| Author | Message | ||
     AnonymousOKC Posted From: 68.12.182.114 |
Okay, ladies and gentlemen. This is a no-brainer. There are "businesses" that prey on the aspirations of young children all across this country. I happened to teach for one of these "agencies" until tonight. I'd had my fill of watching them lie to starry eyed youngsters then laugh behind their backs as they jubiliantly walked away. For those of you who think just because they approach you, you're something special? Sure, okay. But, every single person who can pay the outrageous sum they demand is special. But, tell them you can't come up with the money or a payment, and watch them yank your child from the program. They consider "work" sending your kids to the state fair or local malls to hand out fliers promoting their business. Laughable at first. Now, it's just plain digusting. No legitimate agency asks for money. They pay you. And if you have to pay someone to tell you you're beautiful, then they're lying. Heed this advice. | ||
| crazydreamer Posted From: 70.118.171.254 |
I'm very confused! Is it or is it not a scam or rip off? I was called and they accepted me and I am to go to a workshop at Corpus Christi.. What should I do? | ||
| JOLiE Posted From: 69.243.120.247 |
JOHNCASA BLANcas a phoney fake I want your money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! company me and my friends went through there school, one friend in ny, one in md, and one in cali. all asked for money, •••• it up and rip you off. •••• all of them phonies, take a picture and send it to real agencies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Scarlet Posted From: 64.109.168.194 |
I did JC when I was 15. They boosted my ego so much, and I was so hopeful... ... but NOTHING has happened since then. I'm 20 now. After you "graduate" they don't help you with anything. Looks like I wasted way too much time and money. To all aspiring models: Make your own portfolio. Find a photography student who might be willing to do a professional-looking shoot at a decent price. Then make copies, and send it to REAL agencies. See what happens. | ||
| SKYY Posted From: 70.245.166.108 |
Hi I have a second interview with with JC this weekend, and I did have a gut feeling that I was going to have to pay some kind of money. They have not said anything yet but I read between the lines in one of theyre letters and now after all these post I know now that there is payment involved. I wondering if anyone has had any expierence with the CORPUS CHRISTI JC CENTER IN TEXAS.GOOD OR BAD | ||
| S.G.G. Posted From: 24.90.121.253 |
years ago my daughter and her Kew forestfriends were approached by their 'scouts'. everyone had 'the look' as long as you had the $. Stay away, very, very far away!!! | ||
| Non-New York State of Mind Posted From: 69.234.143.98 |
Read "NYC AGENT"'s posting about halfway down this same thread. THAT'S the long & the short of it regarding modeling schools. IF you've got the looks & the talent, sooner or later you might 'make it' REGARDLESS of attending a modeling school ..IF you also move in the right circles and schmooze the right people. The modeling agencies make the bulk of their money off people who HAVEN'T got'em, yet are willing to pay to keep the dream alive. That's as for the LEGITIMATE agencies Some 'modeling agencies' are just a front for escort services, which in lay terms means hooker services. Others are just outright scams were they charge you for taking your pics to 'build your portfolio' but then they never send them anywhere or do anything with them. Capish?. | ||
| KATHY Posted From: 24.196.222.127 |
MY DAUGHTER WAS CALLED FOR A PHOTO SHOOT BY JC. SHE IS 13 AND REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT IT BUT I DO NOT WANT HER TO GET CAUGHT UP IN A SCAM. DOES ANYONE HAVE ADVICE FOR ME AND HER. WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AND HONESTY. | ||
| Erica B |
Hi. Im 16 yrs old and i just found out about Barbizon Modelin school (www.barbizonmodelingandacting.com)and i wanted to know if u guys think its a scam. my mom says they just want my money. | ||
| Marisa Fliss |
I just went for my free onsultation and im going for my second one soon. I really think it is fun and they want me to do print and actress modeling. I am definitly doing actress modeling since I have always wanted to be an actress and have TONS of experience. I think it will be a blast! What do you think? Email me at roxsmysoxs523@aol.com Thank You! | ||
| Gina |
Does anyone have info on the JC agency in Fayetteville, Ark? Or Patsy Smith, Robin Smith, the teachers/owners? | ||
| maria gustavsson |
DO NOT join JC! Its a scam! I have modeled in europe and moved here and joined JC.They promised me lots of jobs and i did some but never got paied. they owe me 300 dollars for jobs! Now they give me the run around and wont pay me! they are sneeky!! do not fall for their talk!! | ||
| WANDA |
I HAVE TWIN BOYS 14 YEARS OLD THAT ARE SCHEDULED TO MAKE A 2ND VISIT TO THE JC AGENCY IN BELLEVUE,WA TOMORROW. I AM GETTING MIXED REVIEWS ABOUT THE WHOLE IDEA AND MY SONS OF COURSE THINK THEY HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE MONEY ISSUE AND IF IT WILL LEAD TO ANYTHING. COMMENTS | ||
| chrissyboo21 |
my sister did modeling in MD for JC they took her money and ripped her off. She was taught the same thing over and over. I wouldnt go to them. | ||
| Tanya Brown |
My daughter I 8 and are about to take classes at JC Honestly Iknow nothing about agencies but was alwas told that I should not pay anyone ..can someone help me with this issue,my 8 yr old is so excited and if this company is a scam I dont want her to go through this. | ||
| Erika |
I recently went through the development workshops at the JC center in Columbus,OH. The workshops were awesome and taught me everything that i need to know about the business. Since then i have had tons of work with their agency. Ive done runway shows, a few t.v. commercials, and recently did a live fashion shoot in front of 400+ people which was featured in a magazine. The agents at JC are currently working on submitting snapshots of me to agencies in NY. If your interested in getting into modeling and/or acting, jc is a great place to get started! | ||
| jaimie |
Hi, I know that JC does not have an agency after you graduate from them. Barbizon on the other hand does. It is Ice Model Agent that I actually signed on with. You do not have to sign on but is recommended for jobs and auditions. It does not cost to sign on, however the classes for the modeling school does. I am currently getting ready to attend MIC and try to sign on with a bigger agency. ICE did this for me. My advice to you is forget JC and go to Barbizon and take advantage of everything. Alot of models out there came from being a Barbizon Model. My niece went to JC and she did not get one job, and she is beautiful. | ||
| Helen |
Forget JC. Go buy the Ross Reports (Modeling and acting) or Backstage Magazine (acting) at your local newstand. Have an 8x10 B&W headshot made. Mail it to all the modeling addresses listed in the Ross Reports. That's it. That's how I got my agent. That's how I got legit auditions and jobs. I'm no longer modeling or acting, but it was fun while it lasted, and I didn't have to pay anyone. They're supposed to pay YOU! | ||
| June White |
JC is a great place. I went to school there for two years, in Raleigh, NC. I was age 12 when i started and graduated when I was 14. I was so young when I graduated that I really couldn't get any jobs,(but my sister did at the time.) I had also moved to boston, so I thought my chance would never come again. My sister was still with JC until she had her baby recently. Now they sent me a letter that they are coming to Boston and I jumped right on the opportunity. Now all i have to do is go to them and see whats gonna happen. I dont care what n e one says about JC. I think they're great. | ||
| scam? |
Here is the deal about John Casablanca. My experience with them was good at first but then I started to relize they wasn't any good. when you call they don't return your call. I spent too much money to only recieve one job from them. Last year i recieved an offer to go to New York and meet with photographers and audition in front of talent agencies. However, inorder to go you had to pay nine hundred dollars, not including the plane ticket. You shouldn't have to pay to Audition for these people. so in away casablanca is a scam. Here is some free advise for you that was past on to me; THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD PAY FOR IS FOR YOUR PICTURES AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER. THE AGENCY IS SUPPOSE TO WORK FOR YOU, THAT IS HOW THEY SHOULD MAKE THEIR MONEY. | ||
| cansecret |
My son was interviewed and accepted into the school for John Casablanca in Timonium Maryland. Does anyone know anything about this agency? We have only one more day to make up our mind. Of course, you have to pay. | ||
| Dayra Hernandez |
Jc is a modeling shcool they help you find a job after you graduate as a model two of my sister goes there ,they graduated, now they are doing workshop and fashion show, and famous producer goes to look for people, but to be a model is not for free and is not cheap if it was every one would be a model,but some agency are scam so b-carefull but jc got a 1800# and call fo info if they don't is a scam. And it take a few years to get famous and you had to have talent. Good luck. | ||
| Jane |
Look, the point is professional models do not go to modeling school. These places are a rip=off. | ||
| Annonymos |
I was called by and Agent from a John Casablancas Modeling center and they set up an interview for me to come in and meet with them, I did, and she was very informative and didnt leave anything important out.. As someone said, it is a class.. Someone has to pay the teachers. And if your the one taking the class its only fair that your the one paying for the class. John Casablancas is a franchise agency, each and every one is independentally owened. Maybe one is a scam, but not every single one. I dont think a chain that big could be a scam, its just not possible. Im very sorry for some of your bad experiences with one or two offices. But I dont really appreciate the people who are putting a bad name on them and turning people away from them for one bad experience at one of their many offices | ||
| sugarhun |
john casablancas modeling classes are for your own good when they chose you for a fashion show or comercial they expect you to know what to do they dont exept you to go there and go what are we doing i am a model at john casablancas and i no that there not a scam people have been mistaken and confused by all the other negitave stuff online but you need to focus on the positive stuff to just think this is a world wide company.....do you really think this would be a scam?Answer:NO | ||
| roe-k |
Melissa, I e-mailed you privately but please listen to everyone here - do not trust these people. Like I mentioned about my experience at Ford, a real agency will get you set up through their own people once they have decided to take you on. They will give you everything up front and get repayment through your paychecks at a smaller, cheaper, rate. Even the bookers at the major agencies themselves will tell you this; you should not pay anyone in advance of signing on with an agency. Good luck. | ||
| Jane |
A real modeling agency will tell you not to even spend $ on a portfolio. Just send regular pictures. | ||
| anon |
Melissa Rose: Please don't do this! You should never have to pay/take classes to become a model. The only payment you should have to make is for a portfolio. Send portfolios to agencies if you are interested in seeing their reation. But J. Casablancas will tell anyone (don't mean to offend you btw) that they have the potential and then take the money. A course will NOT give you any more value, but will leave you with lighter pockets. | ||
| Melissa-Rose |
John Casablancas has recently contacted me and wants me to sign with them. They told me I'd need some classes but that as soon as they are over they'll start promoting me. It sounds awsome but it costs. I know any type of school is going to cost some... I'm not sure what I should do. It's my dream to model so if it works I'd be overjoyed, but if not I'm out $. If anyone can give me any solid information on the company, ie. it is or isn't a scam, I'd really appreciate it. My email is mskeller85@yahoo.com Thank you. | ||
| KMB |
First of all, you guys aren’t understanding that John Casablanca’s IS NOT an agency. It is a school to help you understand the modeling industry and or make yourself more confident to approach modeling agency’s, “go directly to the source”. So, all the people that pay the money and expect a modeling job, GET REAL it doesn’t happen like that, you have to work for what you want, nothing in life is free. John Casablanca’s is an excellent experience to gain confidence, exposure and a great way to “pick the brain” of the people who know it all. | ||
| John |
To Sonia: I'm very sorry about your experience at Johnny Casablanca's Talent & Modelling Agency. My parents & I had a very similar experience with Nancy, back in April 2002. 82-64 Austin St off Lefferts Blvd (Kew Gardens) was where they moved to, after the scam. Nancy & the photographer disappeared, and the police were looking for them. I'm sorry I don't know any recent news, but I hope I was as big a help as I can be. | ||
| Sonia |
JohnCasablanca is a scam. I went there with my parents three years ago when they prob first open. The lady Nancy who wa doing a fraud got me and my paretns really hyped about the whole deaal so I did all the classes and had two photos sessions with them. I got one package of those pictures and they were NOT professional at all. my head was cut off at the every tip there was shadows and it was not finalized those were the same pictures I picked for my comp card which I have a shoebox full and they are useless how can one go to a legite casting agency with thoses? PLus to ice the cake I have not yet recieved my other set of photos that have literally been three year. I am angry. My dad has spend thousands of dollars and there is absolutely no way of contacting them I have tried and they shove me around and ignore me. If you know how I can get a hold of them please let me know. Cuz my parents and I will take this company head on in court. | ||
| NYC agent |
Please note that the John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center in New York has closed. Modeling and acting schools are often mistaken as scams, but the reality is they are schools. Individuals pay money to modeling and acting schools to educate themseleves on the industry. Many individuals have received the education and marketing materials provided by John Casablancas and have been very successful in the business. The model or actor must however, do something with the information learned and/or services received. They cannot anticipate to sit back and see the modeling and acting jobs just roll in. John Casablancas is not a scam, nor a waste, nor is it a hidden fact that John Casablancas was a modeling and acting school - licensed by the New York State Board of Education. People do pay money to go to a school. It is legal. Furthermore, The John Casablancas agency has never charged any fees to it's models and/or actors. A standard commission was set forth and governed by the New York Department of Consumer Affairs. The New York (Queens) school and agency closed in December 2003 due to financial problems caused by an unforseen employee fraud issue. This is unfortunate as the school and agency were well-run and provided great services and opportunity. | ||
| anon |
Dear scam, it's not about the casting couch in this case, it's all about the casting CASH. In general, modeling schools are a waste of money. And, as others have said, you need NEVER give a legitimate agency cash up front. Also, for juveniles, you don't need professional shots; very good snapshots will do until the wee one has some paid examples. The kids just grow too fast and shots become obsolete too quickly. My husband used to be an actors' agent, so I'm certain this is true. | ||
| latavia Jones |
I went through John casablancas modeling agency. Unlike others I was scouted by one of the teachers so they didn't make me pay a dime. I think making people pay is just a way of filtering the ones who should be there from the ones that shouldn't. Also, you are going for modeling classes so it doesn't seem so wrong to at least pay the teachers. | ||
| scam? |
barry, it's all about the "casting couch". | ||
| barry cohen |
I saw their booth at the Austin Street fair,they had one of their workers who thought she was a model- but was busted, she was blond and wearing a tight outfit, but had more rolls than the bakery around the corner- Barbrazion, casablancas,just keep charging you money and tell you to take classes, ask them for names of casting directors that they use. They don't because they just play the scam along with their buisenesses that go along with them. | ||
| Marko |
I met a girl who worked there yesterday... explained to me the whole deal... and to be upfront with you, i still dont buy it... think its a scam... real agencies will never ask for money upfront... that pretty much goes for anything in life... believe nothing you hear, and half of what you see... | ||
| tomaso-777 |
If they are a genuine modelling agency, you DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE THEM ANY MONEY!. Crooked agencies try to get you to pay for a photographic portfolio. It's a racket and a gimmick. Buy the Ross Reports to ensure you are using a good modelling agency. Many so-called agencies park themselves out of the mainstream to get suckers to give them money. Real agencies do not advertise in the newspapers! | ||
| pjsimon |
My 1 1/2 year old has done some modeling. As long as they dont ask for any money up front or for you to sign an exclusive with them, dont worry about the company too much. | ||
| Maria |
A new JC Agency opened in Forest Hills at 69-02 Austin Street. It is owned by Robbyn Iverson & Brian Nelson, who also own a JC Center in St.Paul/Minneapolis, MN. Anyone know them?? I took my dtr there & they are interested in working with her. They say they are listed with the FH Chamber of Commerce---Can I check them out online?? If anyone has any info on this agency, please post it. I want to make good decisions for my dtr. Thanks |