Emodel/Options Talent ripoff cheated employees and screwed the customers even more Rolling Meadows Illinois EDitor's Staff Comments

As an employee for Options Talent, in the Talent Services Department, I get many calls a day and work VERY hard helping people until they are completely satisfied. Of course, you cannot satisfy all of the people all of the time, but I can say I get a lot of positive feedback, such as emails, letters or a simple verbal thank you for all your help.



I enjoy my job - I try for all the talents that contact me to go an extra mile and give them more information than what they actually asked for. At the Client Services Department, we take all kinds of calls, from updating stats to answering technical difficulties, to taking complaints or simply informing on how to use the site.



We take more than 400 calls a day with a wait period of less than 13 seconds and missing less than three calls total (varies). We answer our phones, we listen carefully to our clients needs, and if there is a complaint, we take care of it to the best of our knowledge and if that is not enough, we take it a step higher.



If I ever come across that someone was told something different in regards to the services, I would personally get the matter resolved, and I know the people above me, back me up in that.

Options Talent does not claim to be an agency - their services include posting a digital comp card on the Internet, and post client services.



The problem is people sometimes DO NOT listen to what they are told - they are so wrapped up in becoming rich and famous, and personally, I think it is a matter of greed and ego. People need to be more realistic, the entertainment business is HARD and expensive... why do you think there is such a saying as a "starving actor"?



A digital comp card is nothing more than an actor/model resume. If you write a resume, you would probably try your best to make it look professional, perhaps using expensive paper and nice fonts, etc - but does that guarantee you get a job? No, it does not. However, you have invested in that expensive paper, in the time that it takes to create the resume, in the printer ink, and other tools available to come up with something impressive in order to get work.



Would you fathom saying the resume paper company is a scam just because it wasn't able to get you that job you wanted?



Furthermore, it seems that for some reason people just love to listen to negative news. Why is it that negative news always draws more attention than positive news? Did any one of the complainers go to, for example, www.dallascowboys.com and check out what the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders say about Options? I guess maybe feeling sorry for yourself because you can't make it big, like others, is someone else's fault and easier.



This whole process is not high-pressure sales. With Options, you go to an Open Call where amongst other things, you watch a video that informs you of the industry and the company. Some days later (sometimes more than a week) you get a phone call by an operator who transfers the call to a Talent Executive, who in turn evaluates you and tells you where you fit in to industry standards, IF YOU DO.



Then, he/she informs you of the services and how Options IS NOT an agency, but rather markets (and exposes) you to agencies and clients. If you do not fit into modeling, you may choose acting as an option, which does not require specific physical standards. (This is mentioned on the site as well: Options is not an agency so we will not book you directly. We do not form any "special" relationships with agencies, nor do we have legal affiliation with any agencies.



Agencies and clients register online to have access to you as a model. Currently over 1,000 agencies and clients are registered. The chances of becoming a superstar in this industry are slim. Even getting regular work as a model is difficult. Your chances of success depend more on you than on us. Your look, your drive, and your dedication will be the determining factors in how successful you become.



Before enrolling you are required to conduct an interview with one of our talent executives. The talent executive will answer questions you have about the industry, but ultimately the choice of going forward is yours. We are not seeking to discourage you from becoming a model if that is what you wish to do; we are just cautioning you that this is a tough business with no guarantees of success.



You should do your research about the industry prior to conducting your interview with our Talent Executive) You are then transferred to another person who confirms all your information, advises you of how Options works (again) and if you are not sure, you can then talk again with the Talent Executive or simply say, No not interested.



Sales is sales, and it's a job like any other. The salesperson informs you and ultimately, it's your decision to go through with it or not. Some may be more insistent than others, but NO is always an OPTION. Many times, I myself have purchased services or articles that I have not needed or have not really liked, but it was my choice. I cannot go back and blame the salesperson for doing their job.



When you walk into a boutique, and you hear an employee telling you that outfit is just you, is that a lie, a scam, a sales pitch or an honest opinion? You tell me. In this case, you can always hang up a phone call - or politely say no or rudely say no, if you will. Where are people's backbones? Don't blame someone else for paying for something you "didn't want", while moreover, expecting a miracle.



Take responsibility for your actions, and understand that marketing yourself, which can be accomplished in many ways, such as merely buying new clothes to impress, does not guarantee you a life of success and fame. You can't go back and sue your favorite designer for investing in his clothes you wore a night that resulted a flop. One more thing: be objective! If you think you can't make it in the entertainment industry, you may be limiting yourself but on the other hand, you may also be realistic. However, you never know.



Chances are you might have it in you. I'm sure all actors or models have had their doubts and hard times, some of them have made it big, some maybe not so big you have the power to choose HOW YOU WANT TO DO IT, and if this a goal in your life, you'll figure out what has to be done. In the meantime, there's no such thing as a free ride.



You can cancel the services at any time with thirty days notice, as well as come back and never have to pay the initial set up fee again. There are no contracts that bind you time-wise. Moreover, if after one year, you are not satisfied with the services, you get two years free of the monthly maintenance charge. No questions asked. There are many people working towards your satisfaction, which is one of the reasons the set up fee is $595 - and there are success stories, heard by myself when talking to certain talents.



As far as I'm concerned, I believe in MYSELF, I know I work hard as a Client Services Rep, and happily, I get great feedback from the clients. I can only say I personally do my best to help clients get their money's worth. I'm not a law specialist, but if this is a scam, I can say I honestly have not seen it proven because what is said, is provided. I would feel very bad if I found out otherwise, because I am a consumer myself and I put myself in other people's shoes.



Just listen to what you are told, and ask as many questions as you can before you invest in something. Remember, you are in control. Don't whine later just because you did not pay attention to what you are being offered. In no way am I saying the offer is not a good one, just that you can't expect a miracle.

I am a working actor and have thoroughly researched this scam. If you get scouted, be very, very wary. Take my personal advice... it take a lot of personal hard work, and lots of auditions. It is true that you will likely need an agent. The only really good jobs I have gotten is from my agent.



Here is the big difference - you should have a contract with that agent based on contingency. In other words, they get a percentage of your earnings, this ensures that they hustle for you. In most states, you can sign up with several agents, which puts your agents in competition with each other to get you the best deal. Never pay your agent up front!!! And, my agent does not charge me anything for marketing me, including their books and website.



The major criticism with this agency is that it makes claims which are not substantiated about the percentages of their actors and models who are working and how much they make on the average. The complaints we get are largely based on spending tons of money after many promises and nothing materializes.



Finally, classes are available from working actors, not professional "no-nothings" like those at Options, for a fraction of the cost that you are expected to pay there. Additionally, photos and lithographs are available fairly reasonably, again for considerably less than Options charges. (They may quibble with this statement, but kickbacks are still a charge in our book.)



Call your nearest SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) office (or visit their websites) and ask for the names of approved agents. You won't find Options on their list!



Danny Scalf

Senior Editor/Consumer Advocate Volunteer

I am a working actor and have thoroughly researched this scam. If you get scouted, be very, very wary. Take my personal advice... it take a lot of personal hard work, and lots of auditions. It is true that you will likely need an agent. The only really good jobs I have gotten is from my agent.



Here is the big difference - you should have a contract with that agent based on contingency. In other words, they get a percentage of your earnings, this ensures that they hustle for you. In most states, you can sign up with several agents, which puts your agents in competition with each other to get you the best deal. Never pay your agent up front!!! And, my agent does not charge me anything for marketing me, including their books and website.



The major criticism with this agency is that it makes claims which are not substantiated about the percentages of their actors and models who are working and how much they make on the average. The complaints we get are largely based on spending tons of money after many promises and nothing materializes.



Finally, classes are available from working actors, not professional "no-nothings" like those at Options, for a fraction of the cost that you are expected to pay there. Additionally, photos and lithographs are available fairly reasonably, again for considerably less than Options charges. (They may quibble with this statement, but kickbacks are still a charge in our book.)



Call your nearest SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) office (or visit their websites) and ask for the names of approved agents. You won't find Options on their list!



Danny Scalf

Senior Editor/Consumer Advocate Volunteer

I am a working actor and have thoroughly researched this scam. If you get scouted, be very, very wary. Take my personal advice... it take a lot of personal hard work, and lots of auditions. It is true that you will likely need an agent. The only really good jobs I have gotten is from my agent.



Here is the big difference - you should have a contract with that agent based on contingency. In other words, they get a percentage of your earnings, this ensures that they hustle for you. In most states, you can sign up with several agents, which puts your agents in competition with each other to get you the best deal. Never pay your agent up front!!! And, my agent does not charge me anything for marketing me, including their books and website.



The major criticism with this agency is that it makes claims which are not substantiated about the percentages of their actors and models who are working and how much they make on the average. The complaints we get are largely based on spending tons of money after many promises and nothing materializes.



Finally, classes are available from working actors, not professional "no-nothings" like those at Options, for a fraction of the cost that you are expected to pay there. Additionally, photos and lithographs are available fairly reasonably, again for considerably less than Options charges. (They may quibble with this statement, but kickbacks are still a charge in our book.)



Call your nearest SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) office (or visit their websites) and ask for the names of approved agents. You won't find Options on their list!



Danny Scalf

Senior Editor/Consumer Advocate Volunteer

I am a working actor and have thoroughly researched this scam. If you get scouted, be very, very wary. Take my personal advice... it take a lot of personal hard work, and lots of auditions. It is true that you will likely need an agent. The only really good jobs I have gotten is from my agent.



Here is the big difference - you should have a contract with that agent based on contingency. In other words, they get a percentage of your earnings, this ensures that they hustle for you. In most states, you can sign up with several agents, which puts your agents in competition with each other to get you the best deal. Never pay your agent up front!!! And, my agent does not charge me anything for marketing me, including their books and website.



The major criticism with this agency is that it makes claims which are not substantiated about the percentages of their actors and models who are working and how much they make on the average. The complaints we get are largely based on spending tons of money after many promises and nothing materializes.



Finally, classes are available from working actors, not professional "no-nothings" like those at Options, for a fraction of the cost that you are expected to pay there. Additionally, photos and lithographs are available fairly reasonably, again for considerably less than Options charges. (They may quibble with this statement, but kickbacks are still a charge in our book.)



Call your nearest SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) office (or visit their websites) and ask for the names of approved agents. You won't find Options on their list!



Danny Scalf

Senior Editor/Consumer Advocate Volunteer

I have no idea why everyone is in an uproar about...getting into Modeling and Acting is Not free!



We are trained in what to look for when scouting. I myself, keep up with the indusrty Looks and Requirments .........



I scout and If asked. Will tell you If picked You will have a fee But, if any of you know anything of the Modeling and entertainment biz you know you pay out of the pocket monthly to have your comp cards ( photos and stats ) processed, made, and sent out to all agencys We are not an Agency we are a Talent scouting Network.

We don't charge you for finding work!

We charge you to place your photos and stats on our International Data base

As for clients we are used by many You want names ?



Dallas cheerleaders used us after 35 years of never trusting anyone in the busniess to help pick cheerleaders We have found 4 so far

check out their websitehttp://www.dallascowboys.com/cgi-bin/Cowboys/cheerleaders/home.jsp



gee if we are such a rip off why are we on there under sponsers?



Come on folks

Nothing is Free

Especially in Entertainment !



We have a great board of Advisors too

Martin Landau,

Don Johnson,

Candy Ford,



You think these people Would have their names with Rip Offs ?



get a reality Check Folks



If you get scouted Come and check us out

you can always say NO We don't scam you or pressure you we give you a look into the busniess and you make an intelligent decision based on this presentation.



Your loss Cause we really do get you work!

reach For the Starz

Rona B

I'm not sure what exactly your complaint is. You post in the title that the company cheated employees and "screwed" customers. What are the specifics?



It's my understanding that MicroSoft (that owns and runs Hotmail) is in no way associated with Options Talent Group. How are they in collusion? Also from the SEC filing, Emodel was purchased by Sector Communications which has existed BEFORE Emodel, so its not a simple name change.



What grammar schools have they visited? In what cities and states? Can you list all the news stations and attorneys that Options Talent Group has intimidated and threatened?



If you're going to accuse a company of the things you've ambiguously posted, be prepared to present detailed specifics. Otherwise, your post seems specious and vindictive.



I encourage any individual that has a problem that's still unresolved to contact their local office for resolution. If that gets you no where, contact the corporate office. There are poeple there to resolve issues if you give them the opportunity.

I think you probably HAVE NO TALENT of ANY kind and even if you did, you don't have any self esteem to invest in yourself and your potential career. As a business owner, I know I need to invest in my business, promote my business, and work for MY SUCESS! You must not understand that kind of thinking!Do everyone a favor, get a life!