Starbiz Talent Agency Ripoff I guess I too was scammed.... Scottsdale Arizona
I wish I would have found this website 2 months ago...I signed my daughter up in August and she is set to be on the back cover of AZ Parenting in October. Unlike many of the other people in these reports, I went in to it knowing that we would not get paid for the first assignment-that it was just for experience.
I'm concerned after all this reading about the number of kids that they have on their website, and that they apparently are not associated with Wilhemina NY. It's interesting that they have these casting calls to find talent for upcoming ads-why can't they use some of their existing clientele??
I have to admit though that I'm still trying to be optimistic about future assignments. (I know-call me crazy!!) I'll have to wait and see how the ad looks in the AZ parenting...
Shelly
Gilbert, Arizona
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
File a complaint with the AG.
#5Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 05, 2004
I just called the Attorney General's office to follow up on the complaint I filed. The person I spoke with said that my complaint was in the system and was being investigated by the legal staff.
He did indicate that everyone with the same complaint should file a report. I urge everyone to go to the following website and fill out a Consumer Complaint Form:
www.ag.state.az.us
If the AG's office sees a trend developing, they are more likely to pursue action.
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Yes, I sent the letter to Gary Harper at 3 On Your Side. I am awaiting their response.
#5Consumer Suggestion
Sun, September 26, 2004
Shelly,
Yes, I was the one who sent the letter to Gary Harper at 3 On Your Side. I am awaiting their response. I filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office last week, and am waiting to hear from them also.
Nice to find out they told you the first assignment was unpaid ONLY after you asking first. Bruce says that all his employees will swear upon a stack of bibles that everyone is told the first assignment is for experience only prior to signing the contract.
I was there with both my wife and her mother, and none of us recall being told this. All I can say is if we had been told that, we definitely WOULD NOT have signed up and paid $685. We did so assuming we would get an immediate return on our investment as we were guaranteed "one commercial print appearance". Since Bruce had said the average assignment pays $600 - $1500, we felt comfortable paying his fee. That is his hook.
Notice that there have been NO positive rebuttals submitted on any of the Rip Off Reports about Starbiz, save for a response Bruce himself made back in 2002. Usually, there will be at least some people post that they have had a good experience with a particular company, unless of course that company is a total sham.
Search these reports often as I will keep my report (#103042) updated on our progress.
Shelly
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Feel like a sucker...
#5Author of original report
Sat, September 25, 2004
It was only after I asked that I was told that we would not be paid for the 1st assignment-they didn't volunteer the info. Julie was who I worked with. Luckily, I kind of went in to it not expecting much, so I'm not terribly disappointed. I still feel like a sucker though. Were you the one that sent a letter to the news? I would be willing to participate if anything comes of that.....
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Don't hold your breath about future assignments.
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, September 24, 2004
Because if you do, you will certainly pass out from lack of oxygen.
Sorry Shelly, but you will most likely not get called for any assignments. I am surprised to learn that you knew you would not be paid for the first assignment. You are the first to say that. However, when did you find that out, before or after you signed the contract?
Who is your Talent Director? Is it Sara Beth?
If you don't want to wait to see how the pictures will turn out, go out and pick up a current copy of Arizona Parenting. Looks like a page out of a yearbook. 25 -30 kids on one page, and most of them dressed in the same outfit. You can find them in the "Free Publications" rack at Fry's and Basha's.
Bruce's line about needing to have experience is a load of crap. His excuse to do what he is doing.