Network - International Models And Talent ripoff Scottsdale Arizona

I actually live in New York now... and do acting and some modeling part time. I was sitting here and  something occurred to me to Google "Tomi" from Wilhelmina because I remembered this heavy set lady from 2003. WAh LA.. This report showed..

As I read the story and having the good memory that I do. Everything reported by this individual is accurate down to the way  they did business when I originally used them in 2003.

Tomi is no talent scout for Wilhelmina I can tell you that..

A+ on this report as it is very accurate.

I am once again responding to inaccuracies posted on your website.

Network International charges an $ 80.00 membership fee,not $ 70.00. as you state. Our membership fee was $ 70.00 four years ago. This fee sets up each model/talent with a username
and password to access weekly auditions on our website. Most companies that offer online auditions charge a monthly fee anywhere between $ 10.00 to $ 50.00. We only charge a small fee annually to cover the expense of the site and setup.

The $ 80.00 works out to about $ 2.00 per week, which Our weekly postings are at a minimum of 75 to 100 auditions. We have one person who gathers all the information and posts it for our models and talent to access and read easliy. Many of our models and talent have booked jobs off of our listings. I don't think this is an unreasonable fee to pay for the service we offer.

In response to your experience regarding New York. Every year our company selects models and actors to attend the New York convention from the auditions we do beforehand. Not everyone is selected to attend the audition, and not everyone is invited to compete in New York. I would like to know who made Tim judge and jury of who has potential and who doesn't in this industry. Too many times in the past, I have seen an "average joe" guy or girl become very successful in this industry. In reference to your "Creme Of the Crop" comment, we audition actors as well as models for the convention. Not every actor is beautiful ? There is a HUGE market for Real People and Character actors. Even still, do you actually think the people on TV and in magazines look that perfect in real life. I have been on hndreds of film sets and photo-shoots throughtout the years, and I can attest to the fact, that they don't. Since you are so internet saavy do a "Google search" on Stars without Make-up..and see for yourself.

If you were selected to attend New York, and you put a deposit down, I feel sorry for you that you didn't attend. It's a great opportunity. We just returned from this year's (2006) convention, and we won over 100 awards. I have placed so many models and actors in so many aspects of the industry thanks to thye New York convention. We are negotiating to send several of our models and talent to work that attended last month, to work in different markets. Many of these models and actors have never even got on a plane, and would NEVER have the oppurtunity to launch a career without this event. I have personally sent models on contracts to work in different cities across the world, and they thank me for giving them the chance to see the places they have seen, and to start a career in modeling or acting.

I say KUDOS to MAAI and the New York convention. I do NOT select everyone for it. I also question why you would bother to sign for New York if you thougt the whole think was a joke ? The personal trainer issue..I would have only suggested that if you weren't in Tip-Top shape. I only suggested that for your benefit. You go on further to state why were you signed with Network, if you weren't up to our physical standards? I'll answer that easily. There is a HUGE difference in working as a model and actor in a local market like Arizona, then there is to being seen by the best in the fashion capital of the world, New York City.

I must clarify, the New York convention is NOT a big "field trip". It's a real chance to be meet and be seen by the best in the business and launch a longterm successful career in the modeling and acting industry. Like anything that's worth something..it costs money. We have to pay the hotel, the airfare, the Convention fees, the photographers, the make-up and hair stylists..etc and the person to train you for New York. there is not one industry that gives you a "free ride". if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, you pay to aquire the skills necessary to accomplish that. It's the same in our industry. So many famous models and actors got their start at our event, and many like it. Just to name a few that were discovered at conventions...Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biehl, Elijah Wood, Josh Duhamel, Cindy Crawford, Eva Longoria, Brandon Routh..and the list goes on and on, all got their start at a convention. So, it's sad that you think you can do it all on your own. if you can...good luck to you. I wish you all the best. But, in my experince, which is plenty, it's not possible.

In closing, I will address your "Kevin Peake" comment. I had the wonderful pleasure of being a judge and scout at the International Male Model Expo in Aruba two years ago..and GUESS WHAT? Kevin Peake was a contestant...before Abercrombie..before Bravo's Manhunt. Myself, and my "team" hung out with the guys and we even played volleyball with him and the other guys, on the beach..and the best part...we provided Kevin Peake with a pair of shoes..on the final night of the competition..because he lost his. I can clearly say from PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE he is a real down-to-earth guy...very REAL...very sincere..very likeable.

Your posting on my company is filled with such anger and hate, and it shouldn't be, when all we tried to do was help you, expose you internationally in New York and launch a career for you. In your own posting you admit we called you numerous times for auditions...we even set up a meeting for you to meet Tomi, the scout from Wilhelmina. Wilhelmina is huge, and Tomi O'leary has been a scout for them for years. Marta Michaud, the creative director of talent of Wilhelmina NY has been a close friend of mine for over 13 years. If you would have gone to the convention, you would have been able to meet with Marta in person, because she awlays takes the time out of her busy schedule to see "my people". Too bad you missed that cahnce. The only thing I am guilty of is caring TOO much. That doesn't sound like a company that is doing something WRONG, and one certainly that should have such horrible things posted about it.

Tthe interesting thing is you bash Reality Shows..I urge you to take a strong look at your idol "Kevin Peake's resume..and read how MANY reality shows he's been on. As a matter of fact, he was on OUR Reality Show, "Designer Family", which will be on TV soon. The whole "missing shoes" escapade was filmed by our camera crew.

Network International is NOT a money pit, we are a company that genuinely cares for our models and talent and does our best to market them to the ultimate goal of a successful career.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=120121