MMG Models - Model411 - Modelscouts - MMG Model Management Group steal money ripoff scam scout ryan colby agency dishonest fake taaseen mmg New York New York

I have read the comments posted on this site regarding MMG or our website nymmg.com and of course references to other companies.

While people would like to make it appear that we often change our name or have real complaints the facts just won't support it.

MMG has been in business as MMG since 2002, MMG used to be short for Model Management Group and our website is nymmg.com because MMG.COM was already taken. These are not 3 separate names or companies. MMG represents models of all ages, actors, recording artists and celebrities. MMG branded more as just Modeling Company once it started representing Actors and Rerording Artists and Celebrities.

MMG, nor Model Management Group has ever had any legal action or complaint ever filed against it with any government or consumer agency. MMG is not a paying member of the New York Better Business Bureau only because then it can't be said we have a spotless record because we are a paying member. A check with the Better Business Bureau of New York will show that there has not been one complaint filed against MMG or Model Management Group in over 3 years. Also, Model 411 never was connected to any other company, and is not the same exact ownership of MMG and was never a part of any organization ever involved in wrongdoing. MMG was never associated with a company call Model Scouts, these are statements made by people who just do not know what they are talking about. So, considering the number of people we meet per year, which is easily over 6,000, I would say that having a clean and spotless record is something few other companies could ever boast about. Also, MMG's clients are among the best in the world as we deal with every major TV and Cable Network, Feature Film and Magazine company.

As for those that question upfront fees or costs. MMG does not require any fees for representation and quite often never even charges for expenses we incur messaging packages and making hard copy packages for our clients. The confusion comes not from those that are represented by MMG but from those either related to someone we represent or someone we have chosen not to represent.

MMG does not represent high fashion models and therefore does not pay for its models development. Most of our models are non-exclusive and work with many managers and agents. Even high fashion agencies today only put only a few models on account, the rest have to pay for their own materials.

MMG is currently ranked in the top 1/2 of 1% of all management companies in the world. If MMG was not a good company why would it be a top ranked company, have over 6 international celebrities signed to it and have a celebrity division that currently has 4 of its models and actors starring on primetime TV and over 3 of its recording artists have gold records.

Currently MMG represents stars on Fox TV's American Idol, ABC's True Beauty, NBC's Momma's Boy an 2 former finalists of America's Next Top Model. It is inconceivable that stars would flock to and sign exclusively with a company that wasn't one of the best.

All negative posts I have ever seen have been anonymous, we of course, would take legal action if we knew who the posters were. I myself have a former Law Enforcement Background my credentials and integrity are a matter of record after passing the most extensive State Police and Federal background check that can be given. To this day I maintain the highest security clearance possible.

If anyone believes any of these posts have any validity that we wish you well and hope you find a company suitable to your needs. But a check with any consumer agency, or consumer advocacy department of the City government will back up that we have a spotless record and have never be part of anything illegitimate.

If you note the anonymous posters, they have never been in contact with us directly or have their own agenda. The employee post was just absurd and wrong. In 6 years of business we have grabbed a significant share of the market and I guess that has some people pretty worried.

So check the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Consumer Affairs and see what they have to say because there have been no complaints.

As for that aunt of the child, at least 50% of the people who tell someone they can't make it have been proven wrong. The clients decide who will make it and I can't tell you how many of our current successful stars were told by someone, even by Ford they would never make it and then eventually signed by Ford after they realized they were wrong.. Everyone is an expert in our industry, fortunately, it is not them who decides who will make or not but the client.

Also, just for fun, if you search on Ford Model Management or Elite Model Management on this same site, you'll see the same types of accusations and complaints, all anonymous. In addition, if you type in Disney or McDonald's you'll see tons of people calling them a scam. Compared to most we actually have very little to deal with but unfortunately because these sites are protected by law and are not liable for what is posted, there is nothing we can do but tell our side of the story.

Only Fashion Agencies possibly will front expenses, in certain cases we do help out but that is a business decision made case by case. We do not front and we also do not charge advance fees. Today our models are just not as devoted or dependable as in the past and often wake up one morning and decide they no longer feel like modeling or jsut decide they want to move. We wish we were wealthy enough to pay for everyone but I don't think anyone today is in that position.

But the acts are, we use our models materials when they are good and we do not require they pay for representation or for us to submit them for jobs. Anyone that has decided to pay for something asked us to get it for them, we did not require them to get it through or from us. In fact our contracts clearly state that nothing is required to be purchased from MMG in order for us to work with them. But we are not going to win jobs in the NY market without quality materials and it is the models responsibility to get them and give them to us.

Also, MMG only places in high fashion we manage and submit our talent in all other areas. We are not a scouting company and individuals who we have determined not to be of the standards we require are now with other companies and probably are the ones posting the absurd remarks.

So, I hope I answered the comments and questions that may have been caused by the freedom to post unsubstantiated and anonymous comments without fear of being sued for libel and defamation but if not. I or any of my employees, which number 8 in total will be happy to discuss any of your concerns further.

I recently signed my daughter with Taseen with MMG. She is a very sweet person who is doing her job which is finding new talent for her company to submit for jobs. Everything costs money and it most definately cost money to make money. All fees were told up front before a trip to NYC was made and I had every opportunity to back out of everything and was not pressured at all.

It is the parent's responsibility to check everything out and make their own decision based upon their findings. A company is not going to make an investment in a person that they are unsure would make them money. Would you? All talent agencies must provide pics and information. This is 2008 and everything is done via internet. A casting director cannot simply make a decision based upon written information and credits. They must have a photo before even scheduling an audition. They too are out to make money.

Maybe if the costs that MMG was asking you to pay was too much, then this is not the career path for your child. These talent agencies fly all across the US to try and locate a face that can make them money. This is their job. They too must get paid for their services which require a lot of travel which requires a lot of money. Very rarely is that golden opportunity going to simply walk thru the doors of MMG in NYC.

L-Memphis TN

I too researched this company, Ryan Colby has been gone for a year, I used my own photos and cards and during my research this is the only place I found negative comments. If they used to be a scouting company, they aren't now and if you look at the jobs they are booking and current models, things must have changed a lot since these other reports were filed. I think the numbers posted are right, but only if you want them to do it, I was told I was free to do it myself. All I know is whatever they were it seems to be different now. From what I can see, they are management not scouts and book their own talent. I know models that are booking tons of work through them. Also, they have nothing to do with Model Scouts. I checked into their success stories and they check out. I have been to other management companies and agencies and they now required you pay for your tests. I think since celebrities have taken over the economics have changed and not everything is done the way it used to.

TYPICAL MMG SCAM: "We are interested in you but you need to test shoot with our photographer and it's going to cost you." Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you may go to on your own. Money at the front end means not enough modeling work at the back end.

Many will have a place by the front door for photographers' business cards that you can take on your way out. You should be free to go to any photographer you choose. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer, watch out.