A woman who bills herself as a talent scout appears to have been scouting Culver City for victims in what Los Angeles County officials say was a scheme involving young adults and children interested in becoming actors and models.
Candace Vanessa Brewington, the owner of Contour Management and Modern Talent Group, used locales where parents and children frequent, including a Target store in Culver City, according to the county Department of Consumer Affairs.
Following a series of complaints, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed a seven-count misdemeanor lawsuit last month against Brewington, 36, who also goes by the alias “Vanessa Von.”
At least five victims have accused Brewington and her employees of convincing them to purchase expensive photo packages from a business called “N Focus Studio,” which she reportedly also owns. County investigators say the photo packages were advertised as professional, industry-standard engagements by a high-end photographer but were later discovered to be hurried, 10- or 15-minute sessions in a room packed with 15-20 other customers.
The photo packages ranged from $300-900.
“(Brewington) is not a licensed as a talent scout,” said Morine Merritt, one of the investigators involve in the complaints lodged against Brewington. “You have to be specifically licensed to be a talent scout.”
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs spokesman Keven Chavez said Brewington is being charged with violating California Labor Code 1701 through 1705, which regulates talent services in California, including training services, counseling services and listing services, and requires them to post a $50,000 bond with the state labor commissioner.
The regulations include submitting fingerprints and references, having their offices subject to inspection, maintaining a surety bond, trust account and accurate records, and submitting their commission rate and even their form of contract for approval by the labor commissioner.
Neither Contour Management nor Modern Talent Group appears on website of the Department of Industrial Relations talent agency license database.
“I think the public doesn’t understand the difference between a talent agent and individuals who are doing what (Brewington was allegedly doing),” Chavez said.
Culver City City Manager John Nachbar said talent agents who wish to do business in Culver City are required to obtaining city licenses as well.
“They would fall under the employment / talent agency category, needing to have a business license as well as a permit from the Committee on Permits & Licenses to operate,” Nachbar said. “They would need to undergo a livescan at our police department for the Committee on Permits & Licenses permit.”
The business would be required to have both the business license and the permit even if they were coming into the city from an outside location, Nachbar added.
On Contour Management’s website, several reviews assert what Brewington stands accused of by county authorities.
“A friend of mine has been here, she told me she felt pressured to pay several hundred dollars for something called a ZED card, even if supplying her own professional photos,” wrote Steven S.
Three other reviews make similar accusations, including Contour Management demanding up front payments.
“Asking for money up front is something that a legitimate talent agency would not do,” Merritt explained. “That is a big red flag.”
Chavez said in the wake of complaints about Brewington, the Department of Consumer Affairs has added a link to its website where consumers can learn how to determine whether a talent scout or talent agency is legitimate. The link is at www.dca.lacounty.gov/talentservices/htm.
The department is asking anyone who has had contact or purchased services from Contour Management or Modern Talent Group to contact Merritt at (213) 974-9942 or investigator Esther Martinez at (213) 974-9673.
“Consumers must be very suspicious of any talent service, manager or agent who asks you to pay fees for any reason,” Merritt warned.
Brewington was scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 8.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in county jail and more than $45,000 in fines and penalties.
