Empire Talent And Models - MARISA SCLFANI EMPIRE TALENT AND MODELS (MARISA SCLFANI--"AGENT") IS A TOTAL SCAM....DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT WITH THEM! Scottsdale Arizona

Hi, I read the above report criticizing Marisa and her agency. I am a client having signed up as. "Talent" five years ago. Marisa was open and honest with me when I first went to sign up with Empire. She was recommended by a friend.

I could have chosen my own photographer but opted to use hers and glad I did as he put together a stellar portfolio for me that presented me in a professional and attractive manner. He was no more expensive than others

Over the past five years Marisa has been professional , proactive and supportive of me in gaining opportunities in film, commercials and print ads. She had exposed me to many different casting organizations and production companies

I have been in a movie and two national comercials thanks to Marisa.

This business is difficult at best and I feel that Empire talent agency is a first class and professional group with stellar credentials in the industry both regionally, locally and nationally.

For the many years that empire has been in business the few complaints are a small percentage from sour grape clients that did not get as much work as they wanted or expected.

When something comes up Marisa always submits my pictures. Many times I don't get called because her clients don't like my "look ". Or experience. I feel that Marisa is a competent and legitimate owner that cares about her stable of talent and does a great job for us.

I guess you can 't please all the people all the time. ...., Empire has been voted the best of Phoenix for the past two years. So that tells you something and there are 27 other talent agencies in town.

In response to "Actor99"

Quote, "It should be noted that Empire Talent and Models is one of perhaps 7 fully licensed and "Better Business Bureau (BBB)" accredited talent agencies in the state of Arizona.  You don't get that way for ripping people off."

"EMPIRE Talent and Models is a reputable and LICENSED agency." 

Licensed with whom? As it turns out, "Actor99" (who is, in all likelihood, actually Marisa herself -- it's not like you have to prove who you are to leave a comment...) is technically correct. Empire Talent & Modeling is licensed -- business license, that is. And she does represent it as a "talent agency." So, yes, technically it would be a "licensed" agency.

What Marisa (or any of the alternate identities she creates here to continue to misrepresent her business against those who she's victimized) won't tell you is that there is NO licensing body specifically for talent agencies, or modeling agencies, or literary agencies. None. There are various associations, unions, guilds and so on; for those who wish to be represented, these include organizations such as the Screen Actors Guild, the Writer's Guild of America and the National Writers Union (UAW Local 1981), among others. For agents, these include the Association of Authors Representatives and the International Modeling and Talent Association. However, neither of the latter two actually licenses anyone.

By claiming to be a "licensed talent agency", Marisa (in all her guises) is misrepresenting her credentials.

I am an actor/writer that commutes between LA and Phoenix often and read this "report" and feel it is important that the record should be set straight. 
First and foremost, Kristi, the individual that wrote this report sounds as though she is on a personal vendetta to slander Marisa Sclafani's reputation as she mentions her by name rather that focusing on the "business".  I have done business with Marisa on a number of occasions and have found her and her agency to be both reputable and professional and providing no hint of "ill repute".
It should be noted that Empire Talent and Models is one of perhaps 7 fully licensed and "Better Business Bureau (BBB)" accredited talent agencies in the state of Arizona.  You don't get that way for ripping people off.
Show business is tough enough and casting directors can be ruthless in their view of talent as "meat on the hoof".  Marisa has thorough understanding of the business and it's dark side.  She judges dispassionately and professionally.  If she doesn't get talent work, she does not get paid.
She did not ask me for any fees or obligate me to secure any portfolio because I, as a professional, came to the table prepared and ready to hit the ground running.  My portfolio is a tool and cost me nearly $2500.00 to help me find work, I take classes to sharpen my skills because you have to be prepared for anything and they cost money too.  Therefore, I would venture to say Kristi that if Marisa said you needed something like photos or classes, you probably needed them in her eyes.  I don't know where you were  modeling before or what state it was, the likelihood is that it was NOT in LA or NY. 
It pains me to see that someone that was probably told a truth that they could not handle is using the web to slander a professional in such a way.  EMPIRE Talent and Models is a reputable and LICENSED agency.  Kristi, I certainly hope YOU can sleep at night knowing that this drivel you have written has besmirched a professional's reputation.  I for one am perfectly happy with the work I get from Empire.  And if I work, they get paid.  Then and only then.  As a professional to a novice I say, get a dose of reality.  You are not on "America's Got Talent".  It's to tough business and you, to quote the film" "can't handle the truth"...  Actor99  LA/PHX

This will be brief - Hey Marisa stop trying to be the person that sticks up to you horrible company. We are just warning everyone from being scammed out of our hard earned money. Just close you business down and stop looking for more victims. Everything you say you are is a lie.

I have to say that I'm baffled how people can be so adamant about getting ripped off from a Talent Agency! A talent agency is the middle man between directors/casting agents and YOU! What a talent agency provides is the vehicle and tools you would need to actually be considered for any kind of work in the "industry". They know what casting agents are looking for, etc.. They do not hire anyone!! They instead, supply an inventory of individuals for directors/casting people to view. Then it's up to those who are directing/casting, to invite individuals to an audition! A group of individuals may audition but only one is chosen! Again, it's what the director is looking for NOT the talent agency!! Being a former model in a different state doesn't guarantee work!! Especially in AZ. This is not LA or NYC!! Come on lady.. My daughter and I both have been signed for 3 years with MARISA SCLAFANI from EMPIRE TALENT AND MODELS. We were told exactly what to expect.. that if we wanted to seriously get work, we would need photos..any professional photos! We did not HAVE to use ones that Marisa preferred. Because you chose to use the photographers that she referred you to, does not make it a scam! You did that of your own free will! My daughter has had 3 times the work I have, but because she has a universal look and is younger. I have been on many auditions before getting a YES!! We have never been asked to give Empire Talent Agency fees or any other monies whatsoever! I think because you were the one who signed a contract with expectations, you didn't read or listen to Marisa.. You may have had stars in your eyes! Also, I do not believe you turned down work from any other agencies, that's a lie. They would work it out if others offered you work, as they did with me. Please do not continue to give this agency a bad name because you're disgruntled...move on lady..the rest of us are completely satisfied with EMPIRE TALENT AND MODELS AGENCY, and that's hundreds of us.