Signature Models And Talent modeling search scam Anthem and others Ripoff Phoenix Arizona

I stumbled upon this report today and could not believe it!  Signature Models is a terrific agency!  I have taken my daughter there and Terri is nothing but professional.  Don't believe this one ...

First of all I would also like to say that I am amazed and saddened that I have to write this rebuttal to protect the reputation of one of the best businesses I have ever worked with in Arizona. I have a lot of history with this company so I think that my opinion will be of value to those looking for a great agency in Arizona.

I was fortunate enough to be signed by the elite Arizona agency, Bobbi Ball/Plaza 3, in 1989 when I was 20 years old. I had headshots taken (from a suggested photographer); comp cards purchased, and received optional training. During that time, I had the pleasure of meeting a young and enthusiastic agent by the name of Terri Hoffmann. Shortly after that, Ms. Hoffmann made the agency into what it is today, Signature Models and Talent. In 1991 I won the title of Miss. Arizona USA and competed in the Miss. USA pageant where I was a finalist. I would have never had the confidence or the knowledge to properly represent myself, and my state, in these pageants if it weren't for the experience and optional training I had received from Signature Models and Talent. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Terri Hoffmann and Signature for giving me that experience and training because it truly changed my life. While I was represented by Signature I went out on many, many auditions and received dozens of bookings through which I made a lot of money. It was the perfect part time job and I loved doing it.

I continued my representation with Signature through the year 2000. After the birth of my daughter, I decided to focus on Motherhood, but I kept in contact with Terri on a personal level over the next several years. In 2006 my daughter, Hope, expressed an interest in acting and I gave Terri a call. After viewing photos of her, she asked me to bring her in for an audition and she signed her. As expected, Terri asked us to get headshots and SUGGESTED a photographer familiar with her expectations, Still N Motion photography. The cost then was $280 and we walked away with a disc of 100 great photos and 4 different looks. (Because my daughter hasn't changed much in appearance over the last 3 year, we STILL use those photos for auditionsand they are hanging on the walls in our house) We then paid $40 for headshot composite cards to take on auditions and for Signature to submit to prospective clients. We were asked to pay for a small fee that goes to a web-site designer so that clients may view photos and resumes online. My daughter did take OPTIONAL training from a workshop that is offered through Terri with Tom Logan. He is well known in the industry for being an Actor and a Director and I feel very lucky that Terri enlists his expertise. (Check him out on IMDB.COM) From that training, Hope had a blast in his class and received the skills NEEDED to be competitive in the Arizona market. She received bookings for commercials and scored a speaking role in the Universal Blockbuster, The Kingdom, starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. With the guidance of Terri Hoffmann, we decided to get our feet wet in the LA market. For a year Hope was represented by an upstanding LA agency where we were also expected to provide recent photos (that met their expectations), 8X10 headshots for auditions (comp cards), and resumes and it was highly encouraged to attend training seminars to be competitive in the market. Sound similar?

Signature Models & Talent is a legitimate SAG/AFTRA Agency. They ask for the same fees that other SAG/AFTRA agencies ask for. It seems a common misconception of late that a person should be able to walk into an agency, be signed, and not expect any out of pocket money because of so many other illegitimate agencies out there. They are THE choice for anyone looking for a reputable agency to represent you or your child. While you shouldn't be required to pay up front for representation or large amounts for mandatory training, as with any business there are tools that need to be purchased (headshots, comp cards, web-site fees, etc.) It isn't easy to get an audition with OR to be signed by Signature. They keep a cap on the amount of talent they have at one time. So, consider yourself lucky if you are chosen.

Terri is a strong business woman and I don't suspect that she ever would be too polite about being interrogated and insulted. Nor thrilled about your slanderous remarks. It's not Terri's job to make you feel warm and fuzzy, it's her job to get the client's and the business. I trust Terri Hoffman and have learned what she expects of those that she represents and their parents. She expects that if you are lucky enough to be signed, you already have OR get the training necessary so that she is not made a fool of in front of her clients and you represent her agency well. She expects that you trust her, because she is the one that runs the show has the experience and pounds the pavement for the jobs that make you money. She expects that you have the proper tools that you will need to get the job and make a professional impression. She expects that if you commit to an audition, and/or a booking, that you keep that commitment, and God help you if you are late!! This is the type of person that you want working for you as your agent. This is why clients come back to Signature over and over again and those she represents reap the rewards. Remember, the clients are the one that pick the photos of the models/actors that they would like to audition. If your child isn't going out on auditions, it isn't Terri's fault. This business is not for the weak of heart. Taking rejection well is very important.

Those that hung in there with me through this long letter, I hope I have given you some insight on this agency and that it will help you make a decision having received an opinion from someone that truly knows this agency and this business well. Thanks!!

Maricarroll

I was shocked to read this slanderous report about Signature Models and Talent. My child has been with Signature for over 5 years. Signature does not demand upfront money.

The cost to be on the website is a legitimate fee that goes to the web master.

The cost for photos is also legitimate and reasonably priced and goes directly to the photographer. I would also add that their photographer of choice is excellent. She does a super job and you get all the negatives after the shoot.

The cost for comp cards is paid directly to the printer.

These are all legitimate costs. The agency is not getting paid upfront for anything. Signature has successfully booked my child for many modeling jobs both locally and nationally. My child has earned thousands of dollars which has more than paid for the cost of photos and printing comp cards.

Signature talent can be seen on many local commercials, newspaper ads, catalogs, billboards, etc.

I would encourage you to research a company thoroughly in the future before spreading gossip. You can get information about modeling agencies by contacting the local SAG office. Did you do that? Did you contact the Better Business Burueau?

While I appreciate that you want to warn others about scam agencies I can assure you that Signature Models and Talent is not one of them.

My interns were scouting during the sign in and when we did not see her child (as with many of the kids they chose not to stay) we were told we would be given all applications to review after the event. About 3 days after the Model Search (sponsored by Anthem-to which we were invited) Anthem was kind enough to give us all of the applications to review to see if we missed anyone. We found several more children we wanted to see and rather than call them in and say "ok- now here are all of your expenses" we emailed them and told them what they could expect to spend to get started:

1) Professional photos (we use Still N Motion) the charge $280.-which you pay directly to them for 3-4 color looks, which include all co-ordinating and styling. They have been in business for 30 years and have the lowest rate for the highest quality in town. In addition, if I am not satisfied, they will reshoot at no cost.

2) They would need professional cards printed by and paid to M & J Modelworks. $40 for 20 cards. This fee is paid to the printer when the film has been delivered to the agency.

3) All Models/Talent are required to be on our website as this is how we market. Every agency in town has a website and every agency charges as we have to pay a full time web designer.

4) As a SAG/AFTRA Franchised agency we cannot accept fees, kickbacks or make profits from these tools of the industry. It is an industry standard across the USA that each actor/model is their own business and as such pays for their own materials.

My intention in sending this info out before a final interview was to be up front and honest. I do not believe in false promises or "bait and switch". I have been in business for over 30 years and this woman spoke to me as though I was some kind carnival barker. Yes, I was upset and yes I was offended. As three days prior to the event, I was invited to appear on "Arizona A to Z" on Channel 3 to speak about children's agencies and the many successes my agency has achieved. Does this sound like a business run by a scam artist?

You should also know that after final interview, over half the people we called in were not offered contracts.

Regards,

Terri Hoffmann, President
Signature Models & Talent

My interns were scouting during the sign in and when we did not see her child (as with many of the kids they chose not to stay) we were told we would be given all applications to review after the event. About 3 days after the Model Search (sponsored by Anthem-to which we were invited) Anthem was kind enough to give us all of the applications to review to see if we missed anyone. We found several more children we wanted to see and rather than call them in and say "ok- now here are all of your expenses" we emailed them and told them what they could expect to spend to get started:

1) Professional photos (we use Still N Motion) the charge $280.-which you pay directly to them for 3-4 color looks, which include all co-ordinating and styling. They have been in business for 30 years and have the lowest rate for the highest quality in town. In addition, if I am not satisfied, they will reshoot at no cost.

2) They would need professional cards printed by and paid to M & J Modelworks. $40 for 20 cards. This fee is paid to the printer when the film has been delivered to the agency.

3) All Models/Talent are required to be on our website as this is how we market. Every agency in town has a website and every agency charges as we have to pay a full time web designer.

4) As a SAG/AFTRA Franchised agency we cannot accept fees, kickbacks or make profits from these tools of the industry. It is an industry standard across the USA that each actor/model is their own business and as such pays for their own materials.

My intention in sending this info out before a final interview was to be up front and honest. I do not believe in false promises or "bait and switch". I have been in business for over 30 years and this woman spoke to me as though I was some kind carnival barker. Yes, I was upset and yes I was offended. As three days prior to the event, I was invited to appear on "Arizona A to Z" on Channel 3 to speak about children's agencies and the many successes my agency has achieved. Does this sound like a business run by a scam artist?

You should also know that after final interview, over half the people we called in were not offered contracts.

Regards,

Terri Hoffmann, President
Signature Models & Talent

My interns were scouting during the sign in and when we did not see her child (as with many of the kids they chose not to stay) we were told we would be given all applications to review after the event. About 3 days after the Model Search (sponsored by Anthem-to which we were invited) Anthem was kind enough to give us all of the applications to review to see if we missed anyone. We found several more children we wanted to see and rather than call them in and say "ok- now here are all of your expenses" we emailed them and told them what they could expect to spend to get started:

1) Professional photos (we use Still N Motion) the charge $280.-which you pay directly to them for 3-4 color looks, which include all co-ordinating and styling. They have been in business for 30 years and have the lowest rate for the highest quality in town. In addition, if I am not satisfied, they will reshoot at no cost.

2) They would need professional cards printed by and paid to M & J Modelworks. $40 for 20 cards. This fee is paid to the printer when the film has been delivered to the agency.

3) All Models/Talent are required to be on our website as this is how we market. Every agency in town has a website and every agency charges as we have to pay a full time web designer.

4) As a SAG/AFTRA Franchised agency we cannot accept fees, kickbacks or make profits from these tools of the industry. It is an industry standard across the USA that each actor/model is their own business and as such pays for their own materials.

My intention in sending this info out before a final interview was to be up front and honest. I do not believe in false promises or "bait and switch". I have been in business for over 30 years and this woman spoke to me as though I was some kind carnival barker. Yes, I was upset and yes I was offended. As three days prior to the event, I was invited to appear on "Arizona A to Z" on Channel 3 to speak about children's agencies and the many successes my agency has achieved. Does this sound like a business run by a scam artist?

You should also know that after final interview, over half the people we called in were not offered contracts.

Regards,

Terri Hoffmann, President
Signature Models & Talent

My interns were scouting during the sign in and when we did not see her child (as with many of the kids they chose not to stay) we were told we would be given all applications to review after the event. About 3 days after the Model Search (sponsored by Anthem-to which we were invited) Anthem was kind enough to give us all of the applications to review to see if we missed anyone. We found several more children we wanted to see and rather than call them in and say "ok- now here are all of your expenses" we emailed them and told them what they could expect to spend to get started:

1) Professional photos (we use Still N Motion) the charge $280.-which you pay directly to them for 3-4 color looks, which include all co-ordinating and styling. They have been in business for 30 years and have the lowest rate for the highest quality in town. In addition, if I am not satisfied, they will reshoot at no cost.

2) They would need professional cards printed by and paid to M & J Modelworks. $40 for 20 cards. This fee is paid to the printer when the film has been delivered to the agency.

3) All Models/Talent are required to be on our website as this is how we market. Every agency in town has a website and every agency charges as we have to pay a full time web designer.

4) As a SAG/AFTRA Franchised agency we cannot accept fees, kickbacks or make profits from these tools of the industry. It is an industry standard across the USA that each actor/model is their own business and as such pays for their own materials.

My intention in sending this info out before a final interview was to be up front and honest. I do not believe in false promises or "bait and switch". I have been in business for over 30 years and this woman spoke to me as though I was some kind carnival barker. Yes, I was upset and yes I was offended. As three days prior to the event, I was invited to appear on "Arizona A to Z" on Channel 3 to speak about children's agencies and the many successes my agency has achieved. Does this sound like a business run by a scam artist?

You should also know that after final interview, over half the people we called in were not offered contracts.

Regards,

Terri Hoffmann, President
Signature Models & Talent

Get a clue - my sister modeled and never had to pay a fee up front - The REAL modeling agencies will determine if you are model material then find you work on a commission -

I have been represented by Signature Models and Talent for the last six years and would like to offer a rebuttal to Michelle's comments about the agency.

Yes, there are agencies in the Valley who prey on vulnerable parents who are convinced their darling child is the next Dakota Fanning/Jonathan Lipnicki. Signature is NOT one of these agencies.

There is a cost to being in this business, just as there is with any business. As talent, I consider myself an independent contractor. There is a certain amount of investment and effort required on my part. It is not free to print color cards and it is certainly not free to maintain a web site.

If you were a PR consultant and had clients, would you expect them to pay for your fax machine, computer, gas, car depreciation, cell phone bill, business cards, etc.? If you did, I'm sure you'd have lots of free time on your hands. Photos, web site, printing resumes, etc. are costs of being in this business and can, in most cases, be written off as such.

As for $480 to get started, this is a minimal investment that can be easily recuperated with a single booking. My friend signed her daughter with an irreputable agency and was required not only to pay $300 for the web site and several hundred for photos, but her daughter was required to take agency-sponsored classes at the whopping price of $400 for the class. Her daughter got one audition in the several years she was listed in their database.

It takes more than a cute kid/gorgeous face to make it in this business. It takes business acumen and dedication to make it. Terri offers all of this and more to the talent she represents. She is supportive, honest, bright and incredibly knowlegeable of her business. I am priviliged to work for her and appreciate all she has taught me about the business!

I have been represented by Signature Models and Talent for almost 10 years. They have never, not once, treated me poorly or attempted to scam me out of any money.

In response to Michelle's statement that modeling scams that typically ask for up-front fees; this should alert the consumer to potential schemes. However, Signature doesn't do that. If you paid closer attention to what Terri and the gang had to say, there are costs attributed to getting into the business (i.e. a headshot, portfolio book, etc.) However, these things are not up-front costs to sign with Signature. These are the tools that will ultimately afford you the opportunity to get booked.

You don't have to get a headshot done...but you won't get far with a Polaroid.

You don't have to get a portfolio book...but your Hello Kitty scrapbook won't get you very far, either.

Signature get their money when you get jobs. As all agencies do, they get a percentage of what you make for brokering the deal. That's it.

The $100 for the website...don't pay and they won't include you. You could very easily create your own website, but I doubt you would get the right kind of traffic (if you know what I mean).

As for sending you a confirmation email to your daughter for "further attention", in order for any successful business to continue operating, it is imperative to continually replenish your talent who may have attritioned because of a myriad of things. At times, as a business, you solicit a broad response and pair down you selections from a larger pool of talent. In this manner, prospecting is much more cost effective and less time prohibitive

But what really rubs me the wrong way, is that you are truly misguided in your anger toward Signature. I can name a host of other places where this type of sentiment is definitely warranted. If you were to do your homework...and I mean REALLY do your homework, there are only a few names that would come up as top-notch agencies in the city. Ask other agencies...they will tell you who is legitimate. Ask models and actors who have been around awhile...they will tell you who to see and who to avoid.

I can only hope that you will rescind this post and offer an apology to Terri, because this is truly a misrepresentation of a truly great agency.