Please read Advice needed..

WhatHappensNow · #1 02-22-2008, 10:08 PM

What is the name of your state? NC

ok i have typed this 3 times already this time i hope it doesnt sign me off and i lose it again..

i have a situation that is very serious and i need advice!!

say u have a 16 year old daughter that has entered a modeling/talent contest and if she wins they fly her to cali to be made into a "star"
well say she wins this contest by votes, and before they tell her she has won they make a legal gaurdian sign a contract basically saying that they get 25% of profit made in a year and she has to consult them before talking about or getting work, and something like I acknowledge that I have voluntarily agreed to participate in the Program. I understand that my appearance, depiction and/or portrayal in the Program may be disparaging, defamatory, embarrassing or of an otherwise unfavorable nature which may expose me to public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation.. and something to the nature of I recognize that Producer is relying on my representations herein and that a breach by me hereunder would cause Producer irrevocable injury and damage that cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated by damages in an action at law and, therefore, I hereby expressly agree that Producer shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent and/or cure any breach or threatened breach of this agreement by me. so after the contract is filled they call back and say that she has won this contest and is going to be flown out to cali to be made a "star" in 2 days, shes really excited about a dream that seems to be coming true. well the 16 year old along with the legal gaurdian are flown to cali to start the 3 day trip. during the second day the recording begins in a vehicle being followed by another vehicle that the legal gaurdian is riding in, and ends up at a studio for more footage of the day. well this company that really seems to be legit tells the legal gaurdian she cannot come into the studios nor the vehicle with the 16 year old because of recording purposes, and the legal gaurdian agrees because she dont want to get in the way of a dream coming true.. halfway through the day, u see the 16 year old come to the glass door looking like shes almost in tears and just stares out the door.. well they go on for a bit and finally the let her go because the recording is over, well when the 16 year old gets in the car she tells u that on the way to the studio in the car on tape the "producer" interviewing her ask "if she would pose nude" and "if she would pose nude wrappen in saran wrap" and she says no. when they got to the studio she says they told her she was beautiful and then proceeds to put her in an "ugly white dress" with an "ugly, large sized coat" and ask her to act like shes a star walking on a red carpet, then tell her she didnt pass the audition.. she says that they didnt even try to make her seem pretty, they just tried to humiliate her and crack jokes on her about where she lives and about her on camera.. the legal gaurdian asks to view the tape and wasnt allowed to view it by the producers, because the tape was a "surprise" nor was the 16 year old..

now i know that there are alot of red flags that were thrown in the contract, but there was so much excitement and such little time that it wasnt caught until after what happened, happened...

from a legal standpoint what can be done about this??
there is a video that is susposed to be aired really soon of her and we dont want that to happen..

being that she didnt pass the audition that she didnt even know about would this break the contract? she thought the audition was getting the votes..

sorry this is so long winded but there is still a lil more to it.. but that pretty much sums it up..

someone please help me with some legal advice... Thank you for your time in reading this..

quincy · #2 02-22-2008, 10:20 PM

You need to have an attorney review the contract in its entirety. As soon as possible.

Yes, there were red flags all over the place.

WhatHappensNow · #3 02-22-2008, 10:24 PM

the contract was definately not clear of the intent..

and why would u ask a 16 year old if she "would pose nude" or "wrapped in saran wrap" thats what is the most concern is about..

there have been attemps to contact a lawyer/attorney but no replys yet..

quincy · #4 02-22-2008, 11:22 PM

There is no legitimate reason that anyone would ask a 16-year-old to pose nude or in Saran Wrap. There is no legitimate reason for the "producer" to separate the legal guardian from the 16-year-old.

Keep trying to contact a North Carolina attorney. You NEED to have an attorney review the contract and all of the information surrounding this "modeling/talent" contest.

I have a horrible feeling this 16-year-old entered this contest online. Right?

WhatHappensNow · #5 02-23-2008, 07:28 PM

correct.. but its hosted by a tv media company.. that would make it seem totally legit.

and i think i may have worded it wrong, "would u ever pose nude" or "would u ever pose wrapped in saran wrap..

but still

quincy · #6 02-23-2008, 08:19 PM

If it is a legitimate company behind this modeling/talent contest then that, at least, is a bit reassuring.

I know that the standard questionnaire used by television production companies and distributed to potential "contestants" is several pages long and asks a lot of personal questions, some of which are rather weird and disturbing - one, for instance, asks if you object to being filmed in the bathroom.

Perhaps those who object to being filmed in the bathroom are weeded out of the contestant pool??

I guess with reality shows the way they are, they have to consider all angles and try to eliminate all possiblities of being sued should something inappropriate be filmed. I have seen where the model-type reality show/competitions are filmed with the models wearing little to nothing, both for the photographs taken and in their model "residences". I am sure they had to sign releases and contracts, consenting to such filming.

But I guess I am surprised they are allowing 16-year-olds to compete in a contest where questions like that would be asked - unless, as I mentioned, it is the same standard questionnaire that they use for everyone, which could be the case.

At any rate, an attorney will be able to look over the contract you signed to see if there is an easy way to stop the video shot of your daughter from appearing on tv. The producers may be willing to kill any plans to show it, regardless of what the contract says, if an attorney contacts them on behalf of you and your daughter.

WhatHappensNow · #7 02-23-2008, 09:34 PM

makes sence, u know its ashame that they will hype someone up so much and then cut them down so low that the person breaks down in tears, especially when the person has GREAT potential.. maybe something good will eventually come out of this..

and its ashame that they will hype u up making u think that its an actual talent agency and it turns out they're only a reality tv show out for theirselves and no one else..

quincy · #8 02-23-2008, 11:12 PM

Yes, well, I am not a big fan of reality shows in general, because most of them do seem to purposely depict people at their worst or try to humiliate them, for ratings I imagine.

And I guess there is no shortage of people willing to pay that price for the chance to win money or gain fame.

At any rate, I am sorry your daughter got caught up in something that turned out so unpleasantly for her, and for you.

Good luck.