Back Stage: What was your role in the actors boot camp described by the city attorney's office?
Nicholas Roses: For the last few years I've run an annual boot camp and showcase. They were hosted by my company, Roses Entertainment Group. The purpose of the boot camp and showcase was to educate the clients that I represent for their upcoming auditions and opportunities. Because this was the purpose, I had numerous clients attend on "scholarship" so that they might benefit from the program. My role in organizing the event was to connect my clients to qualified and skilled industry professionals who could advise them on their technique and improve their readiness. Professionals including casting directors, network executives, agents, on-set coaches, acting teachers and vocal coaches facilitated this event because of my personal relationships with them. At my invitation, attendees of the showcase included agents, network/studio casting executives, music producers, all which were unpaid. So, in essence I was looking out for the interests of my clients by leveraging my relationships with folks who could help them improve. Bottom line, my boot camps and showcases were not a SCAM. I had a proven success with clients that went through the program.
Back Stage: Why do you feel that the city attorney's office pressed charges against you?
Roses: The Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act went into effect in January 2010 and its intent was to protect parents and artists from scamming by unscrupulous people looking to make a quick buck and not provide a valuable service that helps the artist improve their techniques and readiness. I believe that Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert has the best interests of the community in mind and his job is to enforce the laws that are on the books. The law states that anyone providing services must file a $50,000 bond with the California State Labor Commissioner, and if hosted by a talent representative, the representative must not charge a fee to the client for such service. An allegation was made that Roses Entertainment Group did not follow the steps of the NEW law, thus violating the law and Mr. Lambert acted properly in conducting an investigation and proceeding as is required by the law, which is to file Labor Code Violations that are punishable as misdemeanors. As a point of information, one of my competitors, who was knowledgeable with this new California law, introduced the complainants to Mr. Lambert. What is so puzzling to me is that in June of 2011, this same manager had an intensive acting camp in Ohio with the same agency that introduced me to the 3 complaining mothers, charging $2,250.00 per attendee. I’m sure she helped those in attendance improve their skills. Thank goodness she knew that Ohio doesn’t have this law. One of the complainants booked multiple episodes of Parenthood on NBC and a commercial while under my representation, in less than 6 months. Further I did NOT plead guilty. I plead “Nolo Contendre” (no-contest) to running my boot camp and to not having the $50,000 bond.
Back Stage: Do you believe that you broke the law?
Roses: Again, the way the The Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act seeks to protect citizens is by implementing a process for legitimate providers to deliver this service and I accept responsibility for not having apprized myself of this process and ensuring that the annual boot camp and showcase that my company Roses Entertainment Group hosted followed this process. I believe that with the exception of 3 out of 50 participants who attended the event, the majority of my clients found value in the event and do not see themselves as having been "scammed". So in essence, while I failed to oversee my company following the process and thus being in contravention of the law, my intent and actions throughout the event was in alignment with the law's purpose of ensuring participants receive a valid and valuable service. You cannot just sign up for a class with several of the people that taught at my boot camps, these are industry professionals teaching based off my relationship with them. At the time this law was only in effect for 8 months. I did not know I was violating the law. I do not want to blame my youth for my mistake, however, I will say my lack of knowledge of this new law was the reason I was in violation; further, because of my youth it did not prompt me to look into new laws. I am just hoping that my mistake will be a lesson for any and all the legitimate talent representatives out there to know the current rules on workshops, showcases, etc.
Back Stage: What sort of work are you permitted to conduct under the terms of your sentence?
Roses: I AM permitted to be a talent manager and or talent agent. I can also own either of those companies.
I am also permitted to participate in the following activities, provided I receive no compensation or other consideration from any person:
1. Attend showcases
2. Lecture, teach or counsel any person, regardless of age
3. participate in a "Q and A" panel
I am permitted to be compensated as a "judge" at a talent competition or convention, though I may not be compensated for any of the three activities listed above as part of that talent competition or convention.
I am permitted to receive compensation from any person to work as a music and/or vocal production consultant, provided that I receive no fee from, or on behalf of any artist that I represent as a talent agent or talent manager.
Back Stage: When did you establish your new office?
Roses: I opened Total Talent Management in August of 2011. Our offices are located in Downtown Burbank.
Back Stage: What sort of work will you be engaged in at your new office?
Roses: We are a full service talent management company. Providing artist representation across the board. I am very happy that 40+ of my clients have followed me to my new firm and I look forward to continuing to represent them. Myself and the team at TTM plan to provide first class service to all clients and resume business as usual.
I would additionally like to add that I am appreciative to all the agents, casting directors, publicists, network/studio executives and industry professionals that have supported me through this time and am very happy this is behind me. I look forward to continuing to do business with all.
