New York Model Contract (NYMC)
Visions Showcase
Complaints / Queries
To Whom It May Concern:
I am responding in regards to the issue of New
York Model Contracts (NYMC).
First of all I want to make a quick point. The NYMC convention is
the free open call seminar where they interview prospective
models, and the NYMC showcase is
the seminar where the models actually meet the agents
hoping to get signed.
As far as NYMC is concerned, I want to break my comments
into two points: 1) whether NYMC is a scam, and, 2) if
NYMC is charging too much for their services.
A scam is defined as a company which deals in fraudulent
activity; however, there is nothing fraudulent about
NYMC. They told us everything upfront. I am an aspiring
model/actress, and I have gone to their "convention" where
I was selected, and then I listened to what the spokeswoman
was saying.
The key is to keep a level head when these spokespeople
come up, and not get your head so wrapped up in stardom
that you are not listening.
Do I think NYMC is a scam? No, because like I said,
they told us everything up front in the convention, and
then we had seven days after that to do any type of research
we wanted to do on the company before applying.
I was able to check out their models' references through
top model agencies and from what LA Models has told me,
they checked out okay. LA Models do go to their showcases
when possible, and they have received new talent through
them.
I also emailed Elite, Ford, The Lyons Group, Next, Wilhelmina,
Karin, Company, and Page Parkes, but they have not responded
yet.
I have received an email back from the consultant of
Page Parkes regarding NYMC, and she told me to call her.
However, I was not able to get through to her today due
to inclement weather (their offices were closed due to
floods).
I will check back with her on Monday and give you the
details. I am still awaiting all of their responses without
making a long distance call, but if I have to call, I
will.
If someone chooses not to hear something they said at
the convention, then when something bad happens they
swear up and down the company is a scam, but that is
the person's fault for not paying attention.
An example is the testimony of one lady on the web who
declared they were a scam. Apparently, she did not listen
at the convention, because there were some faults in
her message.
- After I paid $575 upfront to attend the seminar in
Dallas on December 1st and 2nd, I began hearing things
from other girls who had attended prior seminars. Nothing
that is promised by these people will happen.
So what did these people say? NYMC did not promise me
anything. NYMC simply stated that they choose "potential" models
from the crowd at these conventions, and then they go
on to the showcase where all those they chose in the
region will present themselves and their photos to the
agents.
They also have model consultants that help you, workshops,
and a party you can attend. That is all NYMC promises
to do —nothing more —nothing less.
They do not promise that they will sign anyone: that
is up to the model agents who sit at the tables at these
showcases.
NYMC just lays down the setting for the agents to see
you instead of you driving all over the country to these
agencies' open calls.
So just because one is chosen, and pays $575, and goes
to all of the workshops, you may come out a winner, or
you may come out a loser.
Knowing the risk she went in and took the risk and came
out a loser. But it is not a total loss, either, because
in their pamphlet they state that even if you are not
signed by an agent, you are then worked with through
their development division where they work with you.
It is nothing to get disgruntled about. She should take
what she learned from the experience and apply that to
her career. If she thinks $575 is bad to lose, just wait
until she starts taking photos and making comp cards.
On those alone she will spend hundreds just trying to
find jobs and/or an agency on her own, and an agent may
not even open her envelope!
- A cousin of mine who now works for a modeling agency
pointed out some things to me. "Why should we
have to pay the cost of the hotel for the agents? They
have business expenses that will cover that?" We
were told that the $575 was to cover the cost of flying
the agents to Texas and putting them up in the hotel.
I think it covers the costs of much more than that.
She failed to mention, like I mentioned before, the $575
does not just go to the convention; it also goes towards
your training. You get a consultant to help you, and
tons of education on the modeling business. However,
it still would be a good idea to see what parts of the
$575 go where.
- What we attended in Houston and thought was an open
call, was really a scam. The real call is in Houston
where the agents will be. There are already about five
to six girls who will be there and are already models.
They are there as part of the scam to make it appear
as though they have gotten what is called a 'Call Back.'
Anyone who bothers to show up is only spending extra
money on a hotel and food.
This lady is confusing me now. I think she has the convention (free
open call) confused with the showcase (where
the agents will be).
When I went to the convention, there were also those
who were already models. They were simply locals in the
area who had gone to modeling school, or had been working
on their portfolios independently.
They had their own portfolios ready to give the scout,
and they looked very professional; however, they were
not part of a scam. They were just regular local people
like me who were already modeling, but just needed an
agent.
Modeling is work, not an open invitation. They had experience
modeling, they were serious about it, and they came to
the convention, just like I had, and displayed in their
portfolio previous work they had done.
And what is she talking about when she speaks about
a "call back"? There are only two seminars:
the open call convention and the showcase seminar. And
they only do call backs after the showcase seminar in
which if anyone received a call back, SHE would not have
seen them nor even known about it.
This woman is not sounding consistent. And as far as
her last comment about the hotel and food, sad to say,
that is part of the business. No pain, no gain. Not only
models go through that, but also Broadway actors.
- Also, my daughter is a minor, yet they are charging
me $100 to attend this thing with her. Is that right?
I don't think so!
I do agree with her statement on this; however, just
because they charge it does not mean it is a scam. Even
the top young models have their parents with them on
calls for free.
- I called and requested a refund. They refused!
What does she want a refund for? She attended the showcase
and used their services. In her long message she did
not once say that anything unsatisfactory happened at
the showcase, so I also don't think she deserves a refund.
Besides, like I said, it is written clearly on the application: "NO
REFUNDS. TRANSFERABLE TO ANOTHER EVENT ONLY."
-
- They have no intention of doing anything to further
your career.
EXACTLY! YOU have to further your modeling career. All
they can do is give you the tools, but modeling is work,
and it is up to YOU, the model, to make it what you want.
It is not just a hand out because you are pretty. Models
are artists who take their work seriously, and you still
have to WORK to get what you want. This lady is expecting
NYMC and anybody else to wave a magic wand and, poof,
you are on the cover of Mademoiselle.
Sorry, but it does not happen that way, contrary to
what people believe. There is no quick fixer. And even
if one does make it as a model, they still have to work
harder, because they can be easily replaced. Pretty faces
come a dime a dozen.
Modeling is like college: teachers can blab all they
want, but if you sit on your butt and do nothing, expecting
for it to drop in your lap, and not do your homework,
well, you are going to have a short career, if any.
- I guess there is always a way to work around the
law.
Wow, what law did they break?
Now comes the second issue: the $575.
This is something to be researched; however, you have
to look at all they are giving you. They give you a consultant,
educational workshops, speakers, ballrooms, finger food,
private parties, time, etc.
Believe me, this is not all for free. I bet the $575
also incorporates the convention which is supposed to
be free. How else are they going to pay the spokespeople?
Is it a fair price? I don't know. One would have to
call and ask NYMC.
If you ask me, it does seem like a small price for all
the things they offer. And besides, they informed us
that the $575 is tax deductible, so you really aren't
losing much.
Also you have to look at the price if you try to do
what they are doing on your own. It would probably cost
3-4 times as much for one model to skip town to go to
the agencies herself, spending gas; driving back and
forth across the country; hotels; outfits; and scheduling
appointments with the agents.
A model could mail her photos, but the agent will want
to meet a prospective employee, just like any other employer
would. So, either way, you still have to go to the agent.
Instead, NYMC brings them all to you. Not to mention
she would have to invest in her own comp cards to be
mailed, and photo shoots, getting dozens and dozens of
copies of her comp cards and photo shoots. In the long
run, the amount spent will be well into the thousands.
So, yes, after thinking about all of that, $575 sounds
worth it, even if you don't get signed.
Who knows, a new style might come later, and they call
several months later, so all is not lost. At least you
were seen and the agencies know you are out there.
Reading the info here from NYMC, even if you are not
chosen, they still keep your information available to
the agents for later.
Who knows, the model they chose might not have been
able to take the heat, and dropped out, and you are next
on their list?
Like any other career including acting, there are risks.
We artists take them all the time. Some you win; some
you lose.
And to add, it is about five months from the time the
open call convention is held to the showcase seminar.
During those five months, NYMC gives you training and
photo shoots, so that you can present yourself professionally
to the agents.
So you have a whole five months to prepare. All that
is included in the $575.
When I used to play in the orchestra, it was the same
way. We had months to prepare for performances to make
sure we were perfect at showtime.
As for me, I just went to the open call convention last
night and I have seven days to pay the $575.
I started researching them as soon as I got back from
the convention. I am still checking them out, though,
because I still have questions for them.
After I am done checking out a few things about them,
I will then decide if I want to pay the $575.
To me it is worth it, because I really don't have the
method of traveling all over the country to get my comp
cards out, and meeting with agents at open calls.
But I am still going to think about it. On Saturday
they are having another free seminar during which they
are going to talk to us, so I will probably go to that,
too.
They DO have financial services, so that you can make
payment arrangements. They do not ask us for the $575
upfront like that lady depicted it. She CHOSE to pay
the amount in full on her own accord.
I have been to model conventions before which turned
out to be scams, but I have never been scammed, because
I research before I put my money into anything.
I was a finalist with Manhattan Model Search. I think
I remember someone on this site saying that MMS took
thousands from her and left her with nothing.
Which is odd, because I was selected as a finalist,
but the fee was only $80; so I don't know if she was
exaggerating the truth, or if I remembered it incorrectly,
or what, or if they seriously raised their rates.
I don't think MMS is a scam either, just a big gamble.
Because when I got there, I was very disappointed to
find out that I was model #1,111!
There had to have been 2,000-3,000 girls there, so my
odds were about zero. But I used it as a stepping stone.
I was intrigued by the NYMC open call, because there
were many people attending it at the beginning, but by
the time they finished doing the cuts, the room was almost
empty. To me that was a good sign that they are looking
for real talent, and not just trying to make $575 off
everyone.
Manhattan Model Search was only $80, so I really did
not care.
However, there is one company that is a scam that you
might want to put on your site which is OTG, formerly
known as EM.
They are a crock of lies. They are being investigated
in three states, have 33 complaints on the BBB site,
and have been labeled as an unsatisfactory merchant by
the BBB.
OTG basically provides a place where models can put
their portfolios and pics online; however, any model
who knows modeling knows that agents do not just sign
on models from the net, because digital pictures can
be made to look however they want them to appear.
Top modeling agencies do not look at those; or only
the lowly ones who probably have bad contracts.
Sorry this was so long, but it is not a short subject.
I just hope I cleared some things up for some people.
Modeling is what one makes it; although companies like
NYMC can get your foot in the door, one still has to
WORK!
N.G.
Reply:
- The NYMC convention is
the free open call seminar where they interview prospective
models, and the NYMC showcase is
the seminar where the models actually meet the agents
hoping to get signed.
Most modeling conventions are preceded by a free open
call. The free open call is called a free open call,
not a convention. The seminars, showcase of faces, and
meeting with agents is called a convention.
- A scam is defined as a company which deals in fraudulent
activity; however, there is nothing fraudulent about
NYMC. They told us everything upfront.
You might want to qualify that statement because you
said you are still investigating. For example, "I
have seen nothing fraudulent."
Were they upfront about the NYMC success rate? In their
presentation did they tell you their success rate? Is
their success rate in their brochure? Is it on their
website? Is it in the BBB record?
Are they upfront about everything? Does NYMC ask agents
who are going to attend their "showcase" to
screen the faces of aspiring models BEFORE the showcase
using the same approach as they normally do (Polaroids)?
- Do I think NYMC is a scam? No, because like I said,
they told us everything up front in the convention,
and then we had seven days after that to do any type
of research we wanted to do on the company before applying.
Again, like I said, was NYMC up front about their success
rate? Did they tell you their success rate? Did you ask
them? Are they upfront with agencies by sending Polaroids
BEFORE the showcase?
- NYMC simply stated that they choose "potential" models
from the crowd at these conventions, and then they
go on to the showcase where all those they chose in
the region will present themselves and their photos
to the agents.
Does NYMC present their photos to the agents BEFORE
the showcase? If not, why the hell not?
- They do not promise that they will sign anyone: that
is up to the model agents who sit at the tables at
these showcases.
Making promises would probably prove they were a scam,
but the ever-popular no-promises disclaimer fails to
prove a company is not a scam.
- NYMC just lays down the setting for the agents to
see you instead of you driving all over the country
to these agencies' open calls.
You do not have to "drive all over the country." You
do not have to attend open calls at modeling agencies.
You can send Polaroids. The agencies ASK for Polaroids;
they DO review them. Models ARE signed after they first
sent pictures to agencies in New York. Did they make
a mistake by not driving "all over the country"?
- Knowing the risk she went in and took the risk and
came out a loser. But it is not a total loss, either,
because in their pamphlet they state that even if you
are not signed by an agent, you are then worked with
through their development division where they work
with you.
What?
- You get a consultant to help you, and tons of education
on the modeling business.
Buy a book, or if you want "tons of education on
the modeling business," buy several books.
- Now comes the second issue: the $575.... Is it a
fair price? I don't know.... you have to look at the
price if you try to do what they are doing on your
own. It would probably cost 3-4 times as much for one
model to skip town to go to the agencies herself, spending
gas; driving back and forth across the country; hotels;
outfits; and scheduling appointments with the agents.
Wrong. This sounds like a repeat of the convention sales
pitch. Again, you do NOT have to do any of that. The
conventions want you to think you do otherwise you would
say, "To hell with them!" and deal directly
with the agencies and send your pictures.
You do NOT have to "skip town." You do NOT
have to go to the agencies yourself. You do not have
to spend money on gas. You do NOT have to go back and
forth across the country. You do NOT have to stay at
hotels. You do NOT have to buy new outfits. You do NOT
have to schedule any appointments with agents UNTIL they
have seen your Polaroids.
- A model could mail her photos, but the agent will
want to meet a prospective employee, just like any
other employer would. So, either way, you still have
to go to the agent.
This is not right. Models are not employees; they are
independent. Also, agents will not want to meet prospective
models unless and until they have seen pictures. It is
a waste of their time and the prospective model's time.
- Instead, NYMC brings them all to you. Not to mention
she would have to invest in her own comp cards to be
mailed, and photo shoots, getting dozens and dozens
of copies of her comp cards and photo shoots. In the
long run, the amount spent will be well into the thousands.
No. An aspiring model does NOT have to invest in comp
cards. NY agencies do not want comp cards. Next Model
Management's president, for example, said they want Polaroids.
They do not require, they do not prefer, and they don't
even want professional photos. They don't want the prospective
model to wear makeup. They want the Polaroids because
they show the real person, and no makeup for the same
reason: they want to see the real you.
The amount spent on Polaroids and postage stamps will
NOT be "well into the thousands."
- And to add, it is about five months from the time
the open call convention is held to the showcase seminar.
In that amount of time, NYMC gives you training and
photo shoots so that you can present yourself professionally
to the agents. So you have a whole five months to prepare.
The $575 is included in that, too.
Five months is plenty of time for the agents who are
invited to NYMC to SCREEN THE ASPIRING MODELS
USING PHOTOGRAPHS.
Why are they giving you training and photo shoots when
the modeling agencies want simple pictures or Polaroids
which were not taken by professionals? What is wrong
with this picture?
- As for me, I just went to the open call convention
last night and I have seven days to pay the $575. I
started researching them as soon as I got back from
the convention. I am still checking them out, though,
because I still have questions for them.
Please ask them about two fundamental issues: 1) success
rate, and, 2) agency screening.
- After I am done checking out a few things about them,
I will then decide if I want to pay the $575. To me
it is worth it, because I really don't have the method
of traveling all over the country to get my comp cards
out, and meeting with agents at open calls.
You do NOT have to travel "all over the country." You
do NOT need to get comp cards out. You do not even need
comp cards to get started.
- I was intrigued by the NYMC open call because there
were many people there at the beginning, but by the
time they finished doing the cuts, the room was almost
empty. To me that was a good sign that they are looking
for real talent, and not just trying to make $575 off
everyone.
All well and good IF their success rate is extremely
high. If they weed out a lot of people but STILL have
an extremely high failure rate, there is a big problem.
The bottom line is not how many people they weed out;
it is how many people get signed. What percentage is
it?
- There is one company that is a scam that you might
want to put on your site which is OTG, formerly known
as EM. They are a crock of lies. They are being investigated
in three states, have 33 complaints on the BBB site,
and have been labeled as an unsatisfactory merchant
by the BBB.
Which states? And where are the 33 complaints? I was
only aware of the unsatisfactory rating.
- OTG basically provides a place where models can put
their portfolios and pics online; however, any model
who knows modeling knows that agents do not just sign
on models from the net, because digital pictures can
be made to look however they want them to appear.
This is why agencies like Next want Polaroids. The president
said they prefer Polaroids over comp cards or professional
pictures because they show all the flaws.
- Top modeling agencies do not look at those; or only
the lowly ones who probably have bad contracts.
Most likely bad contracts, little work, or only promotional
work, which some people feel isn't really modeling.
One final question that nobody has answered but it must
be worth asking. New York Model Contract apparently is
not based in New York. And in fact it is nowhere near
New York. Why? How does NOT being based in New York give
NYMC a stronger position and greater ability to get an
aspiring model a New York model contract?
You brought up some very good points and I will definitely
call and ask them what their success rate is.
I think the problem is that NYMC *DOES* do what it says
it can do; however, the issue is like you said, what
are your odds in getting signed? High? Or like MMS,
next to nothing?
And while there is a five-month gap in between, you
had an excellent point about how they could spend
that five months actually doing something FOR you for
free.
I had not thought about that, which is why it is a good
thing that boards like this exist to exchange ideas and
give input. Two heads are better than one.
But still, NYMC does what it promises; it's just that
people go there expecting them to do more than they say
they can and get nothing, and then when they don't get
anything, they are ready to whine, and say that got scammed,
when it was actually their own fault in assuming that
these people can so something more than they can do for
themselves.
Maybe I tooted my horn too soon, but I just hate it
when people whine about things because they invested
in something they should have checked out first. It
is like buying a used car without test-driving it first.
But like I said I am still looking into it. I have written
down your questions and I am going to give them a ring.
Thanks again,
N.G.
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