Complaint Review: Model & Talent Management Agency - Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

I am writing to share my experience with this company. The company advertised for open call through a local radio station.

I wrote down the number and set up an interview with the agency in Penn Hills, PA. When you walk in the door there is a door to the left leading to a dentist office. On the wall just before entering the dentist office are pictures of actors and actresses which give off the impression that they too started with this agency.

Once you enter their door on the right of the building shared with the dentist office, you will find the receptionist seated behind a glass counter. On the night of my scheduled appointment.

I was handed a contract which I had to read and fill out stating what I would receive as far as payment, and that I was not to apply with any other agency without their consent. They told me I will receive a copy of the contract. I never received a copy of the contract. Even still I thought I was on my way to being a model although I am only 5'3. I still had hope especially after the interview went so well.

The interviewer Elaine (a former model herself) said the agency would be happy to represent me. At the time (three years ago) I was very slim and wore stilettos which gave the appearance of being taller than my normal height.

During the interview Elaine told me to bring three of my best outfits for the shoot. One for business, one for fun and an evening gown, you had to arrive with hair fixed. The make-up was applied by their person.

There was a narrow curtained off section where you got dressed. From there you walked right out into the make-up chair and after make-up, you sat out into the hallway until it was your turn to be dazzled.

My name was called, I was introduced to the photographer. He asked me my name, he wanted to know why did I want to be a model. I told him it seemed like fun and something new to venture into.

After the small talk, he explained where he wanted me to stand and said just have fun with it. I did have fun and after three dress changes, the agency said they would be in contact with me.

Three weeks later, I received a call from the agency. The pictures had arrived and they wanted to go over them with me. An appointment time was set. I arrived at said time and was greeted by Elaine.

She was very professional, nicely dressed and made you feel at ease. The staff dressed nicely as well. Now here comes the catch.

Elaine told me that the pictures were in and in order to send me out on an interview they would need the pictures to do so. It would cost me $200.00 to purchase the pictures and allow the agency to send out my photo for shootings.

I paid the money and waited for assignments which never came. I was told to check back with them if I had not heard anything within a month.

I waited three weeks and called the agency back. I was set up for another appointment, this time for a commercial call, and runway interview. I arrived on time for my interview and met a woman who claim she was from Los Angeles and was casting for commercial models.

She had me read from a blue piece of paper and after the reading, she said I did marvelous and wanted to move me to the next step which was a runway casting at some hotel in Greensburg pa.

All I had to do was pay $180.00 for the tape. I realized then that the company was not a real agency like Ford Modeling Agency in New York but more like a training agency.

You pay them to provide you pictures and tapes for your own scouting purposes. I did not pay the last fee and decided that I no longer had interest in becoming a model for fun and continued to join the working class and pay my bills without another added debt.

My advice, do your homework and you will know that any modeling agency that ask for money to represent you is not a legitimate business/agency.

Obx49

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

U.S.A.