Kim Brooke Group

I have been w/the agency for 4.5 years, it has been good to me. Kim is efficent and will work hard to get you auditions. It is a great place and I very much look forward to calls from the agnecy with new auditions to go on. I would tell others to try out for this agency! more

My experience with the Kim Brooke was positive from the very first day. Both my son and I loved them, and they were all great with him. They are all very knowledgeable of the industry. They are honest and give you a very real expectation, and they don't make promises they cannot keep! I have been signed with Kim for less than a year and my son has already had multiple auditions, and we just finished filming a nationally televised commercial that my son was booked for. Kim was amazing, and helped me through it all! She is always very prompt to respond, and was a huge support to me. I am very grateful to have found my son such an amazing agent, and would recommend her to anyone!!! Thanks, Kim, for everything! Sam and I are looking forward to our next job! :) \r \r more

From Casting Directors to Advertising Agencies - they will tell you Kim Brooke has been around a long time and she is very respected and her people are of extreme quality. I know because I use her agency all the time. more

We have our toddler with Kim Brooke. She is very honest and straight forward - no promises. We appreciate that fresh approach and did some serius investigating before we went with her. If our child gets work - great - if not we feel we were well informed about the business and that is the chance you take. Karen & Todd B more

I have been a client of Kim Brooke for over 15 years! Her models and actors are top of the line. She tries really hard for her people and is a joy to work with. KJ Marketing more

The acting classes at the Kim Brooke were extremely effective for building upon my skills and talents. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. I am now more confident and prepared for auditions and jobs. Directly after joining the agency I was sent to my very first audition for a commercial and landed the job!!!! I was ecstatic as this was a lead speaking role! Overall this has been a fantastic learning and working experience. I am so excited to receive more bookings! more

I have been with Kim Broke Group for over 10 yrs. I also have a 7 yr old and a baby in her agency. We researched and visited several other places before joining her company. They are the most professional and very honest with the way they handle everything. I would highly recommend Kim Brooke to anyone. She's the BEST!!!! more

I have worked with Kim Brooke for 10 months now and couldn't be happier! She has an amazing reputation with her clients and casting directors. This agency is extremely professional and honest and is the longest running agency in the Seattle area. She has been around for 30 plus years and that speaks for itself. I look forward to working at the KIM BROOKE GROUP everyday I'm there and feel there is no better place to be. more

Here's the deal. Unless you are in Los Angeles or New York forget it. Seattle just doesnt have the market to make a real living in ""acting"" or ""modeling."" Seriously folks. Secondly, if you do go with Kim Brooke, they make their money off of the classes and everything else they sell you. You will make nothing more than a couple of hundred dollars here or there doing some print work, but you could have done that going to open calls on your own. The biggest job to date paid $1500.00 - after years of going to these auditions. Not a great deal considering 2 full days were blown shooting. By the time you count all the money you spent on missing work to go to auditions, gas money, and everything else you actually end up in the negative. I know.... we have been with Kim for years. All we get are tiny jobs with little checks. She makes the real money off of classes and the ""talent"" make nothing. They aren't relevant in the industry. Sorry. more

I have to agree with the review below me, joining Kim Brooke was the right choice for me. Yes there are other legitimate agencies in Seattle, and yes I tried to audition at most of them.\r \r Tiffany Talent: They seemed disorganized and unprofessional\r Toposwope: Not accepting new talent\r Colleen Bell: Classes were SO pricey for what you got\r Big Fish: Just an online agency...basically I had to pay to be on their website and that was all they offered me.\r Emerald City: What a joke. The guy was creepy and wanted to take pics of me on his digital camera...and charge me for them.\r John Robert Powers, Barbizon, and John Casablanca: they are not agencies...just charm schools\r \r Basically, I joined Kim Brooke because they had their stuff together and the cost of classes was worth it for what I got. The fact that I can take workshops with their coaches as much as I want for as long as I want, and my headshot was included in the workshops, is worth it to me. I have been on two auditions and had one direct booking which already paid for the workshops. woohoo! more

I love being represented by Kim Brooke! Before I came to Kim I had been ripped off by Casablanca and Emerald City Model and Talent so I was very wary of any place that said I needed to be trained. Lukily I trusted my instincts decided to go for it...I signed up for workshops with a coach (Ray, he is AMAZING) that the girl I auditioned with recommended and I was BLOWN AWAY with how much there was to know about acting. I had the opportunity to go on an audition after my third workshop which was a definite eye opener...I had no idea how much better you are treated by the directors when you are actually represented by someone!\r \r I had my final audition with Kim Brooke herself and was accepted into the agency. I stop in all the time and Kim always takes time to say hi to me (she knows me by name, as well as everyone else in the agency) and the agents are always friendly and tell me about what kind of work they have coming up that they are submitting me for. \r \r This place feels like home to me\r \r more

This Jennifer Lomardo chick sounds a bit crazy. First off on 4/1/10 she writes a review defending the Kim Brooke Group and then she writes another review months later ""Truth From An Insider"" slamming the agency. Sounds like a bitter woman that got fired and now has changed her story. God don't like ugly. more

I went through the obligatory classes demanded by Kim and found them completely worthless. There is absolutely no feedback, no help whatsoever. It basically boils down to giving them 2000 and hope for some small, crappy gig that doesn't pay anything and that she pays you maybe 3 months later. One of my biggest life lessons!\r more

The review below this was written by Jennifer Lombardo (A.K.A Jennifer Saint James) , a former employee of the Kim Brooke Group who was fired for unethical business practices within the agency. \r Everything she mentions in her ""review"" is what she did within the agency and what ultimately got her fired.\r \r The Kim Brooke Group is the longest running model and talent management group in Seattle...we have been here for 20+ years....that speaks for itself. \r more

THIS IS 100% TRUE\r \r Let me begin by telling you I worked at KBG for quite awhile as a Talent Agent/Scout. I had no experience in the industry. KBG was looking for Sales People who were called Talent Agents. \r Our job was to get people signed up for classes. Push, push, push those classes and workshops. Especially with those who get education money from their employers like Boeing. Those are the cash cows.\r That is how the agency keeps it's doors open.\r \r Not long after working with KBG I found out that this agency gets the same open calls that everyone gets.\r No special relationship involved. The big difference is that ""REAL"" agencies dont require classes/training.\r You can research this with KOMO TV4 who had REAL agencies on their shows years ago.\r \r For example Heffner Management (downtown seattle), only require you bring in a photo, not a portfolio. And they will tell you the truth about your chances in the industry. KBG will tell you anything you want to hear to collect those class/worshop fees. \r \r Every person I signed up came back to me and complained they werent getting any auditions or bookings. That is when I knew for certain that this was just like Barbizon and Casablanca Modeling , a complete RIP OFF. And I quit because I felt horrible for what KBG was doing and didnt want to be associated with such a dishonest company. All is directed and overseen by Kim Brooke herself. She trains the Talent Agents to get the people excited, show them around, let them walk the runway, show classroom and then get them talking about what they want to do and tell them the place they must begin is training, headshots, etc...$$$. Before putting your money down, go to the others and you will see how similar their approach is. Then go to Heffner Management, you will not miss the difference.\r \r When I left KBG, I left the industry. I have never worked for Heffner but I referred some of my disappointed students at KBG to Heffner and they actually did much better. It was the least I could do for them.\r \r Warning signs: Boothes, City U workshops, Mailing list, Drawings, Contests. \r Gimmicks to get your info, get you to come in, and to get your money. \r When offering you work, ""you dont pay for a job"".\r You will never find any of this with legit agencies.\r \r Advice: BUYER BEWARE\r Call companies/designers/stores and ask them who they book their talent with? Many will tell you they offer open calls. That means anyone can show up.\r Extras, can also be anyone. No exp. required.\r \r I hope this helps clear up any confusions one may have about agencies. It all depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to learn some beauty tips, social something to do, then go for it!! They all have something to offer just be clear about what it is they REALLY offer, is what you want.\r Buyer Beware.\r \r \r NOTE:\r The positive reviews/testimonies are usually written by staff, family and friends to throw the public off the truth. Most disappointed students dont submit complaints to BBB or Attorney General's Office but they really should if they want to inform the public.\r That is the only way change will come about.\r \r Good Luck more

Kudos to the Kim Brooke Group. After reading some of the ""bad' reviews, anyone having ANY knowledge about the industry would know these reviews are totally out of line, silly, and not at all true. I personally have always wanted to pursue acting in the worst way. I went to the Kim Brooke Group on an ad I saw listed on Craigs List. I didn't have any experience and was told I was going to have to have commercial training. I was really excited till I read a few ""bad"" reviews so I decided to hold off. My husband and I moved to L.A for his business 6 months later. I thought since I lived in LA...the hot spot for television I'd look into it down here. I couldn't so much as get an appointment with ANY agency let alone get my foot in the door without commercial training. And down in LA, Training runs between $8000.00 and $12,000.00. I did manage to get into one or two movies as an extra earning maybe $100.00. This last April my husband and I moved back to Seattle and again I went into the Kim Brooke Group and was told that if I truly wanted to earn a great income, I would have to have training. I agreed. I signed up for the workshops and within a few months I was actually in my first commercial. You can see me in several commercials, and print ads. I'm having fun, earning a good salary, and living my dream. The staff in great, the talent scouts really know this industry well, and the Kim Brooke Group really is the best in Seattle...I give this agency * * * * * stars I.Ice Pros: Best Agency in Seattle more

My experience with the Kim Brooke agency was a great one. I am still with the agency and they are very hands on. I have worked several gigs and made more than my money back. But mostly I loved the coaches. I learned a ton. The agency has a ton of charachter and has been in Eastlake forever, it reminds me of something you see in a movie. Very colorful characthers and just plain fun. I would refer anyone there looking to break ground in the industry. Best, David Allen Pros: Hands On, Honest, Dependable Cons: Mostly Local Work Only more

To F.R.A.U.D. None of what you said is true and I can personally prove that what is being said is just plain and simply SLANDER towards Jennifer. First off, EVERYONE that comes into an agency expects the agency to take them HANDS down REGARDLESS of LACK of experience. Yes, if you can pass the agency audition ( same applies in LA. & NY ) We [The Kim Brooke Group] would sign you to our agency. Those that DO NOT have ANY experience whatsoever, YES, you DO NEED to go SOMEWHERE and get trained!!!. At NO time have I ever told someone that they MUST get training from our agency. Where YOU go is up to you. BUT YES, YOU DO NEED TRAINING IN THIS INDUSTRY. ( I'm talking to individuals 1 -5 years after I saw them the first time, and guess what, They're still trying to break into this industry, yet REFUSE to seek out ANY commercial training. )\r Agencies are NOT responsible for financing your training. Coaches DO NOT train out of the ""goodness"" of their hearts. So Yes, YOU DO HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR OWN TRAINING.\r We also have NEVER told anyone they have to come up with their fees ASAP! There are deadlines for enrollment EVEN in this industry, and just like colleges or Vocational Schools THEY do have NON NEGOTIABLE DEADLINES.\r If and when you have a bad experience in ANY company, instead of slamming that business and going on line ( which in this industry is like the National Enquirer ) Call them back, come in, ask them if what you heard is true, or was it because you do not understand the terminology and decided in your own mind that this must be a scam.\r \r To The Craigs List Ad that was ...misleading???\r NOT ONCE have WE [The Kim Brooke Group] EVER listed an ad on Craigs List that stated NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!! We do not take NON EXPERIENCED individuals and put them in $40,000. dollar commericals. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. \r Those that come in and tell us they have ALL this experience, but fail #1 to have any proof, or lack experience, we're not going to take you. Being in a music video does NOT make you experienced. Nor does doing background work or being an ""extra"" in LA give you the experience you need to be in a leading part. ( If you are THAT GOOD ...You'd be working already in this industry earning a great income!!!)\r A data entry operator is NOT going to ""get"" you into computer programer position.\r Those of you women that come to us Under 5'8 are YES, allowed to do everything BUT HIGH FASHION. So if you are 5'4 and were told that you have potential, but you need training...Why would that be a scam?\r We didn't say you HAD to get training with [us] The Kim Brooke Group, But I bet you that you didn't even bother to get training elsewhere or even bothered to look!!\r So again, Instead of ""slamming"" an agency because we either TURNED you down OR told you to seek out training DOES NOT MAKE US OR ANY OTHER AGENCY IN THE WRONG.\r And those of you that ...swear by what you read. OMG, Anybody can write anything without ever even stepping into a business. Come in for yourself. I bet you will like what you hear, and who knows, you might just end up in a FUN and VERY REWARDING career.\r Jennifer Saint James\r The Kim Brooke Group Pros: Understanding ACTING/MODELING Agencies Cons: Stop SLAMMING and get your FACTS straight first. more

I walked in with my partner who was in for an interview. Just sitting on the 1980's leftover purple couch. I noticed everything looked like time had forgotten it. My partner came out of his interview telling me how much Jennifer loved his look and wanted him to bring in $2000 by tomorrow as she would be ""on-site"" in California. Since when do agents spend a month on site?.... Anyway, $2000 by tomorrow? I told him to sit on it for a few days and mull it over, ask some questions and to be sure to get a statement in writing that he would be guaranteed work should he decide to pay the $2000 for acting classes and photos. Next we decided that he should find out who provides the lessons and photographs and how reputable they might be. Jennifer gave us a first name only and was reluctant to release a last name. She then informed us of some of her credentials in acting.... He could have Nicolas Cage!!! But yet he was giving acting lessons inside of a 1980's zebra and purple acting agency??? Then we found dozens and dozens of identical reviews. Even the charter sign in the office had hardware store block lettering pasted to it to give the impression of being a legitimate agency. This is a well honed, but not very well thought out, SCAM!\r Avoid KBG at all costs! Rub your rosaries as you drive by, where a face mask if you must walk down that stretch of Eastlake Ave to prevent catching the plague that is Kim Brooke Group. If it were possible I'd rank this so-called business with negative stars. Cons: There's not enough room here more

I worked with Kim at KISS radio several years back. I was so impressed with her agency that I ended up working as an actor at The Kim Brooke Group. Kim refers the best coaches in town if you don?t have the experience needed to see clients; I trained with Gabriel Baron and Rebecca Rainsberger. After landing some TV commercials I am in radio back on the East Coast. Kim is by far the shining star in Seattle. more