Complaint Review: Starbizz Models And Talent

My story is exactly the same as everyone else on this RIPOFF webpage, BUT I did pay the $685 and signed a contract. Now I see all of the reports of other parents that have gone through what I am going through.

I heard an advertisement on the local radio station asking for babies\toddlers needed immediately for a print ad for major clothing companies; children 7 - 15 for print ads, TV commercials, etc.

Like everyone else I called and set up an interview. I received my interview Saturday Aug 19, 2006.

After waiting around for a while they called each of us individually into a room, they put my son's on camera for maybe 45 seconds, tops. Bruce then asked me if I would be willing to travel with my oldest son if he was chosen, he said he was great, he loved the camera.

I was told directly from Bruce Rombergs (the owner\president) on the day of the audition that my kids were perfect and what they were looking for and that I would be paid $500.00 - $1500.00 per job starting with the VERY FIRST JOB.

I was told to contact him the following Monday between the hours of 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM (Aug 21). I was unable to contact him during those hours so I contacted him around 5:00 PM. I was told from Bruce that he (my oldest son) made it, he was selected to be in a commercial, they loved him, and he was going to go places.

I was also told that my son would be paid for his first commercial and that he would guarantee it and give it to me in writing. I was to come in the next day to sign the contract.

I scheduled my appointment for the following day. I had an appointment at 2:15PM. I was greeted by Bruce and was told that Michael (my oldest son) had been selected to do a commercial for a new toy store opening up in Scottsdale. I was extremely excited that MY SON was picked.

Bruce was talking so fast and telling me everything I wanted to hear, that everything was going to be smooth sailing and that Michael could go places with his looks.

He also explained to me that I would need to come back 2 more times, once to do the photo shoot and the next would be to meet him at the disclosed store. That I would have to bring my son in, every 6-9 months to do a new photo shoot for more updated photos. They would be placed on their web page for talent scouts to look at."

I signed the contact and was given a business card and an appointment card for the photo shoot appointment. I asked about the salary for his first commercial, Bruce then informed me that I was NOT going to be paid for the commercial, I would however be compensated with approx. $600.00 worth of gift certificates because the stores will not pay children the first time they appear on TV, that this will go on their resume and be added as experience. What happened to the: guarantee it and give it to me in writing

After doing some research today online, I found all of these complaints and contacted him to find out exactly what was going to happen. He told me that he in deed told me that the kids could make $500.00 - $1500.00 ONLY if they were signed to a contract with a talent agent, which he did not. ***As with all of the other reports have stated, he failed to mention that this money would be paid ONLY if my child was signed to a talent agency**.

I also found out that the photo CD and Commercial CD would not be available to me for appox. 4-6 weeks depending on how long it took for the stores to edit the commercials, not that I would get them right there and then.

Bruce told me and I quote" I tell everyone the same thing, so I know what I told you on the audition date, and that he explained to me that the money would only be paid if my child was signed into a contract with a talent agency." NOT TRUE!!

I have just paid $685.00 to someone whom I trusted with my child's modeling career only to find out that he will probably not do anything he has verbally promised.

Susan
El Mirage, Arizona
U.S.A.

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