemed very happy about that. We knew that this was a spam. They copied all the model photoes from google. This is ridiculous. And they said that the client and actor service is free on internet. But they cost a 40 dollar monthly fee. That is called lying. Even a kid knows that! read more

I was refunded my photo shoot money which was great. I'm glad they have a corporate office that is handling this professionally. Thank you!

SCAM! They called with interest in my 3 year old daughter. When they called I asked first thing if I had to pay money and they lady told me NO. I left my family of six to drive an hour and a half to their office and was then told they wanted her for a second interview (I have a feeling they want EVERYONE for a second interview). I asked again if there was money involved and she said it costs $495 (one time fee) and then a monthly fee of $40. They are still in business because they rip off hopeful parents and people with no experience in the industry. If a company is going to make good money off you, you shouldn't have to pay ANYTHING to them! read more

I sent a picture of my daughter and got a call back with in two days. I was hesitant to call back after reading the reviews on line. They were not good. I received several more calls from them with in just a couple of days so I finally decided to call them back. The first thing I asked about was the "start up fee" and the monthly fees after that. I was told there isn't a "start up fee" and yes some people who are difficult to book have to pay a monthly fee. The receptionist would only say "you will not necessarily have to pay" Hmmm. Sounds to me like they want to get you in to tell you how wonderful you are so you'll be willing to pay this "start up fee". read more

I'm a local commercial photographer, and was extremely pleased with the talent they provided me. I sent them a profile, and they quickly responded with many excellent choices. My client was very pleased and so was I. Thanks, and keep up the great work. read more

Well, they called me to set up an appointment for an interview in Houston and the guy was nice. My schedule was full and he scheduled a time to call me back in a week to set up the appointment. I never did get a callback, and it's just as well from all that I'm reading. I did make it abundantly clear that I'm a solo entrepreneur and aspiring artist that's starving broke. lol read more

Please dont fall for this scam. This agency is not legit! they give you the pitch and then call you back for a second interview,then say it will cost you 495.00 and 39.95 a month,Their website even says they will not charge you or ask you for any money. They also would not let my wife and I think about it they told us they would call corporate to see if we could split it in 2 payments and wanted on the spot or we would have to re apply again.We should of read the reviews first and didn't know better. We learned a valuable lesson and hopefully you will read this and avoid the waste of time and gas. I read more

The first girl that called me was nice, but the other people I felt with weren't. I set up an appointment, and asked the girl if I would have to pay any fees for classes or photos for my kids, and she said no. Then a second girl called me to confirm. At no time did anyone tell me that I could not be even 1 minute late. Because of some traffic that we hit on the 80, we were going to be about ten to fifteen minutes late. I called once we got past Richmond to tell them we were late and I was directed to a national answering service. The rude girl on the phone told me that we wouldn't be seen. I still went to the office because by that time we were already in Emeryville. When I got to the office I asked if we could wait or if there was a cancellation, because we had driven so far. I was rudely told by some super smug women that it was too late and I'd have to apply all over again. I understand that we were late, but they didn't have to be so rude. I'm glad that it ended up this way though, as the web is full of stories of people who they've scammed. read more

Just got called minutes ago by this place and right off the bat, I was confused about how they accepted my application. I never applied for anything in regards to acting or modeling. Then I had inquiries about when this alleged application was sent. Turns out, I worked late that night and had no access to any computer. She then followed about how she has a picture of an attractive lady with red lipstick. I told the lady over the phone that this conversation is making me nervous and that whoever did this isn't me. She checked to see if my zip code is correct. I stupidly corrected her and gave her my current zip code. Then she confirms the city I live in. UGH! She knew my first and last name and my birthday. Just typing about it makes me scared, paranoid, and nervous. read more

I have worked for this company in the past (background work on Rob Schneider's "Big Stan"). Like other's have said, they don't do a whole lot to make sure you book work. I was lucky enough to get on in an open casting call, so I didn't have to pay the profile premium. read more

The lady was so rude! We drove from Stockton CA to Emeryville because the recruiter called and asked me to bring my four year old daughter. People tell me everyday how beautiful she is, she has an outgoing personality and loves to entertain people, and she loves to make you laugh. Anyway we took the drive because the appointment was at 7pm. We arrived on time, signed in and sat down. A movie was playing and I asked my four year old if she needed the use the restroom she said no, but as soon as the lady came in to start my daughter had to use the restroom I patiently waited and raised my hand, when I asked the lady response was "You can take her to the restroom but you cant come back in" and it was said in a rude manner. Then she humiliated my boyfriend about our 6 month old. You dont pay an agent, they get paid when you get booked! I am almost positive this agency has lost out on a lot of talent because of this lady, including my daughter. She wants to be on TV, she told the receptionist that when we walked in, and I will make it happen for her even if its one role and she realizes she doesn't like it, iT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT. read more

STAY AWAY THEY ARE SCAM ARTIST!!!! I laugh because they tried to get me to sign an agreement to spend an initial non-refundable fee and a monthly fee. I been dealing with many different photographers some profession some aspiring and wanted to get back in the lime light. So I applied to a few places online and I got a call the next day from One Source. Of course I felt special! I got invited to come in for an interview. Once I was at the interview, there is a man Chase who comes in and explains the company and how long they've been around and what not. He tells people they are welcome to leave if they feel this is not them. He then informs all who are waiting that they will conduct one on one interviews to see how they feel about you. If they like you, you will be invited back, if not you can ask why they didn't want you. So I was one of the last ones to get called for my interview, got a little nervous at first. I'm in the interview, introduce myself and why I want to act. They inform me I have a good look and that I am invited back for a second interview. At this point, I'm feeling real good, but I feel like it's a bit of a scam. Not sure why or what, but had a feeling like something wasn't right. I went back for my second interview with my pictures, as per their request. I'm sitting in the interview, she gives me a piece of paper that tells a little about what they do for their clients, while she took my pictures to the manager. She comes back and says I have a great look and they entered in my characteristics and that there were quite a few matches in the area for auditions. She then pulls out a paper she reads quickly, skimming over some points and asks for my signature. I informed her, I will read the paper in its entirety. So I read the paper and it breaks down the non-refundable price $495, and the monthly fee $39.95. So by signing, I am agreeing to pay these prices, which the monthly fee can be cancelled at any time. I informed her, I was not going to sign today because I like to shop around. She said they couldn't hold spots and there were opportunities for me to act right now. I declined her offer. She tells me she's going to talk to the manager and will be back in 5-10 mins. She comes back and asked for at least half the fee so they could hold my spot. She then tells me that if I dont sign with them that particular day I will basically be banned from working with them for about 6-8 months. She is basically begging me to call someone to borrow the money from. Ummm no thank you scam artist!!!! STAY AWAY!!! read more

What an awful experience. I don't know how these people sleep at night. They tell you how fortunate you are to have been chosen. It's apparent everyone is chosen...for their money. As long as you pay the fee you are chosen. They said if you didn't sign up right then, then you may not be able to at a later date. That's totally ridiculous. You should be able to sign up for a "service" at any time, right?! This type of "service" should be illegal. Beware! read more

I took my daughter to OST and their prices went up from 495 to 800. They guy did his best to try to sale his pitch he even told me that my daughter can start working by the weekend but as a mother and someone who knows models personally I do know that if they want to hire u they will they wont make u pay them to get a job. No one has 800 to throw away on something that's not going to get anywhere. Never pay a modeling agency if they want u they would hire you with no money down read more

Terrible place. The receptionist was so rude. Blasting some weak music trying to act professional. All the staff looked like second rate model dropouts who were tired of being scammed by agency's. So decided to try and make some of there money back by scamming others out of their money. I don't know that's just what it seams like. Oh and if you were wondering what Boy George is doing now days look no future. He's working right here at one source talent. read more

This is a dishonest talent agency. I asked before driving the 2 hours to get there if they required a fee. I was told no fee and they gave me a booking number and appointment time and I was told to arrive 45 minutes early...which we did. My daughter had photos and measurements taken then we were asked to take a seat with about 40 other people. Red Flag. No white people. Red Flag. Not in San Francisco as claimed. Red Flag. Then there was a presentation about their client base and who they had signed. Then they asked for 4 hundred plus dollars to sign and a monthly fee. RED FLAG. What a rip-off. Oh..... and Chase the "head" talent scout looked as sleazy as his office space. I feel sorry for all the poor people in that waiting room that were about to be fleeced. My daughter and I walked out and laughed the whole way home. DO NOT GO HERE........ IT IS NOT A REAL AGENCY.....NEVER PAY MONEY UP FRONT. read more

this is the most rude unprofessional company i have ever experienced.... i contacted this company numerous times regarding not getting pictures from photo shots no leads fo castings my childs age for a very long time. i requested cancellation 4 months ago after i seen i had been charged a called asking for my refund of 39.95. what type of company will not send you cancellation in writing will not work with you after you have expressed the frustration with signing. my child as taken a photo shoot and as never received her photos from the shoot was advised when they got them would be uploaded to her profile and that was never done. after taking over 800 with not much service provided and can not refund an auto payment of 39.95 is bs for the birds. also for ferrra to say the owner does not talk to there customers on situations they are not getting help with rude already shows as a owner of a company he is a rip off. i can go on regarding the downfall and rip off of this company. Also to add that when the issue arises they screen the calls to put you in to voicemail. A real respectable company would handle things appropriately come to a resolution instead avoiding and not escalating a issue when it arises. Also to add my child got into modeling gigs for free and just with her portfolio I did myself than she did being apart of a company that charged 500 to start she never went to anything through them. So please believe what they say do not pay agencies. Agents or agencies should be paid when they are paid through rolls after castings. read more

At First I was a little nervous, having read the bad reviews this company has on Yelp and other websites, but I went to the appointment anyway. I cannot express with words how happy I am that I gave One Source Talent a chance. I was very impressed with the level of professionalism I experienced starting when I walked through the door. I was greeted by the receptionist and Chase, the office director himself. The entire process was very straight to the point and ran very smoothly. My daughter was one of the ones who got invited back for a final evaluation. Upon returning our final interview, I once again was very impressed with the professionalism. Everybody was so personable, and polite. The office was very clean and tidy and the music was very tasteful. After the final interview they decided they wanted to move forward with my daughter! We were estatic! After filling out all the paperwork and being taught everything we needed to know, we began our journey. And amazingly after only ONE WEEK, my daughter booked her first job which paid her $150.00!!!! Not only was she very satisfied with the service but I was as well. I am so fortunate for OST and what they're doing for my daughter's career. They are always available to answer any questions we have, and also offer her free acting and modeling classes twice a month! This is really a company that cares. It's a shame people don't see it that way. Don't let the reviews fool you people, OST is a fantastic company that has been around for 10 years. read more