Complaint Review: John Casablancas - SAn Diego California

If you had looked at the BBB website correctly you would see that John Casablanca's in Charlotte, NC actually is not accredited by the better business bureau. They have an A+ rating from the better business bureau based on several small factors. If they were truly accredited then the better business bureau would have done an in depth check of the business. The better business bureau only accredits those who ask to be accredited. Several John Casablanca's are accredited by the BBB, however, the one in Charlotte is not.

John Casablanca's business approach is like that of any other they are trying to sell you a product and do that by marketing themselves as an acting/modeling agency but if you look them up they are actually categorized as a vocational school. It can be seen as a scam if you have experience and are looking for an actual talent agent because they are not. Technically if you have no experience then it isn't a scam but there are better programs out there that are worth the money if you want to take classes on acting and modeling that will provide you with real experience.

Last month, at the beginning of Apri, I was contacted by John Casablancas. I was out of state and my phone's battery was dying. The lady that spoke with me, Lisa, at the Langhorne, PA School, was settinPune up for an audition that same weekend.

While we are on the middle of setting my appointment,nut phone shut off since my battery had died. She called back and left me a message saying "I'm assuming you hung up on me. if you are serious about pursuing this you may call me back. If you're not the I wish you luck, bye." And it's funny because she never left a call back number and when she first called it came up BLOCKED.

Exactly a month layer, she calls me to see if I was still interested. As soon as she identified herself, I clearly told her that I never hung up on hand and explained to her what had happened. She apologized like 10 times.  We went on and scheduled for this coming Saturday. I asked her if I needed to bring in ID or anything like that and she said no. I found that a little weird.

She told me to come dressed casual!! I googled "what should I wear for a modeling audition?" and all these types of links came up about it been a scam, what should I do??

I received a letter in the mail a couple of years back from John Casablancas.  It was inviting me to an audition for modeling and acting at a hotel in town.  I had no idea how they got my address but I was excited because I had always had an interest in modeling.  

When I arrived at the hotel there were TONS of people waiting outside the room filling out applications.  When you completed your application everyone was let inside to sit and listen to a presentation about the talent agency and all the famous people that it helped out.  After awhile they divided us into groups based on age and we did a run way walk down a ramp.  When you got to the end of the stage they would ask you a few questions and take some notes.  

After the audition part had concluded we were told that everyone would be called up to make an appointment with them.  If you were not chosen as someone with potential then you would receive a call canceling the appointment.  They said this was to save you from the embarrassment of not being chosen.

When you had made your appointment you were told to leave to help clear out the really packed room.  After about the first half of people had made appointments and left they paused for a few minutes.  After they were sure everyone had gone they laughed and told all of us that those people who left were the ones that were not chosen and we were the lucky ones with potential.  I thought this was strange after the remark about not embarrassing people.

I ended up being one of the last ones called up to make an appointment.  The lady signing me up seemed to be the one in charge and she had been telling me she really liked my look and I was perfect for runway modeling since I walked in the room.  When she asked me why I hadn't already started in modeling before I told her it was because I didn't have much money.  (I had been told of other "opportunities" but they always wanted lots of money)

As soon as I said that her expression changed completely and she got very defensive saying that you have to pay money in the beginning to get anywhere.  She then quickly wrote down the appointment and went straight for the next potential customer with her expression changing from grumpy back to the "excited wow you have so much potential" look.

I was currently in high school still at the time and I didn't end up being able to make it for the appointment I made at the audition so I rescheduled.  When I came to the appointment I was surprised to see a few people I recognized as the people "not chosen" from the audition.  How do I know it was the same people you ask? Some of them were sitting in my row at the audition and we had conversations.  

The main lady from the auditions came to the waiting room and looked around.  When she saw me she quickly looked away and called another girl to talk to me.  She instead picked a family who was dressed very well. (By well I mean they had some expensive brands on.)  She probably decided I'm a waste of her time since I don't have the 2,000 dollars for classes.  

The girl that talked to me was very nice about it but said that you have to spend the money to get anywhere.  You can either pay it all at once or in payments.  I said I didn't have money for either at the time but I really want to be a model.  Her response to this is "If you really want it bad enough you will find any way to get the money."

In short, all they want is money.  You could have potential to be a huge international model but if you don't have their money they wont touch you.  Even if you pay all the money there is no guarantee it will get you anything.  You'll most likely just end up losing money from head shots and getting make up and walking classes that you could learn in less expensive ways.

ok im a 13 year old girl and me and my friend aditiund together and they then aditiond us and then disited to seperated us and I made it but she did not and she asked them y and they said because she was to exoticly dark not a joke

My ? is for the post above me....its been a few months has your daughter been called by an agent yet? My daughter went for an audition last night and we have an appt to go back tonight.....I just want to know if I should go through with this...she has no experience and I think that getting training would be great but not sure if I want to spend the money. She has an appt with an agent on Friday (not through JC). I attended Barbizon when I was a teen and felt the same way as alot people on the posts before me.

I don't know why you feel the need to lie for the company. My daughter currently goes there and every word the ex-employee stated was true. I saw people that were supposedly not accepted attending class and it's so unorganized every other week the teacher's sit in the room and play the same games they taught them at the first class. As if they were trying to pass time away. My daughter is at the end of the class we'll see what they do for her next. By the way its looking I really wasted my money.  

Since I have been scammed by other companies, I went to the first meeting with my radar on high for things that didn't quite sound right. In comparing what I've heard from this site and conversations with other parents, this place is definitely a scam.

I took my 15 year old daughter to the first meeting. There were about 30 other kids with their parents there to find out information on the modeling industry. Each applicant was asked about 3 to 4 questions. After giving everyone a chance to respond, the instructor said there were six people from the class that she wanted to work with and that cost would be around $1700.

It turns out, EVERYONE was called back at different times. If you are willing to give them money, it doesn't matter what you look like, they will certainly take your money and "work with you".

Luckily I went with three other parents that i knew and we were able to compare notes. Again, an agency should be paying you for modeling, not the other way around. Further, when the company calls me to confirm my appointments, it's always from a blocked number. I found that a little odd. I'm so glad I did my research and did not waste any time with this scam of a company who prays on kids (and their parents) who have a dream of getting into modeling/acting. This is for the location in Langhorne, PA right outside of Philadelphia.

To whoever wrote this I do not believe this about John Cascablancas. I have just started with them and they warned us ahead of time that their is ppl out there that is being paid to write stuff about their centers. JC of Charlotte has an A+ rating with the BBB and has won alot of awards for their etiqutte and models that have come out of the center. JC of Charlotte is ranked #1 in the state of NC and that should say something about the center in Charlotte. Idk about other states but the only thing Im being required to do is pay $170 to start, $170 for my first class then $148 there after until my tution is paid for this includes my bag, makeup brushes, tshirt, books and anything else I need. My agent is a world known female she was Ms.America and has worked with RCA records, Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. So no sorry I dont think you need to put all JC centers down like that. Maybe the one your talking about was like that but I dont believe the JC of Charlotte is I have been promised that by August I will start getting jobs. So plz dont discrimante against all John Cascablancas plz

My MOTHER went to john casablancas and attended their school, PLUS SHE DID PASS THE TEST THAT YOU guys are saying "no one passes", and became part of the agency. She was Very sucessful thanks to them and quit to settle down. but she has done many great things thanks to them so THANK YOU JOHN CASABLANCAS!!! :)

see, i agree. i ended up quitting college so that i could pursue modeling and get really serious about it. people say college years are the best years of your life, but honestly...going to college does not make you a "good person" and its not for everybody. i would definitely recommend atleast considering college, to further your education, but like i said, its not for everyone. this has been the best career move ive made. im going to john casablancas and im learning and doing what ive always wanted to. scam or not, its helped me figure out what i really want to do with my life and that is modeling.

i am currently attending john casablancas in canton, mi and let me just say this: if you are wondering if it is a scam or not a scam, it depends on how you look at it. they are not there to teach you everything, make you a pro, get you all the best jobs out there...they are a learning facility. they fill you with the knowledge, that is their job. your job as a student is to put in the work. the good thing about them is, they actually DO a lot of YOUR work for you. they start out by teaching you the basics, just about skincare/makeup/hair, and towards the middle-end they start teaching you about the industry, how to get booked, how to walk and pose, etc. as a matter of fact, halfway into the 12 week program, they do a photoshoot with you and they make you your very own comp cards...yes, you have to pay for the comp cards, but they do all that work JUST FOR YOU. and not only that, but every month they host a SEARS runway show and if you want to be in it, they register you. its a great way to get your face out there. as far as the money goes, its definitely an investment, but is well worth it if you are serious about modeling/acting. for me, it was $1,197 to do the 12 week program, and they gave me 100 bucks off for paying upfront.

i think a lot of people get it confused as for being a scam because of the fact that they expect this business to just launch your career for you. the classes are great, they teach you everything there is to know, you make new friends, and it looks good on a resume. as a matter of fact, many celebrities like cameron diaz and drew barrymore attended john casablancas for the start of their careers, and it mustve not been a scam for them? haha...and for those of you wondering if one source talent is a legit agency, the answer is no. one of my instructors told me thats where she sstarted out and all they did was take your money. and one of the girls in my class said she went there for an audition and it was extrememly unprofessional.

i have been taking my little giel there for a while we paid 1,700 for her classes then after 10 classes she graduated . then we went to a agent listing at jhon casa bloncas and she passes that audition now she has been accepted into mtm cinncinatti and the also good thing about jhon casa bloncas is that when you graduate from the classes you can go back and repeat any classes u want for free for 3 years  so for 1,700 dollars thats not bad for 10 classes plus unlimited classes for 3 years.  that way they can keep going back for more practice.

to know that they are... and thank you for sharing as  an insider.. Model Placement Center is a scam too I would say. All these companies have a loophole of not being in the business but still able to rip people off. 

It's sick.. First bad agencies and now this

john casablanca is such a lie and tricks people. If you want to look int acting or modeling you should go to an agency that does not cost money! If an agency costs money, it is fake. I hate the people who work there, and i hate their company. I hope their company comes to failure and it gets lost. Anyways i am so angry! Please do not put your children in John Casablanca. And the people who work their are liars and fake! i mean really 2,000 dollars, no freaken way! I can put that money into something thats actually real and great. All im saying is now i have problems with JC about the money, so if you want your credit to get bad, dont go to JC parents!!! And the person who wrote under the girl who worked there, Karma is  B****:)

This is a question for the people who used to work there:

i went to JC in august  with my 3 kids and got no call back.  I went back in october with 1 kid and she DID get a call back. after a google search, i soon realized it's a scam. 

But i'm still curious - why do you suppose they didn't want me to go back in august?

I went to the one in Beverly Hills. I arrived to an audition and they indeed told me that there was only three spaces left! I was so excited becaus ei was chosen to be part of the classes. Then, i went to one of the orientations and a girl i met while i wa sin the waiting room was there too. she was soooo quiet and odd and socially awkward and i tried making conversation with her and she told me that she got chosen outta 80 people. i thoght to myself wow she must have some sort of hidden talent (not to be rude but it seemed odd) and that was my first odd feeling about the place. Then i went to the classes, my goodnes sthey were horrible. they didnt acknowledge the excited girls arriving for their first time. All they wanted was money money money for head shots! I went for three months and i was sick of that place, but at this time i wasnt aware it was a complete scam it was just stuck in the back of my mind. I felt sad knowning that i wasted my dads money on this. Then came the day i told myslef to tell my dad to stop paying. It went on by everyone pretending to audition for a agent that you could only see if you paid for the head shot or else youw oudlnt be allowed to even be in the same room as them, well anywho we were there, me and a cople boys, standing behind the dooor to audition and a little boy tells me that hes lucky because he got a scholarship to go here. Him and his sister. I got an scholarship too. and thats when the group of us realized we all got scholarships. and we were told that we were chosen outta a room full of people. only 3 at a time. Some didnt want to accept that theyve been scammed but i knew all along but i wasnt 100% sure. I'm a very outgoing person, this place didnt just make me feel bad  about loosing all that money. but even just being there made me  have low self esteem because we were never good enough, the teacher would be annoyed, and all the girls acted stuck up because they got a scholarship (ALSO WERE WWERENT SUPPOSE TO TELL ANYONE ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP) ugh... i cant believe i actually wasted my time and they are wasting other peoples time. :( 

1. No professional organization calls upon JC models for hire unless they decide to book someone for free at the last minute. 2. You do not have to look like a model to be a JC model, all you need is $2500.00, it's all about the money. Yes, many young girls can build up their self-esteem, but a good kind friend could provide the very same support to her for free.  Note: ( i have to call into question some of the models at JC San Diego,  based on some of their models profiles like (www.modelmayhem.com/Mayhem #1681620, whose profile appears to be more like a professional nude model for hire / stripper,  recently one of these San Diego instructors was questioned by CPS for child endangerment, her court case is still pending, yet she was evicted from her home and family by CPS to this very day and yet she is still an instructor working all day with young girls at JC San Diego, if JC had to drug test their employees many would not even pass a breathalyzer test... So when your young daughter graduates from her expensive JC class and turns into a nude stripper , don't be surprised, just be glad that she was taught by true professionals working in their field of expertize and you unfortunately paid for it all,... Signed: The Truth Teller,...

All of my information I found is at this site:

http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/casablancas/johncasablancas.html

Jane Doe 44 v. Defendant Doe 1, BC286674 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Dec. 9, 2002).

"John Casablancas, founder of leading model agency Elite, has been named in a
sex abuse lawsuit by an aspiring model who claims he made her pregnant at
the age of 15, and then arranged an abortion -- all more than 15 years ago."

I got a letter in the mail that said I was invited to an audition. I wasn't going to blindly walk into one so I did some research. There was no reservation that I could find made at the hotel, but I could just not have found it. I did a background check on John Casablancas instead and found this.

I want to be a model, but not at such a risk. I don't care if he steals my
money because stealing the innocence of a 15 yr old girl is far worse.

I'll find my job somewhere else.

I Finished all of my JC classes in the beginning of December 09, And I started Last July.
My Parents R STILL Paying for these JC Classes. I Always thought Ur Talent Agent was supposed to help find U Wrk, But thats not what MTM did. We Paid all of this money and......... Nothing.
This Company Sickins Me!
My Parents R Paying Over 2K for What? No Jobs No Nothing!
Even there Photo SHoots were Disappointing! There Photographers Were so Unprofessional and The Pictures Looked Lyked Sh**.

I Just wish I read All of This (Rip Off Report) Info B4 I Paid for NOTHING!
IV BEEN RIPPED OFF BY MTM DENVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

         I am going to John Casablancas as a student. After my third session, I got booked at for a show in Denver, I made $300, it's not a lot but for a first booking, it's pretty good, that's two months of my payments to John Casablancas. How can people say this is a scam??

       My husbands sister went to the school as well in a different state, she got many jobs and only quit because she wanted to become a nurse instead.
        They explain everything to you when they call you in for the interview. They say that they want to help make back the money you spent for the classes, BUT IT'S NOT PROMISED! It's on the contract you sign, yes the $300 to get started does need to be paid, but it's not for just the stuff in the bag, if you look on the contract the "starter up kit" is only like $80,
       I think $300 is a fair price to ask, if you can't pay the rest in full, they set up payment plans which are very affordable. It is through a major company, and they work with you to make sure that you can afford them. The price that you have to pay ($2500) is not horrible, especially when you count in everything they supply for you. You don't have to pay the booking fees, you don't have to pay for initial headshots, you don't have to pay for any "extra" classes if you want to take another one over... they pay A LOT for you, and it is because they want you to succeed.
       All of my teachers have seemed to love what they do, they answer our questions honestly and they don't "raise up dreams and crush them" everyone I've talked to has been real about the percentage of getting jobs in your specific field (acting, modeling, t.v., commercials, movies, ect...) In fact I remember at the first audition that was one of the first things they said. You have to have passion, in this career nothing happens over night. I don't know why people are saying it's a scam, it has been the best career move I have ever made.

Denver, CO
U.S.A.

R u guys serious? This is sort of silly! lol. I'm a student at John Casablanca's (not in SD) and I love every minute of it. It has boosted my self-esteem, confidence, and I now know so much more about this industry then when I started (which was about 8 weeks ago). This is a school/training facility and people pay to be taught certain material. So where's the scam in that? As for the teachers, they give great lessons! I don't know why you would quit if you have this amazing opportunity to share what you know about the fashion industry with those who have a passion in this line of work AND are willing to pay pretty big money to learn about it. Maybe Roger (or whoever) and you didn't get along or something but if you have the ability to fill curious minds with more passion, more knowledge, then I strongly encourage you to do so. Go to a different facility, if anything, but share what you know. John Casablanca's is a great place to do so. =] And they never said anything about limited space =/ . It was said that not everyone will be accepted into their program because not everyone has potential or even passion. Maybe they accepted everyone, maybe not, but I am so satisfied with this program that I don't really care anymore. Yea, I felt...super special when they gave me the first callback to their program. But maybe they want you to feel that way so you will work even harder to get that feeling again. (No one should ever stop learning and the more experience the better =] ) I disagree and believe it is not a scam. There are many students from my particular facility who have signed with agencies THROUGH John Casablanca's showcases. They're well on their way to reaching their dreams. So those who have attended the program and weren't satisfied perhaps just didn't have passion. I think that without passion, there will never be full satisfaction or success. John Casablanca's is already helping me out and I have zero experience. I encourage anyone who truly wants to be an actor/actress or model to apply for John Casablanca's.

i just posted about this company and your information helps me more than you know i was scamed by this company and its been hell tring to get it straightned out. i am currntly trying to get a class action suit together against his scamming a*s company. i know that they are a franchise but any info you could provide me would probly help seeing as though i cant get crap from them.

I am now responding to the sleazy attempt to discredit me (a normal thing that this company does to try to get ahead or get out of the truth.) They are helping to prove my point, this is a company is run poorly. This company has a very high turn over rate. The average time a new employee stays is about 2 months. Part of the reason they stay that long is Roger Rose will sign them for classes then hire them as appointment setters ( to set more appointments for him )and that many times is the only way people can pay for the very expensive classes. I think that they are unprofessional by saying they know who wrote this and claming I was fired (when I was not.) I also think it is very unprofessional that they (a multi million dollar company) would write a letter on Ripoffreports.com calling me a loser. Very mature!!! .I left this company on my own free will because of the ethics or lack there of! I quiet because the way Roger Rose runs the office and the way corporate runs the company. The letter of rebuttal from John Casablancas corporate off is poorly written and full of lies. They are just saying anything they think of to try to prevail. But this is not a win or lose for me I am trying to help anyone wants to know the truth about this scamming company. The funny thing about this whole thing is that this company has me confused with another ex-employee/student. This just shows that I am not the only one who feels this way about John Casablancas. Believe me or not, but if you give this company your money you will know first hand how it feels to be scammed. I really am only here to tell you my experiences internally with this company.

The person that wrote this is a former employee. I know who it is and it was written because she was fired. I was thrilled to see her go. she was incapable of doing her job and is looking for someone to blame on her lack talent. It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence. I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work. I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes. It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people. Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego

The person that wrote this is a former employee. I know who it is and it was written because she was fired. I was thrilled to see her go. she was incapable of doing her job and is looking for someone to blame on her lack talent. It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence. I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work. I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes. It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people. Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego

The person that wrote this is a former employee. I know who it is and it was written because she was fired. I was thrilled to see her go. she was incapable of doing her job and is looking for someone to blame on her lack talent. It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence. I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work. I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes. It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people. Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego

The person that wrote this is a former employee. I know who it is and it was written because she was fired. I was thrilled to see her go. she was incapable of doing her job and is looking for someone to blame on her lack talent. It is sad that someone can't accept responsiblity for their own failure and has to make up lies to try to justify their incompetence. I worked at John Casablancas for many years and found the people to be honest and a pleasure to see how well they treated their students and talent. The teachers were fantastic and really cared about the kids. The positive changes that happened in the kids life made it a great place to work. I recently had to leave the company and move to another city. If I was still in San Diego I would go back to work there and take my children there for classes. It makes me sick that some loser can write lies and act like they are helping people. Happy to be a part of John Casablancas San Diego