NotaPushyMum.Com

Hi All!

I have been googling like mad for fresh links on the Bizzykidz agency. I am a little confused and the threads are all rather old!
I applied to Bizzykidz along with a couple of other agencies on behalf of my son and daughter. They came back to me rather quickly, accepting them both. I have read so many old posts about them charging a fee and also people unhappy as they've had no work.

I would appreciate some fresh views and experiences, there website looks really good but I don't want to pay for two children if it's a waste of time. Anyone ever been turned down for Bizzykidz or is everyone accepted?
Also whats the advantage in belonging to Bizzykidz over paying for Starnow?


Look forward to hearing from you!

Don't go there! Also see mumsnet link.

Havnt seen much recent discussion on mumsnet, can you tell me a bit more and why please? A private message perhaps?

Thanks!

Sorry, havn't gone on mumsnet for a while. I was just aware that there was several threads on there. Really I have never heard anything at all positive about them, from anywhere, models or professionals. The advice on here and elsewhere may be a little old, but they haven't changed any of their staff, or had any re-training, as such I think you can assume it will still be current.

I know a little about them as they ran Kidz Talent Quest last year ( a large talent show ) My dd auditioned in August in Royston, there were heats in Manchester, Kent, and somewhere else. It was well organised and the proceeds went to charity. However, at the final there was a very heavy presence from Jigsaw entertainment - all the organisers seemd to know all the jigsaw kids by name, and they pretty much swept the board in the singing categories.
This year, I applied again but all applications were on line. Recently I received an email saying they'd cancelled it due to lack of response, and my money would be refunded (£15) That was at the beginning of April. I still haven't received it. If I were you I'd give them a wide berth as it sounds like they may be having financial trouble.

I think there are very mixed feelings about buzzykids, I know people with them who get work, I am at a job filming a commercial with my little ds right mow and there are 4 kids from buzzykids here, along with a few other agencies. I think you pay a one off fee until 17, and they are not a sole agency, so you can be with others. (which is what the kids I know do.) hope this helps - have a look on netmums too, they often discuss agencies. Good luck!

Sorry to add again, but from my own past experience an agency which is sole rep is much better - it means they really want you and can really do something with you and the ones which aren't sole rep are the ones where they have so many on their books, they forget who they've got and people spend years on their books and dont even get put forward for anything, as was the case with us, plus it's a costly business having more than one agent and it can get confusing with dates to update info etc, each one having their own requirements. I too have heard that some people get work from them, but I didnt for a minute intend to suggest they were a false agency, such as models direct, who get no work for anyone, just take your money and run - B do get work for some people, but unfortunately that is just a small percentage of their intake of applicants. They're not a false agency, they're just not a very good agency, that's all and with the sheer volume of agents out there, why go for second best, you may aswell apply for the best. And igloobabe, im afraid you'll have seen the last of that money. When I went to my solicitor about them, I was advised that it would cost more to sue them than I would recoup, hense their success, charge little and there's really nothing can be done about it. What it needs is one of those strong arm court cases, where a huge group of people get together to sue them. I don't doubt that they may be experiencing financial trouble, as they no longer have such a large volume of applicants, as their name seems to be mud all over the place. There is a list of agents on here and many threads about peoples experiences and really I would advise anyone look at those and google it all on the net, do your research before signing with anyone, take your time deciding which is best for you. We were ripped off a lot at the start and I dearly wish I'd known this site then and done my research first, so that would be the best advice I could give on this. Again, sorry for the further interjection.

I totally agree nancyboo - just wantedto balance the debate with the experience of them I have had. For my 3 being with a sole agency works very well,and is my preference but I know others who like to have multi agents. I would def apply to all the recommended agencies before making any decision - feel free to pm me if you would like an opinion on these x

Oh yes, I quite agree and I know that too, simply I speak on the basis of what I wish I'd known when I started, of course some may not agree, but that's why I dont run the site and why there are so many people giving advice, as everyone is trying to help, everyone is speaking of their own experiences, no-one is wrong, just I think people need to know everything before they act, I know I wish I had, as said. For modelling I would personally recommend Chilli Kids and Tuesdays Child. I found both had lots of work, lots of contacts, didn't take everyone who applied, had lovely friendly yet professional approaches and we have been really happy with both. But to the original poster, just read all opinions, do your research and make your own decision about what's best for you, as it's also a personal thing, hense all the different views and you have to go with the ones closest to your own, just because something works for someone else, they're not you etc etc. Sorry to go on, just this starting out business is very important to me, as we were severely ripped off several times and had a really hard time of it, of course all is well now, more experience and I simply wish to help others, if possible, avoid making those same mistakes. Unlike missmoneypenny I really cant advise you on all the recommended agencies, some I've had no contact with at all and you're best to ask people who have, but those I've mentioned I've had plenty of contact with and those were my findings. I hope it helps and you manage to find something which suits you.

I won't be giving up just yet - I have a few more tricks up my sleeve!

igloobabe, no I wouldn't either and good luck to you, I hope you manage it!

jules43 - they are a good agency and been going for years
we have had work and castings from them and regulary see bk kids on casting sheets (they are non sole rep agency)
albas website has them as a recommended agency (have a look when researching as it gives a whole list of a rated agencies)
also their website now has a link to twitter which shows current jobs castings etc they have kids on - it seems like they are really busy
i believe they are expanding their offices which in my eyes would mean business is going well

Well just to update you all, I got my money back online today!! After a lot of chasing, but they didn't have a leg to stand on - they ran a competition, took money from entrants and then cancelled it - they would have lost had it gone to court.

So hoooray for the common man! (or woman!)

Just to put my bit in!

My ds went to them, was accepted without seeing him act and photographs taken. But we didn't take it any further. It's not that they seemed poor or anything like that, even with our limited experience at the time, we felt our ds was just another one on their books.

NEVER pay any fees upfront for agencys or auditions, they promise to give you acting/modelling jobs when infact you dont hear from them again, any reputable company will not take upfront fees:
here is a reply my daughter recieved from good company and an example to all, this is how it should be.

Hi

To get on our books please visit: http:.................................... and fill in the 4 easy steps.
Have a look to see which branch is closest to you.

Also for your information:

*The agency is for both adults and children.
*............ Casting DOES NOT charge a fee for joining.
*A once-off administration fee is deducted ONLY when we find your first job.
*Our Booking Fee is 25%

Also to let you know that we run a very successful Drama Academy as well. Have a look on google for ............. Drama Academy' or visit ...................

Kind regards