Complaint Review: WMT Development Model Talent Network

These people are scammers, I was there today. As there were about ten other, we were lured there with an ad on Craigslist, looking for extras for an upcoming mega movie with Jennifer Anniston and Gerald Butler. I had researched the company and the reviews although there were only two of them. I had lowered my expectations, for a movie deal, and prepared me for what was coming, I was being setup for a $99 headshot, a must in the industry, or so they say. I must admit that I was hesitant to go for to the interview/casting because I don't consider myself the actor type; however I could work as an extra in a movie, not much required there. So anyways I was going to be in the area and I was curious. I got there at 12:20pm and my appointment was at 1:00, took the elevator to the second floor, and made a left then a right, it is the last door on your right. Once inside there is a metal sign, I guess it is required by law, otherwise it would not be there. I forgot exactly what it says, but it goes something like we are not an employment agency; we will not get you a job are here to take your money and picture. I am sure not many people read this sign; if they did they would just walk away.

After filling out my application, the job, I am asked to proceed to a waiting area, it is the size of a walk-in closet, the walls are painted in different colors red, and black the ceiling is white. They are covered with movie posters, my guess; they were obtained from a dumpster diving expedition, along with a 19 inch Zenith color TV, circa 1982. With horrible reception, they are probably sharing the cable with some other tenant. And there I meet ten other talents also there for job, as extras for the upcoming blockbuster movie. At the other end of the room there is a door, on the door there is another sign this one is printed on paper, and it says that The building management, has asked WMT, that all our guest use the stairs when leaving this office, more on that later. I only see people go in, but nobody ever comes out, are they shanghaiing these talents?
In the meantime I stated socializing, I talked to a couple of girls that were very excited to be there and the prospects of getting a job in show biz, modeling, acting, singing or like in my case as an extra in a movie. I told them not to expect much, because of the bad reviews that, I had read about WMT, and told them, to expect to be with a high pressure, fast talking sales pitch. I also told them that I could be wrong and the only way to find out was to continue on to the job interview, besides there was nothing to lose except of course for the $99, for the professional headshot.
After waiting for about 25 minutes, I am asked to come in. As soon as I walked in, this guy, starts his name dropping routine, and tells me he has access to over 36,000 -thirty six thousand- jobs. Yes, that's correct! He has access to over thirty six thousand jobs, in the entertainment industry. I interrupt him to let him know that I am not an actor; neither want to be one, then let him know that I'm there because of the ad on craigslist, looking for extras for the movie. He then tells me that those positions have been filled; but that he can get me some other parts maybe even make me a STAR, if I pay him $99 for the picture. I tell him that I am not interested, and that I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi, if it is OK with him I can have a friend take my picture, and I will either give or email it to him. He gets annoyed, and asks me to leave.
On the way out, he shows me a different way out, this one is thru a messy studio, with stuff scattered around, away from the waiting area. Once we work, our way out, I realized, I'm in the hallway the same way I came in, not the stairs. Remember the sign in the waiting room, that ask the guest to use the stairs on the way out, well they take you out a different way, so you don't get to talk to the people in the waiting area, ingenious!!!.
This is a total scam, and it might even be illegal. So proceed with caution or stay away altogether.

Louie
corona, New York
U.S.A.