Model Management Group, NYMMG, MMG SCAM AGENCY BE CAREFUL! SCAM! Charges over $1800 for photoshoot, digital portfolio, web maintenance ALL FOR NOTHING New York

 The company (nymmg and model management group) I have to agree but each experience may be worse depending where you live. Big Red Flags are buyer beware because many of these companies are a joke and will tell you whatever for money. I honestly do not know why we do not have much stronger laws on these companies that they need to comply with as well just making casting calls open and not only easier but more direct with companies in general as it makes them look horrible. Times have changed in modeling with sizes, height etc and in acting need to make sure you have a head shot post card and some companies want a 5×7 but you have to know your own info to make sure as that could cost you dearly. You can find good people & companies but they are far in between having your best interest.

This company made many things seem possible and having so much work-wanted to do their own photo shoot after having professional ones done they claim can not use and the real truth is they have a few photographers they rotate to bring them business and vice versa... They all get paid off of you because they try and have you paying out to the photographer, makeup artist, hair and then to their company and sign up so called fees or like processing and its all a real joke especially if you have no idea and we dont live close yet they claim to have all these jobs yet of going to a cast you have to be picked (THEY JUST HAVE ADDRESS/LOCATION OF CASTING, WHICH YOU CAN GET YOURSELF) to have someone travel and jerk people around is wrong because if the person is that good and all these so called jobs then take your so called fee/processing or percent out of what your going to make off of them anyways! The problem is they dont have to work hard once they have you sign a contract or laws to protect you much as they can word it to the point of all they have to do is like send you out on 1 model, cast or talent etc but you gotta get picked or get it on your own and may even only guarantee you 1-3 in a year--- YOU CAN DO THAT YOURSELF! Laws need to change to protect people more and not be allowed to do this to people---However this is also nothing new and people need to be aware and research and dont give your hard earned money to just anyone. Why would you give a total stranger a penny?

Buyer Beware & Be Smart. Its sad these companies out here are easily taking advantage of people. Its a company Near Tysons Corner who claim Film Industry who give good reviews to most and praise pretty much everyone and then try and spend hours breaking people to give them money and sign contracts but when you stick to your guns then they have little time for you and calling back you can leave your name and number to never really speak to anyone again because you gave no money...but if you set another 6 hour appointment and let them try and collect off of you again then they are more then welcoming. If it seems too good then it is-They want your money then probably not good-Get a second opinion-Find 2-3 companies to get some info as well time to research as well check rip off reports, scams, BBB, call local tv for info, a lawyer to even read contract cause you could end up paying them for years off also money you make... Be careful, Be Smart, Good Luck & Together We Can Change Laws! Thank You

First off, let me say that you really sound like you know nothing about this business.

1. When doing a photoshoot for talent, they want to show your age range. So if your child is 15, but could look 13, they're going to dress them up YOUNGER to show that they can play younger. They will also make them look more mature and older if they can pull it off. Age range is INCREDIBLY important in this business, whether it's for models or talent. 
2. Who are you to judge whether or not someone has talent based on if they look like a model or not? Most people, even models, come to photoshoots bare; no makeup, no hair done (just dry and clean), and comfortable clothes. They spend hours getting ready to look like models. The others usually take off their makeup when they get there. Just because someone isn't the stereotypical model size doesn't mean they don't have talent.
3. They do NOT require you to use their photographers, however they are experts in the business and they know what kind of photos the business is looking for in a portfolio. If you don't want to trust them, it's your call. Just know that you know less than they do about this business.
4. The other "names" of MMG that you've named are actually different agencies. They are completely separate.
5. They don't charge for photoshoots. They refer you to big photographers who charge for photoshoots. They don't see a penny from what you pay the photographer.
6. Your neice may have been scouted based on talent. Just because she doesn't look like a Ford Supermodel doesn't mean she doesn't have valid dreams and valid opportunities. Ford's models are very specific. What they're looking for is different from what anyone else is. They want the tall, skinny girls with amazing facial structure. Just because Ford doesn't want you doesn't mean you don't have a chance.
7. They do not make the money for printing cards... They get them printed from a PRINTING company and then recieve the cards in the mail. Like you would had you ordered them yourself. Also, you don't have to order from the printing company that they recommend. There are plenty more out there.
8. Again, your neice may be talent, not model. Besides, if they aren't ready to be booked and still need experience and a better portfolio, they aren't going to be given a model apartment.
9. None of these fees are given to the Agency itself. The digital booking fee deals with the cost of the website and maintenance. The printing fee goes to the printer. The photoshoot fee goes to the photographer, stylist, and hair and makeup people. 

They are a fantastic company, and they actually know what they're doing. Learn your facts before you say something stupid like this again. 

MMG knows the laws and does not REQUIRE you to purchase the ridiculously overpriced photo packages and "web maintenance" fees. However, they will email and bully you in an attempt to intimidate you into buying these useless packages. They also make it clear that if you do not give all your money to them, you will never get work. It really is laughable how transparent they are.

My daughter Marissa was signed by MMG after a Model Search America convention. MSA is very selective about what agencies and casting directors they let come, if that tells you more about how well-regarded they are in the industry.

We have since been to New York for work (from Michigan, no less) many times. Doubters should check out the web sites of Michael Frost, or Keith Major, two photographers Marissa recently worked with. Michael Frost works with everyone in New York, and Keith Major has shot Tyra, Beyonce, Queen Latifah, etc. Michael Frost shot her cover for The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale- check it out on Amazon.com, or in Borders. Keith shot her for Say What! We've had awesome experiences and have always been treated well by MMG.

Marissa is making a lot of money for college, and plans to move to New York to attend college, and continue working for MMG to pay for both college and living expenses. Every time we've been to the offices they've been on the phone with some big show or business, booking actors and models. At our last job, we worked with a model from Ford, who was actually considering switching to MMG from Ford.

We did decide to take advantage of a photographer they recommended and we got some amazing pictures and ownership of the CD they're on. The photographer we had take pictures first charged us for each individual picture and they weren't industry-ready. We were so glad we followed their recommendations, because they are EXPERTS in the industry, and those pictures (yes, some of them in pigtails and ponytails because of her age-14) as well as the representation of MMG, who have a reputation for providing dependable, hard-working, beautiful models. We didn't know what we were doing when we first started (I'm also a nurse) and they've led us every step of the way. The more we learn about the industry, the more happy we are that we signed with MMG!

They have stressed how important it is for Marissa to do well in school, eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, keep a balanced life. I've felt like they really cared about her as a person, not just as a money-maker. They've also stressed that modeling is a business, and for her not to take it personally when she doesn't book a job.

This summer we are attending IMTA (see their website), where only the top agencies are represented. Guess who's going to be there? MMG! So check out the teen section of MMG, and see my successful daughter represented there!

Marissa's Mom

I have read the comments posted on this site regarding MMG or our website nymmg.com and of course references to other companies.

While people would like to make it appear that we often change our name or have real complaints the facts just won't support it.

MMG has been in business as MMG since 2002, MMG used to be short for Model Management Group and our website is nymmg.com because MMG.COM was already taken. These are not 3 separate names or companies. MMG represents models of all ages, actors, recording artists and celebrities. MMG branded more as just Modeling Company once it started representing Actors and Rerording Artists and Celebrities.

MMG, nor Model Management Group has ever had any legal action or complaint ever filed against it with any government or consumer agency. MMG is not a paying member of the New York Better Business Bureau only because then it can't be said we have a spotless record because we are a paying member. A check with the Better Business Bureau of New York will show that there has not been one complaint filed against MMG or Model Management Group in over 3 years. Also, Model 411 never was connected to any other company, and is not the same exact ownership of MMG and was never a part of any organization ever involved in wrongdoing. MMG was never associated with a company call Model Scouts, these are statements made by people who just do not know what they are talking about. So, considering the number of people we meet per year, which is easily over 6,000, I would say that having a clean and spotless record is something few other companies could ever boast about. Also, MMG's clients are among the best in the world as we deal with every major TV and Cable Network, Feature Film and Magazine company.

As for those that question upfront fees or costs. MMG does not require any fees for representation and quite often never even charges for expenses we incur messaging packages and making hard copy packages for our clients. The confusion comes not from those that are represented by MMG but from those either related to someone we represent or someone we have chosen not to represent.

MMG does not represent high fashion models and therefore does not pay for its models development. Most of our models are non-exclusive and work with many managers and agents. Even high fashion agencies today only put only a few models on account, the rest have to pay for their own materials.

MMG is currently ranked in the top 1/2 of 1% of all management companies in the world. If MMG was not a good company why would it be a top ranked company, have over 6 international celebrities signed to it and have a celebrity division that currently has 4 of its models and actors starring on primetime TV and over 3 of its recording artists have gold records.

Currently MMG represents stars on Fox TV's American Idol, ABC's True Beauty, NBC's Momma's Boy an 2 former finalists of America's Next Top Model. It is inconceivable that stars would flock to and sign exclusively with a company that wasn't one of the best.

All negative posts I have ever seen have been anonymous, we of course, would take legal action if we knew who the posters were. I myself have a former Law Enforcement Background my credentials and integrity are a matter of record after passing the most extensive State Police and Federal background check that can be given. To this day I maintain the highest security clearance possible.

If anyone believes any of these posts have any validity that we wish you well and hope you find a company suitable to your needs. But a check with any consumer agency, or consumer advocacy department of the City government will back up that we have a spotless record and have never be part of anything illegitimate.

If you note the anonymous posters, they have never been in contact with us directly or have their own agenda. The employee post was just absurd and wrong. In 6 years of business we have grabbed a significant share of the market and I guess that has some people pretty worried.

So check the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Consumer Affairs and see what they have to say because there have been no complaints.

As for that aunt of the child, at least 50% of the people who tell someone they can't make it have been proven wrong. The clients decide who will make it and I can't tell you how many of our current successful stars were told by someone, even by Ford they would never make it and then eventually signed by Ford after they realized they were wrong.. Everyone is an expert in our industry, fortunately, it is not them who decides who will make or not but the client.

Also, just for fun, if you search on Ford Model Management or Elite Model Management on this same site, you'll see the same types of accusations and complaints, all anonymous. In addition, if you type in Disney or McDonald's you'll see tons of people calling them a scam. Compared to most we actually have very little to deal with but unfortunately because these sites are protected by law and are not liable for what is posted, there is nothing we can do but tell our side of the story.

Only Fashion Agencies possibly will front expenses, in certain cases we do help out but that is a business decision made case by case. We do not front and we also do not charge advance fees. Today our models are just not as devoted or dependable as in the past and often wake up one morning and decide they no longer feel like modeling or jsut decide they want to move. We wish we were wealthy enough to pay for everyone but I don't think anyone today is in that position.

But the acts are, we use our models materials when they are good and we do not require they pay for representation or for us to submit them for jobs. Anyone that has decided to pay for something asked us to get it for them, we did not require them to get it through or from us. In fact our contracts clearly state that nothing is required to be purchased from MMG in order for us to work with them. But we are not going to win jobs in the NY market without quality materials and it is the models responsibility to get them and give them to us.

Also, MMG only places in high fashion we manage and submit our talent in all other areas. We are not a scouting company and individuals who we have determined not to be of the standards we require are now with other companies and probably are the ones posting the absurd remarks.

So, I hope I answered the comments and questions that may have been caused by the freedom to post unsubstantiated and anonymous comments without fear of being sued for libel and defamation but if not. I or any of my employees, which number 8 in total will be happy to discuss any of your concerns further.

I worked for MMG for several years. Thier "bookers" are verything from strippers to pornstars. Don't waste your time!

I have been a model for this company for five years and will continue to do so for a long time. I started with MMG when I was 15 and have been selected 2 times for Top Modelings shows like project runway and America's Next Top Model. The report is so false it borders on insane. It is not even written by the actual person involved, rather a no it all aunt with strong opinions that her niece is not model material.MMG was never part of any other organization, it only has been connected because of other false reports which the author of this report relies on as fact.

MMG is reputable and has an "A" list of clients and more than 50% work on major shows and projects for networks like ABC, NBC, CBC and all movies in NYC. The models have been Abercrmbie Models and Vogue Models and Catalog models. If she really did her homework she would have looked at their success story section which is amazing, especially the range of work. As for the costs, It costs nothing to be represented by MMG. They got me from NYCastings and I never paid a dime. If this lady's niece decided to have there material done through MMG it was their decision. It is not required that anyone purchase anything. They offer a photographer they rep if you can't find one on your own. She mentions Ford and Ford want to have the same photographer shoot for them. As for her friend at Ford, this is such a subjective industry, a friend of mine, was rejected by Ford but then signed when MMG took her back in.

As far as companies today paying for a models marketing materials, good luck, times have changed and when they did it was for high fashion only. MMG deals with commercial models that work in print, tv and film in both NYC and LA. I wasn't going to even respond to her but if you look at the work done by MMG models and see their ranking by IMDB, as one of the top in the world, at IMDB.com and when you see how many celebrities they represent, you just wonder why someone would feel the need to trash their own niece and a company that is doing great things for us models that want to work. She seriously needs help.