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Report: #410321

Complaint Review: MTM Modeling Agency - John Casablancas Modeling School And Agency - Tulsa Oklahoma

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  • Reported By: tulsa Oklahoma
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  • MTM Modeling Agency - John Casablancas Modeling School And Agency 6808 South Memorial Ste.334 Tulsa, Oklahoma U.S.A.

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Where do I begin...well, for starters, this so-called "agency" is basically a rickety, poorly put-together operation designed to put on the appearance that their over-priced, unneccessary modeling school actually gets their graduates modeling jobs. The jobs offered to their grads. and to recruited models typically pay minimum-yes, MINIMUM! wage if anything at all, and then they brainwash its victims into thinking that the reason they are being paid so little is because they are not well-established in the modeling community, or are somehow not up to snuff.

I was contacted by MTM/John Casablancas (same thing) over the phone. I am not even sure how they got my # and name, as I hadn't modeled in years, but just note-THEY contacted ME. So I was excited, yet leary. They set up an appointment "orientation", and so I went....and....

There were many people there, some of which were, um, not immediately identifiable as model material, to be polite. We were each instructed to walk down a catwalk in the center of a bare-bones white room. The place looked like a clinic-cold and bare and white...fluorescent lighting, clippings out of magazines of supermodels. The receptionist was snooty and rude.

We were each asked questions and graded based on appearance, potential, etc..if you got an A, or even a B, you were accepted and asked to sign a contract. If not, you were not accepted of course, and Kay the agent doing the hiring said she would tell you why. I was thrilled that I received an A..and all the sudden I was signing a contract!

I had few current pics, but I did have 2 semi-professional shots, and Kay said that though I needed to do a photoshoot to get a portfolio together, the 2 picas were good, and that she wanted to see more of that in the photoshoot. I paid $50 for the shoot, which was o.k., but she required that i shell out $119.95 for an online portfolio subscription, plus an additional $19.95 a mo. which would be debited from my account automatically. She said that this online portfolio website (Supermodel.com) would assure more jobs for me and made things run smoother.

In short, I was signed on w/MTM for 2 mos. and only received one minimum-wage job which lasted for 2 days, and didn't even offset what I had paid MTM. The job wasn't even a modeling job-just a stupid, promotional recruitment job, where i basically tried to get the phone #'s of kids, so that John Casablancas could try to get them signed up to take the aforementioned rip-off modeling classes!

Kay kept saying, "I have work for you-I'm just busy!" and, "I'm signing you up for this such-and-such mannequin modeling"! Which, BTW, was min.-wage. And none of the jobs listed on the audition sheets paid enough to offset the hassle of standing in the line of like 150 other models. If I wanted to make min. wage or $75 friggin' bucks, I'd go work for McDonald's! At least that job wouldn't be so sporadic that it's nonexistent!

When I finally confronted that moron Kay over the phone about NO WORK in 2 months of employment w/them, she gave me this crap about how it was just because I signed up close to the Holidays, blahblahblah. I told her i wanted to unsubscribe form Supermodel.com. She got irate and said that my pics i brought in originally were horrible and that they were garbage and that that was the reason it was taking so long to get work

Sorry for the looong report, but i am pissed and i wanted to get this off my chest. Ladies, it doesn't matter how pretty u are or whatever. even if you have potential, this place is a waste of time, and they are as incompetent as the day is long. Go to a real agency-that's what i'm doing. Shame on MTM.

Alicia
tulsa, Oklahoma
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/09/2009 09:24 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/mtm-modeling-agency-john-casablancas-modeling-school-and-agency/tulsa-oklahoma-74133/mtm-modeling-agency-john-casablancas-modeling-school-and-agency-a-virtual-factory-of-de-410321. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
1Author
7Consumer
1Employee/Owner

#9 Consumer Comment

John Casablancas in Tulsa is great and time well spent for serious students

AUTHOR: Yvette - ()

POSTED: Sunday, April 14, 2013

In response to Alicia's comment:

First of all, Alicia dillusionally feels like a woman spurned for whatever reason by someone at John Casablancas and is simply lashing out in "self defense".  At least half of what she said about the people at J.C. and how the business operates is false (lies).  None of the teachers, nor Kay, the previous agent at the school would treat any student as shabbily as Alicia proclaimed. 

I have been around J.C. for several years now so I know the people who work there as well as many of the students.  It is a reputable SCHOOL and agency and all the teachers are very kind and helpful. Note it IS a school too, so of course it will cost something to take the classes.  It is about 79% school and around 29% agency. The teachers are definitely qualified to be teaching there, as they all have much experience in the industry in one way or another, be it acting, or modeling or makeup and hair or fashion.  Each have studied with professionals and/or well known directors, actors, models, designers, or under professors in universities, and the majority have college degrees and certifications in their fields.  It's a smart and creative staff, and they make learning the craft of acting and modeling for television and film a lot of fun.

As for Alicia's unsavory comments about Kay, namely the one where she said, "When I finally confronted that moran Kay over the phone about NO WORK in 2 months of employment with them, she gave me this crap about how it was just because I signed up close to the Holidays, blahblahblah."  Well, Alicia, Kay was right, modeling and acting jobs come to a dead halt around the holidays but pick up again after January all over the country in every model/talent agency.  A month or two BEFORE the holidays can be quite busy, but not so close to Christmas.  Alicia said," Kay said that my pics i brought in originally were horrible and that they were garbage and that was the reason it was taking so long to get work." Anyone who knows Kay knows that isn't her language - that's just not her way of putting things.  If those pics were bad, she would have tactfully asked her to replace them with more professional photos so that she could market her more successfully.  Unfortunately, instead of listening to reason Alicia became arrogant and defensive (first road to failure) and decided she knew more than a seasoned, experienced agent who has more experience in "the business" than Alicia has been alive.  And this isn't Paris or N.Y; modeling jobs here are fewer and probably not so....expensively extravagant.

All of the students who have completed more than just a couple of the classes at J.C. have been very satisfied with what they've learned and how they were personally coached.  You are given all the tools you need to have a competitive edge over the competition in the industry. Students gain valuable knowledge and skills that last a lifetime and it can be life-changing for many. Students finish the course feeling more self confident and self assured, they gain more poise and personal skills that increase success in not only the performing arts but in basically any job or career of choice.

One thing is certain, with the coaching, information, and overall tools of the trade received at J.C. combined with hard work and practice, one has a fighting chance to succeed and realize great dreams.

First one learns, then works hard and practices.  It's not J.C.'s responsibility nor anyone's to directly PLACE a student/talent in someone's feature film or on the runway of a famous designer; first they must audition and next be hired.  No one's going to make anyone an automatic top model without any effort expended by the model.   Repeat:  Learn, Work hard, Practice.  The agent sends qualified talent/models to auditions, then the rest is up to the talent/model to DO what takes.

John Casablancas in Tulsa isn't for everyone or just anyone.  But it's a great place to be for the serious and dedicated new actor or model of any age.

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#8 UPDATE Employee

John Casablacas is not a rip off !

AUTHOR: erny - (United States of America)

POSTED: Sunday, February 24, 2013

I attended John Casablancas back in 1997. Shortly after graduating I moved to

Florida and began my acting career with roles in Wild Things and There's

Something About Mary. I've been living in L.A. ever since, where I've been

fortunate enough to continue to build my resume and maintain an acting career. I

want to thank the staff at John Casablancas for giving me the opportunity and

guidance to pursue my dream



 

 

 

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#7 General Comment

please read

AUTHOR: faith4change - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, August 08, 2012

okay, the school is gonna cost just like college is gonna cost. they dont have modeling in college so they probrably made something where modeling is going to be an option. its going to cost so get over your self. my brother went there and they accepted him and we didnt have the money for the plane tickets so they said that they will pay for everything. maybe they didnt like you and was trying to let you down easy. have you thought of that???

and also, if you loved to model you wouldent care what they paid you. its just doing something you love. and they give some people a chance and make them look like a model. they need tall and skinney. they will make you beautiful plus everyone is beautiful in their own way. maybe they go for peronality and they get them fixed up. and the people are going to be rude so they can push you to do stuff.

i finally finish reading your report and maybe you should go to the website at the end of this, and see how people changed their looks, and how one person actuly made it on thats so raven the used to be popular tv show on disney channel. some made it in movies and other things. maybe they just didnt want you in their buisines. they accept people and have them pay so they can see if your model material. if you are they will start out slow on the money, and as time passes by, and you get awesome at the job, they will pay you more.maybe you dont have the body to be a model. or the pose's. do you stay in your room sometimes and take pics of your self? i do. and thats how you get better. i respect your opinion.

johncasablanca.com
thank you for your time :)
~Faith4change

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#6 Consumer Comment

John Casablancas is a school of performing arts in T.V. & film & print

AUTHOR: leebee - (United States of America)

POSTED: Sunday, July 03, 2011

First of all, John Casablancas is a SCHOOL to learn about performing on film, T.V., and print, as in modeling for the camera.  It is 80% school, and 20% talent agency.  So if you're hoping to become a nationwide top model or film star in Tulsa Oklahoma -  which is NOT what John Casablancas is promoting in ads or in person -  then you are dilutional.  You go to J. Casablancas to learn how to act before the camera or walk down a runway or model for print work, as well as basic life enhancing personal etiquette for any job you get working with people.   If you want to become that big screen star or top model, you must move to the big cities where that industry is sizzling, like L.A. or N.Y., and maybe Dallas or Chicago.  You will only get local, low paying gigs in Oklahoma unless you audition for a big feature movie rolling through town and get a speaking part.  Don't be unrealistic, think about it!  Don't blame J. Casablancas for your failures - take what you learn there and apply it yourself, in your own life....and move to where you can put it to use.

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#5 Consumer Comment

Why you shouldn't listen to angry people who THINK they're models

AUTHOR: Shanna - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Okay so I am fixing to graduate from John Casablanca's and I have already had 2 job offers. The company is ALSO an acting school. There also isn't just one person for them to represent. If you aren't getting work that's your fault for not having the ambition to go after the work. If you aren't good enough to get work that isn't their fault. They release your photos to potential jobs. This is a competitive industry. I'm 18 years old and even I know that you don't lash out at anyone when you're in the middle of throwing a hissy fit. Kay is a busy woman. Don't waste your time in this industry if you're going to act so unprofessional.

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#4 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Where did you get this?

AUTHOR: Mayam0208 - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Ok , these people contacted me and I got a b+. I wouldn't have taken the classes unless it would help me because I want to go to an arts magnet school for acting. So when you said that they made you go on a supermodels sight I was so confused. After I finished my training they signed me up for auditions. At the interview they said quote, " you will get a job about every 3 months." You waited 2. I've been on 6 jobs since I " graduated" last December! I've also made $2,000. Maybe it was a different person scamming you because elite model management is the top modeling agency in the world and MTM is the biggest for local modeling. So maybe your ugly and People just don't like you, because my time their was very successful.

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#3 Consumer Suggestion

A model should NEVER HAVE TO PAY TO SIGN!!!

AUTHOR: anonymous - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, March 31, 2010

In addition, a really good agency will PAY FOR the head-shots, even acting and modeling lessons.

Now, I am not gonna call anyone here a b***h, BUT, look, the complaint is legit.

Here we have a model, who was really excited and taken advantage of.  I'm a guy, but I have two sisters, and I might one day want to start a talent agency (on these sites to learn what NOT to do!)

Now, yes, it's true that you should never expect to get work form an agency, so in that regard, I actually think the complaint is iffy.  But, I agree with the complaint BECAUSE they made her (or you) pay so much, and that's just wrong.

If an agency is good enough, it will not make you pay a dime.  Now, it might take a big cut, but it should never make you pay (with exceptions, i.e., makeup maybe, or small costs, but never near 100 bucks!).

So, again, when all is said and done, I agree that this place sounds shady.  And models should ALWAYS play it safe-- too many creeps, too many pedophiles, too many fraudulent hustlers.

And, to the BOTH of you, I wish you BOTH luck in getting work in this economy, and I hope the work is ethical and makes you good money.

I wish you both the best.

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#2 Author of original report

Well, that's what you get for making assumptions...

AUTHOR: Alicia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, February 26, 2010

....You make yourself look like a complete a*s. Listen, you stupid b***h, I am, for starters,  NOT new to modeling. The pics taken for my portfolio were NOT of very good quality, and, as you stated, you are none too familiar with MTM. You have no idea what you are talking about. And take a look at all the other reports on this company. I most certainly do not stand alone. Gotta run...I haven't the time of day for you. Get some facts before you post a rebuttal.

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#1 Consumer Comment

What a shmuck

AUTHOR: Topper - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

You're in Tulsa Oklahoma and you expect to get a well-paying modeling job in two months?

Lady, I'm in Los Angeles, where 99% of show business is done and a good portion of modeling as well in the United States. Here, people who are actual experienced models are lucky if they get three or four big jobs a year. VERY few models out there consistently get big gigs, and the idea about someone being irate about not getting a job after only two months in Tulsa Oklahoma is laughable. I'm not familiar with that supermodel site, but frankly, that was probably your best chance of getting noticed by anybody significant, because no big magazine would go to Tulsa to find a model, they would just go online.

Here's what I deduce from you:

- You were only there two months and most actors/models are turned down a lot before they get experience. Ergo you have no experience.

- You have little to no formal training, because if you did, you'd already know all of this.

- Professional photoshoots usually cost upward of $300. IMO you got a d**n good deal if the shots were decent.

I'm only remotely familiar with MTM, but anyone reading your rant who knows anything about the industry would see that you're full of hot air and bs.

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