Photo: Lou Pearlman
 

behind the scenes

 

meet: a handler

 
  Wizard behind the curtain  
     
 

Lou Pearlman creates bands (N'Sync and Backstreet Boys) when there was none before. In an effort to attract a target audience a group can be conjured to meet the demands of a marketing niche. Potential band members are auditioned to determine their appeal. The band is a commodity or product to be bought by you, the consumer, and sold by the band's handler and record company. Are these groups real?