City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced that his office has launched a public awareness campaign in coordination with the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs and entertainment industry advocacy groups to educate the public against Hollywood talent scams.
As part of his crackdown on perpetrators of scams against aspiring entertainers, the City Attorney has filed charges against a talent manager for allegedly illegally charging more than $100,000 for representation and other services. “Thousands come to Hollywood every year to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry,” said City Attorney Mike Feuer. “We need to protect them from those who would dash those dreams by taking unfair advantage of them.”
Debra Baum, 53, is charged with four counts of violating the Talent Scam Prevention Act. If convicted, Baum could face up to two years in jail and $20,000 in fines. Arraignment is scheduled for February 5, 2015 in Department 45. In March 2012, Baum allegedly solicited a 19-year old singer in a hair salon to sign a $10,000 per month management contract to handle her vocal career. Before terminating the contract in September 2012, the victims’ family allegedly paid $70,000 in management fees to Baum as well as thousands of dollars in third party expenses for vocal training, stylists and recordings. The victim’s sister was also allegedly solicited for a contract and paid an additional $40,000 to Baum in management fees for acting. A complaint was subsequently made to the City Attorney’s Office and investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs.
“As a State Assemblymember, I authored the Talent Scam Prevention Act of 2009 to protect performers and their families from being taken advantage of by talent representatives,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, District 2. “Since I joined the City Council, I have worked hand in hand with the City Attorney’s office to monitor and ensure the law’s enforcement. We are now taking another important step forward by reaching out to the public with information and putting all fraudsters on notice that they will be prosecuted if they lie, cheat and steal to get ahead.” Educational materials for aspiring entertainers on how best to avoid being bilked by similar schemes can be found on the City Attorney’s website.
“SAG-AFTRA works tirelessly to ensure that our members – and future members – are protected from fraudulent talent scams that prey on their hopes, dreams, and optimism,” said SAG-AFTRA Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “Having worked closely with lawmakers to achieve enactment of the Talent Scam Prevention Act, we applaud the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for its commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding performers, especially young performers and their families, who so often fall victim to these scams. The best law would be meaningless without effective and vigorous enforcement.”
“The most costly talent scams are aimed at parents of children who have little or no knowledge of how the industry works. The costs are great in dollars and in emotional fall out on the children and their families,” said Paula Dorn, co-founder BizParentz Foundation. “The issue has been at the forefront of BizParentz education and support mission for many years, and victims have already benefitted from the support of the LA City Attorney’s office via enforcement and legislative efforts. We are excited to be a part of this enhanced education and enforcement effort.”
The Talent Scam Prevention Act (AB1319 in 2010) authored by then Assemblymember Paul Krekorian prohibits talent agents and talent managers from charging an advance fee for representation as well as requiring clients of talent training, talent counseling and talent listing services to purchase photographs, websites and other promotional materials as a condition for using or for obtaining preferential treatment from that service. The legislation also requires that every contract with an artist provide notice of cancellation and refund procedures and prohibit automatic renewal without consent.