John Robert Powers

This company's website, www.johnrobertpowers.net, names a number of Hollywood celebrities as graduates. An inquiry sent to verify the advertised alumni list, revealed that none of the celebrities had previously attended classes or had any association with John Robert Powers. Those that responded include, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Lucille Ball, John Wayne, Betty Ford, Heather Locklear, and Barbara Walters.We believe this company operates as an advanced fee talant service, although they claim to be a school. In California, advance fee talent services are required to post bond and register with the Dept. of Industrial Relations. For licensing information write to the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Department of Industrial Relations Legal Section at P.O. Box 420603, San Francisco, CA 94142 or call (415) 703-4846. The website address is www.dir.ca.gov. California laws relating to "advance fee talent services" allow 10 days to cancel contracts without penalty or obligation. In some cases, refunds must be provided within 48 hours, or the company is required to pay the artist an additional sum equal to the original amount of the fee. Cancellation procedures should be outlined in your contract. We advise careful review of the contract. According to licensed talent agents, portfolios are developed over the course of a person's career and novices do not need expensive portfolios.