Complaint Review: Integrity Casting

Toni Suttie from the start always stated what the Mentee would do. She also included when a film company wants to hire you they will call you with or without being Mentee. All I did was bring a picture of my 1979 Olds Cutlass to the auditioning place in Reno no one was there I stuck it in the slot. After this Capital Films called me 5 times per day making sure I will make it to the set. In addition on the preview of the Love Ranch movie in Reno my back has been so bad I could hardly walk just looking for a place to sit down waiting for the line to move to see the picture a reporter asked me all kinds of questions how the was the making of the movie I explained and wound up in the front page news. I would be doing piles of work through Toni and never went Mentee. Like horse you can lead him to the water but you can’t make him drink, Toni can only allow you to audition the rest is on you. Its up to YOU to be proactive in this business, I can barely do anything being disabled and did work through Toni Suttie.

Well you certainly have the DRAMA down pat, you sound like your 12.

I put little credibility into your nonstop rambling, your story changes and jumps around.

Get on with your life.

Most of the responses to my original review on ripffreport.com and yelp.com include false information about me, my alleged affiliations, and my alleged motives.  So, I feel it necessary for me to respond with more facts.

First a bit about me.  FACT: I was Taft Hartley'd in 1985, an dI've been a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 2006 (as a result of my principal role in a project from 1985 which was not cast by Integrity Casting).  I originally signed on with Integrity Casting in the 1990's.  In September of 2011, I received a message on facebook from Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting asking me and my daughter to audition for a fashion show.  I signed on again with Integrity Castin gand signed up my 6 year old daughter.  I'm not a representative of a competing casting company.  I am not disgruntled beccause I didn't get a role.  I'm disgruntled because Iw as fed lies and false innuendos by Toni Suttie at Integrity Casting.  I am writing these reviews based on my own behalf because I think it's important for other parents to k now the truth about Integrity Casting.  I suspect that Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting is doing a lot more shady things, but I have only reported my personal experience.

1. FACTS:  Toni Suttie at Integrity Casting told me that the fee for ahving my headshot and my daughters headshot in her database for casting consideration was $30 each.  She never told me this fee was optional.  She implied she would not submit me or my daughter for jobs unless I paid this fee.  I paid Integrity asting $60 for both of us to be added to her headshot database to be considered for jobs.
   
   
2. FACTS:  The Integrity Casting website describes the Elite Mentor Training Program, (www.integritycasting.com).  The website does not mention the cost of this program. But, the mother of one of Integrity's current clients told me in 2011 that she had paid Integrity Casting somewhere between $2500 and $3000 ( I can't remember the exact amount) for her child to participate in the mentorin program.  The Integrity Casting website say's that the participants in the Elite Mentor Training Program will be provided with: "Tools, insight, and connections [that] will provide you with an amazing advantage in your dreams of success in the industry."  The website also promises that participants will:
   
   
   
   
   
   • go "on set"
     
     
   • Sit in on production meetings
     
     
   • Work both sides of the camera
     
     
   • Work with celebrity coaches
     
     
   • Travel with toni to LA for meetings, training and networking
     
     
   • and so much more!

    According to Mark Lambert, L.A. City Attorney, it is not ethical for a casting company to promise these things.  mark Labert's office recently investigated and prosecuted CArl Carrana (at another casting agency) for criminal charges for making similar promises to his talent.  Here are some websites describing the charges against this other casting company.

http://www.8newsnow.com/story/13865280/i-team ,

http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/topic/279038-flachcast-companies-owner-carl-carranza-faces-criminal-charges-again/,

http://elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/topic/260811-carl-carranza-of-flashcast-companies-faces-criminal-charges-again/.

3.   FACTS:  On October 5, 2011, Toni Suttie told me in a facebook email message: "CONGRATULATIONS!  You have been selected to be a FASHION SHOW MODEL for 10/22/2011 at 6p for the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Fashion Blowout Event...." I later found out that the sponsor of this event was Aquarius Salon and not the American Cancer Society.  Gracie Jeramiah in the American Cancer Society (ACS) Executive Directors office told me on November 2, 2011 that the ACS had not been invited to participate in this year's event, and did not even know when it was being held this year.  The only "shameful" things about this incident are: (1) Toni Suttie specifically told me in front of other models for the event that the gift basket had a value of $150; and (2) this is a clear example of Toni Suttie claiming false affiliation with a well known organization in order ot further the appearance of being well connected as an "industry insider."  As for being a "giver," I was not only a model in the event, but also "instrumental in pulling together the major details of the event" (according to the sponsor's website). http://www.aquariussalonspareno.com/breast-cancer-blowout-blog.html.  I donated countless hours of my time to this event, and the vendors for my concierge and events planning business donated thousands of dollars' worth of equipment, supplies and services.

4.  FACTS:  My original posting about the alleged Johnny Depp movie seems to have been misunderstood.  Just so we're all clear here, Toni Suttie told me that auditions would be helld in Reno in November 2011 for a Johnny Depp movie. After speaking with Steve Clinton, Exectutive director of the NV SAG branch, he looked into this himself, made some calls, and was told by Donavan, the Theatrical Contracts front man at the L.A. SAG office, that there was no such production being auditioned IN RENO for any Johnny Depp movie at any time, nor was there any affiliation with a Johnny Depp movie and Integrity Casting or Toni Suttie. 

5.  FACTS:  Toni  Suttie told me that the so-called Reno Aces shoot for my 6 year old daughter was not a paid job.  I specifically asked Toni before the shoot, "Is this just [my daughter] that is not getting paid or everyone from Integrity?"  Toni told me nobody was getting paid for this particular gig but that it would be good for everyone from Integrity's reel.  This is also what Toni Suttie told me about a Comedy Central show she sent me out on in the distant past that I worked on, as I stated earlier.  At the shoot, several of the Integrity talent told me directly that they were getting paid for this shoot.  By the way, Toni Suttie originally told me that this shoot was for a Reno Aces print ad that would feature the kids with Reno Aces ball players and be used in advertising for the REno Aces.  But, I found out at the shoot that Integrity talent was portraying the ball players at the shoot (no actual Reno Aces ball players were present).  I later found out tha tthe shoot was actually for use in a power point presentation by some local credit union.  This is another example of Toni Suttie claiming false affiliation with a well-known organization in order to further the appearance of being well connected as an "industry insider."

6.  FACTS:  Perhaps when Integrity Casting acts as a sub-contractor, then talent may not get paid until after Integrity's clietn pays.  However, when I was a principal in a McDonalds commercial (not cast by Integrity Casting or Toni Suttie), I was paid directly by a payroll company that was hired by the production team.  When I was an extra in several feature films (not cast by Integrity Casting or Toni Suttie), I was hired through a casting agency, however, was paid by a payroll company that was hired by the production team.  I understand that this is normal industry protocol for all types of talent in all jobs (union or non-union) that take place in California and in all union jobs (regardless of where they take place).  I have further suspicions about why Integrity Casting and Toni Suttie seems to handle predominantly sub-contractor jobs and why she tries to get her talent to work for free so often, but I have no direct proof yet.

7.  FACTS:  Last wee, I spoke with Marjorie, in the legal department at Lucas Films to ask about Lucas Films' experience with Toni Suttie at Integrity Casting or any of her employees.  Marjorie took down my information and relevant questions and said she would pass them on to a member of the legal team.  A few days later, I spoke with Marjorie again.  She told me that a member of the legal team, Sharon, had investigated my questions and learned that the severed arm, represented by Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting to be from the Lucas Films prop department was definitely not from Lucas Films, Skywalker Ranch or any other company affiliated with the same.  Marjorie also told me that they are still investigating the alleged meeting that was said to have taken place with Integrity Casting at Skywalker Ranch.  Marjorie informed me she would have Sharon from the legal team call me back and give me a status update.  I hvae not yet heard back from Sharon. 

8.  FACTS:  If Integrity Casting consults with a competent attorney, it will learn that truthful statements cannot serve as a basis of slander or nay criminal action.  I have stated  nothing but the truth.  I am not being malicious in any way.  I just don't appreciate being lied to, and I am merely trying to assist other parents to determine the trugh before being ripped off and scammed.  It is such a shame when companies prey on the dreams of innocent actors.

9.  FACTS:  Response #1 to my review on ripoffreport.com was reportedly submitted by "MK" an ex-employee of Integrity Casting.  I believe that "MK" is actually Marge Knowles, who is also known as Marge Cclark.  According to Integrity Casting's website as of November 5, 2011, Marge Clark is toni Suttie's assistant based in the San Jose area.  (As recently as October 17, 2011, toni Suttie told me her assistant's name is Marge in an email).  Marge was not present at any of my conversations with Toni Suttie, and would not have personal knowledge of what Toni Suttie told me, therefore, how can she accuse me of making false assertions?  Marge claims that she personally "Was invited to and attended a meeting at Skywalker Ranch with the Talent coordinator of the event, where [she] personally delivered audition tapes and Talent packages for the "untitled" project in development.  [She] personally delivered the check for services rendered back the Integrity Casting office."  but she does not name names, give dates or even say whether the event was affiliated in any way with Lucas Films.

10.  FACTS:  John P's response on November 4, 2011 on yelp.com contains false information.  He claims that the two negative reviews on yelp.com at the time of his review are from the same person.  This is false.  I hvae only submitted one review on yelp.com(before this one).  The other negative review is from antoher parent who said she was scammed by Toni Suttie of Integrity CAsting. I now know who the other reviewer is because Dinae S. called me and told me about her negative experiences with Integrity Casting.  John P. also personally attacks me by saying that I have receive complaints from several of Inegrity's clients.  I've only done two projects through Integrity Casting.  One was in the 90's, and I never received any complaints from anyone.  The other was the Breast Cancer Blowout on October 22, 2011 sponsored by Aquarius Salon.  As noted above, the Sponsor's website says that I was "instrumental in pulling together the major details of the event," which hardly sounds like a complaint.  I heard nothing but praise from the sponsor, the beneficiary and the other people affiliated with putting this event together, including praise from Toni Suttie of Integrity casting on mulitiple occasions.  On October 31, 2011, Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting forwarded to me an alleged excerpt from an email from Scot Mortimer, the coordinator of the so-called "Reno Aces Shoot", which insists that I am difficult to work with.  I was shocked because I had very little contacdt with Scott and all of it was positive so I immediately called Scott to find out what he meant by his email and to apologize if there was any misunderstandings.  Scott told me that he had not written any such email about me.  so, the only alleged complaint about me appears to have been completely fabricated by Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting.  As explained above, Toni Suttie of Integrity Casting had absolutely nothing to do with me getting my SAG membership.  John P was not present at any of my converstaions with Toni Suttie, and would not have personal knowlege of what Toni Suttie told me, therefore, how can he accuse me of  making false assertions?

The person that posted this comment is disgruntled because they did not get a part that they were not even qualified for. I have work with Integrity Casting for nearly 10 years and can personally guarantee that all of the the above accusations are not only false, but slanderous. I can also produce dozens of current and former talent that will back up my statements with numerous examples. It is too bad that some people are so small that they have to resort to these type of tactics to try to damage someones reputation just because they didn't get what they want.

By the way, legal action is being explored against this person.

"Do not post rumors, speculation, or innuendo unless you have personal knowledge that your statements are true."

The above is a rule when posting a rebuttal on this site. Your insinuation that the original report was written by an "agent of a rival agency" is rumor and speculation that serves no purpose but to smear another business without proof of wrong doing. While you are in your rights to attempt to clear up any misinformation you may believe to have been stated you sabotage your own integrity by resorting to the same mud slinging that you are accusing the poster of doing thus making your attempt to clear up a situation unprofessional and untrustworthy.

As someone who has been directly involved with the business, castings and policies of Integrity Casting and its director Toni Suttie, I can assure you that this complaint is nothing more than a purposeful attack prompted by the rival casting company in this region.

List of erroneous assertions:

1. The complainant claims to have been a "paid member" of Integrity Casting. FACT: Integrity does not nor has never had any "paid members". If a Talent wishes to be on-file with the agency (optional), there has been a small administrative fee to cover the staff's time to input them into the system and file their materials.

2. The complainant makes false assertions about Toni Suttie's mentoring program. FACT: By their own admission, the complaint said they were "told" things. Nothing more that gossip or deliberate lies.

3. The complainant misleads regarding a charity fashion show. FACT: The fashion show was indeed for a Cancer patient and all of the proceeds went to the brave local woman who continues to ballte her Cancer. FACT: Initially the ACS expressed interest in helping to sponsor the event and that they were hoping to be able to pay the models. This information was provided by the event producer and was passed on the Talent. The facts that the ACS decided to not be directly involved and therefore the event producer could not pay the models was passed onto the Talent in advance of any participation. The event then indicated that they would do there best to provide a nice gift basket to the Talent who decided to contribute their participate in support of the cause. Everything was disclosed in advance and all Talent had the option to participate or not. I know this as a fact, as my wife was also one of the Talent. The gift bag was indeed meager, but we did not care because we were there to be "givers" not a "takers" like the Complainant. Shameful!

4. The Complainant makes has the facts of the Depp picture completely wrong. FACT: The pictures was never to shoot in Reno, but in California. Select Reno Talent were being considered to be allowed to audition. So, if no information was available about the picture shooting in Reno...no duh! It seems the Complainant is incapable of getting ANY facts straight.

5. The Complainant really has me confused on the Reno Aces shoot allegation. FACT: She was told about a project for her son to get some experience and would NOT be paid. They agreed to do it. Whether anyone else was paid or not is irrelevant. It was a courtesy being done for the child as he is not a professional and has little experience. The Complainant is selfishly ungrateful for all that is being done for her and her son. Note: She continues to agree to do things and them complains when she does not get MORE than she was promised.

6. The Complainant again asserts here say about Talent pay. FACT: When the Clients pay, the Talent gets paid. That's the way the Industry works. Everyone has been paid or for more recents gig, are in process. More malicious attacks based on "some one allegedly telling someone something". Ridiculous.

7. The Complainant asserts that the project done for LucasFilm was fabricated. FACT: I personally, as a representative of Integrity Casting, was invited to and attended a meeting at Skywalker Ranch with the Talent coordinator of the event, where I personally delivered audition tapes and Talent packages for the "Untitled" project in development. I personally delivered the check for services rendered back the Integrity Casting office. The IMDb credit was unfortunately disallowed due to the fact that Integrity was sub-contracted to provide Talent. Sub-contractors do not get screen credit. If the Complainant did actually call LucasFilm - which is doubtful she could even get through - no one there would have taken the time to answer such a ridiculous inquiry. Besides, if anyone calls LucasFilm, they will get the business office. No production is done there, and there would be no reason why they would know anything about props or casting sub-contractors.

The words of the Complainant are legally actionable as slander. She is either doing this maliciously (as a agent for the rival casting company - which has happened many times over the years) or is simply lying to get attention. Pathetic at best. Integrity Casting should explore filing criminal charges.