Scott Copeland International

I have a unique perspective in that I can speak to Scott’s professional guidance over an approximate 30-year period. Scott’s successful longtime tenure proves that his reputation, methodologies, and connections are extremely valuable. His straight-up (direct) and conservative approach also provides balanced oversight for career development.

As far as the "complaints" regarding "money spent with no results", it needs to be pointed out that the modeling/acting niches are (1) extremely subjective and competitive - with no guarantees of traction or success, (2) require some upfront $$ and ongoing dedication by the participant (i.e., following regimens and methodologies to maximize potential success), and (3) in nearly all cases, the domain of gate-keeper connections and professional reputations.

If someone is lucky enough to be born with - and maintain - a specific "look" that could provide entry into the (highly subjective) modeling or acting realms, then that person has achieved one of the crucial steps.

From there, if that person wants to move forward, properly investing in the career track is not "optional" - it's required. That investment requires $$, time, and effort to create and maintain momentum.

So... if someone is lucky enough to have professional management & mentorship - and the connections to agencies - then that person can reach his/her highest potential.

Anyone who thinks that participation in the modeling / acting industries just "happens" without $$ invested, dedicated effort, AND proper career management is fooling themselves.

My professional connection with Scott began in 1990, and continues to this day. His straight-forward communication of costs, expectations, and potential outcomes were just as clear approx 30 years ago as they are now. I knew all this going in - it was never unclear.

I spent the $$ to get started with him, and trusted his guidance. Many years later, I continue to spend $$ as needed to maintain this vocation. I have earned far more than I ever "spent". Scott's mentorship and connections are therefore priceless, and important reasons for my longterm success.

In response to Reviewer1113998: Unfortunately, you have not provided any names so we are not able to find corroborating evidence for your story. To clarify for anyone reading, our management contract does NOT have a retainer. Any needed weight-loss is discussed BEFORE signing any paperwork to make sure prospective talent understands the modeling industry’s requirements. Since we are not registered dieticians or personal trainers, we recommend books and lectures for talent on leading a healthy lifestyle. We point Talent to professionals that have done scientific research on diet and exercise and trust Talent to pick out the healthy lifestyle that doesn’t just get results, but makes them feel their best. We prefer talent reach out to us directly about problems they are having before they get out of hand. We are always happy to resolve any potential conflicts! If something cannot be solved that way, we suggest legitimate complaints be filed with the RevDex.com or small claims court to be solved by an objective third party.

Signing on with Scott Copeland to be my acting and modeling manager 9 years ago was one of the best decisions of my life. Within a week of signing my first contract Scott had representatives from Abercrombie and Fitch flying into his office to meet with me. He put together a portfolio and comp card that he used to quickly get modeling agents for me in San Diego, Orange County, and LA. It all happened so fast.

But the thing I learned most from Scott is that there is no such thing as overnight success.

Yes, I landed a $40,000 General Electric commercial less than 2 weeks after moving to LA for my acting career. Yes, I have shot with some of the worlds top fashion photographers and been featured in magazines like Allure and Interview and in ads for companies like Volcom and Patagonia. But it wasn't easy. Scott emphasized from the beginning that it takes hard work and dedication to make it in this industry and he was absolutely right.

I auditioned for YEARS before landing my first feature film for the SyFy channel. And every step of the way Scott was right there, helping me improve and stay focused. Pointing out that I was right where I should be at my stage in my career. Recommending books to read, interviews to watch, actors to follow and study.

The only thing more impressive than Scott's connections (and he is connected to many of the top modeling and acting agencies in the word) is his unwavering advice, encouragement, and ability to help you keep everything in perspective.

If you are looking for a get-rich-quick opportunity then do yourself a favor and don't get into modeling or acting. If you aren't willing to put in the work to get in amazing shape and spend hours and hours studying your craft then don't waste your time or Scott's time.

But if you are really serious about getting into this and want someone who will be with you every step of the way, there is nobody I would recommend more highly and with more enthusiasm than Scott Copeland.

Review: A few months ago my 16 year old son was approached by a youth in [redacted] Shopping Mall. The boy flattered my son and said he should come and work for us at [redacted] in La Jolla and gave him his card. My husband took my son to see [redacted] and was told he only had four days to sign an agreement and after that there would be no contract. They went back and [redacted] asked for $1,500 upfront because he would spend lots of time with our son and wanted to be sure his ([redacted]) energies were not wasted if our son stopped working with him. He didn't want credit cards. and asked for checks. He recommended acting lessons at $400 a month. These were mostly distance education lessons provided by [redacted] online. My son was measured for modeling and [redacted] told him he needed to loose weight and let his hair grow out. When we stopped taking lessons [redacted] said this was too bad because by December my son would be ready for the market. Initially I asked for a copy of the signed agreement and they said there was not one in the office. Eventually I got a copy of a page of the agreement, but the financial details were not there. There are no dates on the agreement. I have asked for the $1,500 to be returned in multiple emails but they now try and say it was for training and future photos. My husband also asked for the $1500 to be refunded, but there has been no reply. In meetings with [redacted] my husband said we had professional photos taken that might be good to use. [redacted] never mentioned that the $1500 was for photos on any of these occasions. We would never pay that much for photos. The contract is a management contract but our son is a minor in school and doesn't need a manager. I would like the $1,500 back and to have nothing to do with [redacted] again. We also paid $800 for two months of lessons but I have not asked for that back. Managers should only earn money when their clients earn income.Desired Settlement: Refund of initial fee of $1,500

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted] and the Revdex.com, We’d like to sincerely thank you and the Revdex.com for mediating this dispute. We appreciate having the assistance of a non-biased third party that has helped so many businesses. In reviewing the accusations made by [redacted] we have noted seven main points which require rebuttal: (1) [redacted] was given only four days to sign the contract, (2) [redacted] asked for $1500 upfront when the contract was signed, (3) a copy of the contract was not provided in full when requested (“financial details” were missing), (4) [redacted] have requested a $1500 refund multiple times but there has been “no reply”, (5) it is unclear what the $1500 was for (“training and future photos,” “[redacted]’s energies,” etc.), (6) [redacted] is a minor and does not need a manager, and (7) managers should only earn money when their clients earn income. 1. [redacted] was given only four days to sign the contract: We do not take away offers of contracts after 4 days. [redacted] were given ample time to decide and were provided with references of current clients. [redacted] spoke with a current client to assist him in coming to a decision and [redacted] spoke at length with the parents of a current client. The client and parents are willing to provide a written statement verifying this upon request.2. [redacted] asked for $1500 upfront when the contract was signed: [redacted] seems unaware that [redacted] and [redacted] made two arrangements with [redacted], not one. The first arrangement (attached) is a management agreement. This specifies that SCI will market and advise [redacted] and provide him with connections to agencies and booking clients–there is no fee attached to this contract. It does not go into effect until the talent books a job – only then does [redacted] Talent receive the 10% commission. [redacted] signed this contract. Note: this contract has been approved by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office and the San Diego Revdex.com. The second arrangement was for private coaching and photographs from [redacted] (this is not a formal contract with SCI). [redacted] is hired as an independent contractor, working and coaching in a variety of fields including modeling, acting, horseback riding, and family photography. In this case, he was hired to provide services to prepare [redacted] for a career in the entertainment/modeling industry. [redacted] received a copy of a receipt for his $1500 detailing that it was to cover “photographs and modeling training.”3. A copy of the contract was not provided in full when requested (“financial details” were missing): [redacted] emailed on 6/9/15 asking for a copy of the contract. Because we wanted to respond promptly we immediately sent her a blank contract and followed up with a scan of the signed version soon thereafter. As mentioned previously, the management contract does not have any “financial details” because there are no fees associated with management services.4. [redacted] have requested a $1500 refund multiple times but there has been “no reply”: This statement is inaccurate. [redacted] never contacted us requesting a refund. In fact, our last contact with [redacted] was by phone and he ensured us that he wanted to continue working with SCI to pursue modeling work. Further, [redacted] has contacted us multiple times, as she states. However, the contention that there has been “no reply” is false. I have attached email correspondence between [redacted] and SCI regarding this matter. We responded to her promptly on every occasion.5. It is unclear what the $1500 was for (“training and future photos”, “[redacted]’s energies”, etc.): As mentioned previously (point 2) this was made extremely clear to [redacted] in multiple meetings and phone calls. He was also provided with an itemized receipt. However, [redacted] chose not to attend any of these meetings.[redacted] and [redacted] opted to pay [redacted] $1500 for training and coaching related to being successful in the modeling industry. Under [redacted]’s tutelage [redacted] has made leaps forward, dropping about 15lbs through healthy methods, gaining confidence in front of the camera, and growing out his hair. He is now at industry-standard sizes (e.g., chest and waist measurements) and has achieved a modelesque look and camera presence necessary to succeed in the industry.6. [redacted] is a minor and does not need a manager: Most of our clients are minors. This is why we require a guardian to be present at all meetings and sign all contracts (in this case, [redacted]). As a management firm, SCI finds our clients work as models and actors. This was made clear to [redacted] and [redacted] in multiple meetings and is explicitly laid forth in the management agreement that he signed. If the Shapiros did not wish for [redacted] to have a manager then they should not have signed a management contract.7. Managers should only earn money when their clients earn income: This is true. Again, [redacted] does not understand that two arrangements have been made, likely because she did not attend initial interviews or information sessions with SCI. The management agreement clearly states that SCI only earns money when the client earns money (10%). However, [redacted] and [redacted] also hired [redacted] privately as a coach to provide training and photographs related to the modeling and acting industry. In his interview and subsequent meetings [redacted] proved to be a mature, driven young man and we think he has the potential to succeed in modeling and acting. [redacted] worked around [redacted]’s busy schedule (play rehearsals and school), communicating nearly every day regarding [redacted]’s acting or some aspect of modeling from March through June, at which point [redacted] and his father suddenly stopped returning [redacted]’s calls or replying to his emails, coinciding with [redacted] inquiry. We have expressed that we would like to market [redacted] as planned, but have not heard back from [redacted], [redacted], or [redacted] on this point. Our door remains open to the [redacted]; working with [redacted] has been great so far and last time we saw him he was ready to start working. Please let me know if there is any more information you need or want. Best,[redacted] SCI

Review: I am writing to file a complaint for Scott Copeland International. In 2006, I signed a two year contract with Scott Copeland. After signing and giving a check for $1,500 as a retainer, I rarely heard from Scott. I was told I had to lose 10lbs, which I started to work towards. I was supposed to have head shots taken, but unfortunately, every time I called, Scott made different excuses. The last time we spoke, his assistant called me and said they had to cancel the photo shoot due to bad weather in La Jolla. I just happened to be in La Jolla half an hour prior and it was a sunny and clear day. I recently wrote about my experience on [redacted] in hopes that others might benefit from my experience and hopefully do more research before signing a contract with Scott Copeland International. I received a message from [redacted] of SCI, she insulted me on a public forum by calling me "lazy" more than once.After the contract was signed, it was difficult to reach SCI. I was made to feel like a nuisance, every time I called and eventually became disheartened by their lack of attention. I was not given any kind of diet or exercise plan to help with my weight loss. I simply told to "Lose weight". SCI made no effort to help me get a contract or even a basic photo shoot and that is why I feel they should refund the retainer of $1,500.Desired Settlement: $1,500 Refunded immediately