iSpry Talent Agency

This is the third Sydney agency I've been with, and they are far and away the best. For the last three or so years I've managed to keep representation with all three agencies and iSpry is the ONLY one that got me any work in that period. They used all the professional photos I brought with me (so no need to pay for more photos) and they haven't locked me in to any sort of contract. They are friendly, easy to talk to, very helpful and they get lots of work through the door. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

You are told you they will be able to get you lots of work and you have a great profile, but the professional photos you have are not good enough. Also you have to sign a contract but if you ask for a copy of the contract to read before signing it then there apparently is no contract. If you don't pay to do professional photos with their photographer they suddenly realise their books are full and unfortunately it's just not the right time. A few days later you see an ad out - they are having an open day, searching for more talent to get sucked in.

Warning to anyone looking for an agent: iSpry talent agency is a sham. They are very good at promoting this great service for aspiring actors and models, but it is an elaborate deception. They aggressively recruit talent via social media and on street talent scouts. They will book you for an interview and when you attend you will have to wait up to two hours before someone will see you. Every appointment is over booked by at least ten people, because volume is more important than professionalism. ISpry tells everyone that they interview how fantastic they look, how they can get work for you and how well known they are in the industry. THEN you will be asked to sign blank tax forms and told that you cannot be submitted for any work until you spend $250 for special headshots that will increase your chances. Conveniently they have an in-house photographer that can do the shots straight away. Any existing head shots you have will not be suitable. If you are wanting to be considered for acting jobs you will be asked to consider spending more money on courses and workshops. The more money you spend with them, the greater chance you have of getting work. This is how they determine their favourites. If you do actually get work, you will not get paid for several months, you will not receive payslips and you will not receive a pay summary at the end of the financial year. If you try to chase these things up, ispry will tell you that they are not responsible for any of this and you will have to follow up with the production company you worked for. The production company will not speak to talent and will refer you back to the agent. So it becomes a vicious circle with no positive outcomes. They are hopeless at returning calls or responding to messages because they are too busy recruiting new suckers. They have no respect for the people that have signed with them, will not support you when things go wrong and you will be blamed for their incompetency. If you try and complain about the way you are treated you will be terminated and they will no longer respond to you. I dont know how ispry can still exist, they are full of lies and spin a web of deceit. Scammers are very good at what they do, and these guys are the best.