John Robert Powers Philadelphia, Phillymodels, jrpowerephilly Ripoff Took my money for High Priced Convention and I got Nothing Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Ijust attended MAAI a modelling convention in New York City. I was "SELECTED" to go by my Director Mindy. I paid almost $3,000 to go and I got nothing for it. You would think if you were "SELECTED" you would have a better chance. My Director took at least 90 people to the convention. What a rip. How can 90 people be selected. I guess we were selected to fork over money. 90 times $3,000 is $270,000. That's alot of money. It just sucks that people can do things like this. When I looked at alot of the others, I just don't know how someone can take their money, most weren't tall enough and obviously we weren't talented enough to be successfull. I think MINDY should tell us how many people she has TAKEN at $3,000 a piece and how many actual got work. I know JRP is a school but shouldn't they have some standards other than ability to pay. I wish they would just be honest about our chances. JRP PHILADELPHIA IS A TOTAL RIP, I hope others are more cautious.
Rebecca
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
John
Colorado Springs,Colorado,
U.S.A.
MAAI, NY Trip
#4Consumer Comment
Fri, December 01, 2006
Rebecca,
It might help others understand if you mention the fact that the event was held at the Waldorf Astoria over five days! I assume you stayed their in one of their $600 a night rooms? Also, enjoyed at least one formal banquet with your other school mates and parents? Had the chance to meet and audition for agents & managers from all over the world - at least 100 of them? What you paid had nothing to do with proximity to NYC. What you "invested" in was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Please, again, contact Gary and Mindy to express your concerns and I am sure they will help you. However, don't believe you were ripped-off! That is not fair to the MAAI or yourself. Stay in contact with the agents/managers from your callbacks and make it happen for yourself. This is a tough business, so you had better get going!!
Thomas
Anderson,South Carolina,
U.S.A.
Rebecca, it seems to me that successful models
#4Consumer Comment
Fri, December 01, 2006
and actors have agents who get a cut of your income, so if you make nothing then they are in the same boat.
Philly is only a few hours from NYC and reasonable hotel rooms can be found, so $3000 does sound kinda steep.
The interesting question is: Did your sponsor get a cut of that $3000? If so, I see a conflict of interest.
John
Colorado Springs,Colorado,
U.S.A.
"Sore Loser!"
#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, December 01, 2006
It is unfortunate that you feel you did not benefit from your "once in a lifetime opportunity" to attend the MAAI, a 45 year old (NON-PROFIT) organization!! If you are not interested in being in the industry then why participate? JRP is a world-renowned, 80 year old company and leader in their field. They are a "development and placement center", not an agency. They pay alot for you to be able to audition for top agents, managers, and casting directors. They also offer top quality, certified instruction.
The particular JRP you refer to has been in business successfully for over 40 years! I know the owners personally and their integrity is not be questioned. Sorry for your bad experience! A serious actor will always train and always need to audition - you should know that! Also, a "true actor" doesn't care about how steep the competitiion is, they relish the challenge! Stop whining and get back out there! Have you even tried to work things out with Gary and Mindy - they are great people!
Break a leg!!!
John - Colorado Springs, Colorado
U.S.A.