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Uniontown,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, November 21, 2011
Theres a few things that need to be considered. First of all Pro Model and Barbizon can be thought of kind of like a college. No, by no means is it necessary, but it could in turn help you in the long run. College is expensive and not everyone who goes to college is going to be making a lot of money especially not in this economy. You're success is determined only by how confident and determined you are yourself. They are by no means ripping you off because YOU are the one who CHOSE to become educated in the modeling and acting industry. YOU chose to spend the money and the time. So it's up to YOU and only YOU to determine whether or not you will take what you learned and put it to use.
I am not just some random person trolling around the internet trying to pick fights. I am speaking from experience. My sister started at Barbizon when she was 13. She is now 18 years old and between the time she started at Barizon shes been to LA twice and placed EXTREMELY well at IMTA competitions. She recieved offers from big name booking agents, but unfortunately she was forced to turn them down because my parents weren't willing to move to LA at the time. From what this article is saying, that's pretty much the end of the road if someone even got that far in the first place. Not true. My sister continued to look for jobs and she put in the time to make out resumes and portfolios. She's had multiple photoshoots for dots and dicks sporting goods and she recieves checks for like $500 in the mail at least once a month just for doing a 2 hr photoshoot. She wouldn't have gotten the jobs that she did had she not had the experience from Barbizon, Pro-Model, and IMTA and if she hadn't been determined to get what she wanted.
Seriously
Akron,#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, October 03, 2011
Hello I am soooo sick of people writing about Barbizon being a fake im from california been in Ohio for 2 years where im from everybody wants to be a star and there is a PRICE to be paid wherever u go, so what if u wanna send head shots directly to a modeling agency go ahead u still have to pay SOMEBODY and if your shots not professional u still dont get a job. Is a law school fake if u pay your tutiton and dont finish school dont become a lawyer thats on you, the school can only help so much, what business has been in business for 70 years phony!!! If you want to be a model and u want serious help and prepared to help yourself than this is the school dont get mad if it doesnt work out or u dont become a instant model I haven't heard them tell 1 person u gonna be a instant model use common sense people!!!!Being a star is a 50/50 chance only people willingly to take that chance make it quit complaining!!!!!!...........FED UP IN OHIO
anonymous
akron,#4General Comment
Wed, August 03, 2011
They want you to think that you will get somewhere when in fact you 9 times out of 10 wont. When they call you for and audition you will sit through a 2 hour long event where they tell you people they worked with well first of all have you heard of paid advertisment. They are all about money (our money) knowing you dont have it they will continue to hound you for it. They make you think you coming in to be auditioned when all they do is ask you questions to see what your needs are for the schooling it has nothing to do with acting or modeling. and they love people that are shy with cofidence problems because typically they are an easy sell. the people that are auditioning you are just everyday average people just like us. they know about as much as we do about the industry maybe a little more just because you have to know a little to make it look legit! they think they are better than us when again in all reality they are just like us and as brooke as the rest of us.
NOW AS FAR AS BARBIZON...
I did not attend but from what i see as far as self confidence or speaking in public is an issue for you or your child then this could be a good thing it does cost quite a bit but in the long run it will be helpful. but only if thats all your going for. dont expect to get chosen for modeling or acting. and as far as them being selective they arent they choose everone they only way your out is if you have full body tattoos but in that case not sure they may even take them. and the barbizon scholorship is chosen from barbizons from all over the country not just from the one in fairlawn and that was a long time ago! never happened since then.
so just watch out for them it may just be a waste of your time!
Tazman
Cleveland,#5General Comment
Mon, May 16, 2011
To the person in the last rebuttal claiming that you have owned a modeling business...
Why do you not own it anymore?? Why do you feel the need to scream at everyone on here
since you feel you need to use ALL CAPS,Everyone in the industry including 99% of all the
kids in America know to NEVER EVER use all caps unless you are ignorant or just plain
don't know anything about the internet. Also, it seems that you cannot spell for crap either!!
any person in a business or preparing themselves for it know how to spell correctly!!
your speech or rebuttal is indicative of someone who is not familiar with the inner workings
of the business let alone the way the english words are spoken,pronounced and written!!
Please learn how to do all this BEFORE claiming you USED to own a business like this AND
how to speak and write the english language properly!! THEN and only then more people
might actually believe what you are saying in the first place about defending the so called
scammers of Pro modeling and Talent!! to further my point i'm not satisfied yet as to their
validity since everytime i've tried to log onto PMTM.com it never comes up!! As if the server isn't
working or they have been shut down!! I'll wait and then give my more detailed opinion after
tomorrows second interview with my daughter/son.
Terri
CLEAR LAKE,#6General Comment
Mon, December 21, 2009
I AM A FORMER MODELING SCHOOL & AGENCY OWNER, DIRECTOR, OF MN. USA
= WHICH BELONGED TO IMTA, AND SCOUTED FOR TALENT AND BROUGHT TALENT TO IMTA, AND I CAME HOME WITH WINNERS,
AS PEOPLE THAT DO NOT KNOW WHAT - HOW & OR WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IN COMPETIONS IN MODELING- TALENT COMPETITIONS
I RESEARCHED THIS COMPANY OUT FOR 2 YRS, PRIOR TO GETTING SELECTED, AND THEY ARE 1 OF THE FEW LIGITIMATE SOURCES- OPTIONS TO LAUNCH TALENT, ASTON KUCHTER, ELI WOODS, ARE FEW OF THEIR TALENTS DISCOVERED THRU IMTA COMPETIONS, AND IT SEEMS TO GET THE SPECIFICS OF HOW ARE OFTEN LEFT OUT OR DELETED IN INTERVIEWS, BUT IN PRINT IT CAN BE FOUND VIA THRU THE LOCAL PAPERS OF THE NEW DISCOVERIES.
AND THERE ARE ALOT MORE EXAMPLES AND PLUS'S& FACTS, OF THE IMTA'S AWESOME OPPROTUNITY, IN WHICH YOU HAVE TO LEARN , GET EDUCATED, AND TRAIN & GROOM FOR TO COMPETE & GET DISCOVERED, IT IS AN INVESTMENT, AS YOU ARE YOUR OWN BUSINESS, BY MARKETING YOUR SELF IN THE APPROPRIATE AREAS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN EVALUATED FOR.
I CAN GO ON & ON ABOUT THE PLUSES AND FACTS & SUCCESSES, AND YES, IT COST ME THE OWNER, DIRECTOR, 3,000.00 BACK IN 1995 TO GO TO IT ALSO, ALONG WITH A PAID YEARLY MEMBERSHIP FOR EACH MEMBER,
= SO IT COSTS, AND THERE IS ALSO EDUCATIONS, AND MUCH MORE GOING ON AT THESE CONVENTIONS,
AND IMTA ALSO SCREENS BUSINESS, SCHOOLS, AGENCIES, AND NOT EVERY ONE IS ALLOWED IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 30 YRS ALSO, & BEFORE ALL THE FOLLOWERS TRIED TO COPY CAT THEIR EVENTS, CONVENTIONS, AND NO ONE COMES CLOSE TO IMTA.
SO IF NEED MORE I WILL ADD MORE, AND HOW THE MEMBER OF IMTA, THE HAVE FREEDOM TO PUT TOGETHER WHAT, HOW, AND $ WHAT IS COVERED & CUSTOMIZE THEIR IMTA TALENTS & PAKAGES.
AND I ALSO SAW THOSE PEOPLE SCRAMBLE, FOR FUNDS, AND HAD THE SAME TYPE OF "DETERMINED" TALENTS & FAMILYS, AND ALSO THEY WORKED HARD TO GET THERE, AND ALSO HAD OLD FASHION- STRONG WORK ETHICS, = WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN THESE INDUSTRIES, .
SO THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW HOWS & WHATS OF THIS INDUSTRY, DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TAKING ABOUT AND LOOKING AT IT INACCURATELY, AS THEY HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT AND HOW HARD AND COMPETITIVE IT IS TO BREAK IN TO IT.
Zachary
Akron,#7Consumer Suggestion
Thu, July 31, 2008
I see the modeling agencies are getting desperate now, responding anonymously online like a bunch of punk kids. The other guy was right, how many people respond to silly little posts online if they are a professional agency?? I see they are getting desperate now, logging on under a different name pretending to be someone elses mother whose daughter made her 'money back' just by attending their crappy convention, which is 'coincidently' the same pitch that they use in their sale. "Make your money back by attending the convention!' I can tell this baloney was written by an employee themselves. Notice this 'duaghter' mysteriously decided not to pursue her career after her large windfall of luck. How desperate to say someone's child is ugly just because someone ratted out our agency, no real mother would write this, this agency is UNBELIEVABLE the low they would stoop to get back at people who speak the truth about them. Calling a girl ugly or not good enough, wow! Might be that dirty dothead who tries to pretend to be White at the front desk. Or did she find a nice career in Bollywood porn already? Might be that clown-faced Cruella Deville 'M' who walks around their with her kabooke Makeup on. I am glad some former employees are turning this place in. Another reason I know they are fake is that in their meetings, they always say 'look in the mirror and see if you think you could be a model, do you look like the girls in those magazines' yet they never tell you which person you are, yet they take the girls money anyway. In California they won't even talk to a girl who is not model material, I have never seen an 'agency' just sit and play 'guess who' with a bunch of potential models right in front of their places, this place is corrupt. The lawsuit is coming people, get ready.
Anonymous
NAVARRE,#8Consumer Comment
Tue, January 29, 2008
My daughter graduated from Barbizon in January 2007. She is currently refreshing herself with the course. She also took the IMTA classes and went to NYC for the convention. With the pay she received for her first two jobs, the Barbizon classes were paid for! She did obtain agency's interested from NYC. Being under 18, it is hard to relocate, although, she doesn't HAVE to. She is going to be taking the Acting/TV & Film classes. In my opinion, it has all been worth it. Maybe the people who are not getting work don't have the talent, looks or commitment it takes. Modeling/Acting is a tough business. It takes a tough skin. We love everyone at PMTM. They have been nothing but wonderful.
Mr. Martini
Chicago,#9UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, August 17, 2007
Hello, Mr. Martini, again. I'm sitting in my office and I'm reading the above statements and I'm wondering this: If you're someone who doesn't know much about the entertainment/modeling industry, then how do you know who to believe here? Am I right? Well, here's what I suggest. (Btw, if you haven't read my previous rebuttal, it's listed above and titled "A Question of Ethics." It's fun) 1. It's considered bad form, not to mention a very bad business practice, to charge anyone for a service that has yet to be rendered. I was contacted just this morning by someone who said that this agency was asking for an upfront fee in exchange for representation/management/instruction. The bottom line is that there isn't a legitimate agency out there that will charge you before they've even found you work. Representation should NEVER cost you a dime, other than the money you may need for clothes, transportation, etc. The agency's job is to field offers, and to set up interviews/auditions to send you on. Once you've landed the job, THEN they will take a percentage (the standard is 10-15%) of your earnings. That's simply the fact of how a legitimate agency functions. I currently have a literary agent, and I haven't given him anything other than my manuscripts. He's representing me because he see potential in what I've shown him, and, if I ever manage to find a publisher, then he'll take his fee. But why would I pay him before I've even made any money? Representation goes both ways: both parties are in it to achieve something, right? It's not just about what "they" can do for you. Also, if an agency seems to express more concern over your wallet than for your welfare, then you should look elsewhere. If they seem to need your money that badly, then how well can they really be doing? 2. In my opinion, the photographers hired by this company were the bottom of the barrel. There are much better photographers out there. My advice, if you're really serious about finding legitimate representation, is that you find a professional photographer on your own in whatever market you're desiring to work in. If you plan on moving to L.A., then take a trip there and find yourself a photographer. This is because each market has its own standards for industry headshots and modeling portfolios. The L.A. look and the New York look are not the same. Don't let yourself shell out a bundle for inferior photos. They are the lifeblood of the model/actor's career. You should love the photographs or ditch them. (I remember once telling this to my employer when I was with you know who, and they had no idea what I was talking about. That should tell you something right there.) 3. If you're really confused now and you have no idea how to distinguish a legitimate agency from a fraudulent one, or you want unbiased feedback on how to start a career as a model/actor, then search your area for universities that have Theatre and Fashion programs. Call up the head of the dept and simply explain to them your situation. Ask if there is a professor on hand who could offer you advice or insight into this profession. Most Theatre depts (Kent State and Case Western are good sources in the Akron/Cleveland areas) have people on hand who have and who continue to work in television and film. I know that KSU and OSU also have strong Fashion programs. These people aren't working on commission, they have nothing to gain from you. They're teachers not for the money, trust me. They're teachers because they love what they do and most of them will be more than happy to offer you some professional insight. Ask them what they think of you know who. 4. I saw there was a serious amount of effort put forth in the above rebuttals by reps defending this company. To the extent that they even had one of their token clients post a testimonial in their defense! LOL! (Assuming, of course, that the individual in question is not another employee. But that's another issue.) My point is this: Why would a legititmate agency put so much effort into defending themselves, especially on an obscure website? (Sorry, ripoffreport.com. You know I love you.) Doesn't that seem desperate and unprofessional? A truly legitimate agency would, first of all, not waste the time or energy to defend themselves on a public forum like this. Secondly, legitimate agencies have legal departments for handling this kind of thing. They'd simply release a form statement, and that would be that. Third, and most importantly, they would never sink to using clients to defend them. That's just, well, shameful and silly. Are they really that afraid of losing business over these posts? If theyre reputation was truly as golden as they want you to think, then why would they care so much about a few sour, complaining individuals? Think about it. The truth is pretty clear.
Mr. Martini
Chicago,#10UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, August 16, 2007
I used to work for this company as an instructor. Eventually my conscience and sense of professional integrity forced me to distance myself from the organization. Afterwards, I went to work for other legitimate educational institutions, but the unethical business practices that I witnessed at Pro-model of Akron, Ohio are still with me. First, let me say that I never knew Pro-model to guarantee anything to anyone. That was how they protected themselves from liability issues. What I saw again and again, however, was a complete lack of ethical responsibility on their part. It was made clear to me by my employer that only one thing mattered - the money. I expressed my concern over certain students, telling my employer that I thought they weren't prepared for the kind of rejection they could experience at the IMTA. I suggested that some students stay behind, maybe give it a try next time. I was ignored, and told that we could consider these factors AFTER they had paid. Once that final check was written and handed over, THEN then we could talk about what was best for the student. I won't write a long, boring diatribe ranting about how underhanded this company was while I was there. I'll just say I have a lot more stories I could tell. And I wasn't even there very long. If what I read above is true, and there is a civil action suit pending against Pro-model, I would be more than willing to speak with an attorney about my experiences while working there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] and you can decide if I have anything of value to offer. I have nothing to gain from this. I am currently very happy and successful working in a different field altogether. The help I offer is out of a sense of regret that I couldn't have done more at the time. Some of those families spent their childrens' college funds on IMTA and that just isn't right.
Consumer Advocate
Akron,#11Consumer Suggestion
Wed, July 12, 2006
To the response above, I think you did Barbizon/Pro-Model a disservice by comparing them to fine franchises like Outback Steakhouse and Target. Barbizon sells itself as a franchise, but is FAR from it. The basic pillar of a franchise is brand recognition, in that you will recognize and experience the same basic products wherever you go. For example, a Big Mac at every MCDonald's. Maybe not the same friendly service staff, but certainly the same products. I have never went to Target, bought a TV, then had the cashier put only a mere shoe in my bag. Nor has anyone went to Outback, ordered a steak, and had the server hand over a bag of peanuts. Barbizon offers the perfect bait and switch which is contradictory to what they offer you in real life. They focus on large national gimics and large amounts of money when that will not happen in barely any case. Some of the Barbizon franchises don't even offer the same type of products or service, missing bags, missing books, not honoring refunds, a big mess. Franchises cannot use segregation of location as an excuse to do bad. As far as you living in California and giving out your pay rate, if this company led to your income, I don't know why they had to contact you for you to tell it when legally they should have it on record if they had anything to do with it and legally they would be allowed to give out your pay rate as all performers have their pay rate blared all over the media anyway. Not sure why they had to contact you to find out what you make when they could have said it themselves in their own post. I had clearly stated in my original post that people get jobs with this franchise, just not the jobs they are looking for or the type of bait and switch jobs where you make less than what you even invested. People are investing thousands and getting peanut jobs, hey, they'd be better off paying themselves. These are not REAL jobs and are RIPOFF jobs. I am not intrigued by the fact that them not taking your whole family proves they don't just take anyone, of course they have to appear to be picky among your large family of 3 kids auditioning to appear to be picky so you would believe exactly what they want you to believe. For those of you wondering what a $2,000 day rate is, all that means is a talent is not WILLING to work for less than $2000, but that does not mean that that person is getting that much on every offer nor does it mean that that person is working every day or every week. In that case, I will go to my boss next promotion and say "Hey, my day rate is $2,000 too!" I have taken both expensive dance and voice lessons, and over the years, yes, they have mounted to thousands of dollars. But why don't people ever sue their voice or dance coaches? Because voice and dance coaches don't lie and use bait and switch during their lessons and instead practice honesty and integrity. Please don't compare our states wonderful dance schools who mostly have Master's degrees and went to college to a sleezy model school scam staff whose tactics mirror those used by late-night infomercial scam artists. I find it horrific that you would say that the only way to get to agents is through places like this company. That is the exact opposite method that successful talent use. The precise way to get real work it to go directly to an agent and not to any scam convention or modeling school, none of the real workers in the industry like Christie, Tyra, Claudia, Heidi, even took or advise your 'route.' They actually speak out against it. And yes, Britany and Christina hired entertainment lawyers (not to sue, just to have someone help them review contracts) and went directly to agents. Do not allow yourself to be taken avantage of by posterboys for corrupt agencies or any agency that has a credit card machine behind it's counter! You won't see that in real agencies in New York! As far as me not signing my name, this company has already used celebrity names to distort the truth no telling what they will do to my name. NONE of the Barbizon franchises on this site even signed their name themselves and they are supposed to be professionals. Unless you know someone whose birthname is "staff" or "administration." I am a simple consumer who will not allow others to get ripped off.
Melissa
Encino,#12UPDATE Employee
Fri, July 07, 2006
If you took the time to read the report submitted by "Consumer Advocate", then I humbly ask that you give me the same courtesy to read the rebuttal I offer to this claim. I am so shocked that this "Consumer Advocate" has made statements targeting Pro Model & Talent Agency (PMTM)/Barbizon of Akron (BOA) as being fraudulent or intentionally misleading in their advertising with NO REAL JOBS, NO REAL MONEY.... First off, yes Barbizon Schools are found nation wide, but so are Outback Steak House, Target, Avis Rental Cars, etc. and I am sure all of us have had unpleasant experiences at one location and been extremly pleased with products and services at others. Barbizon of Akron provides professional training by experienced staff members who have worked in the industry and offer more than just training from a manual. What you get from Barbizon of Akron, you won't get from any other Barbizon across the nation, hands down this Barbizon is a top notch training school for modeling. Pro Model & Talent is also a very successfully management company that has opened doors for so many young people not only in Ohio and neighboring states but across the US. This is fact. My husband and I are the proud parents of 3 wonderful girls who have always enjoyed make-up, dress-up and love being in front of the camera. For several years we went out and looked at several agencies but never felt that they were the "real deal". As a newly retired military officer who knows what ARMY OF ONE means, I wanted an agencies with INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM and most importantly positive role models with whom my children could learn from. Barbizon and Pro Model never let my family down and exceeded our expectations and I assure you, I hold everyone to a high standard...regardless. My family and I attended an orientation for BOA, we were impressed from the moment we walked through the doors. Make no mistake, we were there to interview them to see if they were the right agency for our family. We listened to the information of what Barbizon Modeling classes would offer, heard success stories of clients who are represented by PMTM and the great money they are making...to include a little about the International and Model Talent Association (IMTA). At the end of the presentation we had an chance to talk to a staff member one on one about the training classes as well as the expense that went with the training. And yes, there is an expense with this training as there is with anything.... Are violin or piano lessons free? Gymnastics training free? Dance lessons, shoes/costumes/pictures,etc free or cheap? Not a chance. We have spent thousands of dollars in a short period of time for the 3 girls to participate in these activities I have mentioned....paying for training in the area of modeling is by no means any different. As with the other activities we were never promised a USA Gold Medalist or that our kid would be the next Shakira. What we were offered was training and if taken seriously it COULD (not would) lead to other opportunities. I find it interesting in your view on how a school attracts its students or a talent agengy obtains its clients...would someone please tell me what business doesn't advertise, recruit, offer employee incentives for referrals, pay commissions, promote web sites about their right to boast about their 93% success rate in job placement!!! Yes, this is their business, but it is more than that to this agency owner and the staff that helps make it so successful. This agency isn't producing victims, misleading potential clients and most certainly isn't a pyramid scheme. It such a shame that you don't see the thousands of lives this particular Barbizon has changed. Yes, I am a former student along with my husband and all 3 girls and not only did we attend all the modeling classes, we paided to attend acting workshops and auditioned for IMTA, but only 3 of us were selected from my family of 5 to represent PMTM at IMTA. And you think they take everyone just to make money....your wrong, they take the ones with the most potential. And if you new anything about the training you would know it is at night and on weekends...nobody was told to give up their day job! Let me not get to far before I get the chance to share what students are offered by this Barbizon in class. I can't begin to tell you how many lives I saw transformed in a few short months. I have spent my life training and mentoring young men and women in the military and it made me proud to be involved with BOA which showed our youth how to act as young women and gentlemen, proper hygiene and personal grooming, healthier diets, interpersonal skills, building self-confidence and self esteem. For the children, we parents were thrilled at the interest in using proper manners, personal grooming, self confidence. One of my girls would not speak to anyone in public before attending BOA and after attending Barbizon, she joined Girl Scouts and would stand up in front of her troop and give classes. You can't put a price on what children, teens and adults get from the training. In all the time I have been writing this rebuttal I failed to mention I am sitting in my office, in my home...in Los Angeles, California. YES, all thanks to Barbizon of Akron and Pro Model and Talent. FACT: My last job in Ohio before we moved out here to CA, I was paid $700.00 a day for print work which was booked through PMTM. FACT: My daughter Madison just shot a commercial with Mr. J. Travolta. FACT: On average my girls make $1000.00-$2000.00 day rate and have booked jobs with Disney, Mattel, Leapfrog, Robinson May, ClicknRead to name a few. We boast a 90% booking rate in this family...none of which would have been possible had we not come through Pro Model to IMTA. After IMTA we came back to LA to meet with agents and managers through private appointments all set up personally by ProModel, we could of never gotten into these agents by ourselves, so if you think posting yourself on LA Casting or Actors Access and submitting your headshot is all it takes and you don't have to pay to reach the top, well then your right in line with the millions of starving actors still sitting out here waiting to hit it big. It would be a lie if I said all agencies are honest, charge reasonable fees and provide adequate training, it simple isn't true, but as a consumer you should be out there shopping around and comparing products and services, it is the only way one can make a sound informed decision. I have done just that so it is without reservation, that I give my highest recommendation to anyone who would attend Barbizon of Akron School of Modeling, attend IMTA or seek representation through Promodel & Talent Management. AS A PROUD CONSUMER ADVOCATE FOR THE TRUTH, I AM PROUD TO OFFER MY NAME....... Respectfully,
M
Akron,#13UPDATE Employee
Mon, July 03, 2006
This will be the last response to your frivolous and outlandish statements. While it is our goal to ensure people are aware of our success and stellar reputation, I can only state the facts, and it is up to individuals to decide how to interpret them. You are misdirected, misinformed, and once again ranting illogically in so many different directions, it is difficult to follow your thoughts. A few points, then I must focus on our continued success, students actually learning, models and talent listed with the Agency, and our upcoming success from the next IMTA convention: We encourage everyone to visit our website at pmtm.com. There you will see a great deal of success and knowledge, no tricks. We discourage people such as yourself from babbling foolhardy information and misleading other consumers, rather than educating oneself or contacting the company with-which you have a concern. Anyone can post any dribble on the internets just as easily as actual facts. It is left to the individual to distinguish the facts from the fiction. We book models and talent extensively in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Local, national and international print and production is shot out of these markets, as well as runway shows and promotional work. Additionally, our national and international connections have resulted in models and talent working successfully on both coasts. For a more thorough list of our local, national and international success stories, visit our website at www.pmtm.com THESE ARE THE FACTS. If you choose not to believe them, it is your accord. Jeepers Creepers 2 is just one of Drew Tyler Bell's many accomplishments in the industry. He has been a principle character on the Bold and The Beautiful for years as Thomas Forrester, and has worked on many additional projects. To further educate yourself on Drew and the other successful actors in the industry, you may also utilize a reputable site online at imdb.com (Internet Movie Database). This is a primary resource used in the industry for credit and project information. Jeepers Creepers 2 is an MGM/United Artists project, not some obscure, low-budget production. As a company, we cannot control who MGM hires. We are proud of our connections with MGM as it is a well known reputable company. Direct any issues you may have with who that company hires to their Human Resources Department, please. For more correct information on this company's success, visit their website at mgm.com. Do some research before claiming to know our tearsheets are concocted. If you pulled up back issues of magazines or advertisements, you'd see that every single image hanging on our wall is an ad that actually exists. We have such great success because we spend time booking the models and talent, not making the stories up. This is why the Company and the models and talent we represent will continue to be successful for many, many more years. THESE ARE THE FACTS. If you choose not to believe them, it is your accord. It's great that almost everyone you know who has graduated from U of A acquired jobs in their fields, if they wanted them. The point of our statements, which you missed completely is that regardless, the U of A doesn't guarantee that, neither will Pro-Model & Talent, or any other reputable agency, for that matter. Our placement rate is 93.5%, that's almost everyone too. It's unfortunate that you do not want to join those ranks. THESE ARE THE FACTS. If you choose not to believe them, it is your accord. Perhaps you should audition to be on Tyra's show, since you are such a staunch supporter of her television antics. She does humiliate and degrade her models on televison. THIS IS AFACT. We have hundreds upon hundreds of success stories. THIS IS A FACT. If you choose not to believe these facts, it is your own accord. It is humorous to see that you feel in some way are familiar with the personal habits of our staff. In general, the Company does not promote any reality show, as each reality show takes air time and potential projects away from real actors. THAT IS A FACT. There are many, many more successful models than the 4 you mentioned. For just a glimpse of the hundreds of models working worldwide as a direct result of training, visit www.imta.com. In fact, look how many Barbizon graduates had to have training before they would be accepted on to Tyra's show visit modelingschools.com and look at the success stories Lluvy, Kahlen, Nik & Mollie. THESE ARE FACTS. In conclusion, you ignore the facts and the standard truths in the industry, you create your own illusions about our staff's personal tastes, Pro-Model & Talent does not support ANY reality show, our models and talent do work with major companies such as MGM, Warner Bros., and hundreds of others, we feel the internet can be a powerful and resourceful tool if used properly, and our Company is an outstanding example of an organization that works diligently for it's models and talent. It is reflected in the hundreds upon hundreds of successful people working locally, nationally, and internationally as a result. We look forward to many more years of success. WE WILL NO LONGER ENTERTAIN YOUR EMPTY JABBERING, CLAIMING TO BE ALL-KNOWING ABOUT REACHING SUCCESS IN THIS INDUSTRY. IF YOU TRULY HELD THE KNOWLEDGE YOU CLAIM TO HAVE OR YOUR VISIONS OF THE INDUSTRY WERE CORRECT, CERTAINLY BY NOW YOU WOULD HAVE REACHED SUCCESS, RATHER THAN SPATTERING MISTRUTHS AND INACCURACIES ON THE INTERNET. SURELY YOU WOULD HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO. I do hope that you will be able to find your success, in this industry or any other you wish to pursue, but first, you must accept the evident information that is relative to that industry. Now, Pro-Model & Talent will return to focusing on our models and talent and aiding them in accomplishing their success. Should anyone take time to review this internet dialogue, he will have to interpret the information for himself and make a decision on the information provided. - Staff.
Consumer Advocate
Canton,#14Author of original report
Wed, June 21, 2006
After reading your Gettysburg Address you posted I see you have no new information, including posting a website that I had already posted in my original statement. See, I WANT people to view your website so they can go over all the tricks you use that I discussed in my statement. Unlike your company who HOPES people don't use the internet. Whaaat? From your statement: "rather than reaching for they keyboard and finding only distress and frustration" "request an explanation and rather than ranting mistruths on the internet. " The only organizations that don't want people looking them up on the internet are places that are operating scams. The internet is nothing more than a global library. I guess next you will be telling your gullible young classes that the library is bad for them. Even Ivy League schools boast of having high speed internet, you only raise all sorts of red flags by telling consumers to avoid the internet. Obvious statement number two, people don't move to Ohio to act. No? Really? Thanks for the obvious information! So it should be beneath your organization to tell people that you can get them jobs in Ohio, yet that's exactly what you tell them, you also tell them you have national connections when you don't. Is Jeepers Creepers w/Drew Bell your proud example of national success? Yeah, real safe for the kids people! The director of this low budget film, Jeepers Creepers, Victor Salva, LOVES to work with kids alright. He has young actors pull down their pants and ride his erect genitalia in their underwear. He also videotaped himself letting a little boy actor give him oral sex. His movies even depict his secret lust as one movie is about a monster who loves peeping on little boys in tight white underwear. Since Pro Model hates the internet, my fellow consumers, feel free to contact the California State Corrections department in Contra Costa County where he was in jail and on parole in the early 90's and registered as a sex offender in Los Angeles County in 1999. Wow! Some connections and pride Pro Model! I guess lowlifes associate with lowlifes as reputable directors don't usually utilize your type of company. Please don't tell people that they "only need to visit agencies and look through their tear sheets to get a feel for what they offer and look up their success stories." All of those things can be concocted and invented with good software, a cheap computer and a few con artists who don't mind ripping off workign families. Many of the phony agencies in Ohio work together to rip off people, EACH saying they are better than the other agency to make it look as if they are saving you from the bad one's. Yet they are all friends and know that there are enough models around that enough of them will at least get some of the cattle call. I find it shameful that you would even remotely compare yourself to the fine universities in Ohio by saying that, just like colleges, you invest in them but they don't guarantee you jobs. Really? You forgot to mention that nearly everyone I know who graduated from University of Akron got jobs in their fields, at least the one's who wanted them. Your agency, however, has people not getting anything in most cases. I find it also appalling that you said you are better than Tyra Banks and she humiliates her models. What a laugh! Tyra does not humiliate her models the way you do, charging them thousands, dragging them to LA with them not knowing the outcome. At least Tyra's show is no cost to models and they know exactly how many winners will be chosen and when. She has her models go before judges just like you do, so who are you to talk. And certainly not for $4,000! As if your staff does not watch and oogle over American Idol every week, America Idol is a nasty degrading reality show talent search thanks to Simon Cowell. Tyra is a respectable proud young lady and talks constructive crticism to her girls and runs her reality show with class. Your staff loves American Idol and puts down Tyra? You're making yourself look more fishy. Your so-called distinct business operations thrown together in one small building, Pro Model, Barbizon, IMTA, whoever you are, do not know how to treat people. All the successful models like Claudia, Christie, Tyra and Brooke never even went to phony modeling schools. Recap: You like degrading shows like American Idol, having your actors work with child molesters, but you mistrust the Internet and Tyra Banks. You are worse than I originally thought. Quit while you are behind.
M
Akron,#15UPDATE Employee
Wed, June 14, 2006
THIS REPORT IS INTENTIONALLY FALSE, MISLEADING, AND WAS CRUDELY COMPOSED BY A PERSON CLAIMING TO HAVE, BUT POSESSING LITTLE TO NO, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE MODEL AND TALENT INDUSTRY. Each frivolous point made in this consumer's statement is addressed below. Should you, the reader, wish to receive accurate information regarding the industry, successful organizations, and the proper steps to take in order to achieve success, please read further. This will be both informative and as concise as possible. Pro-Model & Talent Management and Barbizon of Akron are both located in Akron, Ohio. While in the same facility, they are two separate entities. Barbizon of Akron is a training center where boys, girls, women and men of all ages come to learn the basics of modeling and acting, as well as the skills and self confidence needed to be successful in everyday life. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a model/talent agency. Many Barbizon of Akron graduates are listed and working successfully with Pro-Model & Talent. Pro-Model & Talent Management represents professional models and actors, whether graduates of the affiliated training center or not. We can PROUDLY state that we have countless national connections with our models and talent working worldwide as a direct result of working with the training center and/or the agency. Go to pmtm.com and peruse our many local and national success stories. These people, the tearsheets, the success stories cannot be created, they alone are proof of the extensive clientele list as well as our national and international contacts. People do not move to Ohio to model or act. They are discovered and developed. We visit many community events and festivals informing people of all ages, children, teens their families, and the like, about the resource available to them here in the Ohio area. Many of our most successful models and actors had a spark of interest and only began to pursue that interest once they happened to come across one of our many promotional staff at a special event, browsed through our books of models/talent, glanced at our tearsheets, and requested more information. We turn that spark of an interest into a flame. By getting in touch with members of our community at events, festivals and fairs, we provide the path to take a young person's interest in the drama club at school and develop it into on-camera abilities whether local or national. Barbizon of Akron teaches wardrobing, etiquette, public speaking skills, and most importantly confidence, in addition to basic modeling and acting techniques. Boys, girls, men and women of all ages are often searching for guidance in these areas these are subjects not taught in school. Both the Training Center and Agency advertise to let people know there is an outlet, a resource for them right here in Northeast Ohio. It is obvious that our successful models and actors are wonderful spokespersons for the company, sharing their great news, success and confidence with others that want to learn. Not only are our spokespersons motivated and excited by their own successes, they are also paid, as any public speaker, model or talent would be, to represent a company. It is unfortunate that the author of the misleading report above is not familiar with our market. His/her statement The jobs they have you could get on your own by sending a headshot or visiting a bridal shop or fashion director yourself ... is truly uneducated and makes the Author appear foolish by standards of the industry. In the Ohio market, one's marketing materials consist of composite cards; headshots are used only by actors and generally in national markets. Composites are required to show a variety of images, looks, and expressions. Bridal stores have very specific requirements for their models and a select few will only be booked, unless the bridal show elects to book people from the street, not actual models, as they do not have a budget. The term fashion director is unclear to us. Is this person referring to a Creative Director at an advertising agency; a Producer or Production Assistant for large print bookings and video shoots; a Casting Director, hired specifically by an agent or client to cast models and actors for a shoot?? We are unsure what role a fashion director plays in this industry, though working successfully for over 65 years. Obviously, the Author of the above report is a bitter, frustrated person, and we would be happy to reach out and help, should he/she simply contact us! The random numbers being tossed around in the supposed report for deposits and costs to join are all incorrect and pulled from thin air. There is no fee whatsoever to list with the agency. The agency, Pro-Model & Talent, only recoups funds when the model or talent is put to work as a direct result of contacts through the Agency. Pro-Model & Talent, nor any other agency, will pay for one's marketing materials or training, just as an accounting firm does not pay for their new employee's college education, internship, education, and the like. A potential employee is EXPECTED to be a professional, know his or her craft, be skilled and experienced. If not, they are instructed to learn and apply again. This is for any profession, full or part time. It is not different in the modeling and acting industry anyone who tells you otherwise is intentionally misleading you. It is common sense. A person is not born understanding how a photoshoot works, how to move on camera, how to read from a teleprompter, etc If training, photoshoots, marketing materials, are required, the model or talent will be responsible for the expense. Again, models and actors do not move to Ohio to work, they are discovered here, Barbizon of Akron provides a variety of workshops available to begin the training process. Pro-Model & Talent Management lists a great deal of Barbizon of Akron Graduates, as it has had much success placing them with clients as a result of their background, training, and understanding of what is required of them. Additionally, Barbizon of Akron can coordinate and assist with photoshoots with commercial photographers in the area. There is no charge for this; it is one of the many benefits in working with this outstanding facility. The demand for training and self-development is high; Barbizon of Akron has justly gained an outstanding reputation in the communities, amongst schools, teachers, parents, and teens alike. Pro-Model & Talent Management's association with the International Model & Talent Association, a.k.a. IMTA, a completely separate entity based out of Arizona, (a point clearly not understood by the author oozing false information about our successful Company) has provided many of the local actors and models the opportunity to take their aspirations to a larger level. Many work nationally and internationally. With these models and talent coming and going from the local market, there is always a need for new faces and additional talent. The industry is always changing and developing, but it will always have a need for models and talent. If an aspiring model or talent requires training, they may be provided the opportunity to attend Barbizon of Akron. If a person is searching to look like a model or gain self confidence, they may also be provided the opportunity to attend the training center. All potential applicants are auditioned and meet individually with an Admissions Director prior to determining if it is a proper fit for both parties. This is similar to visiting/attending any other trade school or college. We cannot imagine why this is such a shocking concept. People attend the training center for various reasons, as explained above. While Barbizon of Akron would like to assist all that apply, there are those that must be turned away and recommended to re-apply at a later date. It is a shame that the Author assumes to know how the organization, which he/she is claiming a rip-off, has so successfully worked for over 65 years. The better course of action would be to contact the agency with questions or to request an explanation and rather than ranting mistruths on the internet. Perhaps the Author could be pursuing his or her dream, as it appears he/she is a very passionate, though misdirected and obviously a very frustrated person. We will make no comment why elected officials do not visit our offices regarding the 93% placement rate that we do, in fact, carry. First, it is not relevant; second, it is likely that politicians are not interested in pursuing the business of modeling or acting. What a silly question to include in what should be considered a rip-off report. To understand, the Author of this report is unsure if he/she has spoken to girls (only girls, not guys, parents, etc) all over the United States, but for sure in Ohio and lots of them! OK To claim people have lost thousands to our organization is completely false. No money is made by the Agency until money is made by the model, and if a person elects to invest in training through the Training Center, the investment is recouped in training, just as it would be in a trade school or college. No guarantees for work are ever made, just as a college does not guarantee you will work in your completed degree, again, it is common sense. The agency can provide opportunities, but cannot predict what the clients will request or how the models/talent will act/perform. Similarly, just as we cannot predict when a frustrated person who completely misinterprets the industry and our organization, while expecting something for nothing, will take the time to pour falsehoods out to the public and intentionally try to pass uneducated opinion as fact. Our working relationship with IMTA and its many members has created celebrities that have become a success as a direct result of working with Barbizon of Akron and/or Pro-Model & Talent Management. We have no need to swoon any person, as our successes speak for themselves. We are in touch with our models and talent working worldwide for years and years. They return to visit the Agency and are very appreciative of the contacts made through our Company. IMTA has created hundreds of success stories for people coming to Pro-Model & Talent Management, alone! We have no need to make this up. Listed below are JUST A FEW successful models and talent working in the larger markets and moving forward in successful careers in the entertainment industry, as a DIRECT RESULT OF WORKING WITH PRO-MODEL & TALENT MANAGEMENT AND/OR BARBIZON OF AKRON: Drew Tyler Bell - Thomas Forrester on Days of our Lives, seen in Jeepers Creepers II, for Old Navy, Coca Cola, feature films for Hallmark Channel, and more Shaiyla Vaidya leading role in and N Network pilot (of the MTV Network) Shooting Summer 06 (currently), waiting to be titled. Has also filmed lead roles in features through Lions Gate Films, and the independent Touch My Girl. Madison Thomas child model and actor living and working in Los Angeles, seen for Disney, Mattel, Leapfrog, Hallmark, feature film Footsteps & much more. Karrie Mothersbaugh international model seen for Sears, Saks 5th Ave, Glamour Magazine, Kaufmann's, JC Penny, and countless catalogs throughout Germany, Turkey, Italy and much of Europe. Logan Bartholomew leading roles in 4 Hallmark Movies Hailey Keeling 3 Movie Deal signed with Warner Bros, currently shooting first feature film co-starring with Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore Eric Podnar Nat'l McDonald's commercial, seen on 7th Heaven and Fox Network's Headcases We could continue with so many more, but just by visiting our website alone at www.pmtm.com, our point can be easily made. We offer no guarantees for contracts or work, simply share the excitement and success of the Agency and the aspiring models and actors that have worked with us. We share the opportunity that is waiting to be taken. If a person elects not to, there will be another person committed to reaching his or her goals, who will reach for the stars and find happiness, rather than reaching for they keyboard and finding only distress and frustration. The first step toward success is taking action and these are the people that Pro-Model & Talent works with. Another ludicrous and irrelevant comment is If your father produced 8 successes out of 40,000 . Where is this question coming from? Where are these numbers coming from? And how many fathers are talent agents in Northeast Ohio? We have hundreds and hundreds of success stories and hundreds of models and talent listed with us. 93% of our model and talent are successful, whether locally, nationally or internationally. Take a look at our offices; we do not create these people or the companies. These opportunities came to fruition and have resulted in success. A producer does not make successful models or talent, he/she produces projects, and one great successful project it all it takes to make a career. A singer does not make successful models or talent, and one successful song can make a career. Please, Author, focus on what you want and what our business is. Tyra Banks is a successful model and after years of modeling, managed to host a reality TV show. On this show, she selects a few people from across the country who will be humiliated on national television and whose confidence will be challenged, if not broken, just for the opportunity to be on television and win a contest. Is that what you would want for you your child? Tyra Banks has less than a handful of models working in the industry, we have hundreds. Tyra speaks on her show of working with acting coaches and runway coaches, teaches how to work in front of the camera these green models are getting TRAINING, so they know what to do when requested for an audition or booking. Pro-Model & Talent Management's success stories exceed those that come from Tyra Banks hundred-fold. In the process, they are supported, not embarrassed on national television. Their confidence is raised, not crushed. Again, which route would you prefer to take? All Barbizons are independently owned and operated and therefore run their operations uniquely. Barbizon of Akron has a history of excellence. Pro-Model & Talent Management is the largest commercial agency in the Tri-State area and puts models and actors to work locally, nationally and internationally. Visit our website, visit our facilities. We cannot and do not make these faces, these tearsheets, these successful happy people perusing their dreams, up. Working in the model and talent industry should be a win/win for everyone: the Agency, the Models and Talent, and the Clients. It is a simple concept. Author, should you have an interest in following your dream and pursuing this industry, work productively, not counter-productively. Talk with the experts rather than searching for so-called scams on the internet. Visit with agencies and training centers in your area. Browse their client lists and their success stories. Ensure you are comfortable with the staff and all of those who will work on your behalf in your best interest. Understand there may very well be an investment if you are just approaching the industry, and make an educated decision about what will be best for your future. Remember that 75% of this industry (and any other) is about personality, confidence, and a positive attitude, and never hesitate to take that first step. Much success and happiness; The Staff of Pro-Model & Talent Management & The Staff of Barbizon of Akron
M
Akron,#16UPDATE Employee
Tue, June 13, 2006
THIS REPORT IS INTENTIONALLY FALSE, MISLEADING, AND WAS CRUDELY COMPOSED BY A PERSON CLAIMING TO HAVE, BUT POSESSING LITTLE TO NO, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE MODEL AND TALENT INDUSTRY. Each ?point? made in this consumer's statement is addressed below. Should you, the reader, wish to receive accurate information regarding the industry, successful organizations, and the proper steps to take in order to achieve success, please read further. This will be both informative and as concise as possible. Pro-Model & Talent Management and Barbizon of Akron are both located in Akron, Ohio. While in the same facility, they are two separate entities. Barbizon of Akron is a training center where boys, girls, women and men of all ages come to learn the basics of modeling and acting, as well as the skills and self confidence needed to be successful in everyday life. Pro-Model & Talent Management is a model/talent agency. Many Barbizon of Akron graduates are listed and working successfully with Pro-Model & Talent. Pro-Model & Talent Management represents professional models and actors, whether graduates of the affiliated training center or not. We can PROUDLY state that we have countless national connections with our models and talent working worldwide as a direct result of working with the training center and/or the agency. Go to pmtm.com and peruse our many local and national success stories. These people, the tearsheets, the success stories cannot be ?created?, they alone are proof of the extensive clientele list as well as our national and international contacts. People do not move to Ohio to model or act. They are discovered and developed. We visit many community events and festivals informing people of all ages, children, teens their families, and the like, about the resource available to them here in the Ohio area. Many of our most successful models and actors had a spark of interest and only began to pursue that interest once they happened to come across one of our many promotional staff at a special event, browsed through our books of models/talent, glanced at our tearsheets, and requested more information. We turn that spark of an interest into a flame. By getting in touch with members of our community at events, festivals and fairs, we provide the path to take a young person's interest in the drama club at school and develop it into on-camera abilities whether local or national. Barbizon of Akron teaches wardrobing, etiquette, public speaking skills, and most importantly confidence, in addition to basic modeling and acting techniques. Boys, girls, men and women of all ages are often searching for guidance in these areas ? these are subjects not taught in school. Both the Training Center and Agency advertise to let people know there is an outlet, a resource for them right here in Northeast Ohio. It is obvious that our successful models and actors are wonderful spokespersons for the company, sharing their great news, success and confidence with others that want to learn. Not only are our spokespersons motivated and excited by their own successes, they are also paid, as any public speaker, model or talent would be, to represent a company. It is unfortunate that the author of the misleading report above is not familiar with our market. His/her statement ?The jobs they have you could get on your own by sending a headshot or visiting a bridal shop or fashion director yourself ...? is truly uneducated. In the Ohio market, one's marketing materials consist of composite cards; headshots are used only by actors and generally in national markets. Composites are required to show a variety of images, looks, and expressions. Bridal stores have very specific requirements for their models and a select few will only be booked, unless the bridal show elects to book people from the street, not actual models, as they do not have a budget. The term ?fashion director? is unclear to us. Is this person referring to a Creative Director at an advertising agency; a Producer or Production Assistant for large print bookings and video shoots; a Casting Director, hired specifically by an agent or client to cast models and actors for a shoot?? We are unsure what role a ?fashion director? plays in this industry, though working successfully for over 65 years. we would be happy to reach out and help, should he/she simply contact us! The random numbers being tossed around in the supposed report for ?deposits? and ?costs to join? are all incorrect and pulled from thin air. There is no fee whatsoever to list with the agency. The agency, Pro-Model & Talent, only recoups funds when the model or talent is put to work as a direct result of contacts through the Agency. Pro-Model & Talent, nor any other agency, will pay for one's marketing materials or training, just as an accounting firm does not pay for their new employee's college education, internship, education, and the like. A potential employee is EXPECTED to be a professional, know his or her craft, be skilled and experienced. If not, they are instructed to learn and apply again. This is for any profession, full or part time. It is not different in the modeling and acting industry ? anyone who tells you otherwise is intentionally misleading you. It is common sense. A person is not born understanding how a photoshoot works, how to move on camera, how to read from a teleprompter, etc ? If training, photoshoots, marketing materials, are required, the model or talent will be responsible for the expense. Again, models and actors do not move to Ohio to work, they are discovered here, Barbizon of Akron provides a variety of workshops available to begin the training process. Pro-Model & Talent Management lists a great deal of Barbizon of Akron Graduates, as it has had much success placing them with clients as a result of their background, training, and understanding of what is required of them. Additionally, Barbizon of Akron can coordinate and assist with photoshoots with commercial photographers in the area. There is no charge for this; it is one of the many benefits in working with this outstanding facility. The demand for training and self-development is high; Barbizon of Akron has justly gained an outstanding reputation in the communities, amongst schools, teachers, parents, and teens alike. Pro-Model & Talent Management's association with the International Model & Talent Association, a.k.a. IMTA, a completely separate entity based out of Arizona, (a point clearly not understood by the author oozing false information about our successful Company) has provided many of the local actors and models the opportunity to take their aspirations to a larger level. Many work nationally and internationally. With these models and talent coming and going from the local market, there is always a need for new faces and additional talent. The industry is always changing and developing, but it will always have a need for models and talent. If an aspiring model or talent requires training, they may be provided the opportunity to attend Barbizon of Akron. If a person is searching to ?look like a model? or gain self confidence, they may also be provided the opportunity to attend the training center. All potential applicants are auditioned and meet individually with an Admissions Director prior to determining if it is a proper fit for both parties. This is similar to visiting/attending any other trade school or college. We cannot imagine why this is such a shocking concept. People attend the training center for various reasons, as explained above. While Barbizon of Akron would like to assist all that apply, there are those that must be turned away and recommended to re-apply at a later date. It is a shame that the Author assumes to know how the organization, which he/she is claiming a ?rip-off?, has so successfully worked for over 65 years. The better course of action would be to contact the agency with questions or to request an explanation and rather than ranting mistruths on the internet. Perhaps the Author could be pursuing his or her dream, as it appears he/she is a very passionate, though misdirected and obviously a very frustrated person. We will make no comment why elected officials do not visit our offices regarding the 93% placement rate that we do, in fact, carry. First, it is not relevant; second, it is likely that politicians are not interested in pursuing the business of modeling or acting. What a silly question to include in what should be considered a ?rip-off report?. To understand, the Author of this report is unsure if he/she has spoken to girls (only girls, not guys, parents, etc?) all over the United States, but for sure in Ohio ? and lots of them! OK ? To claim people have lost thousands to our organization is completely false. No money is made by the Agency until money is made by the model, and if a person elects to invest in training through the Training Center, the investment is recouped in training, just as it would be in a trade school or college. No guarantees for work are ever made, just as a college does not guarantee you will work in your completed degree, again, it is common sense. The agency can provide opportunities, but cannot predict what the clients will request or how the models/talent will act/perform. Similarly, just as we cannot predict when a frustrated person who completely misinterprets the industry and our organization, while expecting something for nothing, will take the time to pour falsehoods out to the public and intentionally try to pass uneducated opinion as fact. Our working relationship with IMTA and its many members has created celebrities that have become a success as a direct result of working with Barbizon of Akron and/or Pro-Model & Talent Management. We have no need to ?swoon? any person, as our successes speak for themselves. We are in touch with our models and talent working worldwide for years and years. They return to visit the Agency and are very appreciative of the contacts made through our Company. IMTA has created hundreds of success stories for people coming to Pro-Model & Talent Management, alone! We have no need to make this up. Listed below are JUST A FEW successful models and talent working in the larger markets and moving forward in successful careers in the entertainment industry, as a DIRECT RESULT OF WORKING WITH PRO-MODEL & TALENT MANAGEMENT AND/OR BARBIZON OF AKRON: Drew Tyler Bell - Thomas Forrester on Days of our Lives, seen in Jeepers Creepers II, for Old Navy, Coca Cola, feature films for Hallmark Channel, and more Shaiyla Vaidya ? leading role in and N Network pilot (of the MTV Network) ? Shooting Summer 06 (currently), waiting to be titled. Has also filmed lead roles in features through Lions Gate Films, and the independent ?Touch My Girl?. Madison Thomas ? child model and actor living and working in Los Angeles, seen for Disney, Mattel, Leapfrog, Hallmark, feature film ?Footsteps? & much more. Karrie Mothersbaugh ? international model seen for Sears, Saks 5th Ave, Glamour Magazine, Kaufmann's, JC Penny, and countless catalogs throughout Germany, Turkey, Italy and much of Europe. Logan Bartholomew ? leading roles in 4 Hallmark Movies Hailey Keeling ? 3 Movie Deal signed with Warner Bros, currently shooting first feature film co-starring with Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore Eric Podnar ? Nat'l McDonald's commercial, seen on ?7th Heaven? and Fox Network's ?Headcases? We could continue with so many more, but just by visiting our website alone at www.pmtm.com, our point can be easily made. We offer no guarantees for contracts or work, simply share the excitement and success of the Agency and the aspiring models and actors that have worked with us. We share the opportunity that is waiting to be taken. If a person elects not to, there will be another person committed to reaching his or her goals, who will reach for the stars and find happiness, rather than reaching for they keyboard and finding only distress and frustration. The first step toward success is taking action and these are the people that Pro-Model & Talent works with. Another comment is ?If your father produced 8 successes out of 40,000 ?.? Where is this question coming from? Where are these numbers coming from? And how many fathers are talent agents in Northeast Ohio? We have hundreds and hundreds of success stories and hundreds of models and talent listed with us. 93% of our model and talent are successful, whether locally, nationally or internationally. Take a look at our offices; we do not create these people or the companies. These opportunities came to fruition and have resulted in success. A producer does not make successful models or talent, he/she produces projects, and one great successful project it all it takes to make a career. A singer does not make successful models or talent, and one successful song can make a career. Please, Author, focus on what you want and what our business is. Tyra Banks is a successful model and after years of modeling, managed to host a reality TV show. On this show, she selects a few people from across the country who will be humiliated on national television and whose confidence will be challenged, if not broken, just for the opportunity to be on television and win a contest. Is that what you would want for you your child? Tyra Banks has less than a handful of models working in the industry, we have hundreds. Tyra speaks on her show of working with acting coaches and runway coaches, teaches how to work in front of the camera ? these green models are getting TRAINING, so they know what to do when requested for an audition or booking. Pro-Model & Talent Management's success stories exceed those that come from Tyra Banks hundred-fold. In the process, they are supported, not embarrassed on national television. Their confidence is raised, not crushed. Again, which route would you prefer to take? All Barbizons are independently owned and operated and therefore run their operations uniquely. Barbizon of Akron has a history of excellence. Pro-Model & Talent Management is the largest commercial agency in the Tri-State area and puts models and actors to work locally, nationally and internationally. Visit our website, visit our facilities. We cannot and do not make these faces, these tearsheets, these successful happy people perusing their dreams, up. Working in the model and talent industry should be a win/win for everyone: the Agency, the Models and Talent, and the Clients. It is a simple concept. Author, should you have an interest in following your dream and pursuing this industry, work productively, not counter-productively. Talk with the experts rather than searching for so-called scams on the internet. Visit with agencies and training centers in your area. Browse their client lists and their success stories. Ensure you are comfortable with the staff and all of those who will work on your behalf ? in your best interest. Understand there may very well be an investment if you are just approaching the industry, and make an educated decision about what will be best for your future. Remember that 75% of this industry (and any other) is about personality, confidence, and a positive attitude, and never hesitate to take that first step. Much success and happiness; The Staff of Pro-Model & Talent Management & The Staff of Barbizon of Akron