Complaint Review: Hype Victoria Talbot

Victoria sold photographs of mine to several magazines a few years ago. She only paid for one of the issues and never paid the remaining balance of over $5000.  I tried to collect for months, she kept saying the checks will be in the mail, blah blah blah...but they never arrived.  I eventually gave up and moved on. I thought I should let anyone who is considering to do business with Victoria to beware or just make sure you collect the money first and then pay her the % for her services. 

November 13, 2007

From Judge Fredy A. Herr, Town Justice, Town of Cherry Valley, NY

A hearing was held in the Town Court of Cherry Valley on October 17, 2007. The plaintiff entered into contract with Victoria Talbot of Hype Inc. This contract was a Public Relations agreement whereby Hype Inc. would solicit the plaintiff's talent to various magazines, newspapers, etc. The plaintiff stated in court she did sign the contract with Hype Inc.

Both sides presented various emails, copy of signed contract and various other evidence. The contract stated the Plaintiff would pay Hype Inc. $2000 per month. The contract started in early September, 2006 when the Plaintiff paid the retainer fee of $2000.

During the next two months the Plaintiff and Defendant communicated many times by email and telephone. At one point the Plaintiff was asked repeatedly for up-to-date photos and information to be put on the Web. The Plaintiff sent photos that were not up to standards and out of date. Hype Inc. wanted plaintiff to go to a photo shoot with people they have used before that had been set up by Hype Inc. but the plaintiff wanted to use someone in Ohio. The court feels this was unreasonable since the reputation of Hype Inc. was in question and if these photos were not up to par the Press Kit and reputation of the defendant would be at risk.

At one point the Plaintiff's computer, for more than 2 weeks, was locked up and not working. She was unable to get her new Bio to Hype Inc. to allow them to do their work.

The Plaintiff wanted to have the Press Kit out by Black Friday, November 24, 2006. As late as November 12, 2006, the Plaintiff's computer was not working and the Plaintiff said her Bio was "Trapped in My Computer" (November 12, 2006 email) and Plaintiff fired Hype Inc. on November 17, 2006, seven days prior to Black Friday. When the Plaintiff first entered into contract it was to be for Press for magazines, Television, radio and newspapers to promote her book and to host a show. Later the Plaintiff was looking to do a Photo cover for Playboy magazine.

The Plaintiff complained about the amount Victoria was charging per hour ($100). The Plaintiff should have had that in the contract she signed and/or questioned this prior to signing the contract. A Public Relations Billing Rate and Cost Estimating Spreadsheet was given to the Plaintiff for the rest of the charges.

The amount of time that was spent by Victoria Talbot and cost incurred was submitted to the court. The court has no way of knowing if this is accurate, but there is no evidence disputing it.

The Court's decision is in favor of the Defendant, Hype Inc. and Victoria Talbot and no damages are to be paid.

Fredy A Herr
Town Justice
Cherry Valley, NY

November 13, 2007

From Judge Fredy A. Herr, Town Justice, Town of Cherry Valley, NY

A hearing was held in the Town Court of Cherry Valley on October 17, 2007. The plaintiff entered into contract with Victoria Talbot of Hype Inc. This contract was a Public Relations agreement whereby Hype Inc. would solicit the plaintiff's talent to various magazines, newspapers, etc. The plaintiff stated in court she did sign the contract with Hype Inc.

Both sides presented various emails, copy of signed contract and various other evidence. The contract stated the Plaintiff would pay Hype Inc. $2000 per month. The contract started in early September, 2006 when the Plaintiff paid the retainer fee of $2000.

During the next two months the Plaintiff and Defendant communicated many times by email and telephone. At one point the Plaintiff was asked repeatedly for up-to-date photos and information to be put on the Web. The Plaintiff sent photos that were not up to standards and out of date. Hype Inc. wanted plaintiff to go to a photo shoot with people they have used before that had been set up by Hype Inc. but the plaintiff wanted to use someone in Ohio. The court feels this was unreasonable since the reputation of Hype Inc. was in question and if these photos were not up to par the Press Kit and reputation of the defendant would be at risk.

At one point the Plaintiff's computer, for more than 2 weeks, was locked up and not working. She was unable to get her new Bio to Hype Inc. to allow them to do their work.

The Plaintiff wanted to have the Press Kit out by Black Friday, November 24, 2006. As late as November 12, 2006, the Plaintiff's computer was not working and the Plaintiff said her Bio was "Trapped in My Computer" (November 12, 2006 email) and Plaintiff fired Hype Inc. on November 17, 2006, seven days prior to Black Friday. When the Plaintiff first entered into contract it was to be for Press for magazines, Television, radio and newspapers to promote her book and to host a show. Later the Plaintiff was looking to do a Photo cover for Playboy magazine.

The Plaintiff complained about the amount Victoria was charging per hour ($100). The Plaintiff should have had that in the contract she signed and/or questioned this prior to signing the contract. A Public Relations Billing Rate and Cost Estimating Spreadsheet was given to the Plaintiff for the rest of the charges.

The amount of time that was spent by Victoria Talbot and cost incurred was submitted to the court. The court has no way of knowing if this is accurate, but there is no evidence disputing it.

The Court's decision is in favor of the Defendant, Hype Inc. and Victoria Talbot and no damages are to be paid.

Fredy A Herr
Town Justice
Cherry Valley, NY

November 13, 2007

From Judge Fredy A. Herr, Town Justice, Town of Cherry Valley, NY

A hearing was held in the Town Court of Cherry Valley on October 17, 2007. The plaintiff entered into contract with Victoria Talbot of Hype Inc. This contract was a Public Relations agreement whereby Hype Inc. would solicit the plaintiff's talent to various magazines, newspapers, etc. The plaintiff stated in court she did sign the contract with Hype Inc.

Both sides presented various emails, copy of signed contract and various other evidence. The contract stated the Plaintiff would pay Hype Inc. $2000 per month. The contract started in early September, 2006 when the Plaintiff paid the retainer fee of $2000.

During the next two months the Plaintiff and Defendant communicated many times by email and telephone. At one point the Plaintiff was asked repeatedly for up-to-date photos and information to be put on the Web. The Plaintiff sent photos that were not up to standards and out of date. Hype Inc. wanted plaintiff to go to a photo shoot with people they have used before that had been set up by Hype Inc. but the plaintiff wanted to use someone in Ohio. The court feels this was unreasonable since the reputation of Hype Inc. was in question and if these photos were not up to par the Press Kit and reputation of the defendant would be at risk.

At one point the Plaintiff's computer, for more than 2 weeks, was locked up and not working. She was unable to get her new Bio to Hype Inc. to allow them to do their work.

The Plaintiff wanted to have the Press Kit out by Black Friday, November 24, 2006. As late as November 12, 2006, the Plaintiff's computer was not working and the Plaintiff said her Bio was "Trapped in My Computer" (November 12, 2006 email) and Plaintiff fired Hype Inc. on November 17, 2006, seven days prior to Black Friday. When the Plaintiff first entered into contract it was to be for Press for magazines, Television, radio and newspapers to promote her book and to host a show. Later the Plaintiff was looking to do a Photo cover for Playboy magazine.

The Plaintiff complained about the amount Victoria was charging per hour ($100). The Plaintiff should have had that in the contract she signed and/or questioned this prior to signing the contract. A Public Relations Billing Rate and Cost Estimating Spreadsheet was given to the Plaintiff for the rest of the charges.

The amount of time that was spent by Victoria Talbot and cost incurred was submitted to the court. The court has no way of knowing if this is accurate, but there is no evidence disputing it.

The Court's decision is in favor of the Defendant, Hype Inc. and Victoria Talbot and no damages are to be paid.

Fredy A Herr
Town Justice
Cherry Valley, NY

Summary of Talbot Statements/Documents:
In her letter to the better business bureau, Ms Talbot claims that things turned sour some time after June 2006...


AMBER: this is a perfect example of errors on Victoria's part. I did NOT even know Victoria Talbot Pressley in June 2006.
The time frame is completely wrong.

Yes- victoria did finally respond to the BBB. Finally-
At the time of the post - she had NOT... so that post is completely accurate!

I have been gathering evidence and have all I need to show that Victoria Talbot Pressley of Hype Inc did NOT make a press kit and/or send one out. Also that she continuing lied and changed her story throughout the time she was supposed to be working for me.

My friend and her FORMER client that reffered me to her has apologized to me hundreds of times for sending me to such an unreilable person. this FORMER client wants nothing to do with TALBOT PRESSLEY and after my money is returned neither do I.

The Better Business Bureau will have all evidence soon and there wil be nothing left for Victoria Talbot Pressly to lie about. Evidence of Johanna Krupas manager will be included.

Also I never contacted Alicia Minshew or Anthony Catanzara- However, I did speak with Anthony Catanzara and another victim of Victoria Talbot Pressly who got in touch with me.

Ms. Talbot/Hype's Position Statement
The bottom line is that Amber was referred by a personal friend of one of Hype's best known clients and based largely on this and the original materials Amber submitted, Hype was willing to take on this project. Unfortunately, Amber's current package is different from the original presentation and Mz Talbot feels Amber misrepresented herself. Perhaps Mz Amber had realistic expectations, based on the success her friend was having as a result of Hype's representation of this client.

Mz. Talbot states that, frankly not everyone in this business will become a star. It takes a look and presence that is sellable to the right people. Amber's friend has that look and star quality. When Talbot met Amber in person, two months after agreeing to work with Amber, and reviewed recent photo shoot pictures, she realized Amber may not present the kind of image needed to get bookings in FHM, Playboy and Maxim and suggested refocusing in avenues that might be more suitable like VH-1, Nick, and MTV.

This suggestion was not received well and the business relationship was terminated at that point. Unfortunately, expenses had accrued for work done up to that point that actually exceeded the amount of the retainer, so no refund or reimbursement was due.

Amber:
Publicist Victoria Talbot- Pressly, the owner of the Hype located in Cherry Valley, New York has refused to reinburse me for services I paid for but have NOT been rendered. After being reffered to Victoria Talbot Pressly, I viewed her site full of celebrity clients and then trusted that she was a creditable publicist.

Victoria:
Summary of Talbot Statements/Documents:
In her letter to the better business bureau, Ms Talbot claims that things turned sour some time after June 2006, after a meeting and review of new photo shoot images that revealed a woman about 50 lbs and 10 years of aging different that the original images representing Amber. When Victoria told her the truth about the PR world and the problems she saw with the weight gain and current complexion issues, Amber became angry and disgruntled with Victoria and Hype.

At that time various expenses including a press kit and graphics design time, had accrued based on the original image from the older photos, which were now a misrepresentation.

Hype received a $2000 retainer fee from Amber, which was spent on a variety of publicity and press kit expenses and additional expenses above the retainer were billed to the client's account. Hype's normal pricelist was waived and an hourly rate applied to work performed for Amber. Amber misrepresented herself on several points that caused the business relationship to terminate

Victoria states that perhaps Amber had unrealistic expectations of what could be done in her case, since a girlfriend of Amber's had reported getting various high profile magazine, movie and other promotion opportunities due to Hype's PR work for that client and the prominence of several Hype clients listed on the AllAboutHype.com website and the website's prominence in search engines for several models-PR related search terms.

Victoria further states: She managed to reach two other clients (including Anthony Catanzaro and Alicia Minshew) that where not happy and turn them on the company as well based on their own frustrations with their personal careers. The Hype contract does not guarantee that press is booking under a time limit. The standard Hype Inc contract states that I'll do my best to create bookings and publicity, but there are no specific timelines guaranteed.

Victoria reminds us that a Retainer fee is standard business practice. It is for services to be performed on behalf of the client. It both protects the contractor and motivates the client.


Amber:
I then wrote an email and sent a letter to officially call our business relationship off and request my money paid back. I received no response. I then contacted the Better Business Bureau and they contacted her. She did not respond to them then bragged that I could do nothing.

Victoria Talbot Pressly began lying on a regular basis in regards to the work she was doing for me. She then continued with this and could show nothing for it. She would ignore most of my calls and emails. At the end of three months she began ignoring ALL my emails and phone calls.

Victoria:
Ms Talbot has evidence of contacting NY Better Business Bureau

pressbox.co.uk
In another article posted at pressbox.co.uk, based largely on the Gristak piece, author Ann McKay claims manager to model Joanna Krupa admitted to having reoccurring problems with Victoria Talbot-Pressly. Victoria has a letter from the manager stating I never gave an interview and already complained about what was said in that article. I don't even know who Amber is... I got an email once from a writer Ann McKay for this online mag and never ever gave an interview...

Legal Action Initiated:
March 1, 2007: Cease & Desist demand issued from her lawyer, Wallace Collins stating the statements made by Amber, on various websites and blogs are untrue, slanderous and will be prosecuted if the information posted on the various sites is not deleted immediately. The cease & desist demand also warns the actual websites on which these posting appear may also be liable for damages, if they continue tarnishing Ms Talbot's reputation and business dealings with these allegations.

Ms. Talbot/Hype's Position Statement
The bottom line is that Mz Gristak was referred by a personal friend of one of Hype's best known clients and based largely on this and the original materials Mz Gristak submitted, Hype was willing to take on this project.

Unfortunately, Mz Gristak's current package is different from the original presentation and Mz Talbot feels Mz Gristak misrepresented herself. Perhaps Mz Gristak had realistic expectations, based on the success her friend was having as a result of Hype Inc,'s representation of this client.

Mz. Talbot states that, frankly not everyone in this business will become a star. It takes a look and presence that is sellable to the right people. Mz Girstak's friend has that look and star quality. When Talbot met Girstak in person, two months after agreeing to work with Mz Gristak, and reviewed recent photo shoot pictures, she realized Gristak may not present the kind of image needed to get bookings in FHM, Playboy and Maxim and suggested refocusing in avenues that might be more suitable like VH-1, Nick, and MTV.

This suggestion was not received well and the business relationship was terminated at that point. Unfortunately, expenses had accrued for work done up to that point that actually exceeded the amount of the retainer, so no refund or reimbursement was due.

Amber:
Publicist Victoria Talbot- Pressly, the owner of the Hype Inc. located in Cherry Valley, New York has refused to reinburse me for services I paid for but have NOT been rendered. After being reffered to Victoria Talbot Pressly, I viewed her site full of celebrity clients and then trusted that she was a creditable publicist.

Victoria:
Summary of Talbot Statements/Documents:
In her letter to the better business bureau, Ms Talbot claims that things turned sour some time after June 2006, after a meeting and review of new photo shoot images that revealed a woman about 50 lbs and 10 years of aging different that the original images representing Mz Gristak. When Victoria told her the truth about the PR world and the problems she saw with the weight gain and current complexion issues, Amber Gristak became angry and disgruntled with Victoria and Hype.

At that time various expenses including a press kit and graphics design time, had accrued based on the original image from the older photos, which were now a misrepresentation.

Hype received a $2000 retainer fee from Mz Gristak, which was spent on a variety of publicity and press kit expenses and additional expenses above the retainer were billed to the client's account. Hype's normal pricelist was waived and an hourly rate applied to work performed for Amber. Mz Gristak misrepresented herself on several points that caused the business relationship to terminate

Victoria states that perhaps Amber had unrealistic expectations of what could be done in her case, since a girlfriend of Amber's had reported getting various high profile magazine, movie and other promotion opportunities due to Hype's PR work for that client and the prominence of several Hype clients listed on the AllAboutHype.com website and the website's prominence in search engines for several models-PR related search terms.

Victoria further states: She managed to reach two other clients (including Anthony Catanzaro and Alicia Minshew) that where not happy and turn them on the company as well based on their own frustrations with their personal careers. The Hype Inc. contract does not guarantee that press is booking under a time limit. The standard Hype Inc contract states that I'll do my best to create bookings and publicity, but there are no specific timelines guaranteed.

Victoria reminds us that a Retainer fee is standard business practice. It is for services to be performed on behalf of the client. It both protects the contractor and motivates the client.


Amber:
I then wrote an email and sent a letter to officially call our business relationship off and request my money paid back. I received no response. I then contacted the Better Business Bureau and they contacted her. She did not respond to them then bragged that I could do nothing.

Victoria Talbot Pressly began lying on a regular basis in regards to the work she was doing for me. She then continued with this and could show nothing for it. She would ignore most of my calls and emails. At the end of three months she began ignoring ALL my emails and phone calls.

Victoria:
Ms Talbot has evidence of contacting NY Better Business Bureau

pressbox
In another article posted at pressbox.co.uk, based largely on the Gristak piece, author Ann McKay claims manager to model Joanna Krupa admitted to having reoccurring problems with Victoria Talbot-Pressly. Victoria has a letter from the manager stating I never gave an interview and already complained about what was said in that article. I don't even know who Amber is. I got an email once from a writer Ann McKay for this online mag and never ever gave an interview...

Legal Action Initiated:
March 1, 2007: Cease & Desist demand issued from her lawyer, Wallace Collins stating the statements made by Amber Gristak, on various websites and blogs are untrue, slanderous and will be prosecuted if the information posted on the various sites is not deleted immediately. The cease & desist demand also warns the actual websites on which these posting appear may also be liable for damages, if they continue tarnishing Ms Talbot's reputation and business dealings with these allegations.

Ms. Talbot/Hype's Position Statement
The bottom line is that Mz Gristak was referred by a personal friend of one of Hype's best known clients and based largely on this and the original materials Mz Gristak submitted, Hype was willing to take on this project. Unfortunately, Mz Gristak's current package is different from the original presentation and Mz Talbot feels Mz Gristak misrepresented herself. Perhaps Mz Gristak had realistic expectations, based on the success her friend was having as a result of Hype Inc,'s representation of this client.

Mz. Talbot states that, frankly not everyone in this business will become a star. It takes a look and presence that is sellable to the right people. Mz Girstak's friend has that look and star quality. When Talbot met Girstak in person, two months after agreeing to work with Mz Gristak, and reviewed recent photo shoot pictures, she realized Gristak may not present the kind of image needed to get bookings in FHM, Playboy and Maxim and suggested refocusing in avenues that might be more suitable like VH-1, Nick, and MTV.

This suggestion was not received well and the business relationship was terminated at that point. Unfortunately, expenses had accrued for work done up to that point that actually exceeded the amount of the retainer, so no refund or reimbursement was due.

Amber:
Publicist Victoria Talbot- Presley, the owner of the Hype Inc. located in Cherry Valley, New York has refused to reinburse me for services I paid for but have NOT been rendered. After being reffered to Victoria Talbot Presley, I viewed her site full of celebrity clients and then trusted that she was a creditable publicist.

Victoria:
Summary of Talbot Statements/Documents:
In her letter to the better business bureau, Ms Talbot claims that things turned sour some time after June 2006, after a meeting and review of new photo shoot images that revealed a woman about 50 lbs and 10 years of aging different that the original images representing Mz Gristak. When Victoria told her the truth about the PR world and the problems she saw with the weight gain and current complexion issues, Amber Gristak became angry and disgruntled with Victoria and Hype.

At that time various expenses including a press kit and graphics design time, had accrued based on the original image from the older photos, which were now a misrepresentation.

Hype received a $2000 retainer fee from Mz Gristak, which was spent on a variety of publicity and press kit expenses and additional expenses above the retainer were billed to the client's account. Hype's normal pricelist was waived and an hourly rate applied to work performed for Amber. Mz Gristak misrepresented herself on several points that caused the business relationship to terminate

Victoria states that perhaps Amber had unrealistic expectations of what could be done in her case, since a girlfriend of Amber's had reported getting various high profile magazine, movie and other promotion opportunities due to Hype's PR work for that client and the prominence of several Hype clients listed on the AllAboutHype.com website and the website's prominence in search engines for several models-PR related search terms.

Victoria further states: She managed to reach two other clients (including Anthony Catanzaro and Alicia Minshew) that where not happy and turn them on the company as well based on their own frustrations with their personal careers. The Hype Inc. contract does not guarantee that press is booking under a time limit. The standard Hype Inc contract states that I'll do my best to create bookings and publicity, but there are no specific timelines guaranteed.

Victoria reminds us that a Retainer fee is standard business practice. It is for services to be performed on behalf of the client. It both protects the contractor and motivates the client.


Amber:
I then wrote an email and sent a letter to officially call our business relationship off and request my money paid back. I received no response. I then contacted the Better Business Bureau and they contacted her. She did not respond to them then bragged that I could do nothing.

Victoria Talbot Presley began lying on a regular basis in regards to the work she was doing for me. She then continued with this and could show nothing for it. She would ignore most of my calls and emails. At the end of three months she began ignoring ALL my emails and phone calls.

Victoria:
Ms Talbot has evidence of contacting NY Better Business Bureau

pressbox
In another article posted at pressbox, based largely on the Gristak piece, author Ann McKay claims manager to model Joanna Krupa admitted to having reoccurring problems with Victoria Talbot-Presley. Victoria has a letter from the manager stating I never gave an interview and already complained about what was said in that article. I don't even know who Amber is... I got an email once from a writer Ann McKay for this online mag and never ever gave an interview...

Legal Action Initiated:
March 1, 2007: Cease & Desist demand issued from her lawyer, Wallace Collins stating the statements made by Amber Gristak, on various websites and blogs are untrue, slanderous and will be prosecuted if the information posted on the various sites is not deleted immediately. The cease & desist demand also warns the actual websites on which these posting appear may also be liable for damages, if they continue tarnishing Ms Talbot's reputation and business dealings with these allegations.

With no response from Victoria Talbot Pressly I am left wondering how many people she has done this to. I personally know of a few. I also know that in the past week THREE of her NAME clients have dropped off her site. One actually thought that she was already off her sight, as per previously requested.

With no response from Victoria Talbot Pressly I am left wondering how many people she has done this to. I personally know of a few. I also know that in the past week THREE of her NAME clients have dropped off her site. One actually thought that she was already off her sight, as per previously requested.

With no response from Victoria Talbot Pressly I am left wondering how many people she has done this to. I personally know of a few. I also know that in the past week THREE of her NAME clients have dropped off her site. One actually thought that she was already off her sight, as per previously requested.

With no response from Victoria Talbot Pressly I am left wondering how many people she has done this to. I personally know of a few. I also know that in the past week THREE of her NAME clients have dropped off her site. One actually thought that she was already off her sight, as per previously requested.

The BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
CONTACTED publicist VICTORIA TALBOT PRESLEY of HYPE. INC three times. VICTORIA TALBOT did NOT RESPOND to them. Victoria Talbot also has continued to IGNORE all MY ATTEMPTS to CONTACT HER.