Exxcel Model & Talent dishonest; hidden fees; overcharges; not a real agency; a photo mill using portrait photographers New York, Massachusetts, Texas

I do not understand how these people could reply to your post with positive things to say about Exxcel Model & Talent. I unfortunately was "signed" with them when I was 13 years old. It was a huge mistake as my mother paid a crazy amount in fees and prints and in return I did not book ONE job. Someone could reply to this that anything that I simply did not have the look that anyone wanted. It's funny though because I was signed with the one in Buffalo but ended up going to Toronto and getting signed by a much bigger legitimate agency that never asked me for a dime. They paid for my comp cards, told me what photographers would shoot me for free, and sent me on multiple castings. With Exxcel I only went on probably 2 castings and I was with them for 3 years. I am now signed with a top agency in Miami and go on more than 2 castings daily.

I have a performing arts degree, so when someone who has no prior knowledge of the business complains about the cost of head shots and resumes, I have to laugh. This is a business. You need to put some start up cost into it to get anything in return. You really do need training and promotional materials.

Exxcel's price for a headshot and CD, with rights to reprint and reproduce as much as you want, is LOW. Exxcel charges less than $300 for a choice of 60 headshots. Most LA and NY photographers would charge at least $400, and Exxcel hands out $100 coupons off photoshoots if you attend that meeting.

I'll be honest, the nutrition rant was a bit extreme, but cutting over processed food does cut down on weight, and maybe you had some 16 year old girls in that meeting, but there were probably a lot of 23 year olds who could stand to lose three pounds to be that much more castable.

It's a look business, if your kid has self esteem issues, don't get them into it. Exxcel is a NON EXCLUSIVE contract, so no, you're NEVER trapped. If you can't afford it, just say no.

I would like to comment on the report above. From the moment our family met with Exxcel they have always presented options available but never pressured us to commit, purchase or insist we use a particular photographer. When they suggested using "their" favorite photographers, it was only after they showed us products of those individuals work. It was still our choice.

We also were given written documentation for every photo shoot, workshop, etc that was being offered along with the prices, options, and copies of CD's etc.

As for the clear portfolio. Again, it is an option available. There is nothing in the contract you sign with Exxcel that insists you purchase it. In our case our child went to their first casting call without a comp card, without a portfolio and was still chosen for the assignment. Certainly, it is NOT necessary to purchase a portfolio to get work. However ours is now on order because we LIKED it!

We also attended a meeting when Susan gave a presentation about food and nutrition. However, we also were eating a very NICE Italian dinner with meatballs, bread, pasta, and soda included at the very same time!

Clearly, as in any situation in life, if you are given information you still have the ability to chose what material may or may not work for you, your child, and/or your family.

As for Exxcel not being reputable, the casting call that we attended had some children who did not have representation, some that had different agencies, and some from Exxcel. We did not see all of the candidates that day, however on the day of the shoot, 3 of the 4 children selected WERE from Exxcel.

I would suggest if anyone has an issue, to make an attempt to get it resolved before making the assumption that if you had a bad experience with an agency that it must be that way for all families. Clearly, that is not the case.

I am writing in response to "laurie from quincy"'s article about her complaint about all the hidden costs, etc with regards to getting her son into the model and talent industry. It's immediately obvious she has expected something for nothing. We have deal with Susan Lunetta and exxcel for almost 10 years and she has been honest, upfront and always delivered. A fashion photographer is typically used for high fashion (runway models) and i'm sure her little son did not meet that requirement. My daughter who is 20 now started when she was in 8th grade and gotten parts in major motion pictures. My little 8 yr old son auditioned for disney's new movie with adam sandler that is just coming out called Bedtime stories.

Laurie could'vge used her own photographs, her own binder, her own prints but they absolutely would've been tossed aside, then her money would've surely been wasted.

Very few other companies in this field have an owner as hands on and cares as much as Susan does about her talent. Now my daughter is attending Academy of musical and dramatic arts ...all paid for by the monies she has earned through Exxcel Model and talent.

Maybe little Joey just didn't have what it took, including a mother who chooses to whine and complain rather than take the initiative to simply locate a company more in her budget. Exxcel certainly is not dishonest not do they overcharge-it is evident , not being in the industry, Laurie is unfamiliar with what a portfolio that will be taken serious costs.

Ellen (mother of 2 very successful talents)
Atkinson, NH