Barbizon Modeling Of Memphis - Zoom Agency - Peter Neck -Lana Neck Ripoff Deceitful Con Artist Misleaders Misrepresentation Scam Inexperienced Fradulant Billing Cordova Tennessee

Gas to get there - $10
Amount I was asked to pay - $1,600
Amount I paid to them - $0
Having high self-esteem and poise despite not taking one single class with them - Priceless

I've done modeling before. So I was intrigued when I saw an advertisement for this 'agency'. We set up an appointment, and I went. I did some interviewing. Walked back and forth along a 'runway'. Then they gave me the sales pitch. I scoffed at the amount of money they wanted! I said that I have experience modeling, and asked if I actually 'needed' these classes to be part of the agency. The woman I talked to replied, rather angerly, "Can you do a French Turn on the runway? No? Then you need these classes!"

There were multiple people around and I felt embarassed. Not that I had been 'put in my place', but that this woman would act so unprofessionally in the public waiting room. I smiled, even if inwardly I wanted to wring her neck, and said I would have to speak with my fiancee. As I was preparing to leave, she made sure to inform me that classes would start soon. I thanked her, left, and never looked back.

All in all, I'm glad for the experience. It exposed me to scams in a low-risk way and I feel I am better for it. So, thank you.

First of all, let me start by saying that I (and my daughter) never expected for a "career" to be gained out of this program. We both looked at it as an opportunity to help with poise, confidence, and just the honor of being selected to be a part of this program, so no ideas of my daughter becoming the next top model in the world was really ever considered.

My first complaint is when my daughter was interviewing, there were other interviews going on in the same small room and both Peter and James' attention didn't seem to be directly on my daughter. That kind of bothered me.

After my daughter was invited to into the program, we scraped and begged for the money to get her tuition, because we have heard a "few" good things about the company. I am a single mother of 4 and money was super tight, but my daughter was so excited and was interested in a program that seemed legitimate. Some of the members from her class eventually quit for one reason or another and were immediately replaced with other "chosen ones". (Another red flag for me.)

I believe what bothered me most was the "photo shoot". After talking to one of the employees about the when and where the shoot was to take place, she mentioned that they would be shooting some of the pictures on a yacht. Yes, she said, "YACHT".

This particular day, I drove 6 hours round trip, spent $80 in gas, and wasted our whole day. When we pulled up to the address that was given, my daughter began to cry, and I felt a little uneasy. We were in a not so nice neighborhood in Memphis, to a purple old, old house with bars on the windows, and no water for the friggin' YACHT anywhere.

While spending 4 hours waiting for photographs of my daughter sitting on an old porch swing, we hear many, many ambulances, police, and even burgular alarms going off everywhere. I was smart enough not to purchase the pictures that I, frankly, could have taken with a disposable camera, but we did go ahead and pay for the next class to the tune of $100. There never was another class and I have yet to be able to find anyone at the Barbizon agency to refund my desperately needed money.

While we were at the shoot, there were other girls from several different agencies were also getting their photos taken. Mind you, there were a few very pretty girls, but there were a couple that had NO BUSINESS being chosen for these modelling agencies. Trust me.

I honestly felt sorry for them talking about their big dreams of becoming a model one day.
On a better note, the instructor that my daughter had was the sweetest young woman. She honestly worked with the girls to help their self esteem and the way that they handled themselves. The last time that we talked to her, she had still not been paid for several classes that she conducted and had heard that Peter had filed bankruptcy. She wasn't even able to get anyone to answer the phone at the "company" and had called us to see if we had heard anything from them. "L", if you ever read this, thank you. My daughter and I appreciate your honesty and hard work. Best of luck to you.

PETER AND JAMES, you guys are slimy and crooked. You will get what you deserve.

Andrea and J.
Columbus, MS

Hello,

I have possible suggestions for anyone in a modeling scam.

First off to the employee posing as a parent of two children, no parent spends 10,000 dollars on a childs self esteem and then talks thankfully about it. If you need 10,000 to give your children self esteem you should consider adoption because you are not fit to a parent. Your child can easily get self esteem from after school activities or a local church.

Secondly, these agencies do not sell nor advertise self esteem classes, they advertise modeling classes and million dollar futures in Hollywood, and this is fruadulent advertising and a classic example of bait and switch.

You usually have up to two years to sue someone and possibly longer in some cases depending on which court you go through (small claims, federal)

You should be able to sue them for theft since they charged you and would not let you complete the classes. If the court finds that the jurisdiction is out of state, you can contact a lawyer in that state to show up on your behalf and they may charge lower fees for this.

Did they contact you through the mail with a misleading postcard or flyer to influence you? If so it might be considered mail fraud which is a federal crime.

Did they ruin your reputation and make you the laughter of your community b/c you ran and told everyone you would be a model? I know and insurance company that got sued millions for causing someone to loose their house and ruined their reputation as a solid homeowner, emotional stress, etc.


Just some thoughts good luck.

Hello,

I have possible suggestions for anyone in a modeling scam.

First off to the employee posing as a parent of two children, no parent spends 10,000 dollars on a childs self esteem and then talks thankfully about it. If you need 10,000 to give your children self esteem you should consider adoption because you are not fit to a parent. Your child can easily get self esteem from after school activities or a local church.

Secondly, these agencies do not sell nor advertise self esteem classes, they advertise modeling classes and million dollar futures in Hollywood, and this is fruadulent advertising and a classic example of bait and switch.

You usually have up to two years to sue someone and possibly longer in some cases depending on which court you go through (small claims, federal)

You should be able to sue them for theft since they charged you and would not let you complete the classes. If the court finds that the jurisdiction is out of state, you can contact a lawyer in that state to show up on your behalf and they may charge lower fees for this.

Did they contact you through the mail with a misleading postcard or flyer to influence you? If so it might be considered mail fraud which is a federal crime.

Did they ruin your reputation and make you the laughter of your community b/c you ran and told everyone you would be a model? I know and insurance company that got sued millions for causing someone to loose their house and ruined their reputation as a solid homeowner, emotional stress, etc.


Just some thoughts good luck.

Hello,

I have possible suggestions for anyone in a modeling scam.

First off to the employee posing as a parent of two children, no parent spends 10,000 dollars on a childs self esteem and then talks thankfully about it. If you need 10,000 to give your children self esteem you should consider adoption because you are not fit to a parent. Your child can easily get self esteem from after school activities or a local church.

Secondly, these agencies do not sell nor advertise self esteem classes, they advertise modeling classes and million dollar futures in Hollywood, and this is fruadulent advertising and a classic example of bait and switch.

You usually have up to two years to sue someone and possibly longer in some cases depending on which court you go through (small claims, federal)

You should be able to sue them for theft since they charged you and would not let you complete the classes. If the court finds that the jurisdiction is out of state, you can contact a lawyer in that state to show up on your behalf and they may charge lower fees for this.

Did they contact you through the mail with a misleading postcard or flyer to influence you? If so it might be considered mail fraud which is a federal crime.

Did they ruin your reputation and make you the laughter of your community b/c you ran and told everyone you would be a model? I know and insurance company that got sued millions for causing someone to loose their house and ruined their reputation as a solid homeowner, emotional stress, etc.


Just some thoughts good luck.

I recently attended an "interview" at a Barbizon Co. located in Wisconsin. On the telephone they told me no money is needed at all and that I should run as fast as I can from any modeling agency that wants money up front because that is not the way the industry is.

I thought Ok I will go with my daughter and give it a shot. I sat through about an hour of wonderful success stories and then at the end she briefly mentions the $2145 school all those "selected" must attend. My blood just boiled. This was not an interview it was a production line for their school. I am thinking how do I explain this to my daughter. I was completely surprised when she said "what a rip-off" "no way do we pay a modeling agency money for the chance of a job" I was overjoyed that she saw a scam in the making.

To end this if Barbizon really thought these girls and boys had enough talent to make it they should just deduct $2145 from their future paycheck. In most cases though there will not be a paycheck.

First I would like to say Peter and Lana were nothing but good to me and my family. We came to Barbizon of Memphis a few years ago because our teenage daughter was interested in modeling. I on the other hand knew it was going to be more than just her modeling, she was going to gain the confidence she needed and was going to see what it was like to feel good about herself. My daughter's self esteem was very low. She was neither a cheerleader nor a dancer. She was not into much at all. I wanted her to feel like she too could be beautiful and if that meant me spending a small amount of money to do so then I would.

I would like to say we never spent 1,500 dollars as someone above said, and for that matter cheerleading is much more than that, as most sports and activities are. I did my research and found that Barbizon was an amazing place. I called to make an appointment to take my daughter and spoke to a very sweet young lady who also spoke to my daughter and made it more comforting for her to come. When we arrived at the agency Mrs. Lana saw my daughter and was amazed, she said she was very beautiful and would like to meet with her when she was finished with her interview.

The man who interviewed my daughter was also very nice, they made use feel very welcome. We met with Mrs. Lana about one hour later, she was very open and honest with my daughter, she told her she would have to clear her skin up and wait for her braces to come off before she could work with her. At first my daughter was very hurt but knew Mrs. Lana was only being honest with her. Later that day we spoke to my husband about her taking classes and as most fathers they wanted to know more. As time passed we put her in classes, she learned so much, We had a completely self confident daughter.

Barbizon is not for everyone but it was for us, just to see her happy and confident was worth every penny. As for my daughter she is only 16 yrs old and has done many fashion shows and played small parts in local films. She does not want to model or act any more but has had the experience of a lifetime. We have learned that with anything you do, any type of job, there is always training and it's not always free. As in the industry many models and actors still have acting classes and coaches and that is surely not free. I would have to say if you want to model, act , sing, dance follow your dreams and do not let someone else tell that you that it is not needed, we all need training in some part of our careers. Barbizon has helped use in more way than we can say.

Sara

I think it's hilarious that educated people in the industry are telling folks how it works and some folks still continue to shell out bucks to "modeling schools."
Hey sugar! So your parents spent 10 grand so you could learn how to walk, speak, conduct yourself in public, participate in groups, and basic etiquette?
You could have learned that stuff at your local community center, the Y, church, etc. Hey! It's their money, right? .. LOL!!

People!
If you want to model find a real agency to represent you. You don't have to go to modeling school to make it in the business. Most real agencies balk at modeling school grads.
If a REAL AGENCY chooses NOT to represent you, then you really don't have what it takes. That's all. Nothing personal.

If you want to shell out dollars to attend what amounts to a 'charm school,' ... then go for it.
Your money... right? LOL X 100!!!

I have continued to read the information posted here about Barbizon Modeling/Zoom Agency, Lana and Peter Neck, and felt compelled to respond again.

As I stated in my earlier rebuttal, I am a former student of the school as well as parent of two daughters that attended as well.

First of all I think it is very sad that a former employee can simply throw out unwarranted accusations about their employer without proof.
We all have bad experiences in our careers, but to try to ruin a business through false statements and criticisms about the area you yourself were responsible for is amazing. It appears that Shanita is making statements about the educators that she herself was supposed to train and supervise. Maybe the biggest mistake made by Barbizon of Memphis was to place Shanita in a position of authority. After reading the new Education Director's comments, it is apparent that Shanita is simply trying to hurt her former employers.

In life as an individual and a parent we must decide either to spend or not spend money on opportunities for ourselves and our children. Everything costs money. (Guitar lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, piano lessons, basketball teams, cheerleading, etc) However, everyone cannot participate in all of the same things. Not everyone is meant to be a super model. Look on TV and in magazines. Not everyone is 5'9" tall and super thin.

Life is what YOU make it. In order to give every opportunity for success in life training is needed. Barbizon promotes self esteem and poise.
I was an extremely shy teen and needed to learn to be myself in front of others. I have been very successful in my career. I have gone on to be a supervisor at one of the nation's largest shipping companies; have had several high profile management positions in the retail industry; have served on the board of directors of many professional organizations, and have owned my own successful business. I credit my training at Barbizon of Memphis for much of my success in life - not in modeling. They taught me how to dress, how to apply makeup professionally and how to present myself in a positive way no matter what the circumstance.

I decided as a teen that if I ever had children that I would try to also give them the opportunity to attend Barbizon. Realizing that there are no guarantees in life is the first step to success.

Shanita, I hope you find success in your life. I feel that even YOUR experience at Barbizon WILL benefit you.

I, like many others, was a student and then an employee of Barbizon in Cordova, TN. After reading everything posted so far, I feel compelled to respond... without taking sides. Yes, this can be done. I can play both sides of the arguments posted here.

First and foremost, notice I said above I was a student at Barbizon. Yes, I/my parents forked over the thousands of dollars it costs to go through "modeling classes" at Barbizon 6 years ago. After "graduating," I attended an IMTA conference in Los Angeles, CA (another 7000$ spent). I never worked a real modeling job or signed with a real agency. I then worked for a short time for Barbizon and decided to get out of it.

All sounds negative so far, huh? Sounds like i got ripped off... spent a ton of money and got nothing, right? WRONG.

I entered Barbizon as a shy 14 year old Freshman in high school who lacked the self-confidence I should have had in myself. Through all of the money spent and classes taken, I had so much fun at Barbizon. More than that, I learned so much there. I learned how to take care of my body through skin care and proper nutririon. I learned how to walk a runway, even though I was only 5'4 at the time. I took my first trip across the country without my parents. I made friends. I learned to be comfortable talking in front of people through acting classes and role playing. Most importantly, I learned to be myself and after I got the pictures from my IMTA photo shoot back, I finally saw how beautiful I really am. Barbizon gave me the confidence I had never had before.

On the subject of IMTA-- it is not fake and is not a scam. I could have signed with an agency in LA called LA Models and Talent (yep-it's real) However, I was 15 years old and not willing to move across the country... and really was not that serious about modeling...I was just having fun.

Because of the confidence I gathered through IMTA, I am not a successful junior in college.... I can talk to people i don't know without being scared now. I can walk in front of people without being scared that they'll laugh at me because I am ugly. I display the confidence I learned from Barbizon in everything I do. Barbizon contributed greatly to the person I am today because the confidence i learned there has allowed me to show the world the best in me.

Despite the fact that, collectively, my parents spent about 10,000$ on my "modeling"--they would change it and neither would I. After all, what parent can place a price limit on giving their child the confidence to succeed?

I currently work at the Barbizon in Cordova. As I read Shanita's comments on this report, I question her motives for writing this. I understand that she was fired and since I took over her position I can understand why. There were some unqualified teachers and the teachers felt abandoned in their positions with no support from the education director. I understand from other co-workers that Shanita was only in the office three days per week and maybe that could be the reason for unqualified teachers and unsatisfied students. If the director of the education department is not ensuring the training of the teachers, the teachers will not be trained properly. I work five to six days a week traveling from different classes and trying to fix the mess that I was hired into, left by Shanita.
Not personally knowing Shanita, I do not want to pass judgement, but merely facts from working at Barbizon. I question the reason for this report since Shanita worked there and was involved with Barbizon for years without feeling the urgency to inform people that they were a scam. If she really thought it was a scam, was in not in her own moral values to get out of the job at that time verses staying in the job and taking part in the so called "scam". I believe that Barbizon is a good experience for young or even older girls as a stepping stone for your future. Barbizon will help you develop confidence, poise, job interviewing skills, and much, much more. Barbizon has recently joined West Memphis City Schools to conduct classes in the areas of career decisions, job interviewing skills, and dat time make-up application to help these students prepare for the next step in their lives. Barbizon is not only a great opportunity but could lead to even greater opportunities in larger markets like New York. If you want it - work hard and know that it is an investment of time, hard work, and some money.

I taught modeling school for about 20 years at various schools including 2 Barbizon franchises. I believe that EVERY girl should take some type of a modeling/self-improvement class even if it's a charm course at a department store. If you don't learn anything, the fault is your own not the fault of the school. Even if the instructors are bad, they put out very good text books; however, . . .

1. Most "modeling" instructors have NEVER had a modeling job or been on a modeling interview.

2. Most modeling instructors have never seen the inside of a modeling agency.

3. Modeling agencies affiliated with modeling schools seldom book legitimate, well-paying modeling jobs.

4. Modeling schools have not changed their marketing methods in 40+ years. The evaluation interview only evaluates whether or not you have the money to pay for the classes. It has nothing to do with your ability
to succeed as a model/actress.

5. Modeling schools do not tell you, or know in most cases, what type of modeling a student is right for. All modeling is not is not high fashion modeling - a geeky looking guy in a computer ad is a model.

6. Modeling school is cheap today in comparison to classes of the 1950/60's. In the 50/60's classes ran from $1,000 to $3,000.

7. Modeling schools DO teach you how to stand up straight, make a good impression on a "real" job interview, put on your make-up, and the basics of putting together a good wardrobe. The information is in the text book, however, class structure helps in learning. Sitting in your room reading fashion magazines does not give you the interation you get from a class setting.

8. As in all things - Buyer Beware. Before you sign up for a course, sit in on a class and find out who your instructors will be and what their training has been. If you don't do that, you have no right to complain. And if the owner/counselor balks at you doing so run - fast.

I was one of the few lucky ones who went from class to actual modeling and later working for some of the biggest agent/managers in the country. I continued to teach because it was a nice part-time job, and I knew I could offer more to the student than the average instructor.

Went to IMTA three times. Went through IMTA training. Did not learn anything. I am only 15 years old and Lana let me and 2 other young girls teach the Jackson TN class and there were 24 yr. olds in there. Then Peter got mad and fired me because students dropped out of the Jackson class. I still have not gotten paid for those class I taught. He then sent back my comps cards in a attempt to think he hurt my feelings. When it was his wifes decision to let me teach. But after leaving Barbizon I got signed to a agency thanks to me, my mom and info we read in modeling books. Not the good people you speak of.

I currently teach a class here. I am not happy with the direction of this company. In a couple of months I will give my resignation and many other teachers fill the same as I. We don't speak out because most of us need some form of wages. The longer we stay, the worse we feel. The more we try to convince students they are talented, the worse we feel. The quality of students have worsen. The quality of classes have worsen. We will not last long. We lack professionalism. We lack experience. We lack honesty. As long as we can be swift with our tongue, lie with a rapid flow. We will be here.

This isn't even worth responding to, because "G" seems to be on some weird brand of crack. But hey, go ahead and call Barbizon Memphis/Jackson MS. Meet with them, talk to them, discuss their "program". It's your right. Also check out the BBB reports on any modeling school or agency. If there arent any complaints listed on the website. CAll the BBB and ask them to send you all reports on the company. They just dont get around to putting all complaints on their website or hotline. This will give you a detailed look about problems with the company.

Go to the BBB website and check out Barbizon Cordova TN and Barbizon Jackson MS. They are owned by the same people. But listed separately. But I will leave you with advice that Peter and Lana Neck will never tell their models. This will save you from spending money you don't need to spend.

If you are interested in succeeding in the entertainment industry. Compile a list of agencies. Real agencies not modeling schools, beware of agencies attached to modeling schools. Search the internet or buy a model and talent address guide. You can get them at your local bookstore or go to the library and find one. Make sure you read their requirements for their divisions so you won't waste your time and theirs. And be honest about your stats. Send packets only where you meet requirements.

Send off the packets yourself. This way you know it actually gets done. Use a 6x9 envelope, that way it will only cost you .37 per envelope to mail off the packet. The more stuff you cram in there your postage will go up.

Models- Go to open calls, auditions or send 3 color snapshots of yourself to different agencies. A full face smiling picture with your hair pulled back, full face side profile, and a full body shot with no makeup. Do not pose. Enclose a resume of work you have done, if any (experience and training is not needed). If you have a comp card (also called zed card), you can send it too, but they really want snap shots. Your comp card may play a big part in you not receiving a call back. You also dont need a portfolio. Major agencies like to create their own artwork. They will help you get everything you will need. Major agencies dont want someone elses canvas.

Acting- go to auditions or send a demo tape on vhs of you doing a poem, skit or monologue. (if someone wants dvd they will tell you). Enclose a headshot and resume.

Singing- perform locally in your region and get street credit. Karakoes, Clubs, Parties, etc.. and send a demo on cd (if someone wants a tape they will tell you) with 4 original copywritten great songs. Enclose a press kit so they can get to know your band.

Dancers- go to auditions, send demo tape on vhs (if someone wants dvd they will tell you)of you doing a routine.

On your resume put a cell number strictly for business purposes and get a PO Box and use the PO Box address so you can receive letters back. Never give out your ss# or a home address when mailing out these packets.

If a real agency wants you they will call you, interview you, sign you and teach you what you need to know for FREE.

Dont be fooled into thinking you need training from a modeling school. Dont get programmed into thinking a modeling schools agency has to be your mother agency for you to get seen or sign to a major agency. YOU DON'T NEED THEM OR THEIR TRAINING.

If you dont hear from an agent in 1 month. Call them. They will either tell you there not interested or setup an appointment to see you. Then you will hear from the industry professional themself.

You dont need to pay Barbizon Memphis 1500.00 + the cost of mailing packets and phone calls and traveling to interviews. You dont need to rely on a 3 party person(Lana) who will tell you to do all the work (because shes lazy) and get 20% of your earnings when you get signed. (because shes greedy). You can save that 1500.00

If you are not successful after the following steps and get the itch to be called "model". Go ahead , go to Barbizon Memphis and waste your money like everyone else. Pay 1500.00 for the title "model", get a cardboard "certificate" that isn't recognized by any college, major agency or employer in the world.

Join the rest of the non-working Barbizon Memphis "model" "actor" "dancer" "singing" crew.

I encourage it in fact. I wasted thousands with Barbizon Memphis, you should do the same.

I am a former student of the Barbizon of Memphis School of Modeling. I do not know why anyone would have such bad things to say unless they were fired or something. I attended Barbizon many years ago and decided then if I had children I would take them through the program as well. I took both of my daughters to attend the program under the skillful direction of both Peter and Lana Neck. We were never promised anything that we did not receive.

First of all the chance of becoming a model locally, nationally or internationally should never be the sole intent of bettering yourself. Barbizon offers a professional school for improving your self esteem, learning to present yourself in public and in front of an audience. teaching grace and poise. They also teach organizational skills and proper skin care. There is more to modeling than just looking good. Barbizon teaches the behind the scenes aspects of modeling in order to give the students every opportunity for success.

My daughters both signed with the Zoom Agency after graduation, and both did many modeling jobs for Dillards, Walmart, Bridal shows and photographers. They both earned money each time they modeled. They have both gone on to be very successful at school. Much to the credit of their studies at Barbizon. We were offered the opportunity to travel to New York or Los Angelas for an International Model and Talent Association event, but decided to wait until they were a little older to pursue that avenue. We were told that fund raising activities would be arranged to help candidates pay for the trip. We were also encouraged to seek corporate sponsors to offset expenses. No one ever MADE us spend any more than we chose to spend.

We have also participated in dance classes and voice lessons. It is important as parents to realize that anything we choose to put our children into will cost some money. Barbizon was far less expensive for us than any of our other lessons. The clothes needed for Barbizon were normal everyday clothes not expensive dance costumes.

My oldest daughter has gone on to middle school where she is vice president of the National Junior Honor Society and an Ambassador at her school. She has been nominated to be a delegate to the People to People World Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. this spring. My youngest daughter was asked to participate as an assistant to the director of a new comers club at her elementary school due to her ability to get along with others and leadership qualities.
I credit much of their success in school to the skills learned at Barbizon Modeling School.
(By the way they have to show their report cards to their instructor at Barbizon. They are required to maintain good grades to participate in the program. So it is an encouragement to them to maintain good grades. What parent wouldn't appreciate that?)

It saddens me to see a deflamatory article such as the one Shanita wrote about such good people.
Peter and Lana love what they do and would never behave in the manner described above.

There are many famous Barbizon graduates on television and in magazines. One was on Jay Leno's show the other day.

As a satisfied customer of Barbizon Memphis I would greatly recommend to anyone reading this letter to call Peter and Lana. Meet with them. Talk to them in person regarding any concerns you may have about the program before making up your mind. The phone number is 901-755-6800 and they are located at 1890 Germantown Parkway in Cordova.