PLEASE LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I CANT CONFORM THEM TO BE TRUE OR NOT; HOWEVER I CAN SAY THAT, I WILL NOT BE SIGNING WITH THEM, AND MY FEELINGS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE EXPRESSED. THE RESPONSES ARE POSTED BELOW MY AD. IN ALL FAIRNESS I WILL BE POSTING BOTH GOOD AND BAD COMMENTS, VIEWS AND COMPLAINTS. I WOULD HOPE PEOPLE WILL COME FORWARD WITH SOMETHING POSITIVE TO SAY.
I'm looking for Information on a Worcester Talent Agent
Reply to: mailto:gigs-645546194@craigslist.org?subject=Im%20looking%20for%20Information%20on%20a%20Worcester%20Talent%20Agent
Date: 2008-04-17, 9:00AM EDT
Hello all, I writing to see if anybody has any history with Karon Shea Model Management, John Wood or the photographer they use named Richard Bertone. I'm not seeing much out there and want to see if they are legit. Also, if you have how much work have you received from the above mentioned. I'm very curious to hear your replies before I give them any hard earned money. Thank you for your help in this matter.
I have had some great response however a few more thoughts on this subject would be helpful; what were your told, what were you promised and most importantly after you spent money how proactive were they in helping you achieve your goals and dreams.
Please remember to your best judgment when it comes to spending your hard earned money.
I WISH THERE WAS MORE POSITIVE RESPONSES TO MY REQUESTS!!!!!
DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RESPONSES I HAVE RECEIVED YOU CAN READ THEM ALL IN THE COMMENT SECTION COMMENT #6
12 comments:
Wow, Thank you so much.. I thought it sounded almost to good to be true but John sounded really good in his sales pitch.. I did find it odd that out of the 20 or so people I was chosen. I mean there were some really good looking people there. Then I thought about it and was I really going to be just a handful of select people represented by this agency.I guess my next question would be why does she only have 320 clients. Did they all leave.
hello you bunch of cowards. if you had any guts you would not be sounding off here.if you know anything about the modeling industry there are no guarantee's. never was never will be.i have worked for mrs. shea for five years never had a problem.she' a fine woman.after some research i found out she has been in business for twenty five or so years.as for the better buisness complaints, researched those too.they started from a former employee who was fired.checked back twenty something and see how many she has hardley any maybe two or three.does that sound like a scam artist.as for this persoon marc,he must not have any mirrors in his house because if he did he wouldn't think of going into modeling.he looks like he got into a rock fight and lost.now all of you get a life there are only two guarantees in life death and taxes.
WOW THE PERSONAL ATTACKS ON ME HAVE STARTED. FIRST I AM NOT LOOKING AT GOING INTO MODELING, IM LOOKING AT GOING INTO ACTING. I DON'T WANT TO MODEL. SECOND THIS POST MUST BE FROM JOHN WOOD. DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU HEARD JOHN...DID I UNVEIL YOUR SCAM JOHN... WELL AT LEAST PEOPLE KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU NOW
MARC
Calling everyone else a coward, didn't see you sign you name while completely insulting someone that you have never met. Whose the coward! Also, what you didn't seem to gather from this blog is that this agency was interested in Mr. Reece. They were the ones telling him that he had a "look". The point behind what he said was that John Wood says what people want to hear to get their money....All you did with your insults was confirm just what the blogger is saying....it's a SCAMMMMMM!!!!!!
I looked into it too before posting this comment and I do not see how you gathered that the compaints filed at the BBB were from a fired employee. They state that the compaints were about printing and delivery issues. Guess you should of done your homework!
As for pictures, they are always needed in an agency. Who really thinks that advertising and marketing firms are going to look at someones unprofessional digital pictures taken by their friends....
I applaud Mr. Reece for taking a stand and educating himself and others.
What it boils down to is that they were scamming people for God knows how long, Due to this blog and the research that I did.. It cost John Wood and the agency about 9000 dollars in revenue by people that are now informed. I'm glad people are now talking
Richard he was my photograopher for the miss mass pageant he is great!
Ok, I don't have a good or bad experience with Karen Shey, but I can say that Richard Bertone is a very well known photographer. Not only is he well known but he is very well taken in the industry. As for Karen you can always find out about her by inquiring the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
By any chance, is this Talent Management called “Karen Shea Model Management”…I have emailed several ppl and received several emails about this company
Please tell me they are not a scam!!!!
hey, Whats the deal w/ the worcester agency? I brought my son to it and I wasn't sure if it was legit. They wanted me to put up lots of $$$ for photos
This is Karon Shea and I would like to let you know that my attorney Paul Shannon will be contacting you along with the District Attorney's office. The information you have written about us is absolutly false. We have been here in Massachusetts for over 30 years. I have an IT guys tracing the computer that is posting these statments and you will be prosecuted! Karon Shea
Owner
Karon Shea Model Management
John called me several times to get me to schedule a comp card shoot. He kept stressing that the sooner we had the card, he could get me work. He kept saying that he wanted it to happen fast because the sooner he had the cards, the sooner he could find me jobs and get his cut of it. This made sense to me, but once I paid him for the shoot he never called me again.
Richard Bertone is a good guy. I enjoyed working with him, and he asked me back for a second shoot. He did not charge me for the second shoot. If their operation is a big scam, I sincerely doubt that Richard has any major role in it. John kept saying that Richard was offering the discount on pictures, but I didn't pay Richard- I handed the money to John, who insisted on cash.
I do not have an opinion of Karon, I really like Richard and I think he's a good person who is conducting business with the wrong people, and I think John is out to make a quick buck- he makes me uncomfortable.
Is there any way for you to find out if these folks have any sort of class action suit or formal complaint against John and Karon. I want in. The more I think about how much they've scammed these parents of money and children of dreams it infuriates me. If we have enough people willing to stand up and say that they make their money selling us photographs and not trying to get any work for the kids we may have something. I spoke to another agency who used to model for Karon, (they are suing her for non-payment) who told me the exact same things the other parents said, albeit a little too late as well. They also said the photographer probably only makes $150.00 out of that $795.00. I'd better get my comp cards within the next 2 weeks or they'll be sorry they ever met me. (I talk tough) Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! If you could forward my inquiry to any interested parent I'd appreciate it. I'm even thinking of writing to channel 7 news just to see what they have to say. I'm tired of these people telling bullshit stories and getting away with it. How did you happen to come across them?
Calling everyone else a coward, didn't see you sign you name while completely insulting someone that you have never met. Whose the coward! Also, what you didn't seem to gather from this blog is that this agency was interested in #######. They were the ones telling him that he had a "look". The point behind what he said was that John Wood says what people want to hear to get their money....All you did with your insults was confirm just what the blogger is saying....it's a SCAMMMMMM!!!!!!
I looked into it too before posting this comment and I do not see how you gathered that the compaints filed at the BBB were from a fired employee. They state that the compaints were about printing and delivery issues. Guess you should of done your homework!
As for pictures, they are always needed in an agency. Who really thinks that advertising and marketing firms are going to look at someones unprofessional digital pictures taken by their friends....
I applaud Mr. ###### for taking a stand and educating himself and others.
Unhappy with KSMM -- their primary focus is kids -- been with them for a year and have had one gig -- a mall modeling day that cost me money to do. Also, the photographer they had a relationship with at the time was under-handed and skanky. Sorry! Don't waste you time.
Hi - I just found this posting - Yes, it is the same agency - and I pulled a friend of mine away from it because they had asked for cash up front for photos/comp cards. It was an outrageous amount of $900 - and I've received calls from two industry professionals One is a NYC photographer that is incredibly well known in the business, he shared his views on how this agency works -and advised to stay clear. The other is a actor/model and now talent scout out of Florida that is also very well respected, he too shared his "stay away" opinion. I was impressed that both these well respected industry professionals actually called me from an email I had sent them asking for their help - There is good people out there, sometimes it just seems like they're harder and harder to find Please share with me what you found out too!
Thank you. Unfortunately for me it's also too late and I was taken in by them. Although not that particular photographer. Haven't received comp cards yet. It's been a few weeks. This is for my daughter and she is very excited so saying I'll be pissed if I don't get the comp cards is putting it mildly. I have received all the photos on cd. Her photographer was great. Do you know if they are still being investigated at this time?
I too would love information on the same folks. Especially John and Karon. I don't know the other gentleman. Have you signed any of your family members with this agency? I would like to compare notes with you and see what, if anything, we come up with.
Hey I saw your posting, and thought I would respond to you about info regarding Karon Shea. A few months ago their was a posting on craigslist from a conserned mother whose daughter had spent money on promotional materials (compcards) through Karon Shea, and after she gave them the money she barley heard from them. I too was approached by John, and he basically tried to pitch me on buying a package that he said he was giving me a deal on and not to tell anyone, sound familar. I am sure he tried this move on countless of others as it is a standard sales technique to make the buyer feel special. I wasen't buyin, and told him, I would check into compcards someplace else. He showed me a sample of compcards from "his" photogrpaher , and I was not impressed with the quality, as the lighting was off . If I'm going to spend my hard earnd money it should be on a photographer that I like and think is good. I too had a hard time finding info about them. I even tried contactng a model of theirs but she never answered. At an audition I spoke with someone who was working with them, and he said they were taking forever to process his compcards, but that can often happen in this biz, even with a good agency, and he was sent to the audition through them. I looked them up on the Better buisness Burea (BBB) and they seemed in good standing, so I figured, I would get my compcards someplace else, and if they were still interested in me then they were legitimate, because a manager is supposed to send you on jobs and reep 10-20 percent of the benfits if you get booked. Then I saw that posting on craigslist regarding the daughter who paid for compcards, got them, and they never came through on the representation side, and when this mother did investigating she found at that this John Wood was nothing but lies,. So heres the deal, bottom line Karon Shea Modeling is shadey!!!!!! John Wood or whatever his real name is, is just out to collect money for pictures. Plus the whole office is just shadey. If you want to check out modeling representation check out Dynsty or Tonn Model Managment , not an agency that's going to charge you an arm and a leg (I checked out competors prices and Karon Shea actually charges about 100 dollars more on what John said his "deal" price was". My gut had said something was fishy and I followed it. Don't go through them, find someone who actually cares!!!!!!! , and think about it, if most work is in or around the Boston area, then why is their office about an hour away?
Yes, actually I liked the photos that were done for me, but it was by their photographer Matt A (forgot his last name) and he did have a good website, and had shot for area magazines. I knew what I was getting into, because I have been in the music business for over 20 years and they do the same thing. So honestly I don't have any complaints. I have good headshots that have paid for themselves and more, with the acting jobs I got. No, I didn't get any work, but I knew on her website and contract it does state something to the fact of "we cannot guarantee work for all of our models". So I knew it was a long shot. Just part of learning the biz for others.
About 2.5 years ago we answered an ad on CL for an open call (oddly enough, by appt. only) to be seen at KSMM by John. And just let me preface that by saying this was for my then 7 year old daughter. She was seen by John along with about 15 other models/actors who were all told that John was new to the area having just moved east from LA in order to help the east coast get in on some of the action. We were all told that if he was interested in us that he would be in touch within a week. We got the call a few days later that Gracie was exactly what he was looking for and could we come in to sign the contract and arrange for photography. I am myself a photographer but was told that I could not take her pix because I would be to biased (I was told this again a year ago by Model Club however, I continue to do her headshots and compcards and she continues to get jobs despite my supposed bias). I caved of course and we went to the photographer, Richard Bertone. I was actually very happy with him. He developed a rappor with xxxxx right off and spent about 2.5 hours with her taking about 350 pix which I went home with. A week late we were called by Karen and asked to come in to pick out the shots that would go on the compcards. After we got there and sat down in the office I quickly realized that she had already picked the photos that would be printed. I pointed out several that did not even look like my daughter…a big no no on your pix, and she disagreed. I went home disappointed but still excited about the prospect of a new agent for xxxxxxx. The pix were sent out to LA because they apparently have a leg up on printing out there, so we were told. The whole thing cost me $775. When the compcards came in Karen called us to pick up ours (about 24 of them). They were ok at best. We never heard from Karen Shea MM again. I called them several times, emailed them. All to no avail. Their phone numbers changed as did their email addy. I found out a year later that John has actually lived in and around the Worcester area for about 15 years. I also found out that KSMM has had at least 4 different names and addresses in the past 5 years and that Richard Bertone was not only fired but also banned from the Miss Mass. Pageant for inappropriate behavior and charges (I am unsure of what they were) were filed against him at the last pageant that he photographed. I have definitely learned my lessons in this business and if my daughter didn’t enjoy it so much, we would b e out. So that being said…here is my advice to you: (I am assuming you are an actor here and if I’m wrong than I apologize) The most reputable talent/casting agents in the area are: LDI Casting in Providence, CP Casting in Boston, Boston Casting, and Maura Tighe Casting. I have been managing xxxxxxxx career for a little less than a year now and she continues to get jobs in and around the RI area. She has gotten casting calls based on her MySpace acct. which I also manage. I have recently started taking headshots for her ‘acting friends’ as well as printing her headshot/resume when ever needed. She has been recently cast in a series for PBS RI and will continue to thrive I believe even without an agent/manager.
I am currently "part of their roster," but I am not too thrilled about the work (or absolute absence thereof) I am getting from them. I jumped through their hoops with a plenty of skepticism, but have yet to feel "duped" in any way.
What do you now know about Bertone (who I genuinely liked), Wood (who I felt good about), and Karen (who I am not so sure about). Maybe I'm just not fitting their needs, but then again - why would they sign me if there was no potential.
I've signed with them - not entirely happy. I will share with you more but might I ask what you've heard? I am considering canceling my contract.
Experience...bad. Don't do it. I just learned from someone who has worked with her that they make their money from the photos. They do not have anyone actually looking for work. It took 4 months to get my composite cards...I have found another agency that charges $550 for cards and photos as opposed to $850 with KSMM. Their photographer spends 4 hours with you as opposed to the rushed 1 hour I had with the KSMM photographer. (it was not Richard) They give no guidance. There is no relationship. I am furious with them. John is not to be trusted. He is the typical used car salesman. He has been with KSMM for four years...he didn't JUST fly in from LA to help Karon. SCAM. You are very wise to ask for feedback. Wish I had. .
I am a model from Boston. I have never heard of the people you are asking about, but what are you almost getting yourself into. I have been in the entertainment business for over 5 years and spent lots of time weeding thru scam artists.
Richard Bertone isnt that great either. I spent almost $800.00 and the picture werent that great
Dont bother with them!!!!! John is soooo full of crap! he will tell you what you want to hear then you will spend a lot of money making comp cards( with Richard) and the agency won't get you any work! i've delt with them! they are actually under inverstigation right now! I would recommend having richard do your photography tho! he is very good...but don't depend on that agency to find you work! TRUST ME!
A good agent does NOT ask for any money. They get their cut from your income that they find you. They should not recommend a photog. They should tell you to get some headshots, which you can make via digital cam an Photoshop, or have a friend do it. After you print up your photo, turn it over and print your resume.
Agents do not charge. Period. If they do, they're scams.
I'm in the same boat as u r right now with them particularly with john insisting on Richard bertone and the 800 dollar fee, I used to live in Hollywood and can smell out A scam when, everything sounded good until the he insisted on Richard bertone, they say they do everything 4 free, but the 800 dollar photo session is absurd, for that kind of money he better be oprahs, Victorias secret or an a+f photographer, obvisily john and Karen get a nice cut of this 800 bucks bcuz I researched and a photographer in la or ny will charge between 200 and 500 at the most, I was excited about this whole thing but john may just be a con man chicken hawk, I hate to say it,
Do not pay anyone for anything that has to do with the acting/modeling world. When any company 'directs' you to a photographer it usually means they are getting a kickback - and the photographers are charging high rates.
There are hundreds of photographers that have portfolios that you can review. Pick the one that suits your needs artistically and financially. With digital cameras you don't have to spend alot of $$$.
I don't know what you need or your look so I can't really say which way to go, but do not pay for anything unless you are sure. Modeling agencies are notorious SCAMMERS.
Months back I posted an ad, but it was flagged. I was informing people about what had happened to my daugther who went to that agency also. I received many emails back from people who had been in the same situation and were very upset with the service that had received from Karon Shea's. I did some homework and found out that Mr. Wood has been in MA. for roughly 4 years. He was with another agency in Boston before Karon Sheas. He gives the same speech week after week to unsuspecting people. A few people who contacted me were in the process of taking the agency before the state to get a refund for their comp cards. I have no idea what happened to everyone. My daugther did not want to pursue this avenue even though I encouraged her to because she was afraid she would somehow taint herself in the industry if I was wrong. I highly doubt it since Mr. Wood actually drove to meet my daughter to get cash from her. That way she could get a discount on the photos as long as she told noone else that she was receiving this deal. Once she finally told me all this I was furious that she allowed herself to be blatantly conned.
Those are my impressions.
I've never experienced the uncomfortable feeling I had the night I journeyed out to Worcester for a night of John's storytelling to a room full of people who looked like easy marks to me. Entire families, babies, some who seemed to be recent immigrants, girls who looked as though they were going to a prom.To sit in a room with 20 others vs. a private meeting, something's seriously wrong with that. Run for your life. Yes, if you need headshots, demo reels, and the like you should hire a professional photographer, get into a recording studio, and pay for services. Reputable agencies need those things to properly represent you, but they don't have partners-in-crime waiting in the wings to pounce on the the inexperienced. And I wasn't called back,
Perhaps this is entirely unrelated, but I am wary of anyone who hires a specific John Wood. At the time I met him, he said that he was straight out of L.A. after the talent agency he worked for went out of business. I don't remember the circumstances. He had a tan and an earring and said that he was moving to the Boston area in order to come before things got bigger with the proposed film studio, etc. He was hired by Suzanne Crosby of Image Makers at that point in time (2004) and I was invited to join the Image Makers Agency. The catch was that I would have to use their photographer and Suzanne would compile my comp cards, etc. The cost was just under $1,000. The results were atrocious.
I made the mistake of trying them out. They insist that you get new pictures done by their photographer. I'm pretty sure that's what makes up the majority of their income. They may place someone now and then, but for the most part it's a percentage of the photographer's fee, and he's not that good. Stay away.
I would be interested in knowing more as I have been affiliated with them too, and haven't received what I thought I was getting.
i personaly was scammed out of 800$ from them. NEVER recived work..and got HORRIBLE pictures from bertone. They will try to overcharge you anywhere from a "deal of 795 if you pay now"..upwards of 1600$ as some have been scammed out of. Mind you, bertone is workign with them on there scam and he only recives 300 or so of that money, and then there fast talking salesman JOhn keeps the rest.Which is totally illegal for them to do. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!!!!!
they will also try to get you to sign up fro there agency pro website, when all they do is steal postings off of Bostoncasting.com and repost them on there site. You can sign up for free at bostoncasting.com and get job listings and castings there..without having to give anyone commision.
in fact do your self a big favor, and just RUN AWAY FROM THAT AGENCY!
i hope this helps you at all..any further questions please dont hesitate to write back.
best of luck
is a ripoff!! They will get you to buy comp cards and then never send you out on a single audition. I signed with them over a year ago and they have never called me once for a gig. just my 2 cents... do with it what you will.
WHY WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE ONE IN THE MODELING WORLD ANYYYYYYY MONEY??????
AGENCY'S PAY YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i went there before for an interview last summer and it was a waste of time really. only way they will work for you is if you work with their photographer, rich bertone which they priced him as a fortune. many people with talent and could do real good things who cant afford it lose opportunities when it comes to a situation like this when u have what it takes, but not the funds. if u dont have the funds they wont work with u. since leaving there, i've been sent numerous emails that are unwanted and cant get rid of them. im sure they explained to u that they moved from cali and thought this area would be much better for the business but who knows. you really cant trust anyone in the industry sometimes and some make others look bad, which make u not want to deal with any of them.
good luck with everything
Richard Bertone is awesome! No comment on KSMM...
Richard Bertone isnt that great either. I spent almost $800.00 and the picture werent that great.
Dont bother with them!!!!! John is soooo full of crap! he will tell you
what you want to hear then you will spend a lot of money making comp
cards( with Richard) and the agency won't get you any work! i've delt
with them! they are actually under inverstigation right now! I would
recommend having richard do your photography tho! he is very good...but
don't depend on that agency to find you work! TRUST ME!
A good agent does NOT ask for any money. They get their cut from your income that they find you. They should not recommend a photog. They should tell you to get some headshots, which you can make via digital cam an Photoshop, or have a friend do it. After you print up your photo, turn it over and print your resume.
Agents do not charge. Period. If they do, they're scams. Hope this helps.
I'm in the same boat as u r right now with them particularly with john insisting on Richard bertone and the 800 dollar fee, I used to live in Hollywood and can smell out A scam when, everything sounded good until the he insisted on Richard bertone, they say they do everything 4 free, but the 800 dollar photo session is absurd, for that kind of money he better be oprahs, Victorias secret or an a+f photographer, obvisily john and Karen get a nice cut of this 800 bucks bcuz I researched and a photographer in la or ny will charge between 200 and 500 at the most, I was excited about this whole thing but john may just be a con man chicken hawk, I hate to say it,
My name is ######### and I just recently got signed on with Karon Shea…Its very interesting that you ask about this agency because I have been inquiring about them as well. I looked up Richard Bertone and found out that he worked for Janice Dickenson (America’s Next Top Model former judge) and has done some fashion shoots for Boston and New York fashion week but I cant find any other information about him..Its seems odd that he doesn’t have a website or anything. Also I am skeptical about KSMM and John Wood…I am new to the industry and the last thing I want is to get scammed.
If you look up KSMM in the Better Business Bureau, you will see that they have had 3 complaints in the last 12 months.
A year ago, I went to KSMM's open house and wasted over $800 on poor-quality pictures by Richard Bertone. He didn't know how to put on my makeup and caked on greasy, shiny glop. He had no one to do my hair and I was told someone would be there so I didn't bring anything to do my own hair or makeup. The lighting, although he had a lot of equipment, was horribly done. The only usable pictures I had were the ones taken outside, where I had to bushwack thru the garbage and brush in the back of his factory building to get shots.
As for the model agency, they convinced me to shell out $200 to get my horrible portfolio on the web site AgencyPro software, which got me 0 worthwhile jobs!!! I got more paying work thru putting myself on a free web site like TooSpoiled.com to use to point people to my portfolio on the web, and by answering jobs on 3 and believe it or not- craigslist. Don't get fooled into using TooSpoiled's paid services, either- most of the jobs they get are on Craigslist or newenglandfilm. IF you want to be affiliated with an agency, get some reasonably-priced head shots done (for around $300, or for free by someone on Craigslist putting together a portfolio- make sure it is safe- bring a friend along) and put your head shots in Boston Casting's web site- they let you have a very limited page in AgencyPro for free, and send you e-mails when jobs come up. They will also try to convince you to buy the software for $200/year too, but I don't think it's worth it. No actress/model should have to pay to have a portfolio up, I have an agent who charges me nothing and finds me more paid work opportunities than KSMM or Boston Casting. What a racket this market is, taking advantage of artists and entertainers so shamefully!!!
John has been in Ma. from LA for 4 years now saying the same speech to everyone. Richards photos are not as good as they hype them up to be. Kind of strange that the guy has no website. At least thats how I feel in this high tec world. Especially since he supposedly has places in LA and NY also. Of course I never felt this way until it was too late for me because I did join KSMM without checking things out.
They say the same thing to everyone. Everyone has what it takes to be the next big model or actor/actress. They do not look for work they only sell people on "dreams" once they get your cards done thats it.
here is a fact for people to know about bertone. in his words for the sake of becoming a high fashion model in NY you must be willing to do whatever it takes including topless even if you are a 15 or 17 year old teenage girl. how many respectable business people with good morals want to take pictures of under age girls topless.
I don't know this Worcester agency, but as someone who used to be "in the business" many years ago- NEVER GIVE A MODELING/TALENT AGENCY ANY UPFRONT MONEY. They make a commision off your bookings.
Karen has been in business for 25 plus years. Her mainstays are shows and events + a dance school. She isn’t known for producing well known models. Nor have I heard that she gets a lot of work for her talents.(I'm a photographer and had a conversation with a talent from her agency) As for promises in this business – forget them all, especially in the Worcester market. Get yourself a copy of the this book: Complete Guide for Models: Inside Advice from Industry Pros for Fashion Modeling (Paperback)
Bertone is a local photographer with lots of experience who is good a what he does. For you however, being a new talent, the question is if you should spend your money. Most agencies, NY, LA, Chicago, Dallas etc ask you to send 4 shots with a clean face(i.e. no makeup) ; not expecting a a full portfolio from new talent. Most working models build their books over time, as they work, and develop as models. So be cautious if hear the “you have to build a book with me” story start flying around.
Karen Shea did not get me many jobs. I have been with her for about 6 months and she still has not paid me for a job I did a couple months ago! John Wood...You see him the day of the audition and you never see him ever again. Richard Bertone...I did enjoy doing a photoshoot with him. He does good work but he is putting a blemish on his work working with those two.
This is so great that the agency and John Wood are being busted for their scam. John did not "just arrive from LA" - he has been here for a number of years. In addition, beware other non-descript CL postings. For example, I responded to an add that said The Four Seasons Hotel was looking for models for approx. $3500 per shooting day. I thought, great...I'll respond and see what happens. Who should call me today, but John Wood, looking to set up a "private casting" with me tonight. Uh NOPE! Be careful, it looks like John is not spreading out and trying a whole new host of scams. I assume that his new scam is having you come down for a casting call, then telling you he can't submit you for the job unless you get comp cards. Here is a heads up for everyone....the acting industry does NOT use comp cards as the standard! Modeling, yes....Acting, NO! Headshots are still the industry standard for film and television, no matter what John tells you. Ask anyone legit in the industry and they will confirm that.
Wow here it is over a year later and I was just approached by "John" from Cinderella agency in Manchester NH. Guess who he referred me to? You guessed it, Richard Bertone. The same song and dance. It is $795. Thank you guys for posting, because I would have done it.
I agree you all are crazy! Modeling and acting is never easy to get into and like any other business venture it takes time and investment. Open your eyes and think for a second. Why should a company invest in you when they are unsure if you are going to stick to what they give you or ask you to do? You have to show some desire to want to succeed for them to want to try!
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