Complaint Review: Starbiz Wilhelmina

Patrick -

I would love to be involved in any action taken against Starbiz Wilhelmina. After reading all of these reports, I too am absolutely sick to my stomach. My story is almost identical to yours.

I heard a radio commercial that stated Starbiz was looking for babies and toddlers to star in a print ad for a well-known clothing retailer. I took my 10-month-old daughter to Starbiz for an audition. During the audition the director of talent, Monique, told me if my daughter were chosen, she would be guaranteed one full-page color ad. I was told that most models make between $600-$1,500 per assignment. The information that was given to me at the time of the audition stated:

Baby Marketing Package:
1 Photo Shoot on location at retail store
50 8x10 Photos
Complete Marketing including Website
One guaranteed commercial print appearance

I too was told to call back between 1-2 that day, and when I did they said they were backed up and if we were selected they would call us that evening. SUPRISE - I was called back later that evening and told that my daughter was 1 of 4 chosen out of the 25 that auditioned. Again, Monique told me we would be guaranteed one full-page color ad for babies clothing. She told me to come in the next day to sign the contract and set up a time for the photo shoot.

When we set up the photo shoot, I was told to return to the Starbiz office not a retail store on location, as the information provided stated. I went in on August 30th for the photo shoot. My daughter was given a horrible tie-dyed outfit to wear for her ad. After the session was finished I asked when we would receive payment for this assignment, and was told this was for experience only and no payment would be given. I told them the contract stated we would be guaranteed one ad, and that it said nothing about not being paid for this ad. Again I was told this was for experience only. I also found out that the ad my daughter is to be in has several other children in it, not just her, as Monique suggested by saying we would be guaranteed one full page color ad. The contract also states I have not in any way, either verbal or in writing been guaranteed any assignments, interviews or employment OTHER THAN THE FIRST COMMERCIAL PRINT APPEARANCE which will be published and a copy will be available to me. If we are not to be paid for this one guaranteed assignment, why is that not in the contract?

Had I known the whole story, obviously I would have never signed up with this company. Conveniently, Monique, the Director of Talent, who also signed my contract, is no longer with the company.

I hope this helps all of us involved with this horrible company!!!

Kathaleen
Mesa, Arizona
U.S.A.