Consumer Complaints and Comments about John Casablancas
I just wanted to inform other parents of the experience that my daughter and I had recently at the John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center in Timonium, Maryland.
My daughther, who is only 29 months old, was "interviewed" by Nancy Hellyer, the Director, back on August 20, 2005. I gave them some photos to look at and Ms. Hellyer agreed to contact me the next day and let me know if they were interested.
She informed me that I would never pay any money directly to John Casablancas, but I would be required to pay 50% of the cost for a professional photo shoot and 50% of any other costs related to any jobs she got.
Ms. Hellyer called the next day (8/21) and informed me that they wanted to sign my daughter as a client; she felt strongly they could get her work. She was going to set up an appointment with one of their photographers and my cost would be $375.
I was scheduled to come into the Center the next day to sign a contract. I called back the next day and LM for Ms. Hellyer as I had done some research (thanks to your website) and made several phone calls to 5 other modeling agencies in the US (2 in NY, 1 in MO, 1 in GA & 1 in CA) and was informed that professional head shots and comp cards were unnecessary for a child of this age.
After leaving two messages she finally returned my call four days later. Her whole attitude changed when I told her that I was not going to pay $375 for the photo shoot when the information that I had received indicated that it wasn't necessary.
She of course disagreed with me. Now, she was not as interested in signing my girl.
She would need to see some more pictures first, snap shots, not professional pictures, as they were staged (and comp cards and head shots aren't)!
She could give me no reason why JC required head shots and comp cards for a child this age other than to say they were the number one modeling agency in the world.
She was also unable to give me any guidance on what type of picture they were looking for, just that she would know it when she saw it.
We discussed the photographer one more time and finally agreed to use one of her photographers as long as my cost was no more than $75. She agreed to call the next day.
Well, several messages later, and I didn't hear back from her for a week (8/30). Now, she had talked with other people in the industry and they said my daugher didn't need prof. head shots or comp cards, that I should submit snapshots by that Saturday.
I overnighted the pictures on 9/2, called to let them know they were on the way, called that Saturday (9/3) to find out if they were received, got a message from someone in the office saying she was sure they got there, but I wasn't able to confirm they were received until that Tuesday (9/6).
I then left three or four more messages between that week and the next and at least one more message on her cell and have never heard back since.
The whole experience screamed "[. . .]"! All of a sudden, my daughter was not as valuable to them when I refused to shell out $375.
I would strongly caution any parent considering signing a contract with John Casablanca to think twice, as their practices were anything but professional.
Parent
January 13, 2003
To Whom It May Concern:
For purposes of this letter I will refer to myself as RH. I would like to make some things clear about John Casablanca's (JC). If the modeling world were a family JC would be the family member who has a different "the greatest business opportunity" for you everytime you see him.
About six months ago I attended an open call session with Manhattan Modeling Search. These people were totally up front and honest. They did not claim to be anything other than a scouting service and made know that they did not hire for jobs, rather scouted for other agencies.
They also made know that in order to attend their regional show where you would meet their clients, their would be a cost. No biggie, at least they were honest and truthful, kudos to Manhattan Modeling Search!
Now that was my only encounter ever with anything to do with modeling, ever.
So three months down the road I get a call from a guy at John Casablancas in the EASTON Town Square in Columbus Ohio. He said, "Yeah, company X referred you to us so I would like to set up an appointment with you and discuss some things, remember to bring a photo of yourself."
First of all, company X was not Manhattan Modeling, so I knew that was a lie, because Manhattan was the only other company that I had ever dealt with.
Second of all, I knew that JC had never seen me before, because one, they wanted me to bring a picture, two, I never worked as a model or had ever been photographed.
So this guy is not starting off on my good side at all; I didn't say it, but I knew the only reason they were calling me is because JC had bought my name off a mailing list somewhere, so at best this was a waste of time.
Still, I had my doubts as to how much of a farce JC was. So I decided to do some extensive research and cross referencing. I found much more negative material than good about JC.
Now, I'll admit, the gentlemen on the phone never made any promises to me; however, in most of the complaints I read about JC, said that they really didn't let "the cat out of the bag" until you where in the office.
I am a more seasoned professional model now, and I have some recommendations for future hopefuls:
1) Before the "agent" can speak the first word, immediately say, "Please inform me of any and all costs I will accrue before my first modeling job with your company." If any, ask why they are asking for money up front if they are so confident in you?
Sounds to me like they are trying to take out an insurance policy to cover their ace. Frankly, you don't want an agent that doesn't think he can't make you money without spending yours.
2) If you are from the younger crowd, let's say, 13-17, possibly younger, let your parent(s) go to the first meeting alone without you! Why? Agents can be sharks, believe it or not, they will try and play a parents guilt by getting their child's hopes up and rubbing it in your parents' face.
Going in together the first time makes this all the more easier for the agent to do. Your mom and dad will be objective and bias towards your interests which is a very good thing.
If it is just the parent and agent on the first meeting, more times than not the agent mystically drops the smoke and mirror act and is more honest versus being able to manipulate the mind of an impressionable teenager. Trust me, this rule is a "must follow".
3) Do research on every modeling company you deal with until the cows come home. If you can afford it, hire a private attorney to research and review all the technical; if you choose to do it yourself, research it, read it, re-read it and then start all over again.
I cannot stress this enough. Too many times I have seen models promised riches only to see them go to their agents only because they "didn't read that part of the contract."
If you apply these rules and some common sense, you can have a rewarding career in the modeling business, I hope I have been of some help!
RH
February 22, 2003
To Whom It May Concern about John Casablancas model schools:
I got a letter today from this so-called "center." I read it, well, I read both of the letters that I got. They were the same one, but these people being as stupid as they are thought that there were two of me.
Well, I wanted to check out the meeting that they were going to have this next weekend (March 1st) to see how there running this stupid thing. I mean I just wanted to see it, I've already have been a victim of a scam before when I was in fifth grade (and it sucked).
Well, anyways, I thought that you wanted to know some information on this place, like their address or the phone number to contact them for the "reservation" on this fiasco, I mean to say this wonderful event.
If you want more information on where there holding this it's going to be at the Hilton in Mission Valley in San Diego, California at 3:00 P.M. The number to book your wonderful reservation for this event is (619) 299-7200.
Oh, and they are focusing on acting now in this letter that I have in front of me. Also, the address for this place where they sent out this letter is 1011 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92108.
I just thought that you would want this information seeing that your website has lots of stuff on this company. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
"Kitty"
May 31, 2003
To Whom It May Concern re John Casablancas model agency:
I WANTED TO KNOW IS THIS COMPANY IS LEGIT. THEY ASK FOR MONEY FOR CLASS IN DOWNERS GROVE. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY GOT MY DAUGHTER'S NAME AND ADDRESS. THE ONLY WAY I FIGURE IS WHEN WE WENT TO THAT HIGHLY PUBLICIZED MODELING PLACE IN MATTSEON.
THEY WANT YOU TO PAY $400 UP FRONT AND THEN $200 TO $300 A MONTH. BEFORE YOU GET A JOB YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR HEAD SHOTS AND MAKEUP CLASS; IF YOU DON'T PAY AND YOU SIGN A CONTRACT AND THEY PUT IT ON YOUR CREDIT.
Concerned Consumer
June 27, 2003
To Whom It May Concern re John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center:
I am wondering if I am being scammed by my modeling agency John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. I have worked with them for around three years now and I have paid $1,500 for schooling, and about $1,000 for pictures.
So far they have only sent me on 3 jobs in my three years being with them. I call in every Friday like requested to get my jobs but they never have any for me. Is this a scam or are they for real?
Thank you for your time,
KD
January 7, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
These folks want $1,300 per child, for two children, to put them in “modeling school.” Should I run and hide from this mess?
AO
January 12, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
Is this school a scam?
FI
January 13, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
A lady walked up to my 12-year-old daughter in the mall and ask her if she would be interested in face modeling and gave her a card to fill out.
They called and scheduled photos and an audition, and said there was a fee. Is this a real chance at acting or a money scam? Please answer ASAP as she is to go tonight.
Thanks,
SW
January 18, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
ANY information on this John Casablancas modelling company would be beneficial. They are asking for at least $1,600 up front for classes, instruction in makeup etc. I feel this is a major scam to lure young girls into false dreams of "modeling."
Thank you for your time.
JM
January 29, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
I read the article on you website. My stepdaughter recently went to John Casablanca. The said they were interested in her and wanted her to take classes in the amount of $1,700. They are every Sat. for 11 weeks.
We didn't sign a contract but gave them a credit card over the phone. That was on Wed. I should have checked into it before, but it happened kind of quick. What are the chances of her ever doing any modeling?
Is this just a waste of time and money? I haven't been able to find much information other than your website. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Since it was put and a bank credit card I think I could stop the payment. It probably hasn't even gone through yet.
Thanks,
RF
February 4, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
I went to John Casablanca modeling school in 1995 and I completed the school. I worked and my mom paid a lot of money which I had to work and pay back. The thing that bothered me was that I heard about this on television being advertised in my home town in North Carolina. I wanted to do this for a long time. I was 5'8 1/2 and about 120 lbs at the time.
Well, on the advertisement they said it was free of charge during the evaluations. But when you made the cuts then you was told about the $200.00 deposit. So thinking this was going to get me somewhere my mom agreed.
I traveled every other Saturday 62 miles to go to this school. As I went through this school I felt like if this is a top modeling agent why is there no critics to let you know where you stand and what you need to work on?
The photo shoots I felt where not done professionally. I received a makeup kit which it was not used a lot. I had Comp cards made by the company but what really set me off is that the administration office that was located in the school told me that agents would call and let them know what they are looking for, and JC would look through their files to see if they had a match that fits their description.
I feel like it was a money scam and they should be a shamed of making young males and females have hopeless dreams through them.
DP
March 25, 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
I ATTENDED JOHN CASABLANCA MODELING SCHOOL AND WAS PROMISED THE WORLD. I GRADUATED FROM THE SCHOOL AND WAS GIVEN A CONTRACT FOR ELITE MODELING AGENCY (AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS).
I SIGNED THE CONTRACT UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT I WAS NOW BEING REPRESENTED BY ELITE MODEL AGENCY; JOHN CASABLANCA TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN A WEEK TO TWO WEEKS FOR MY ASSIGNMENT.
I NEVER GOT A PHONE CALL. I LEFT MESSAGES AFTER MESSAGES. I NEVER GOT A RETURN CALL BACK. I WASTED $2,800 ON NOTHING... THIS IS NOT FAIR FOR ME OR ANY ONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS TO BE TAKEN
ADVANTAGE OF LIKE THIS.
FH