New ideas almost always generate backlashes, and the Entertainment Career Connection scam is evidence of that. The truth is that mentorship programs, such as those provided by Entertainment Connection and its affiliates are anything but new. Mentorship programs in the arts have a history that goes back probably to ancient times.
In those days there were no art schools to speak of and higher education was for the privileged classes. If one wanted to become an artist one had to find an artist and apprentice under them to learn one’s trade.
Entertainment Connection is essentially a modern version of the same model. Entertainment Connection, along with Radio Connection, Film Connection, Music Connection and Recording Connection, places students in internship-like programs where they are able to learn their trade first hand under the tutelage of real professionals.
While there are some who have lashed out and called the Entertainment Connection a scam there is no real basis to these claims. Obviously someone, somewhere can always find an excuse to complain about something. However in the case of the “Entertainment Career Connection scam,” it appears many, if not all, of these claims are completely unfounded.
The Better Business Bureau has no record of any kind of government action being taken against Entertainment Connection nor does it offer any kind of negative comment or analysis regarding the company’s business practices.
No educational or job placement program can truthfully claim a 100% success rate for its students or participants. Nowhere in any of its literature or web materials does Entertainment Connection offer guarantees of success. It seems likely that many of the people who have called Entertainment Connection a scam went into the program with unrealistic expectations.
Success takes hard work. In a competitive, media-related field, it also takes connections and an understanding of the business. In some cases, luck may also play a role. Entertainment Connection is quite simply a service that allows participants to learn their profession in a real professional environment while working with real professionals as opposed to sitting in a classroom and hearing a teacher lecture.
Entertainment Connection or no Entertainment Connection, to succeed in the film, radio or music business takes hard work, talent and drive. Students who lack those traits would do well to consider alternative career paths. But to blame one’s lack of success on Entertainment Connection is patently absurd.
That’s almost like an out of work violinist saying the Julliard School of Music is a scam because they can’t find a gig.
Everyone’s destiny is in his or her own hands. No one can really offer you a magic secret to success. If anyone tells you they can, you’ll know that’s a scam. Entertainment Connection is about providing the opportunity to learn on the job and to make career connections. Where’s the Entertainment Career Connection scam in that?
