Complaint Review: Pro Model And Talent

First of all I had experience with Pro Model and Talent and I'm really surprised that they are still around.  They are a complete rip off and fraudulent company.  When I went to their open they tried to tell me that I was selected to go to NY and showcase in front of agents.  The trip was like $4000 and they told me that I had to stay in their hotel and use their means of travel to get there.  Here is where it gets slippery with them.  I am from New York City and had an apartment there eventhough I was staying in Akron..  There was no need for me stay at the hotel.  There was no need for me to use their travel arrangements because I was already going to be there.  The killer part was they told me I HAD TO STAY IN THE HOTEL overnight and I had to travel with them.  s**t I am grown and responsible. I don't need to be taken by the hand.  I know New York City very well so I didn't need them for any of the lodging or traveling.  I know other people that were stupid enough to pay the $4000 to go the convention and they told me it was straight up and down bullshit.  

The deal is this.  If you want to get into this business for the acting then you find a reputable acting coach.  You find a good monologue coach and then you take classes on auditioning.  When you take real acting classes most of the time you don't start with scripts. You learn theater games. You learn the difference between film and theater.  YOu learn to get in touch with your inner self, you learn to get out of your head and then you start learning technique.  You learn the two common acting methods and then you get into auditioning.

When I told them that I had professional training they said I still had to take theirs and pay the money.  There is no way in hell they are going to tell me that I didn't have good acting coaches.  I had acting coaches the wrote books on acting.  i had acting coaches that had degrees in acting and directed shows.  I myself toured around the world performing on stage and had roles in film.  All I wanted was a local agency to send me out on auditions and find me parts in productions. They turned their nose up at all of that and that is when I knew they were frauds.  If I can find a reputable agency in New York City then there is no way in hell you are going to tell me that some local small fry Akron, Ohio agency is above and beyond that.

They want your money and if you don't educate yourself on the business then you will get taken by them. Everyone is good to them if they are willing to fork over the money.  Most agencies have a standard and if you don't fit that standard for them then they won't take you.  Agencies get paid when they get you the jobs.  You don't pay them to find you the jobs.  Pro Model and Talent Agency needs to be Scam Model Just Want your money Agency.   BEWARE  

First off, PMTM is NOT a rip off company.  I got sucked into a rip off company prior to going to PMTM and trust me I didn't give them much trust at first.  However, I got work right away.  I also took the class, yes I paid for it, however within a few jobs I earned that money back quickly.  I also have the option to take these classes over and over as needed throughout the rest of my life with no charge.  They are make-up classes, how to walk the runway, how to prepare with scripts, how to present yourself for audition, how to get through an audition, proper ways of being in this business, and so on.  ALL things you should learn if you're going to be in this business.  Do you think actors don't pay for acting classes or acting coaches?  It's not about being pretty for the camera.  You have to have talent, the look, be marketable, and know how to pull it off all at the same time.  Talent and pretty people are a dime a dozen.  This business is far from easy.  I can tell you that I started with them when I was 18.  I have never seen anyone at the agency complain or be unhappy they joined or took the class (for those of us who did).  We all LOVE it!  We are paid well for work and we enjoy our work.  I am now 27.  I have two kids.  Throughout the years I have been able to work around having kids.  The fact that you never attended the agency nor worked for them, gives you no right what-so-ever to say they are a "Rip Off".

People who claim PMTM is a rip off probably didn't do their "homework".  It is NOT the agency's job to make sure someone gets a job.  They will dress you and prep you.  Its your responsibility to get the part.  You either have it in this business or you don't.  Simple as that.  People who don't have it, shouldn't run off and call them a rip off.  I've made good money with them and so have many others. 

I have definitely moved on with my life since filing the initial rip-off report. I recently read this rebuttal and I seriously did not want to respond, but I honestly could not let the "Director" of PMTM get away with what I feel are misleading comments.

Here are the responses that were the most misleading:

"A red flag would be an agency, or any company, that does not want a college age person's parent(s) to be aware that he/she is considering the idea of modeling/acting. We are a family oriented agency and feel that parents should be involved and aware of what is going on with their children and young adults"

I am not a child, I am not a young adult, I am an ADULT. I respect any family oriented agency, but there is no need to reschedule a 20 year olds appointment because her mother wasn't there, who might I add lives hours away. That is wrong, and INSULTING no matter how you attempt to twist it.

1. "There is no fee to list with PMTM. Training, education, images, etc will require an investment wherever you elect to acquire them. That is correct. One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM."

AND

2. "One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM. If we recommend Barbizon or training, then a person would be paying for training. Pretty simple concept. No one is forcing a person to list with PMTM."

Yet another complete twist on words. If you want to be technical, then I will go along with you. Technically, one isn't paying for representation. However, the VAST MAJORITY cannot be represented without training, which costs hundreds of dollars. Sound better?

It gets even better.

3. "If you don't like what we are recommending, go somewhere else. Education on the industry is key."

Here is the thing: you aren't recommending it. You simply can't work until you pay to be "educated." It is required!

4. "It is a shame you act as an expert on the industry in paragraphs 10 and 11. Do not claim to know what is needed to be successful more than our organization. It is neither comely, nor accurate. At no time does PMTM state that being a Barbizon Graduate is required to be a local model. However, we may very well require training and industry knowledge in order to accept a model for marketing. "

This is where you start to fall apart. I never once claimed to be an expert. I simply stated common knowledge. One should not be given a 1,000 "educational" quote in order to eventually sign with an agency. It is unecessary to repeat the same comment FOUR times, in four different ways. YOU ARE NOT "RECOMMENDING" ANYTHING! You said it yourself- if you want to be a part of PMTM, you must pay for training, which will lead to you being signed, and if you don't like it- go somewhere else. Those are your exact words! You cannot twist that! Of course there are exceptions, but this is what the vast majority faces when they come to PMTM.

"Hopefully, though, no one will rely on reality television shows for education. These still don't train a model or talent properly (a comparison: one can read about, watch tv, and just go to the gym and lift weights, but if not done with the right form, it can cause more damage than good, though the person can still claim to be working out).

To be honest, I knew I would be ripped apart for the statement that aspiring models can do it on their own without the help of your "educational tools." What kind of profit earning business would you be if that comment didn't bother you?

However, it is the truth. Factual knowledge can be learned through reading and yes, sometimes even through watching the television and to suggest otherwise is irresponsible. Of course this should not be relied on, however, I would hope that a potential model would not rely on Barbizon to be truly "educated" either. There should be balance to everything in life.

"Additionally, in paragraph 11, your rates for costs of shoots, etc are completely inaccurate, your industry terminology is outdated"

First of all, I never once stated any rates for shoots. I simply suggested to potential victims that instead of investing in PMTM/Barbizon for their "education" (however you want to twist it), instead they should invest that money in other ways to better themselves for modeling.

"Again, it's important to filter the information you receive. Please double check the printing dates on materials you read or DVD's you may rent or purchase. Once you've done some more research, feel free to come back and audition again."

I love how you are insinuating my inherent lack of education. I even looked at the previous poster who made a report against you, and you called her "uneducated" as well. Those are really bad debate tactics to have and you will find it hard for someone to look at your points objectively when each underlying comment is laced with a degrading comment.

I especially love the lengths you went to in order to make me look bad. I mean, come on, so much was misconstrued here. I never once mentioned a rate for shoots, I never once mentioned that I conduct research through outdated DVD's and "printing materials" and I never once mentioned anything about reality television. However, your creativity in twisting words is admirable.

My initial report stands. After thouroughly reading your rebuttal, I am honestly disturbed. Disturbed with your mentality that someone who feels differently than you is uneducated, disturbed that your company is so demeaning to those who have simply had a bad experience. If anyone should be "ashamed" it should be you.

Despite how uneducated you may think I am, you are severely misguided. If you truly want me to do more research into your company, I will. You know what I will find? I will find that the vast majority of your models paid lots of money for "education" in order to compete for menial local jobs, most of whom will never make it big and who just may be lucky enough to pay off the massive debts they incurred through being a part of your company.

Good luck with everything. I stand by everything I have said, I can only hope that through all of your belittling remarks that consumers will find the truth.

In reply to the Anonymous a.k.a. Appalled reporter regarding the validity of Pro-Model & Talent Management, we will address each of the concerns individually.

1. We don't appear to have the success we list. We DO have the success we list. The pictures on our walls and the commercial spots and video clips seen speak for themselves and is just a sampling of the work our models and talent have executed locally, nationally & internationally. Our clientele base and the amount of work our models and talent execute is extensive.

2. In response to your second and third paragraphs, a red flag would be an agency, or any company, that does not want a college age person's parent(s) to be aware that he/she is considering the idea of modeling/acting. We are a family oriented agency and feel that parents should be involved and aware of what is going on with their children and young adults. We feel having the family involved and all people involved with making career decisions present when we review what/how or if we are interested in working with a potential new face. If support people cannot be present, we'd rather reschedule. Every company should require as much, and there should be nothing insulting about it.

3. We encourage you to actively pursue the modeling you have begun. Hopefully it will provide you a better understanding of how the industry really works.

4. If someone has not worked as a model or actor in the industry, and has no previous experience, one of our recommendations may very well be training at Barbizon of Akron or elsewhere. A person with experience in the industry may have been on set, but still may not be prepared to compete against our models and talent successfully. We're selective as an agency, hence our success. It's a shame that potential models and talent take offense to such recommendations. They should be sincerely evaluated, if not embraced, to better help the individual. One is never too old to stop learning.

5. Generally, previous experience is good, but since you have not listed any examples here, no comment can be made regarding any of the mentioned experience. Our recommendations to aspiring models and talent have resulted in a great deal of success for many of those that have followed them. Again, just look at the high level of success our models and talent have achieved. Their success is our success.

6. Barbizon of Akron is a training center. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a working placement agency for models & talent. Not all listed models with Pro-Model & Talent are Barbizon of Akron grads and not all grads list with Pro-Model & Talent We can, and do, list models directly for work. We must feel they are ready for work, to impress our clients and represent the Pro-Model & Talent Name in the caliber our clients have grown to expect. They must have the skills and industry knowledge and be work-ready. Unfortunately, some previous work does not always equal skills and knowledge at the caliber needed to work with the agency.

7. We successfully place models and talent in assignments 93.5% of the time. This is a very high %. Feel free to compare this placement rate. Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model & Talent do share offices, and are affiliated. Most people don't arrive at our offices industry ready, and we know Barbizon of Akron does an exceptional job with training and industry preparation, if needed. We can confidently recommend them as an excellent training facility. However, an aspiring model/talent needing training may pursue any training resource he/she chooses. Again, when someone comes to our offices industry ready, we can and will list them directly if we feel that we can successfully market them.

8. There is no fee to list with PMTM. Training, education, images, etc will require an investment wherever you elect to acquire them. That is correct. One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM. If we recommend Barbizon or training, then a person would be paying for training. Pretty simple concept. No one is forcing a person to list with PMTM. If you don't like what we are recommending, go somewhere else. Education on the industry is key, and just as important is filtering the correct information out from all of the floods of information you can potentially receive. This holds true on all topics, from medical and legal advice to modeling. Hopefully, though, no one will rely on reality television shows for education. There are many auditions locally for similar but not the same paying, caliber, protected assignments that we book, open to models and newcomers for experience. These still don't train a model or talent properly (a comparison: one can read about, watch tv, and just go to the gym and lift weights, but if not done with the right form, it can cause more damage than good, though the person can still claim to be working out). It's solely up to the individual with what level of seriousness he or she wishes to pursue in this or any industry.

9. It is a shame you act as an expert on the industry in paragraphs 10 and 11. You are the party misleading aspiring models & talent, not Pro-Model & Talent Management. It is quite clear that we have been doing what we are doing successfully for over 25 years. What we do works for models and talent many of them are out there working. You see them on the runway, and in promotions, print and production locally, nationally and internationally. Do not claim to know what is needed to be successful more than our organization. It is neither comely, nor accurate. At no time does PMTM state that being a Barbizon Graduate is required to be a local model. However, we may very well require training and industry knowledge in order to accept a model for marketing. We know what it takes to reach success. If any person does not wish to follow our recommendations, it is completely up to him/her. We are not misleading, we are honest. Sometimes people simply just do not like to hear the truth about what is required.

10. Additionally, in paragraph 11, your rates for costs of shoots, etc are completely inaccurate, your industry terminology is outdated, and rarely will agencies in major markets take chances. Again, it's important to filter the information you receive. Please double check the printing dates on materials you read or DVD's you may rent or purchase.

11. We are able and do accept models for direct placement with the agency, when we are able to market them directly. It's very simple. Our payrates are not fleeting, they are the industry standard for professionals. Hopefully, as you and all other models/talent continue to gain experience and educate yourselves on the industry, you will become more aware of what is required of models/talent and what can be expected from reputable agencies. It is our goal to keep people as properly informed about the industry as possible. Once you've done some more research, feel free to come back and audition again. We would be happy to make additional recommendations at that time.

Agency Director
Pro-Model & Talent Management

In reply to the Anonymous a.k.a. Appalled reporter regarding the validity of Pro-Model & Talent Management, we will address each of the concerns individually.

1. We don't appear to have the success we list. We DO have the success we list. The pictures on our walls and the commercial spots and video clips seen speak for themselves and is just a sampling of the work our models and talent have executed locally, nationally & internationally. Our clientele base and the amount of work our models and talent execute is extensive.

2. In response to your second and third paragraphs, a red flag would be an agency, or any company, that does not want a college age person's parent(s) to be aware that he/she is considering the idea of modeling/acting. We are a family oriented agency and feel that parents should be involved and aware of what is going on with their children and young adults. We feel having the family involved and all people involved with making career decisions present when we review what/how or if we are interested in working with a potential new face. If support people cannot be present, we'd rather reschedule. Every company should require as much, and there should be nothing insulting about it.

3. We encourage you to actively pursue the modeling you have begun. Hopefully it will provide you a better understanding of how the industry really works.

4. If someone has not worked as a model or actor in the industry, and has no previous experience, one of our recommendations may very well be training at Barbizon of Akron or elsewhere. A person with experience in the industry may have been on set, but still may not be prepared to compete against our models and talent successfully. We're selective as an agency, hence our success. It's a shame that potential models and talent take offense to such recommendations. They should be sincerely evaluated, if not embraced, to better help the individual. One is never too old to stop learning.

5. Generally, previous experience is good, but since you have not listed any examples here, no comment can be made regarding any of the mentioned experience. Our recommendations to aspiring models and talent have resulted in a great deal of success for many of those that have followed them. Again, just look at the high level of success our models and talent have achieved. Their success is our success.

6. Barbizon of Akron is a training center. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a working placement agency for models & talent. Not all listed models with Pro-Model & Talent are Barbizon of Akron grads and not all grads list with Pro-Model & Talent We can, and do, list models directly for work. We must feel they are ready for work, to impress our clients and represent the Pro-Model & Talent Name in the caliber our clients have grown to expect. They must have the skills and industry knowledge and be work-ready. Unfortunately, some previous work does not always equal skills and knowledge at the caliber needed to work with the agency.

7. We successfully place models and talent in assignments 93.5% of the time. This is a very high %. Feel free to compare this placement rate. Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model & Talent do share offices, and are affiliated. Most people don't arrive at our offices industry ready, and we know Barbizon of Akron does an exceptional job with training and industry preparation, if needed. We can confidently recommend them as an excellent training facility. However, an aspiring model/talent needing training may pursue any training resource he/she chooses. Again, when someone comes to our offices industry ready, we can and will list them directly if we feel that we can successfully market them.

8. There is no fee to list with PMTM. Training, education, images, etc will require an investment wherever you elect to acquire them. That is correct. One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM. If we recommend Barbizon or training, then a person would be paying for training. Pretty simple concept. No one is forcing a person to list with PMTM. If you don't like what we are recommending, go somewhere else. Education on the industry is key, and just as important is filtering the correct information out from all of the floods of information you can potentially receive. This holds true on all topics, from medical and legal advice to modeling. Hopefully, though, no one will rely on reality television shows for education. There are many auditions locally for similar but not the same paying, caliber, protected assignments that we book, open to models and newcomers for experience. These still don't train a model or talent properly (a comparison: one can read about, watch tv, and just go to the gym and lift weights, but if not done with the right form, it can cause more damage than good, though the person can still claim to be working out). It's solely up to the individual with what level of seriousness he or she wishes to pursue in this or any industry.

9. It is a shame you act as an expert on the industry in paragraphs 10 and 11. You are the party misleading aspiring models & talent, not Pro-Model & Talent Management. It is quite clear that we have been doing what we are doing successfully for over 25 years. What we do works for models and talent many of them are out there working. You see them on the runway, and in promotions, print and production locally, nationally and internationally. Do not claim to know what is needed to be successful more than our organization. It is neither comely, nor accurate. At no time does PMTM state that being a Barbizon Graduate is required to be a local model. However, we may very well require training and industry knowledge in order to accept a model for marketing. We know what it takes to reach success. If any person does not wish to follow our recommendations, it is completely up to him/her. We are not misleading, we are honest. Sometimes people simply just do not like to hear the truth about what is required.

10. Additionally, in paragraph 11, your rates for costs of shoots, etc are completely inaccurate, your industry terminology is outdated, and rarely will agencies in major markets take chances. Again, it's important to filter the information you receive. Please double check the printing dates on materials you read or DVD's you may rent or purchase.

11. We are able and do accept models for direct placement with the agency, when we are able to market them directly. It's very simple. Our payrates are not fleeting, they are the industry standard for professionals. Hopefully, as you and all other models/talent continue to gain experience and educate yourselves on the industry, you will become more aware of what is required of models/talent and what can be expected from reputable agencies. It is our goal to keep people as properly informed about the industry as possible. Once you've done some more research, feel free to come back and audition again. We would be happy to make additional recommendations at that time.

Agency Director
Pro-Model & Talent Management

In reply to the Anonymous a.k.a. Appalled reporter regarding the validity of Pro-Model & Talent Management, we will address each of the concerns individually.

1. We don't appear to have the success we list. We DO have the success we list. The pictures on our walls and the commercial spots and video clips seen speak for themselves and is just a sampling of the work our models and talent have executed locally, nationally & internationally. Our clientele base and the amount of work our models and talent execute is extensive.

2. In response to your second and third paragraphs, a red flag would be an agency, or any company, that does not want a college age person's parent(s) to be aware that he/she is considering the idea of modeling/acting. We are a family oriented agency and feel that parents should be involved and aware of what is going on with their children and young adults. We feel having the family involved and all people involved with making career decisions present when we review what/how or if we are interested in working with a potential new face. If support people cannot be present, we'd rather reschedule. Every company should require as much, and there should be nothing insulting about it.

3. We encourage you to actively pursue the modeling you have begun. Hopefully it will provide you a better understanding of how the industry really works.

4. If someone has not worked as a model or actor in the industry, and has no previous experience, one of our recommendations may very well be training at Barbizon of Akron or elsewhere. A person with experience in the industry may have been on set, but still may not be prepared to compete against our models and talent successfully. We're selective as an agency, hence our success. It's a shame that potential models and talent take offense to such recommendations. They should be sincerely evaluated, if not embraced, to better help the individual. One is never too old to stop learning.

5. Generally, previous experience is good, but since you have not listed any examples here, no comment can be made regarding any of the mentioned experience. Our recommendations to aspiring models and talent have resulted in a great deal of success for many of those that have followed them. Again, just look at the high level of success our models and talent have achieved. Their success is our success.

6. Barbizon of Akron is a training center. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a working placement agency for models & talent. Not all listed models with Pro-Model & Talent are Barbizon of Akron grads and not all grads list with Pro-Model & Talent We can, and do, list models directly for work. We must feel they are ready for work, to impress our clients and represent the Pro-Model & Talent Name in the caliber our clients have grown to expect. They must have the skills and industry knowledge and be work-ready. Unfortunately, some previous work does not always equal skills and knowledge at the caliber needed to work with the agency.

7. We successfully place models and talent in assignments 93.5% of the time. This is a very high %. Feel free to compare this placement rate. Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model & Talent do share offices, and are affiliated. Most people don't arrive at our offices industry ready, and we know Barbizon of Akron does an exceptional job with training and industry preparation, if needed. We can confidently recommend them as an excellent training facility. However, an aspiring model/talent needing training may pursue any training resource he/she chooses. Again, when someone comes to our offices industry ready, we can and will list them directly if we feel that we can successfully market them.

8. There is no fee to list with PMTM. Training, education, images, etc will require an investment wherever you elect to acquire them. That is correct. One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM. If we recommend Barbizon or training, then a person would be paying for training. Pretty simple concept. No one is forcing a person to list with PMTM. If you don't like what we are recommending, go somewhere else. Education on the industry is key, and just as important is filtering the correct information out from all of the floods of information you can potentially receive. This holds true on all topics, from medical and legal advice to modeling. Hopefully, though, no one will rely on reality television shows for education. There are many auditions locally for similar but not the same paying, caliber, protected assignments that we book, open to models and newcomers for experience. These still don't train a model or talent properly (a comparison: one can read about, watch tv, and just go to the gym and lift weights, but if not done with the right form, it can cause more damage than good, though the person can still claim to be working out). It's solely up to the individual with what level of seriousness he or she wishes to pursue in this or any industry.

9. It is a shame you act as an expert on the industry in paragraphs 10 and 11. You are the party misleading aspiring models & talent, not Pro-Model & Talent Management. It is quite clear that we have been doing what we are doing successfully for over 25 years. What we do works for models and talent many of them are out there working. You see them on the runway, and in promotions, print and production locally, nationally and internationally. Do not claim to know what is needed to be successful more than our organization. It is neither comely, nor accurate. At no time does PMTM state that being a Barbizon Graduate is required to be a local model. However, we may very well require training and industry knowledge in order to accept a model for marketing. We know what it takes to reach success. If any person does not wish to follow our recommendations, it is completely up to him/her. We are not misleading, we are honest. Sometimes people simply just do not like to hear the truth about what is required.

10. Additionally, in paragraph 11, your rates for costs of shoots, etc are completely inaccurate, your industry terminology is outdated, and rarely will agencies in major markets take chances. Again, it's important to filter the information you receive. Please double check the printing dates on materials you read or DVD's you may rent or purchase.

11. We are able and do accept models for direct placement with the agency, when we are able to market them directly. It's very simple. Our payrates are not fleeting, they are the industry standard for professionals. Hopefully, as you and all other models/talent continue to gain experience and educate yourselves on the industry, you will become more aware of what is required of models/talent and what can be expected from reputable agencies. It is our goal to keep people as properly informed about the industry as possible. Once you've done some more research, feel free to come back and audition again. We would be happy to make additional recommendations at that time.

Agency Director
Pro-Model & Talent Management

In reply to the Anonymous a.k.a. Appalled reporter regarding the validity of Pro-Model & Talent Management, we will address each of the concerns individually.

1. We don't appear to have the success we list. We DO have the success we list. The pictures on our walls and the commercial spots and video clips seen speak for themselves and is just a sampling of the work our models and talent have executed locally, nationally & internationally. Our clientele base and the amount of work our models and talent execute is extensive.

2. In response to your second and third paragraphs, a red flag would be an agency, or any company, that does not want a college age person's parent(s) to be aware that he/she is considering the idea of modeling/acting. We are a family oriented agency and feel that parents should be involved and aware of what is going on with their children and young adults. We feel having the family involved and all people involved with making career decisions present when we review what/how or if we are interested in working with a potential new face. If support people cannot be present, we'd rather reschedule. Every company should require as much, and there should be nothing insulting about it.

3. We encourage you to actively pursue the modeling you have begun. Hopefully it will provide you a better understanding of how the industry really works.

4. If someone has not worked as a model or actor in the industry, and has no previous experience, one of our recommendations may very well be training at Barbizon of Akron or elsewhere. A person with experience in the industry may have been on set, but still may not be prepared to compete against our models and talent successfully. We're selective as an agency, hence our success. It's a shame that potential models and talent take offense to such recommendations. They should be sincerely evaluated, if not embraced, to better help the individual. One is never too old to stop learning.

5. Generally, previous experience is good, but since you have not listed any examples here, no comment can be made regarding any of the mentioned experience. Our recommendations to aspiring models and talent have resulted in a great deal of success for many of those that have followed them. Again, just look at the high level of success our models and talent have achieved. Their success is our success.

6. Barbizon of Akron is a training center. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a working placement agency for models & talent. Not all listed models with Pro-Model & Talent are Barbizon of Akron grads and not all grads list with Pro-Model & Talent We can, and do, list models directly for work. We must feel they are ready for work, to impress our clients and represent the Pro-Model & Talent Name in the caliber our clients have grown to expect. They must have the skills and industry knowledge and be work-ready. Unfortunately, some previous work does not always equal skills and knowledge at the caliber needed to work with the agency.

7. We successfully place models and talent in assignments 93.5% of the time. This is a very high %. Feel free to compare this placement rate. Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model & Talent do share offices, and are affiliated. Most people don't arrive at our offices industry ready, and we know Barbizon of Akron does an exceptional job with training and industry preparation, if needed. We can confidently recommend them as an excellent training facility. However, an aspiring model/talent needing training may pursue any training resource he/she chooses. Again, when someone comes to our offices industry ready, we can and will list them directly if we feel that we can successfully market them.

8. There is no fee to list with PMTM. Training, education, images, etc will require an investment wherever you elect to acquire them. That is correct. One is NOT paying for representation in listing with PMTM. If we recommend Barbizon or training, then a person would be paying for training. Pretty simple concept. No one is forcing a person to list with PMTM. If you don't like what we are recommending, go somewhere else. Education on the industry is key, and just as important is filtering the correct information out from all of the floods of information you can potentially receive. This holds true on all topics, from medical and legal advice to modeling. Hopefully, though, no one will rely on reality television shows for education. There are many auditions locally for similar but not the same paying, caliber, protected assignments that we book, open to models and newcomers for experience. These still don't train a model or talent properly (a comparison: one can read about, watch tv, and just go to the gym and lift weights, but if not done with the right form, it can cause more damage than good, though the person can still claim to be working out). It's solely up to the individual with what level of seriousness he or she wishes to pursue in this or any industry.

9. It is a shame you act as an expert on the industry in paragraphs 10 and 11. You are the party misleading aspiring models & talent, not Pro-Model & Talent Management. It is quite clear that we have been doing what we are doing successfully for over 25 years. What we do works for models and talent many of them are out there working. You see them on the runway, and in promotions, print and production locally, nationally and internationally. Do not claim to know what is needed to be successful more than our organization. It is neither comely, nor accurate. At no time does PMTM state that being a Barbizon Graduate is required to be a local model. However, we may very well require training and industry knowledge in order to accept a model for marketing. We know what it takes to reach success. If any person does not wish to follow our recommendations, it is completely up to him/her. We are not misleading, we are honest. Sometimes people simply just do not like to hear the truth about what is required.

10. Additionally, in paragraph 11, your rates for costs of shoots, etc are completely inaccurate, your industry terminology is outdated, and rarely will agencies in major markets take chances. Again, it's important to filter the information you receive. Please double check the printing dates on materials you read or DVD's you may rent or purchase.

11. We are able and do accept models for direct placement with the agency, when we are able to market them directly. It's very simple. Our payrates are not fleeting, they are the industry standard for professionals. Hopefully, as you and all other models/talent continue to gain experience and educate yourselves on the industry, you will become more aware of what is required of models/talent and what can be expected from reputable agencies. It is our goal to keep people as properly informed about the industry as possible. Once you've done some more research, feel free to come back and audition again. We would be happy to make additional recommendations at that time.

Agency Director
Pro-Model & Talent Management

I suppose I left something rather important out. After I read the rebutal from this agency in regards to the last person who made a rip-off report, there is some information I would like to know.

Since PMTM claims that models do not pay for representation, I think it is fair to ask them for certain figures.

How many potential talents get an "A" rating?(percentage/numerical figure)

What percentage of modeling hopefuls are asked to pay for/ and or have completed Barbizon training?

What percentage of your models make 1,000+ dollars LOCALLY relatively soon after graduating from Barbizon in order to cover their costs of education?

In your HONEST opinion, why do local models really NEED your company to be successful with local modeling?

I don't want any generalizations, just facts. I have a feeling that those being asked to pay for Barbizon training before representation is not the minority you would like to portray it to be- especially since EVERY person I have asked has either paid money or been smart enough to go elsewhere.