MAX AGENCY -- Michael DeMarco And Associates Max Agency, plain and simple, they rip off harmless individuals who just want to make a name for themselves... Toronto Ontario Canada

there aint no cops..or 5-0 invloevd here..i said so mysefl...i called the 5-0 koppers..and no such ting...i kow i'm rightious..long liv the keing man...

This si the righous factoirs. this companmy is runin by free masons man. freedom masons..they are wuth illuminatis..they kow bush seniore and jr man..and they runn wild wit the scenietlogy group...wtach out 4 tem...them r crazeeessss..alienm peoplse.....run runm rum.. whil u can....

peice out!  

To Whom It May Concern,

The Toronto Police are currently accepting any complaints towards MAX Agency & your experiences with them.

Please direct all concerns (past or present; no time limit as complaints are being matched through-out the years) to:

ACTRA: Karl Pruner

kpruner@actratoronto.com
kpruner@council.actratoronto.com
416-928-2278

TORONTO POLICE, Div 22: Detective David Knowles

david.knowles@torontopolice.on.ca
416-808-2204

Help them help all of you.

I am trying to figure out if this is the same Zaidi Models that had an office in Mississauga in '94/'95?

A PROFESSIONAL REALISTIC AND OPTIMISTIC OPINION --

This is actually VERY FUNNY to read.

 I worked for 'Michael' about 2 years ago, a complete sleaze bag. Someone remind me HOW is this person allowed to open and continue to run this scam? I was told to be a b***h to everyone that came in. I needed to present myself like that so they would think " Wow this place is really serious". ha. What a joke. I was handling everything, "photoshoots, comp cards, data entry blah blah" I was getting paid by PERSONAL cheque. I didnt even get a T4 slip from them, how could i. I had a few ex employees callme asking Michael for their employment records, and he wouldnt give them to them, She had to claim unemployment and needed it. He wouldnt. Scarlett Jones, ha what a joke THAT was, if anyone called in regards to financial issues, they would get transferred right to a voicemail, she didnt even exist!! I had people call me on the regular, saying they havent gotten work, They accept EVERYONE. No legitimate agency will come in and charge you. Look at Ford, Elite, Icon, IMG. This place is ridiculous.

But it gets better. I was staying late at work helping sort through scouting cards potential models had filled out on the street. I stayed about 2 hours behind. Didnt get paid. Michael had some 'promo' outfits he wanted me to try on.

Well he had video cameras set up in the back area which he wanted me to change in. I knew what was up, so i was smart about it. I 'modeled' them for him.

I am a part time model as well, but I think they knew i was getting on to their bullshit, I had seen a post on my modeling website, regarding them being a scam. I posted my thoughts ( negative of course) and Dalia somehow saw it. She must have a fake account because all that smoking has caught up with her, she cant model. lol.

Well i got in s**t, but not fired. There is was person there that i did get along with ,the booker, but i dont even think shes there anymore. They went through receptionist every couple weeks.

I ended up having enough of their s**t and quit. The good old dont show up for work. Dalia kept calling, where are you i need a break blah blah. Well getting my last check was an effort, I took my big body building boyfriend in there. I asked the receptionist for Dalia, " can you tell Dalia, ***** is here to see her" I can hear in her the office " " **** who?" like you dont know you dumb c***. lol

My boyfriend then Yells " Dalia!!!!!". oh she came running. I told her I wanted my check. She didnt even have it written out, when she told me it was ready two days before.

After quitting, posts were starting to show up in Craigslist about them being a scam, Well Michael emailed me, accusing me of writing all the stuff and how he was going to have me arrested and the police had been contacted.  Because the post " used terms only your position would have known to use, TM, ( telemarketer).. hmm really? ..what an idiot. Well, he didnt know I have a background in law, I fired him a nice little bubble bursting note, including his llittle idea of having webcams in the back changing area. Needless to say, I didnt hear anything back from him.

I didnt know ANY of this stuff about his real name, or arrested, nothing! So this is actually amazing for me to read! Im glad that this news is getting out there.

 I feel like shouting from the rooftops that I now know all this information. I wish i knew all this information sooner!!

As someone who could only stand working for Michael/Kamren for a whopping 4 months i can obviously see the negative side of working at MAX.

After a month of being there, we were down 2 agents and a booking agent and i was forced to do three jobs that allowed me to see what was really going on in that place fairly quickly.


1 - YES. they will take anyone who has the money to do pictures. Children especially (because what parent doesn't think their child is beautiful....)
2 - The "Check Ins" for everyone on the roster are a joke. I remember as our roster became too large michael would ask me to "MISS" check in e-mails so we could purposely let clients go.

as far as dalia goes, while i was there she seemed to dislike michael as much as the rest of us. and was always very good with her clients and super awesome to work with.
Anyone who has worked there is guilty of obviously bringing business to someone who is in this type of work for all the wrong reasons, but by no means is she a "b***h" or any of the other negative things that has been said about her.
Infact i believe a lot of people might be confusing Dal with Michaels Ex wife.

The reptile gets fed (and actually treated better than all of the employees...)
We All got washroom and smoke breaks as needed... as well as sometimes pizza lunches bought by the company.

But by no means would i ever suggest MAX as a place to work... or as a place to persue a career in modeling or acting. obviously...

But as most things go, i think some people have taken things to the extreme.

Kaynguyen,

No, I have not signed with Max, the most important reason being what I've read on this site. After I read all of the negative comments here, I went ahead and did a lot of research in the field of talent agencies, especially in the way someone gets signed with a proper agency. I found out how legitimate agencies work. None of the techniques used by Max are proper ones that real agencies use. I can say I've been lucky because I did a lot of research before going in and paying $700 for a portfolio. U ended up signing? Did u get any work? How is Max treating you?

Kaynguyen,

No, I have not signed with Max, the most important reason being what I've read on this site. After I read all of the negative comments here, I went ahead and did a lot of research in the field of talent agencies, especially in the way someone gets signed with a proper agency. I found out how legitimate agencies work. None of the techniques used by Max are proper ones that real agencies use. I can say I've been lucky because I did a lot of research before going in and paying $700 for a portfolio. U ended up signing? Did u get any work? How is Max treating you?

Kaynguyen,

No, I have not signed with Max, the most important reason being what I've read on this site. After I read all of the negative comments here, I went ahead and did a lot of research in the field of talent agencies, especially in the way someone gets signed with a proper agency. I found out how legitimate agencies work. None of the techniques used by Max are proper ones that real agencies use. I can say I've been lucky because I did a lot of research before going in and paying $700 for a portfolio. U ended up signing? Did u get any work? How is Max treating you?

Kaynguyen,

No, I have not signed with Max, the most important reason being what I've read on this site. After I read all of the negative comments here, I went ahead and did a lot of research in the field of talent agencies, especially in the way someone gets signed with a proper agency. I found out how legitimate agencies work. None of the techniques used by Max are proper ones that real agencies use. I can say I've been lucky because I did a lot of research before going in and paying $700 for a portfolio. U ended up signing? Did u get any work? How is Max treating you?

I'm not on Max Agnecy's side or anything but i just have a few questions and I"m still in Max Agency but i'm just curious. Soo.. about the photographer, I only used theirs because the photographer i was going to go for was too expensive and that Zvonk guy was cheaper than what i wanted. So i just went with them, but i was a little mad when i couldn't even find this Zvonk guy is the internet or anywhere it was so hard to find him & get his address, i litterally had to call max agency cause i got lost. Another thing is why do they ask us to do Check-Ins? I mean if they really had a casting call they should just call us?! Of course being in max agency still...i know i wasted money, and time, and just money! & i'm angry but now they are trying to renew the databases sooo i hope that max will be better--if not i'm getting a lawyer!

I'm not on Max Agnecy's side or anything but i just have a few questions and I"m still in Max Agency but i'm just curious. Soo.. about the photographer, I only used theirs because the photographer i was going to go for was too expensive and that Zvonk guy was cheaper than what i wanted. So i just went with them, but i was a little mad when i couldn't even find this Zvonk guy is the internet or anywhere it was so hard to find him & get his address, i litterally had to call max agency cause i got lost. Another thing is why do they ask us to do Check-Ins? I mean if they really had a casting call they should just call us?! Of course being in max agency still...i know i wasted money, and time, and just money! & i'm angry but now they are trying to renew the databases sooo i hope that max will be better--if not i'm getting a lawyer!

I'm not on Max Agnecy's side or anything but i just have a few questions and I"m still in Max Agency but i'm just curious. Soo.. about the photographer, I only used theirs because the photographer i was going to go for was too expensive and that Zvonk guy was cheaper than what i wanted. So i just went with them, but i was a little mad when i couldn't even find this Zvonk guy is the internet or anywhere it was so hard to find him & get his address, i litterally had to call max agency cause i got lost. Another thing is why do they ask us to do Check-Ins? I mean if they really had a casting call they should just call us?! Of course being in max agency still...i know i wasted money, and time, and just money! & i'm angry but now they are trying to renew the databases sooo i hope that max will be better--if not i'm getting a lawyer!

I'm not on Max Agnecy's side or anything but i just have a few questions and I"m still in Max Agency but i'm just curious. Soo.. about the photographer, I only used theirs because the photographer i was going to go for was too expensive and that Zvonk guy was cheaper than what i wanted. So i just went with them, but i was a little mad when i couldn't even find this Zvonk guy is the internet or anywhere it was so hard to find him & get his address, i litterally had to call max agency cause i got lost. Another thing is why do they ask us to do Check-Ins? I mean if they really had a casting call they should just call us?! Of course being in max agency still...i know i wasted money, and time, and just money! & i'm angry but now they are trying to renew the databases sooo i hope that max will be better--if not i'm getting a lawyer!

I'm replying to Kaynguyen. Just a quick question for you. Did you not read the above statement??? This happened to be written by a reporter. OH!!! If you don't believe the article then you can always call W5 and ask for a copy of the Arthur Ashley Agency episode. I almost did. Then I realized I didn't have to. Because, everything people were saying I was witnessing first hand.

W5 would be so glad to give you a copy for a nominal fee of $80.00. If you still don't believe any of this then I guess you'll be out a grand total of $1080.00. That's granted you did a photo shoot in colour. Just be glad you didn't go back for Comp Cards. All I can say is always do your research no matter what you decide to persue in life.

Confusious Says: " A wise person does not learn from their own mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others."

I'm replying to Kaynguyen. Just a quick question for you. Did you not read the above statement??? This happened to be written by a reporter. OH!!! If you don't believe the article then you can always call W5 and ask for a copy of the Arthur Ashley Agency episode. I almost did. Then I realized I didn't have to. Because, everything people were saying I was witnessing first hand.

W5 would be so glad to give you a copy for a nominal fee of $80.00. If you still don't believe any of this then I guess you'll be out a grand total of $1080.00. That's granted you did a photo shoot in colour. Just be glad you didn't go back for Comp Cards. All I can say is always do your research no matter what you decide to persue in life.

Confusious Says: " A wise person does not learn from their own mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others."

I'm replying to Kaynguyen. Just a quick question for you. Did you not read the above statement??? This happened to be written by a reporter. OH!!! If you don't believe the article then you can always call W5 and ask for a copy of the Arthur Ashley Agency episode. I almost did. Then I realized I didn't have to. Because, everything people were saying I was witnessing first hand.

W5 would be so glad to give you a copy for a nominal fee of $80.00. If you still don't believe any of this then I guess you'll be out a grand total of $1080.00. That's granted you did a photo shoot in colour. Just be glad you didn't go back for Comp Cards. All I can say is always do your research no matter what you decide to persue in life.

Confusious Says: " A wise person does not learn from their own mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others."

I'm replying to Kaynguyen. Just a quick question for you. Did you not read the above statement??? This happened to be written by a reporter. OH!!! If you don't believe the article then you can always call W5 and ask for a copy of the Arthur Ashley Agency episode. I almost did. Then I realized I didn't have to. Because, everything people were saying I was witnessing first hand.

W5 would be so glad to give you a copy for a nominal fee of $80.00. If you still don't believe any of this then I guess you'll be out a grand total of $1080.00. That's granted you did a photo shoot in colour. Just be glad you didn't go back for Comp Cards. All I can say is always do your research no matter what you decide to persue in life.

Confusious Says: " A wise person does not learn from their own mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others."

I got signed for Max Agency and im reading this and im like wtf. I paid for the photoshoot and everything and im regretting it but I want proof so send some link please. Also, X_otika69 did you sign with it yet? cause your comment was a quite a long time ago.

Life is good when you're Mohammed Kamran Zaidi, 32-year-old uncrowned King of the Modelling World. Lavish homes, plush offices and exotic sports cars come with the job of paid "consultant" for Max Model Management Inc. and Talent 2NV Inc. Modelling seems to be in the blood of the Zaidi family, as brother Husain operated Zaidi Model & Talent Agency Inc., until he suddenly retired from the business at the tender age of 33 several months ago.

Nothing seems to put a serious dent in the lifestyle of Kamran Zaidi. Not a fraud conviction of more than 10 years ago in Montreal, not an arrest for the Arthur Ashley Management fraud in 2000 or even a CTV W5 expos showing the homes, offices and sports cars of the modelling king and his brother just after being charged with fraud.

There were those who thought relief from modelling scams would come with the year 2000 prosecution of prominent Holub and Anu Agency operator Peter Holub, currently serving three years in federal penitentiary.

It didn't.

Fraudulent modelling and talent agencies are raking in millions of dollars per year by making false promises to the parents of babies, teenagers, new immigrants and especially seniors that they attract with their misleading classified advertisements in community newspapers and their sophisticated telemarketing operations. If you're a wannabe model or actor, whose dreams of a better future were left in tears and ashes, you're not alone. Hundreds of people are recruited by scouts that agencies employ on a commission basis to go to schoolyards, shopping malls and street corners to solicit what their bosses back at the big offices call, "suckers' lists".

This type of solicitation is unheard of in the legitimate modelling and talent industry, and precautions have been voiced by organizations such as Actors and Models Information Service (AMI), the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Relations and numerous other consumer awareness outlets geared to prevent more victims from being first lured, then scammed by unscrupulous agencies.

Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Relations documents obtained by Toronto Free Press show that Max Model Management Inc. was originally owned by Kamran Zaidi and underwent a myriad of corporate name changes since its original date of incorporation in 2000.

TFP reporter Edward Zawadski tagged Zaidi at his Yonge and Eglinton offices, spotting him on his usual noon-hour arrival.

After several rescheduled arrangements on his part, Zaidi finally showed up for an interview at a Bay Street restaurant. TFP wanted to know whether Zaidi had been operating Max Model Management Inc. and other agencies while out on bail for the Arthur Ashley Management fraud scam. Zaidi made a point of stating for the record that his sentencing conditions for the Arthur Ashley Management fraud charges did not in any way prevent him from being in the modelling business.

"I'm allowed to be in the modelling business and I'll fax you my conditions to prove it," he said.

A copy of his bail conditions, obtained by TFP, clearly indicates that Zaidi was "not to be involved in the modelling, movies or telemarketing industries".

Although he's been in the modelling industry in one form or another since 1988, during the interview Zaidi denied ownership of any agency. When told about the TFP tag at Max Model Management Inc., Zaidi said, "I work for the company as a consultant."

Since we had spoken only to Zaidi and to no other principle of the company, we were surprised to receive a letter the following morning from the solicitors for Max Model Management limited (the "Company").

"We have been asked by management of the Company to clarify for you certain information with respect to the Company," wrote solicitor Avi Greenspoon of the firm Fogler Rubinoff LLP.

"As disclosed in the enclosed Corporation Profile in respect of the Company dated as of today's date (June 6, 2002) and produced by the Ministry of Consumers and Commercial Relations-Companies Branch, the Company was incorporated on July 10, 2000 as 1428861 Ontario Limited. On September 14, 2000, the Company's name was changed to its current name, Max Model Management Limited. The sole director and officer of the Company is Melissa Rock.

"We understand that it is your contention that a company formerly known as Max Model Management Inc. is the same company as the Company or is otherwise affiliated with the Company. Our client denies this. Our searches have revealed that an existing company called Madad Media Limited formerly carried on business under the name Max Model Management Inc. until September 14, 2000, at which time its name was changed to its current name. Madad Media Limited and the Company are different companies."

Greenspoon failed to mention that Madad Media Limited was actually owned and operated by Kamran Zaidi.

Diligent as local police are in trying to protect the public from fraud, it seems there will always be fast-talking, take-the-money-and-run types operating in the modelling industry.

When the law caught up with Zaidi and company in December of 2001, it was almost two years after original charges had been laid and there were more than 1,400 members of the public out of pocket, courtesy of fraudulent means.

Over $1.8 million could be traced through the known bank accounts of the accused parties and Kamran Zaidi was indicated as receiving over $1.4 million of the company's earnings, accounting for 77 per cent of earnings of the fraud.

No money has ever been recovered.

Although some thought Zaidi would be clobbered after Arthur Ashley Management was busted, he went to police to give a "full voluntary KGB video taped statement."

"In other words, to put it colloquially, Mr. Zaidi not only confirmed his high position in this scheme, but he sold out each and every one of his co-accused in accordance with the roles in the frauds that the police believed they played," said Crown Attorney D. Butt at Zaidi's December 2001 trial.

The crown in view of the "boxes and boxes of bank records, hundreds and hundreds of victim's statements and victim's testimony" and their subsequent cost to the public purse, brokered a deal with Zaidi.

Zaidi was given a conditional sentence of two years less a day, a probationary period of three years and was ordered to pay restitution of $40,000.

Zaidi, who seemed to have been involved with Max Model Management Inc. while on bail, walked, but his 11 co-accused are still before the courts.

Finding it difficult to believe that Zaidi is "untouchable" due to his "co-operation with the Crown", TFP checked with arresting officer Detective Bjorn Walters of 52 Division's Fraud Squad.

Walters registered surprise that Zaidi was involved in a modelling agency, let alone one with alleged complaints from members of the public at large.

Although Walters said he could not talk specifics of the Arthur Ashley Management case because it is still before the courts, he was willing to talk about unscrupulous modelling agencies in general.

Unscrupulous modelling agencies, he said, "are a great way of fleecing the public of their hard-earned money."

The detective made it clear that the squad would "follow up on any complaints reported to us", saying "that's our job."

There can be little doubt that any deal brokered between Zaidi and the crown would form an immunity blanket for any of his new modelling ventures.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraud by any of the companies mentioned in this article, contact Detective Bjorn Walters of 52 Division Fraud Squad at 416-808-5200.


Telltale signs of a scam modelling and talent agency:

According to government and industry sources, all legitimate agency operators follow this code of ethics:

No classified advertising in newspapers;

No trade show booths to entice people to fill out lead sheets (suckers' lists);

No telemarketing operations

No in-house photographers

No courses and excessive fees for attendance to overseas "talent shows";

No Internet advertising fees;

No registration fees;

No pushy sales techniques to sell overpriced portfolios, Comp-cards and courses;

No agency should ever collect fees for photos or other services other than its 15-20 per cent fee based on the assignments that they find for their clients.

Canada Free Press founding editor Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck and The Rant. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com

A woman named Natasha is trying to sign me up with Max. I just find it weird that she wanted me to come in with my parents, since I am under 21 and living at home. she's also told me that she recommends this Z-something character as a photographer. She insists that I have to pay him through Max, how is this possible? why cant i just go to the guy and pay him? should i sign with them? i want to sign because they offer free acting classes with a woman who is apparently well known in Hollywood and who is currently working on a Halle Berry movie? I want the acting classes, but I'm not totally sure about the almost $800 for the photos??? what do you guys suggest? should i confront her with the info about this Michael Demarco guy who has been apparently arrested before? By the way, the woman working at the front desk, a tall, blonde girl, does not seem serious at all! she was talking to somebody on the phone the other day (while i was waiting in the lobby) about some stuff that was happening on Facebook, i found that very unprofessional.

Someone up here said they have more info in case we want to hear it. what else do you have to say about this company? I need to know because I'm thinking of joining.

Thanks for everything!!!

The person who claims to be a happy current employee (who is likely Michael/Kamren himself, I recognize his writing style) also claims that the first two responders (myself and another) worked together, are friends, and left around the same time.

Facebook didnt exist when I worked there, so you've got the wrong person. Kamren, you have run your crappy, shady business the same way for years. I'm sure I could be any of your many, many ex employees, who I can guarantee all feel the same way about you and your company. Not one person I have ever met who has had ANY type of experience with you or MAX (current roster member, former roster member, any employee ever) has anything positive to say at all.

Don't waste your breath defending yourself. I know you only cared about getting your cut of Zvenko's photos. You had me signing up 10+ people a day to your "roster" while your pathetic booking department (which holds no respect whatsoever in the industry, casting directors barely ever open MAX submissions) books maybe one job per week.

You are a pathetic, failed, snake of a man and if someone keyed your car, I applaud them for it.

In response to one of the above, the photographers name is Zvonko.

Did anyone happen to notice that a company that does NOT CHARGE any FEES etc to their clients, has a MASTERCARD TERMINAL on premises? why would they need this? My only possible conclusion is that the above is correct, that they sign as many people as possible to make money on the pictures... but can this really be profitable?

I ALMOST got caught in this mess, but I read all of these cpmments, and decided it best to wait and see what else I can find out, so I put this out to all of you: do you have any proof of any of this? I tried a google search of both of the owners names you offered, and came back with nothing. I tried entering both names (seperately of course) with "fraud" at the end, and still nothing came up. so I ask again, Can You Prove any of this? post links to actual news reports, police reports, or what ever you have, so that I can read it for myself, like i said, i tried looking and found nothing.

Thank you.

Ok everybody here is the real truth about Max Agency:

The individual that goes by the name Micheal is really Kamren Zaidi the reason he uses another name is because he has been arrested before when he was involved in Arthur Ashley/Holub Modeling Agency/Zaidi Models scam. If you want the proof look no further then W5 as they did an episode on him being arrested, yes you can see Micheal/Kamren being arrested on TV! Dalia the agent at Max was also an agent at Arthur Ashley and she was arrested as well, her and Kamren go way, way back. How is that for absolute proof? Contact W5 and ask for a copy of that episode all you will need to do is reference Arthur Ashley and they will know exactly what episode you are talking about, mention Micheal's real name as well. Or just call up the Toronto police Fraud dept. and they will have a record of Kamren Zaidi being arrested for fraud and Dalia as well, unless a lot of people complain they won't do anything about Kamren running another agency. And what is worse is Kamren will be the first one to say that there is nothing stopping him from being involved in Modelling. That just isn't right! He was arrested for fraud due to running a fake modelling and talent agency and yet the police do nothing about him doing it all over again. Unless people on this board complain to the police and shine the light on who 'Micheal' really is he will continue to get away with it.

Now the reason he can be around Max Agency is because he put the company under his now ex wifes name: Melissa Rock, he was using her as his shield to hide behind. She is the blond haired girl that many of you are talking about, Dalia is a tall brunette. The way Max works is that they will sign anyone as long as the agent figures they have money for pictures. There is only one photographer that Max uses his name starts with a Z and he is from the Eastern block, chekozlovakia I believe. If anyone can remember his exact name please publish it to the site.

This photographer is paid next to nothing to take the pictures while Max charges the individual 600$ to 1200$ for the photo's. All that matters is how many people were signed up for photo's they do NOT make the money off bookings they make it off the photo's. The agents get weekly bonuses based on how many people they sign up to take photo's with the Max agency 'recommended' photographer. The agent gets a base salary of 1000$ every two weeks and the rest they must earn by making bonuses by getting people to pay up front for pictures. They also get money from the printing shop that does the 'comp' cards so the agents make a percent of all the 'comp' card business they send to the printers. Now as unbelievable as this may sound this is just the tip of the iceberg if anyone on this site wants further truthful information about Max just repy to this message and I will be happy to answer any of your questions with the 100% truth!

Thanks for your time and I hope this helps people.

:o)

Also, the agents and bookers tell the clients to call a 'senior booking agent' named Scarlett Jones when they have complaints, concerns or if they didn't get a gig. THIS PERSON DOES NOT EXIST, it's actually code for: we may potentially be pissing this person off so we don't want to talk to them directly. It is just a way for clients to forward their complaints to a voicemail without actually confronting or talking to anyone who works there. If you are a client and they told you to call her, it means they are probably dropping you for some reason regarding money or they have some kind of bad news for you.

I was also an ex-employee that did not get paid for the time I worked there. And speaking of Dalia, she definitely was always on facebook or smoking. Once I heard her tell the receptionist to stop calling her in her office if she had any questions not pertaining to her or her clients. Dalia was on facebook the whole time. It wasn't as if she was too busy to answer questions, it was just that she is a spiteful b***h who won't work any harder than the bare minimum. She fits in perfectly at MAX because the facade she puts on for clients is incredible. She is a professional bullshitter, the best, with no remorse at the end of the day.

As if you are trying to praise Max Agency! I can't believe my eyes! You know nothing about their work ethics and Michael is not always on the ball. When I worked there, there were so many ex-employees trying to get their last pay and T4's and Michael would be like "Well I'm not giving it to them... It's their loss... bla bla bla... " He was a moron! Same with Dalia! Dalia was always on facebook when I worked there and always going out for smoke breaks. She was a real b***h too!
To the person who just LOVES working there has no clue what she is talking about! You're probably dalia's bestfriend and has some "connection" with Michael

As a current employee of Max Agency, I must say that these accusations are bothersome. The following is addressed to the individuals above.

It is my right, to voice my opinion on this site, just as it is yours. I would find it unjust and of poor choice, to not allow me the contribute to this forum as well.

As a current employee of Max Agency, I can tell you this:

I would NOT work for a company that I knew was deceiving innocent people for personal gain- for one. Nor would I contribute, like I am, to a man that did not have the best interest of his clients in mind. He does. I know this because I am responsible for making sure he is aware of any issues or concerns. He acts promptly.

I also know that the "creature" they are referring of, has a name. Max. He is a camine. He is fed on a regular basis and is family to us!

I also get as many restroom breaks as I wish- Are you kidding? I m just curious, since you made such illegal and horrible accusations, did you wet your pants then?

These same ex employees, liked the title of working for a modeling agency. Yet they did not like to work, follow up with their clients, and had poor work ethics. They also vandalized property, and key'd vehicles of present workers.

The integrity of the agency should not be attacked, but the moral of these ex employees. I worked with one for about a week prior to their departure, and they did nothing but talk on facebook, take all day breaks and not do their job.

As a basic rule, as a human being, you should try to be honest. These ex employees are friends and left Max Agency at nearly the same time. I did not know two of them. What I do know is the company I work for, and the man that pays me.

I have a right for this to be posted. Integrity and honesty are what is important here.

Do the right thing and let me post this.

This company also does not provide good working conditions at all. The employees are 'independent contractors' and not true employees, so they are therefore not entitled to any holidays or overtime pay, for which there should be lots.

Michael DeMarco is not the owner's real name. We used to get mail for him addressed to another name. After doing some research I found out that that that was his true name and that he had formerly owned another agency which had been shut down for fraud. He now runs Max Agency claiming to authorities that his wife is the owner. He has been arrested and imprisoned, likely for fraud but I cannot guarantee what the charge was, only that he is an ex-con.


This agency claims to be legitimate because they do indeed have a booking department that attempts to get people bookings. However they get maybe 1 booking a week if that, but they SIGN probably 20 people a week at $500+, of which they make a dominant cut. When I was there, the roster clocked in at over 500 people......and, to repeat myself, about one or two bookings a week. In the meetings at the end of the day, "Michael" only wants to know how many were signed. The poster above me is correct; there are people who's full time job is to call those who were "scouted" and convince them in for an interview. If you pay any attention to the 'job board' on their website, the "senior booking agent" changes about every 2 months. That is how much turnover there is once people discover they are working for a company ripping people off.


After spending some more time in that industry following my "work" with max agency, I learned that one reason they get so few bookings (besides signing pretty much anyone who can afford it) is that a) no casting directors or agencies respect Max (they barely even glance at those submitted from Max Agency), and b) they are actually on the ACTRA blacklist, as you can see from this link:

(((ROR REDACTED)))

So, you might get booked once or twice and make $150 or something, but don't put any big dreams into Max Agency. You'll just end up with crappy amateurish photos, along with wasted time and money.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

This company is definetely corrupt.
They send out scounts to events around the city to approach young and vulnerable people, tell them they are exactly what Max Agency is looking for, gets their contact information and calls them up out of the blue a few days later. These cold calls are done by assistants that were hired to call people who were scouted. The funny thing is that this asstant's job is full time. You know there is somethng shady when a person's sole position in a company is to call people to tell them to meet with one of the agents.

Out of all the people that actually fall for this and shell out the $900 it takes for photos to be developed by their one photographer, only a few people actaully get jobs. All of these jobs are posted on the company's bulletin board just to make them sound legit.

I know first hand how many people who have signed with this agency have complained about not getting jobs. Some people have threatened to file a class action suit against them, and from what I gather there is something like this in the works.

I almost choked when I read what Maxell wrote about Michael never being in the office, the deceptive woman and the creature in the tank that never gets fed. It is all true.... Michael watches T.V with the sound in mute during meetings, the deceptive woman's name is Dalia who is a pretty young blonde woman with the demeanor of an 80 yr old frigid socialite, and the creature floats at the top of the tank like it has no energy for it's next move. All the agents that work there have no previous experience as agents. They are all in their twenties, and were hired for their ability to b*&**&.

There is a plaque under the tank that says the agency is represented by the better business bureau. If you really pay attention to it, the stickers say 93-94, 04-05, 06-07. WTF happened to those ten years?? And for a company to have been in business for twenty years, a few stickers do not a reputable company make.
If you are scouted DO NOT sign with this agency. You are better off throwing your money down the drain than keeping this horrible company afloat.