| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |  |
- What, exactly, do you do?
- Are you an Agent or Agency?
- Why are you in Orange County (not Los Angeles)?
- How much do courses cost?
- Are you an "Advanced Fee Talent Service"?
- Why do I need to attend a Free Seminar prior to receiving a full Studio Packet and list of classes?
- When is your next free introductory class?
- Do you ever turn people away?
- Does that mean you only accept people with experience or "professionals"?
- What type of Financing do you offer?
- Tell me about your Placement Service.
What, exactly, do you do?
Del Mar Media Arts operates three divisions that work in the following areas: casting, production, and training.
The casting and production divisions are under the umbrella of our sister company, Del Mar Advertising (founded in 1970). This division casts for and produces projects for commercials, film, television, and voice over (radio commercials, narrations, animation, audio books, etc.).
The training portion, Del Mar Media Arts, was founded in 1980. For 25 years we functioned under the office of Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Schools, following the same strict regulations and protocol as all private universities and trade schools in California. In January 2005, SB 1544 went in to effect which states, "Institutions that exclusively offer programs that cost five hundred dollars ($500) or less are no longer required to have the Bureau's approval." However, we have chosen to continue the same programs and policies that we have maintained for over 25 years. (Back to top)
Are you an agent or agency?
No. That is considered a conflict of interest. A legitimate, licensed talent agency is prohibited from owning any interest in an acting studio.
We do, however, include evenings of guest SAG and ATA agents in the curriculum. This should not imply students will be signed by an agent during their time at DMA, although many students have made agency connections as a result of their participation in DMA courses. (Back to top)
Why are you in Orange County (not Los Angeles)?
Del Mar Media Arts' first location was in Hollywood/Burbank in 1980, followed by San Diego in 1983, and Orlando, Florida in 1985. In 1991 all offices were combined to our current location in Irvine, California. This became possible because of the rapid growth of the industry here over the last several years. (Back to top)
How much do courses cost?
We offer more than 15 types of courses at Del Mar Media Arts. They vary in length from six to eight weeks and time (12-18 hours of course work). The tuition ranges from $295 to $495 depending on the length and number of course hours. (Back to top)
Are you an advanced fee talent service?
No. Del Mar Media Arts does not charge a fee for auditions, promise work or the opportunity to work, accept referral fees from third parties, employ recruiters, or require a purchase of any kind for auditions that are conducted at the studio. Auditions are open to actors and are published through legitimate sources (agents, casting directors, etc.), and enrollment in Del Mar courses or any other type of payment to DMA is not a requirement to participate in auditions or be hired for projects.
DMA does not sign students to managerial contracts. DMA does not sell or promote photography of any kind. Sources for artist promotional material are supplied but always optional to the student. (Back to top)
Why do I need to attend a free seminar prior to receiving a full studio packet and list of classes?
Since 1980, the State of California has required all prospective students to attend one free open house seminar prior to entering into any course work at Del Mar Media Arts. Today, this continues to be a studio prerequisite.
This is a form of disclosure and allows the studio to explain in detail the courses and philosophy of the studio.
Attendees are then requested to schedule an evaluation interview (free of charge) to determine the suitability of the person and possible acceptance into the program. Attendees will be required to answer a few interview questions and read material (provided) either on camera or on mic as part of the evaluation. (Back to top)
When is your next free introductory class?
Our next free introductory class will be on 10/08/2008. Reserve your spot now.
Do you ever turn people away?
Yes. Obviously, everyone is not cut out for the type of work done here. Del Mar Media Arts has an excellent reputation in the industry for holding a high level of class work. Persons who appear to not meet the criteria of ability will be given an honest appraisal and told the reasons for non-acceptance. (Back to top)
Does that mean you only accept people with experience or professionals?
Not at all! Although DMA offers many professional-level courses, much of the student body is made up of people who are exploring these endeavors for the first time. Students range from 8 years to adult (including seniors), all physical types and ethnicities, and people from all walks of life. (Back to top)
What type of financing do you offer?
Del Mar Media Arts accepts checks, cash, and all major credit cards. (Back to top)
Tell me about your placement service.
Placement does not exist in this industry. No legitimate studio would ever guarantee or even offer any type of placement. Jobs are eventually won by actors who do excellent auditions. Auditioning skills are the central focus of all of our training. (Back to top)
Learn the rest of the story. Reserve a spot in our next free seminar. Receive a detailed information packet, invitation, and map to our facility.
