Wright Model and Talent, Please DO NOT pay any money to this so called "modeling agency"! It is a total RIP OFF! Newport News, Virginia

I do appreciate your post but the only thing I would like to mention is we actually do book models and actors on jobs. So we are an agency. We are not in any way a "charm school". We have a team of professionals in this field that we bring together to develop those for the industry. The team consists of runway coaches, acting coaches, make-up artists and photographers. Not everyone we interview needs to start with the development process. I just signed 2 girls into the agency last week that already had experience and pictures that I could start market them with to clients.

Just recently here are some things that are going on: Booked 2 male models in a show, 12 teen girls in a show Saturday, shows in Richmond, submitted male and female models to a client for print and show opportunities, submitted kids to a variety of print clients, 2 upcoming bridal shows and have had one on one meetings with casting directors/producers and modeling clients to discuss the models and actors we represent for possible bookings. So we are really 2 businesses in one. A development center and an agency. We have our work we book posted.

Shannon Wright

Hello all. While I do not necessarily look at Wright Modeling Agency as a scam (I have been there myself and was interviewed and saw the red flags) I do believe their name needs to change. Any agency requiring upfront fees or in general large sums of money or requiring you to take "courses" is not a good agency to go through. While I will not bash the company at all-I was treated nicely-parents need to understand the difference. It is just like when you go to those cattle calls you hear on television where they build you up and get you to pay thousands of dollars for a "charm school" then turn and wait for you to see if you even get a casting from so-called casting directors. If you have the look you have it. If you don't then you don't. Most agencies will tell you that. They either want you or not. Everyone thinks they can model but only some can. Requiring a fee for school and then getting in with an agent isn't the normal procedure and even if you are with a true agent there is no guarantee for work. That is why they are extremely selective. Don't get down when they don't pick you. It just means they know what will work and what won't. They don't get paid until you do! They don't require heavy fees for photography or classes. They can refer you to a few photographers or you can find one yourself at a low cost and classes are not necessary. It comes with experience and the agent will guide you. It is as simple as that. Do your research. I again wouldn't call them a scam but I wouldn't call them an agency either. I think what needs to happen is the name needs to change. 

http://www.rubhim.com/trailer/college-boy-has-a*s-fingered_mh9590.html

Jill,

This is Jason, Scout and YES former model of Wright Model & Talent. I feel that it is important to set  the facts straight for Jill and other consumers, who utilize this public forum to voice there opinions  instead of behaving like adults and  calling us direct.

Things to be addressed:

1) Company's do NOT pay local news stations for interviews. You are invited on by the News station.
2) The News station that I was on was channel 13, not channel 3.
3) When you are being filmed the station has strict guidelines. One of those being not to correct the news anchor. You are told to go with the flow of the interview. (I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NEWS ANCHOR NOT HAVING ALL OF THE VERBIAGE CORRECT.)
4) Anyone who knows how to read and research can see that Chad Michael Murray did in fact come from Wright Model & Talent, from our office in Buffalo, New York.
5) I have been modeling and working with Wright Model & Talent since I was 14 years old! I started here locally as a commercial print model. I then was fortunate enough to attend Connections Model & Talent Convention. Moving forward from Connections, I was placed with an Agency in New York city as a commercial print model and actor. (NOT ALL MODEL ARE 6FT TALL WITH WASH BOARD AB'S. I NEVER WAS AND NEVER CLAIMED TO BE. LOOK UP THE DEFINITION FOR A "COMMERCIAL PRINT" MODEL)
6) I am the only one who can speak for myself. I work for Wright Model & Talent because I am passionate about this industry, I love my clients and co-workers. Not that it is anyone's business but some people have careers because they love what they are doing. Money is not everything in life, if I only lived my life concerned with making money, I would go back to nursing seeing that I am Licensed Practical Nurse. Trust me Jill my "wallet would be a lot fatter" if I was working in that in a hospital.

I am done posted on here:
As you can all see I am a very open person as is the Wright Model and Talent. We encourage anyone who has any questions, comments, or concerns to call us direct at 757-873-3444.

Thank you,
Jason

 

Also we DID NOT pay Channel 3 news for an interview. We were asked to come on the show to talk about the agency and our Charity we were sponsoring that month.

If you are going to post a negative ad about a business get your facts straight!

Jill - the friend you mentioned was not employed by Wright Model and Talent. If you are a model or actor with us or any agency you are an Independent Contractor.
The statement you made about getting nothing in return is false. We have models and actors that book jobs.
We have and still do work with photographers in NY and LA as well as local. We do not tell you that you will be shooting with a NY or LA photographer.
To address Channel 3 - The person from Channel 3 that conducted that interview made a mistake and we are aware of that. However we have guidelines that we must follow before we go on air and one guideline was to not correct the interviewer. YES Wright Model & Talent did discover and train Chad Michael Murray. I am really getting tired of defending this FACT. I personally meant with Chad and his father in my office in Buffalo, NY. Chad went through the development at Wright Model and Talent and was trained by now a News Anchor in Buffalo, NY Jodi Johnston Channel 2 News. I then saw Chad for 10 weeks and he continued to impress me. I saw Chad's talent beyond Buffalo and encouraged him to pursue this professionally. Chad then trained with me to get him ready for Connections which he went 2 times. At the 2nd Connections event he was discovered by Eddie Winkler an agent in LA. Once he graduated from Clarence High School he moved to LA. Wright Modeling and Pat Wright set all of that up for him! Chad did not work at a kiosk in the mall but did work at KB Toys at the Eastern Hills Mall. So get your facts straight because we have all the documentation to prove it. Wright Modeling 1st office opened in Western NY in 1989.
As far as Jason is concerned I don't know what background you have in the industry but who gives you the right to say he doesn't have the "look". He did work with agencies for a period of time in NY then returned to VA. He did not work with top fashion agencies he worked more in the commercial department.
We have an amazing agency and it is sad that you would call a business a "scam" that you really know nothing about.

As I'm sitting here with a friend that worked for Wright modeling and talent agency for a while and decided to leave when a better career move came along. I knew this place had a reputation of scamming people for money way before I met friend. My friend just happened to confirm it during their period of employment. Basically you pay all this money and honestly get nothing in return. Sure you may get a little self confidence but that's something you should not have to pay money for. The photographers are not from New York or LA they are local right here from Hampton Roads Virginia. There is nothing wrong at all with using local photographers from the area but do not lie to your so called "clients" and have them dish out more money to have people from NY and LA to fly here and take their pictures. Also, when you pay channel 3 news to interview Jason from your company....come on. At least have him tell the truth on tv and not lie to all the hopeful's watching the local news. Chad Michael Murry was not discovered by Wright Modeling at a kiosk in Patrick Henry Mall. Read his bio all over the internet. Nothing even mentions him living in Virginia Period. And as for Jason the "ex model" himself. I have seen the photos and shoots of him and I'm not really sure who had him believing he was a model. He just does not have that look at all. On the other hand he honesly seems like a really nice person but brainwashed into scamming these poor people for out of money for Shannon and Pat. Of course the more people that sign up for this horrible "modeling" agency the fatter everybodys paychecks are. Sad isn't it ? Just giving you guys a heads up.

Jill

As I'm sitting here with a friend that worked for Wright modeling and talent agency for a while and decided to leave when a better career move came along. I knew this place had a reputation of scamming people for money way before I met friend. My friend just happened to confirm it during their period of employment. Basically you pay all this money and honestly get nothing in return. Sure you may get a little self confidence but that's something you should not have to pay money for. The photographers are not from New York or LA they are local right here from Hampton Roads Virginia. There is nothing wrong at all with using local photographers from the area but do not lie to your so called "clients" and have them dish out more money to have people from NY and LA to fly here and take their pictures. Also, when you pay channel 3 news to interview Jason from your company....come on. At least have him tell the truth on tv and not lie to all the hopeful's watching the local news. Chad Michael Murry was not discovered by Wright Modeling at a kiosk in Patrick Henry Mall. Read his bio all over the internet. Nothing even mentions him living in Virginia Period. And as for Jason the "ex model" himself. I have seen the photos and shoots of him and I'm not really sure who had him believing he was a model. He just does not have that look at all. On the other hand he honesly seems like a really nice person but brainwashed into scamming these poor people for out of money for Shannon and Pat. Of course the more people that sign up for this horrible "modeling" agency the fatter everybodys paychecks are. Sad isn't it ? Just giving you guys a heads up.

Jill

Hello, my 9 yo daughter is currently with Wright Model & Talent. She has been in the "business" since she was 6, and with various agencies, soI would like to share some insight:

1) The training class that Wright offers is extremely cheap compared to some rip-off modeling "schools" that charge thousands of dollars for classes and offer nothing in return (for example, John Robert Powers franchise in this area that has at least twice gone under and fled town with thousands of dollars per student). I agree with another person who posted here in that the classes are not only good for the student's self-esteem, but they prepare them to be a "working model" -- someone who can show up on set and know what to do. Clients like that, and an agency that provides trained models has a good reputation with clients. Modeling isa JOB. There is no job on the planet that doesn't require training and/or education in some form. Furthermore, in order to be good at your job, you should constantly seek out further training opportunities. Training goes on the model's resume and shows clients that the model might actually know what they are doing. Since completing the Wright training, my daughter has taken severalacting classes and workshops.

2) All of the other fees to which you refer are standard for the industry. The professional photos, modeling portfolio book and comp cards are MARKETING MATERIALS. This is how you sell yourself to the client. Comp Cards are essentially your business cards. You hand out the cards when you go on auditions / castings, and show the client your portfolio of pictures in your book. The prices charged by Wright for the photo shoot and comp cards are completely in line with everywhere else we've been, including New York (more to follow on that). I wouldsteer wayclear of an "agency" that DIDN'T recommend a photographer and print your comp cards.

3) Shannon brings up the point that Hampton Roads is a LOCAL MARKET. This is one of the reasons why Wright runs the Connections Convention (I'll respond to that report separately). This agency specializes in launching models to major markets, where there is more work. There just is not that much local work to be had, and keep in mind that a "normal" "booking ratio" (jobs booked to castings attended) is actually only about 15% if you are lucky, even in the major markets. This means you could attend 100 castings and only book 15 jobs. That would, in fact, be quite impressive. My daughter attended 18 castings this year locally and in NY and booked 3 jobs (2 in NY and 1 in Richmond).

4) My daughter is currentlysigned with a boutique child modeling agency in New York City, thanks to WRIGHT MODEL AND TALENT. They prepared her / trained her, and put her in front of these agents to show her stuff. She had a blast and walked away with a contract, and has since had plenty of casting opportunities with a lot of callbacks and is now a regular model for Kenneth Cole.

5) It is very hard to make a living or even clear a profit in print modeling, especially at the local level. Some of the work is pro bono, like the bridal shows, but those things go on your resume for job experience. We seek out non-paying jobs just as resume builders.Unless you are a famous supermodel, print work does not pay much.My daughter over the years has averaged about $300-400 for each print job she has worked, and that includes big names like Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren. They basically pay by the hour for the shoot itself, and that's it. The BIG money is in TV / film becauseparticularly if it's Union, you get residuals every time your spot airs, and you canend up getting tens of thousands foraone-day shoot (and we have).Union jobs in southern Virginia are few and far between. You have to be in modeling because you ENJOY it. As another commenter stated, this is a hobby like any other, and you might end up putting money into it (clothes for auditions, travel for auditions, marketing materials), but unlike a dance team or something into which you pour thousands of dollars with no return, you do have achance to earn some money backin the modeling"hobby." If you earn enough, you can even write the expenses (including photo shoots, comp cards, etc.) off your taxes as a business expense. My daughter LOVES modeling and acting. She is in control of whether or not she wants to attend a particular casting, and when and if she ever wants to quit doing it.When she first started doing this, she would hide behind me at castings andbe afraid to say her name. Needless to say, she didn't land any work, and I was concerned about her confidence level. Now sheroutinely walks into New York Citycasting directors' offices and cheerfully introduces herself and answers all of their questions very articulately and performs requested skillson demand.Every oneof these castings is aJOB INTERVIEW.When this child gets ready for college and job interviews when she grows up, she is going to blow the competition away.The person whowrote the originalpostseemed to belittle the "self-esteem" or "self-confidence" aspect in someof the rebuttals, and instead just wanted to make money. Do not underestimate the confidence aspect. Even if you are not making a ton of money today modelingin the local market, the skills and confidence learned in the industrymay make you a ton of money in the future by landing you a great job when you blow them away at the interview.

In my humble opinion, Wright is the best modeling agency in Hampton Roads, and we've been with one of the only other ones for comparison. At the level my daughter is working, Iwouldn't stay with an agency that we didn't like. I hope this has helped anyone who reads it to better understand the industry, and best of luck to all aspiring models out there!

The order in which you have listed these "steps" is also incorrect.
Generally you attend the program then join the agency. Then in time complete a Photo Shoot. Then after the shoot order the ecards. We have NEVER stated you must do a photo shoot and ecards prior to joining the agency. We also have the FULL documentation for anyone's review.

Sincerely,
Shannon Wright Gross
757-873-3444
info@wrightmt.com

Kimchi,

You have added documentation that is not a secret and anyone walking into the agency I will show them. I find it interesting that you only scan and show people what you want them to see to work in your favor. That is also the same form you saw at the time of the interview if the workshops were offered to you. So again no secret.  You also must have taken the workshops because that is what is handed out on the first day of the workshops. Only thing you are missing is the top part of the form which has the 10 week program listed.


Once again the agency is open for anyone to ask us questions and view our information.

Sincerely,
Shannon Wright-Gross
11710-G Jefferson Ave.
Newport News, VA 23606
757-873-3444
info@wrightmt.com

Proudly apart of Hampton Roads for 19 years
A+ rating with the BBB

Also proud of another  national success story Trent Garrett of Yorktown, VA. Trent can now be seen on the Soap Opera" All My Children". Trent started with Wright in 2004.

This is Shannon Wright again in response to Kimchi.

We do "offer" workshops to those we feel have the potential that have come to us with little to no experience. However if you come to the agency with a working model book, working client list and recent working comp card then you can be evaluated directly into the Agency.
Example a working model named Brittney originally from Newport News, VA came back to Newport News for 6 months  from Atlanta. She met with me had all the requirements I stated above. The next day I submitted her to clients. From there Brittney booked a 9 page spread in Vow Bridal Fall/Winter 2010 issue. Brittney is back in Atlanta but the client would like to book her for their February 2011 Bridal Show.
So as you can see Brittney did not take the workshops, did not do our photo shoot and did not get an ecard or comp cards from Wright.
So your statement is incorrect.

I feel everyone should have an opinion. I also know that we try however will not please everyone. I feel that if someone is going to make a statement, state the correct facts.

Once again I can answer you stating who I am but you hide who you are? If you feel strongly about your opinion why would you need to hide?

Sincerely,
Shannon Wright-Gross
757-873-3444
info@wrightmt.com

My previous post stated that I had documentation proving that Shannon's statement was obscure. She stated that Wright Model and Talent does NOT require its clients to take classes, purchase a comp card, or get a photo shoot. She stated that they only offer these things, but do charge for them.

Ms. Shannon, I am pleased to see that you have responded to this post, but I have to add something that seems out of sync. You stated that your agency "offers" models classes/workshops, photo shoots, and e-cards/comp cards. While you do offer workshops, you have failed to mention that it is not just an "offer", but a requirement in order to be a part of the agency. I have submitted contract documents to prove this.

In response to your post, Megan, I can say that you are very adamant about this agency. You and others have stated how Wright Modeling has boosted yours or your daughters' self-esteem. And that is perfectly fine, for you all.

I also paid for the modeling classes, photo shoot, etc mentioned in the original report. These fees were expensive, yes. However Wright Model and Talent has done wonders for my self esteem and confidence. I successfully completed the program and was very pleased with my photo shoot. Everything you pay for you sign your name to; nothing you sign guarantees satisfaction.
If you aren't satisfied with your experience you should contact the agency, not an online forum. I have not received any work from Wright Model and Talent either, but work is NOT guaranteed. Wright Model and Talent provides the skills which are necessary in the modeling world. I am discouraged by the lack of work I've received after completing the program, but that is more likely the job market for models rather than Wright Model and Talent's fault.
I personally know several girls who completed the program and are now in top agencies in New York thanks to Wright Model and Talent. Modeling is not for everyone, however Wright Model and Talent's services are quite beneficial despite the high cost. Your bad experience should be consulted with maybe Pat herself. Your bad experience does not apply to all clients.

I recently sent a rebuttal to this report and I wanted to correct my misspellings. This is what happens when I answer the phone at the same time I am typing!

I would like to address the above letter regarding Wright Model and Talent. I am the daughter you referred to Shannon Wright.

The fee's you speak of were your choice and was discussed during the interview. We do not hide anything about the services we offer. We state we are a full service Agency. We train and develop those who have NO experience in the business. We do offer photo shoots with photographers from NY and LA which are clearly posted throughout the agency. We do offer comp cards which again is clearly posted throughout the agency and a book of comp cards was probably shown to you during your interview. Yes we do charge for the program as we have instructors and do pay them. Our photographers also charges along with the hair and makeup artists that are brought in. If you research photographer fee's that is really a good price also since they are traveling in to do the shoot. If you were unhappy with the pictures you should have brought that to our attention.

The agency meeting is also clearly posted on the paperwork that each person receives. Again we hide nothing and have the proof. We also do not have "contracts".

I now would like to address the comment made about me. I do apologize if I made you feel as if I did not care. That is not the impression I met to relay to you. I know how it feels to be that model on the comp card wall. I have been in this business since I was 3. My mother did all that you mentioned above for me. I took many, many training workshops, many photo shoots and printed comp cards. This was before she owned her own agency and she PAID for all that to the agencies I was with in Buffalo, NY. I understand your questions and maybe your frustrations but this is a LOCAL market and we explain that to you. We can only provide to you what a market can provide to us. I am also VERY active in trying to find more clients for ALL the models here. I take offence that you would say I had no interest in finding work for your daughter. Just in the past 5 years we have had increased our client database. It is very easy to write something bad about someone to make yourself look like the good guy. If you had any concerns regarding myself or Wright you should have to come to us. As that is a courtesy we would have extended to you.

I have successfully booked alot of different people in all different age ranges. We do the best we can for everyone and feel very passionately about this industry.

So for those who read this please come into the agency and talk to us and see for yourself. Can we please everyone no but we do our very best with honesty and we stand firm to what we offer.

For the person that posted the above message. I am not able to contact you to discuss your concerns because you did not leave your contact information but I would like to extend to you to have my contact number 757-873-3444. I would be more then happy to talk to you.

Sincerely,

Shannon Wright

I brought my 11 year old daughter to Wright Modeling in Newport News, VA about 2 years ago.  We had met with one fo the scouts and they gone through the interview, all the information and agency procedures and even a tour of the agency.  My daughter has been really interested in this for quite some time, so we decided to try it.  The fee for the training was extremely low compared to others, and after she took the training, I was 100% pleased.  My daughter's confidence skyrocketed and she really loved it.  We did sign with the agency and had no problem paying $25 for a 2 hour class so I could get more information about the industry and how things work.  After all, I wanted any and all information I possibly could before signing with the agency.

I have spent more for my son's karate than the modeling and he had never been able to make a penny back!

She had also participated in the photo shoot... I too believe this was with a NY photographer.  The photographer was great with her, she had a blast.  He had even made it a point to come out and meet with me.  Our photos were great.  Again, we did sign with the agency and from those photos and from Wright Modeling, she has gone on three castings this year alone and recieved one booking already.  This was something we did for fun.  Yes, we did spend money, but I would do it again in a heartbeat for what it has done for my daughter.

To whomever posted earlier, I would be embarrassed to post that.  Before posting something online like that I probably would have gone in and spoken with someone regarding the matter.

I have had a great time so far with Wright Modeling and look forward for more to come.

I would like to address the above letter regarding Wright Model and Talent. I am the daughter you referred to Shannon Wright.

The fee's you speak of were your choice and was discussed during the interview. We do not hind anything about the services we offer. We state we are a full service Agency. We train and develope those who have NO experience in the business. We do offer photo shoots with photographers from NY and LA which are clearly posted throughout the agency. We do offer comp cards which again is clearly posted throughout the agency and a book of comp cards was probably shown to you during your interview. Yes we do charge for the program as we have instructor and do pay them. Our photographers also charge along with the hair and makeup artists that are brought in. If you research photographer fee's that is really a good price also since they are traveling in to do the shoot. If you were unhappy with the pictures you should have brought that to our attention.

The agency meeting is also clearly posted on the paperwork that each person receives. Again we hind nothing and have the proof.

I now would like to address the comment made about me. I do apologize if I made you feel as if I did not care. That is not the impression I met to relay to you. I know how it feels to be that model on the comp card wall. I have been in this business since I was 3. My mother did all that you mentioned above for me. I took many, many training workshops, many photo shoots and printed comp cards. This was before she owned her own agency and she PAID for all that to the agncies I was with in Buffalo, NY. I understand your questions and maybe your fustrations but this is a LOCAL market and we explain that to you. We can only provide to you what a market can provide to us. I am also VERY active in trying to find more clients for ALL the models here. I take offence that you would say I had not interest in finding work for your daughter. Just in the past 5 years we have had increased our client database. It is very easy to write something bad about someone to make yourself look like the good guy. If you had any concerns regarding myself or Wright you should have to come to us. As that is a courtesy we would have extended to you.

I have successfully booked alot of different people in all different age ranges. We do the best we can for everyone and feel very passionatly about this industry.

So for those who read this please come into the agency and talk to us and see for yourself. Can we please everyone no but we do our very best with honesty and we stand firm to what we offer.

For the person that posted the above message. I am not able to contact you to discuss your concerns because you did not leave your contact information but I would like to extend to you to have my contact number 757-873-3444. I would be more then happy to talk to you.

Sincerely,

Shannon Wright