Scam...Scam...Scam...
I applied for an add seeking models and actors in commercials on Craigslist. I went to the man office in Mission Valley and was told that the fee for testing was $60. A man and a woman by the name of Mary I believe was there. The make up artist touched up my face with makeup before my short photo shoot. The photo shoot lasted about 20 minutes. I was asked to call them in 2 weeks to review my headshots. I went in and meet with Mary again. We reviewed the pictures and she told me that my head shot was in the top ten.
She also told me that the price to get started is $1500.
I called my sister to help me make a decision on weather I should go ahead and pursue this. Now keep in mind my sister didn't know anything about where I was and what I was planning on doing that day. She told me to go and pursue this because she knew this is something I've always dreamed of doing. She told me she would like to speak with someone before making a payment. Mary took the phone and my sister asked her some questions. My sister felt judging from Mary's voice she was not really happy answering her questions because my Mom talked to her on the phone earlier that day and asked her similar questions. My sister also felt rushed because Mary kept reminding her that at least half of the money had to be paid right away because there where others in line waiting. With no time to think it over my sister decided to pay Mary over the phone with her credit card. The next week she paid the other half.
The paperwork they had me sign listed some of the things the $1500 included. I would get 12 classes for acting/modeling, my own website, 3 photo shoots and a 1 year contract with Kodak.
Out of the photo shoots I've had 2 and never had the 3rd one. After the 3 rd shoot they where supposed to make my website. That never happened. I had 11 out of the 12 acting/modeling classes. They tell you about all the hidden costs after you pay the $1500.
I've also called them numerous times to ask them questions about an upcoming class or photo shoot I would have. They never answered the phone. One time they did but, never got a call back when promised. My sister called them for me also and the same thing, the phone just rang. They didn't even have an answering machine. What professional place doesn't have that ?
I bumped into a girl that was also in the acting/modeling class she was going through the same situation I was. She was the one that told me that she had one class left and she couldn't finish it because the West Coast Casting office in Mission Valley was no longer there. They moved without notifying anyone. My sister and I decided to call the office just to make sure what the girl was saying was true. It was the phone just rang and rang.
Anyone out there that has a dream to become a Model or Actor if you have to pay to make that dream happen I would be really skeptical. Please don't fall into the same trap my sister and I fell into.
David
CHULA VISTA, California
U.S.A.