- Report: #791073
Complaint Review: Carolyn's Models & Talent Management - Mississauga Ontario
Reported By:
Renee -
Toronto, Ontario, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Carolyn's Models & Talent Management
1965 Britannia Road West, Suite 210 Mississauga, Ontario, United States of America
Phone:
416-544-0232
Web:
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Carolyn's Models & Talent Management $600+ Taken by These Scam Artists Mississauga, Ontario
My mother was scammed by this "agency", and paid over $600 to them for registration only to be told later that more money would be needed for photography costs. She could not afford to put any more money into them, so we never were even represented by the agency. When asked for our money back, we were told that just like when you purchase from a store, you can only get a refund up to a certain point. SCAMMERS! This happened years ago,but I am now much older and it bothers me so much how much of a scam this agency is. They even go against codes of ethics for agencies in Canada and Ontario. They advertise on Google, and parenting magazines! NOT ALLOWED. They chare outrageous registration fees, again, NOT ALLOWED. They refer you to classes that are run be THEIR studio, and photographers that are based out of their company too! I would not be surprised if they photographer was their cousin, and the acting instructor their uncle! They are ridiculous. When asked if we could get photos from another photographer their response was,"Well I suppose you could but we need a really specific high quality headshot which is why we offer you photography services through us." ..Seriously? So please, do not go with this agency, and pass on the truth and tell your friends about them! I only wish I could get that money back for my mother, but I cannot file with the BBB because it has been more than the allowed time. So please report to the BBB if you are a recent victim! People do get jobs through them, but the agency is double dipping. Agents get paid when their actors get paid. They get COMISSION. That is why you are not to be charged to register. They get your HEFTY registration fee PLUS the 10-20% comission from each of your booked jobs. Avoid Carolyn's, and I sincerely hope that they cease to exist because their methods to success are very unethical.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
TalentManager
Milton,Ontario,
Canada
Carolyn's Model and Talent is Very Reputable!
#2Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2011
It is unfortunate you feel the way do, but what is more unfortunate is that you are upset over a situation and information that is not reality. And you have now posted your interpretation of what happened as if it were factual information on the internet as a way of dealing with the perception you have. Carolyns is not a scam agency, nor have they ever been. In fact, it would be pretty difficult, if not impossible for them to stay in business for over 25 years if they were. And not only stay in business, but have many talent experience success in the model & talent industry with jobs booked through Carolyns.
They have never charged $600+ for administrative fees. However, they do have photographers they suggest if you do not have professional acting or modelling photos. (and they work with two of the best photographers in the industry) the cost for a photo shoot with one of their suggested photographers is $250 for the photoshoot and $250 for the edited/printed comps/8x10s which are unlimited during your representation with them. If you do your research, you will see this is a standard rate for the cost of photos and a photoshoot. It is actually on the lower end, as a professional acting/modelling photoshoot in Toronto typically ranges between $200 to $800.
And yes it is imperative to have a high quality headshot, this is the film/tv/modelling industry.... EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE. Casting directors are being suggested hundreds, thousands of people everyday for the roles they are working on. And when your photo is one of those thousands, what can be done to have yours stand out and not be sifted through and put into the no pile? Well... for starters, professional photos!!
If you are serious about this business, you do what it takes to be the best and stand out amongst the rest and to be honest, even that will not guarantee you get work, however you can be sure that you have a fighting chance. And if you walk into to Carolyns as a full union member, with a strong headshot and a solid resume... you pay $0 - there are no fees!! Many people who are represented by them provided their own photos, however if the photos you want to use are not good enough, they will be honest and tell you. They are not going to waste their time or yours.
Carolyns takes pride in who they represent and they want their talent to succeed. They know from years of experience what their clients are looking for and what their talent need in order to have a chance at success. They believe in people and are willing to give people a chance. They let them know what is out there that may help build their experience and their resume. But nothing that is suggested is ever mandatory, what you choose to do, to better your chances at getting auditions/bookings, is always up to you.
Carolyns is one of the best agencies out there, they have so much experience and knowledge in this industry. Carolyn herself has over 50 years experience and works so closely with her staff. All of the staff care so much about their talent. They take time to offer guidance, suggestions and feedback to their talent and are always available to talk if you need help in anyway.
Try and find an agent like that... good luck!
