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Sutherland models, ModelWork, Toronto

Sutherland models, ModelWork, Toronto review: Scam 76

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7:31 pm EDT
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Sutherland models is a scam a ripoff. No matter what they say to you! 90 % of their models get nothing. Some of their models get jobs there and the rest just get a piece of paper for around $ 1200 - $ 2500. They lie to you, everyone is accepted, if you have more than one family member who auditioned, one of them WILL get accepted, unless you are wealthy, which they determine by your occupation on the initial application you fill to 'audition.' If they know you can pay for both children, they will squeeze everything out of you.

I am a victim and everyday I regret loosing my money for nothing. They don't even train you properly, they make you sit in a small room with a bunch of chairs along side the wall and talk. There are people who have been in the school for years and are still there today. Sutherland models is just for rich people who just want their small children to have a hobby, they will NOT get any where with this company! I learned the hard way, and I promise if you join this company you will see the same or even worst than me. First you have to pay for training and then again pay to become a model with their modeling division Model work.

The only thing they want is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! I want to prevent what happened to me from happening to any other young girl. Sutherland crushed my hopes dreams and spirit and them took my money. I do not recommend Sutherland models at all. There are other means of getting training and getting in the show business. Please beware!

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76 comments
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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 14, 2010 9:14 pm EDT

P.S DallasMarie, Sutherland as an international agency IS NOT a scam. They send their models overseas, trust me I just had a friend get back from Asia and Europe. However the people on Modelwork are separated from the real models, why? BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO POTENTIAL. I hate to sound mean but unless you are Devon Aoki or Kate Moss, if you're under 5'7'' then chances are you won't be a model. If you have acne, braces, etc are not uniquely ugly or traditionally pretty you will not be a model. Those are the facts. Just compare the models on Sutherland and those on Modelwork... it's embarrassing. I would not be caught dead on that joke of a website. Google both "agencies" and you'll see the difference.

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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 14, 2010 9:09 pm EDT

Anti-Sutherland I know what you mean. It is humiliating what they do. I looked on the modelwork website and maybe one girl looks like she could be a model. The girls were all plain, had braces and some even had really bad perms or hair extensions. To be in a class with those people is not only humiliating to you (since you say you have more of the "look") but also to them. These girls are deluded into thinking they can be models which is wrong. Sutherland would be a more stand up agency if they were just honest and told these girls they never can be models. Yes that's cruel but what's crueler, telling a five foot acne scarred girl that she should do something different with her life or making her believe she's a potential model? When Sutherland told me to take the classes, I considered it to be an insult. If they believed I could make them money, they wouldn't waste my time. "Dontknowwhattodo", think logically. If you were the next Gisele Bundchen, would Sutherland tell you to take the classes? No. They would not want to risk you getting frustrated or not having the money which would result in you getting picked up by Elite, Ford and Next. I'm with an agent right now who signed me no questions asked because she thinks I can make her money. It's free for my agent to send me on auditions and go sees, I have to pay for my transportation to get there. The result is that if I book the job then she makes money off of me. So really my agent is going to try to push me as much as possible to I can line her pockets.

Think of yourself as an independent contractor, the agency works for you. They push you. If they don't push you then they get no money. How motivated is an agency to push you if you've already given them $1000 with zero effort on their part! They're just going to push the classes on the next unsuspecting "wannabe" so they can keep their gravy train going. In the meantime you're forgotten about on the back burner. I don't know what you look like so I can't tell you if you have the look. But head over to Elmer Olsen or Ford and they'll be brutally honest. They told my friend (who Sutherland tried to sell classes to) that she needed to lose 5 pounds and come back. THAT'S how a modeling agency should deal with you. The fashion industry is cruel and won't hold your hand. They will belittle you and berate you right in front of your face, and no "classes" can teach you that.

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dontknowwhattodo
Toronto, CA
Apr 13, 2010 5:54 pm EDT

can you get your money back or are you ###ed

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dontknowwhattodo
Toronto, CA
Apr 13, 2010 11:31 am EDT

wow this insane. im currently in the class and have put 400 into it, now i dont know whether to run or just finish up paying.. i def dont have the money to throw away either and in the end dont need these classes as ive been modeling for over 6 years on my own and never had to pay a dime ... wtf should i do

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DallasMarie
Innisfil, CA
Apr 13, 2010 8:34 am EDT

I have an interview with Sutherland this week, and when I talked to the woman on the phone she was very, very nice and she even asked why I wasn't in school when she called... too me that sounds like the company is at least aware that above all a teenager still needs to get their schooling, and i'd say that's a plus because all of the other agencies I went too for interviews didn't even bother to ask me if I was in school, or how far I was along.
Also, if Sutherland models is a "scam" than why would they host a show- "Canadas Next Top Model", and have the winner of that show ..get a contract with sutherland ?
Thus, not a scam.

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Steve7
Hacienda Heights, US
Apr 12, 2010 9:47 pm EDT

I think any modeling agency can ask for a training fee to hone your skills. They can also put up a program that they can train you for free but you can not take up any offers outside their company or else you pay them a large amount of money. This will be a win win situation. If you don't want to get tied up with the modeling agency then just pay the training fee upfront.

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Becabee.again
Toronto, CA
Apr 12, 2010 10:37 am EDT

p.s I only signed 2 days ago, chill.

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Becabee.again
Toronto, CA
Apr 12, 2010 10:32 am EDT

Hey Girls, I'm not defending Sutherland, I'm defending my experience and how it's much differnt than certain comment that generalze the collective experience of class atendees. I honestly enjoyed the classes SO much, I wouldn't take back the decision to attend for the world, I loved my teacher her name was Susan Hart, why don't you look her up, If anything I'm defending her. I am willing to let you all know if I get work to help ohers decide if it is right for them, util then, please concern yourself, with yourself.

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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 10, 2010 9:57 pm EDT

beccabee133, the way you're defending Sutherland, one would think you're scoring editorials and ad campaigns right and left. But I guess not as you said: " I am staying positive that I will get work and if I don't, the contract is ONLY for a year". So you're defending a company whose expensive classes haven't resulted in work? Just admit you got scammed and be through with it.

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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 10, 2010 9:15 pm EDT

"Anti-Sutherland" I think you forgot to mention that only a very small amount of their models get consistent work. Today I was at a rehearsal with a girl (who is with Sutherland) and she said that she almost never gets sent on any bookings and has no relationship with her booking agent whatsoever. I totally believe you "anti-sutherland" and I really wish we could stop people from investing money (in a recession no less) into this shoddy business practice. Also I'm a bit apprehensive about "Ann Sutherland". It seems to me that a successful, busy businesswoman wouldn't have time to personally respond to each negative posting... or she would have a PR team to take care of that. Another thing you made a good point "Anti-Sutherland", if they have such a reputable company, why are they so concerned about doing "trivial" damage control? Because this website unfortunately won't do much to discourage girls from taking their classes. Someone from the company will reassure them that they are making the right decision. Unfortunately that's the truth of this. People just have to learn from themselves. I just wish Sutherland would just be honest with the girls who come into their agency. I wish they would tell them they have no shot in the modeling industry. Today I read an article about Gisele Bundchen and supposedly some woman told her she'll never be on the cover of a magazine because her nose was too big and her features were too small. Someone saw Gisele, liked her features and the rest is history.

Bottom line if an agency, photographer, etc. really want you then they will work with you. Lara Stone was dismissed as being too fat but a photographer started working with her. Sutherland would be a "stand up" agency if they adopted the mantra of Ford. The fashion industry has strict guidelines to be a model. According to them you need to be tall, slender and have nice hair and teeth. There are exceptions but aspiring models should think of themselves as the RULE not exception. The point of my argument is that telling some 5'5'' 125 lb girl she can potentially make it is not only misleading but just plain rude. What they do is a mind trick, they make you feel like you are different. Kudos to Sutherland, they are some pretty good salespeople. They could sell Hurricane insurance to Calgary.

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beccabee1333
Toronto, CA
Apr 08, 2010 6:38 pm EDT

I didn't take the time to read any of this because, why waste more time? For anyone else reading this who is confused, check back within a few months for some real information about what it's like to be a part of modelworks.

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beccabee1333
Toronto, CA
Apr 08, 2010 1:08 pm EDT

Wow.. I don't know wether to laugh, or .. to laugh. I have every right to post my experiences, You (anti-sutherland) are obviously quite bitter. The points are few, You contradict yourself by stating "facts" like costs and your "friends" experience and then when someone like me calls you out on it you change your mind on a whim "oh i ment 988 not 1400" & "oops pardon me I ment under a year" Even if that is true, your "friend" obviously has no talent if she bombed every audition, and if she had no auditions all year than good thing her contract is almost up right? And according to you, I am working for sutherland and writing Fake testimonlials, that's pathetically paranoied you realize that right? Futhermore you're probably no Tyra Banks or Cindy Crawford sweetie so I'd get over that one if I were you. Anyways MY teacher spent the first 2 hours of the first class telling us about her experience working in many different areas of the industry and was quick to answer any questions we had about ANYthing. I guess you had a bad teacher but that doesn't obviously speak for ALL the teachers or ALL the classes, as my experience was quite the oppisit. My last piece of advice is for you to go out and get a job instead of writing complaint essays about an agency YOU DIDN"T HAVE THE COURAGE TO EVEN JOIN you copped out and you know nothing of the world of modelworks because you have no personal experience. I looked up sutherland models on google out of curiosity months ago and that's when I left my first comment on here, and as I said before my last comment will state wether or not I get work.

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beccabee133
toronto, CA
Apr 07, 2010 10:29 pm EDT

Oh my this is crazyness. I Finished the classes at Sutherland and was VERY IMPRESSED with the quality of the course, My teacher was an Industry professional and a mentor and taught me things I don't think I could have learned anywhere else (I was in the acting for film & television though) I am supposed to sign with modelwork this week and MY contract said for us not to call in to see if we have any oppertunities, because they will call us, it also states that the're responsibilities as our agency is to send our packages out and look for opprtunities that we would be right for. I am worried that I may do the wrong thing like anyone else but it doesn't help when there are flat out lies on this board. The photoshoot IS included, I paid 695 and have yet to pay another 180 for my photo and the admin fee.. That equals $875 NOT 1300 or 1500 or whatever RIDICULOUS amount earlier comments stated. I am staying positive that I will get work and if I don't, the contract is ONLY for a year so whoever said that girl was with modelwork for "over a year" and didn't book one job, they obvi wouldn't sign her back so either you're lieing or she is. Anyways wether i get work or not i will let you all know and we can all Sleep at night!

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ann sutherland
Toronto, CA
Apr 07, 2010 2:20 pm EDT

Dear Veraa,

It is obvious that taking our course is causing you a lot of financial and emotional stress. That is certainly not what is intended to do. Any course, whether it is art classes, hockey classes, music classes cost money and should give you a satisfied feeling that you have been taught by professionals and will gain some valuable experience. At the end of your course, there are no guarantees of working as a model, but we do endeavor to make that hope a possibility. Many of our models work well in both the student and international divisions, and they are more than satisfied with our representation. Having said that, the industry, like many others, have suffered somewhat during this recession, and in fact have caused some very reputable agencies in Toronto to close namely Ford Kids and Giovanni Toronto. And this may not be the end of the cycle yet.

The negative voices on this site are not speaking for the majority of our students and models, so you are getting a very tainted viewpoint. That’s not to say that the other student was not happy with the process, as that is obvious. I once ate at the famous Susur restaurant and had a terrible experience…and yet I was the minority, as Susur Lee is one of the most renowned chefs in North America. But my experience was my experience and no one can change that. Having said that, my office is open to anyone who is not happy to come in and discuss your issues for a mutual resolution.

Once in a while we will get a student like you who needs reassurance or will need to drop out as the pressure financially and emotionally will never make your experience with us fruitful. And for that reason I would recommend that you ask us for a refund and regroup your thoughts and ambitions. Taking our course will not guarantee you to model, but nor will taking hockey lessons guarantee you the NHL…but on that metaphor, there are many who are satisfied with house league, AA or AAA hockey and do not resent the training they took to get there.

I stand by the quality and level of our teachers though and will endeavor to find out how such a perception could have been made. We are always available to go over your photos from your photo shoot and direction on set from a photographer varies widely in the industry and sometimes you have to roll with it.

Just the same, as I read some of the comments, I am pro-active on making sure that the students are 100% satisfied, and even the comments of 15 minute breaks may be a general feeling that we were not aware of, and will need to improve upon. And I make this promise that it will be reviewed immediately and changed if that is the consensus of the classes. Further, if our representative at the front desk was rude, improvements will be made.

Sincerely
Ann Sutherland
President
Sutherland Models Inc.

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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 07, 2010 12:34 pm EDT

Another thing I seriously believe that if gullible young girls STOP taking their classes then Sutherland will have no choice but to discontinue their ridiculous practice. Really if you don't believe me or think I'm "bitter" because they didn't choose me, just look at hard cold statistics. Supermodels like Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen. "Anti-supermodel" Kate Moss was discovered in an airport when she was about 14. She had the look so Sarah Doukas (founder of Storm model management) worked with her. None of these women took classes and look at how famous they are. Of course Sutherland is going to say that their classes are worth something, they want to sell them. So for every antagonist posting which threatens their bread and butter, they are going to counter act your argument, trust me I'm in PR I know something about spin. It's all about manipulation. Really I would listen to all these girls who have actually gone through the classes and say they're useless. Then look at all their successful models.

Also ask questions. When I went in for an interview, my interviewer could only name about 7 (emphasizing one girl only) models who went through the classes and are successful. From what I understand there are more than 7 people who went through the classes. Ask them WHAT PERCENTAGE of people who went through the classes are booking jobs on a regular basis.

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NoelNoir
, CA
Apr 07, 2010 12:25 pm EDT

I'm writing about three separate experiences with Sutherland. Last year, my friend started talking about getting into modeling and I thought "Maybe I'll try again and see if I have what it takes." I am slim, have a unique look but unfortunately lack the height that'll get me signed at the top agencies (and lack the luck of Devon Aoki and Kate Moss). Just for the hell of it I sent my pictures to a few places and only got a response from Sutherland. I went in for an interview and I admit I was tempted to pay for the classes. Sutherland's reputation in the modeling industry cannot be disputed. They have names in their roster... but in their other division. What I don't like about Sutherland is they make you feel special and like you have so much potential but you just need to be "refined". Ladies remember this, modeling is mostly "on the job training". Those are not my words but my friend who is a fashion photographer. So classes are a waste of time. What's more is that if Sutherland truly believes you have potential, they will sign you no strings attached. Myself and my friend were sold these bogus classes while an acquaintance of mine who is Eastern European, 5'10'' and super slim was signed "no questions asked". Talk about adding insult onto injury. So bottom line if Sutherland believes you have what it takes, they will sign you. I just think it's unfortunate that they are telling girls who clearly have no chance in hell booking jobs that they will have a chance if they take these classes. Don't do it. My acquaintance is booking runway shows and editorials all over the world. My friend and I? We're not with the agency because we refused to take the classes and the agency clearly didn't think we would make them money. I don't fault Sutherland for not accepting models who do not have potential, I fault them for giving girls false hope who clearly will never succeed in this industry.

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ambert
Toronto, CA
Apr 06, 2010 9:51 pm EDT

my daughter wrote her experience and then I wrote mine-as a parent. You have anger issues.

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ambert
Toronto, CA
Apr 06, 2010 7:45 pm EDT

My daughter recently finished the model training at Sutherland Models and I am a happy mother. At our initial interview we were told that this course was for self develpoment reasons for her (she needed it!) and I was very happy with her progress. Some girls (teens or women) take this course...not to be models but just to feel good about themselves and learn a few things. My daughter met a few great girls in the classes and had a very enlightening experience. Our whole family see's a difference in her. Thank you Sutherlands.

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ambert
Toronto, CA
Apr 06, 2010 7:42 pm EDT

i liked the training. i learnd alot and disagree with the above. everyones intitled to their opinion but if ur not a super-model u have to start somewhere...i like sutherland models and cant wait to join mdel works.

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modelindistress
Bracebridge, CA
Apr 02, 2010 10:29 pm EDT

This is crazy... it seems some people have it good there and other's are treated like dirt...It blows my mind

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NoGmo
Toronto, CA
Mar 23, 2010 9:42 pm EDT

We agree that Sutherland is just banking on their "good reputation". Meanwhile, here is our experience:

Kamera Kids has the most unprofessional and rudest agents in the industry. Our child who was a client with Kamera Kids for 2 years was "X'd" from their roster because we as parents voiced our concerns with their agent, RHONDA CROFT. After many photo shoots and money earned by our child and Kamera Kids, there were always procedural issues. Every 2 months Kamera Kids required us to send them updated measurements and 10 current pictures. After only being a client for 2 months and sending the required updates Rhonda rudely responded via telephone saying "I get 100 e-mails and 10 of them are from you, we only require 5 current photos!" As shocked as we were merely following her guidelines for the next year we only sent 5 pictures along with updated measurements. At 18 months old we walked into their office and renewed our child's membership. The receptionist advised us that children at the age of 2 do not get many calls which we understood and everything was fine. About 2 weeks ago we sent Rhonda 5 current pictures along with measurements of our child and yet again to our dismay we get another rude phone call with even more attitude saying "you clog up my e-mail with your e-mails, I only want the one best picture along with measurements, so I deleted all your e-mails!" It just so happens that on that same day we were on our way to their office to renew our child's memebership again. When we arrived we were greeted by Rhonda who was shocked to see us and told us that we did not have an appointment. We said to her the previous year we did the exact same thing that we are doing now by coming to the office to renew our child's membership. She went on to say that things are different now and we don't accept 2 year olds. Again we understood that they do not accept new 2 year olds but our child was an existing client with them. We asked her why there was such an issue with the 5 pictures when we were just following her instructions and even brought up the initial incident of the 10 pictures. She then got all flustered and became even more rude and unprofessional and said "I get 75 e-mails a day, I don't have time to open up all your e-mails" and told us to go find another agency.

We left the office very upset and confused. About one week later we e-mailed the President & CEO of Kamera Kids which is a division of Sutherland Models, Ann Sutherland to express our concerns and we have been waiting for a reply from her ever since.

It seems as though the agents change their minds depending on what mood they are in on that day, and it's us as the client who suffers.

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Jamoeba
Brampton, CA
Jan 26, 2010 12:48 pm EST

Hi !

There is truth to be found in all the comments found here. Yes, Sutherland is a well know and definitely has 70+ female, and 50+ male models signed with them...this stat is indicated on their website.

Also true is that there may very well be some benefit to attending their classes, but also true is that one does not have to spend that amount of $$$$.

What one's expectations are having enrolled and completed a course is also a consideration to keep in mind.

Truth also is that if an agency determines that you may be a benefit to them, they should, and often do sign you on without any charge!

As a photgrapher for 35+ years, I have seen many a aspiring model in front of my camera, all with big dreams of making it big in the modelling industry. They often
come back for more takes, as no agencies have taken them on, nor have they had any work, or if they had some work, the time they had to date put forth, and the rewards in financial terms often proved dismal. So their thought was that maybe more shots for their portfolio would improve their chances. It can of course, but I harken back to what I said earlier, and that is if an agency believes you have a potential to be marketed, they will sign you up for FREE!

If you are convinced that you are modelling material, do check out other agencies for their opinions. Do watch out for scams. Do ask for references. Check for complaints in your area's Better Business Bureau.

Sutherland is good, but keep in mind that they have graduated since their doors
opened many an aspiring model, and yet have only a few on the books?
Find out why! Ask them how many students they've graduated, and how many they've represented since they became an agency! I suspect a good number, but how about world class models... very few in the grand scheme of things I suspect.

My daughter is beautiful, tall and slim to boot, but as for becoming a model, which of course her mother thinks she could be, well my experience says, "it ain't going to happen"

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AAreV
Gravenhurst, CA
Jan 25, 2010 9:33 pm EST

This is deffinitly not making things any easier for me. I posted a comment 5 days ago under the name "Veraa". My mom thinks it's a scam and is worried, wich is making me worried. After I read all the comments on this page the first time, i couldn't help but think bad things. It's not cheap, and i live two hours away from Toronto, so there's gonna be alot of driving soon.

sh5- Why do you think it's a scam other than not landing anything afterwards? I'm just curious as to what happened after the classes. Did they not try to find you work?

BeccaBee- Glad you found some info, that deff makes me feel a bit better, thanks.
-"Veraa

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sh5
Whitby, CA
Jan 24, 2010 6:07 pm EST

I have been 2 this agency, and I say it WAS a scam. Though i learned some things from their trainning, i did not land anything and so did many of my friends from there.

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BeccaBee
Toronto, CA
Jan 24, 2010 1:42 pm EST

Here to comment again - I am taking these classes right now and plan on calling the AMIH tomorrow to clear up some things and it will hopefully clear things up for everyone.

I have found out that according to the Entertainment Code of Ethics a talent agent cannot advertise to the general public, provide Classes or Photo services (or require you to use said services) and they will not sign an under-trained model or actor.
I generally feel that I will benefit from these classes and will work hard to land jobs and be successful. I hope it is possible, they are after all Canada's top agency.

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Beccabeee
Toronto, CA
Jan 16, 2010 10:16 pm EST

I am taking Sutherland classes right now, I am by NO means rich, I am ethnic looking and am utterly confused. I felt bad about paying money but don't belive it's a scam. I hope I am doing the right thing but I guess i won't know until I have started working for them. Any advice? Should I be looking for another agency in the mean time?

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model4life
Toronto, CA
Jan 12, 2010 5:45 pm EST

As a model and former participant in the Sutherland ModelWorks program I can verify that it is not a scam.
After going through the program I was then approached by agents in Sutherland to persue a real career.
In the interview before my entry I was given advice on whether it would or would not be worth investing in. True though it is that the girls in the program are not necessarily typical model material, every girl still has the opportunity to acquire the skills. it is only after that they move from learning to being avaliable for cattle calls is their potential measured.
Steph, perhaps you should save your slanders for places that really are scams, as opposed to a reputable angecy that represents models internationally.

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soosoo
Toronto, CA
Dec 16, 2009 4:16 pm EST

If you do not like this company, is there one that you might suggest?

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soosoo
Toronto, CA
Dec 16, 2009 4:05 pm EST

If you do not think this is a good company, are there any that you would suggest?

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soosoo
Toronto, CA
Dec 16, 2009 4:04 pm EST

If you say this one is no good, is there anywhere you might suggest?

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Dee71
, CA
Nov 23, 2009 11:11 pm EST

I am CONSTANTLY told that a model should NEVER HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING! The agent / agency gets paid when the model books work, that is how they make their money back. Forking over a thousand dollars for classes is ridiculous. I do admit, most girls do need training, but it should not have to cost you a thousand dollars...again, the agent should make the money back when the model books jobs.

I have gotten more work independently than through an agent. All you need is the right marketing tools, and guess what; IT DIDN'T COST ME A DIME! I was in Clin D'oeil magazine, Today's Bride many fashions shows, and tv shows and movies. I did this on my own, not with an agent. Again, some businesses prefer dealing with an agent, but it's not necessary. If you can find someone who will represent you FREE then these people believe in you.

Many modelling agencies do just want the money. They can argue otherwise, but it's true; it's only a selected few that they focus on. The rest just sit on the agency website or wall to make them look good and "busy". I have been with modelling agencies since i was barely a pre-teen (i'm now an adult) and I quit because I was tired of giving money and not getting anything in return. I paid over 15, 000 in attending conventions, over 5, 000 in pictures that were "needed" when all they really care about are polaroids, and another several grand on classes (which taught the same thing over and over again). I don't know how many times i've been told by strangers that I look like a model, should be a model, etc, but I just couldn't seem to book a job when I had an agent. If you're rich and / or ethnic, you're a shoe in. But if you're anything else, sorry guys it's not going to happen.

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Jules90
Richmond Hill, CA
Oct 19, 2009 8:03 pm EDT

I absolutely agree with Steph, I think the only reason why this company is highly reputable is because some of their models do make a lot of money and have travelled all over the world but at the same time it is wrong to make people with no potential think that after taking these classes they will be magically transformed into highly paying models. One of the agents told me that I look amazing and that I will be making millions one day with my looks and then after she handed me a paper outlining how much it will cost me to achieve my goals. Tyra Banks, is a highly paying model, and the host of America’s Next Top Model, always said that if an agency sees a potential in you they will never ask you to pay them any amount of money. She said this on one of the episodes on national television! Why would an agency make someone go out of their ways to pay them $1000 if they knew that this girl/guy has the potential to make their company money? Once a model is represented by a company that company gets a certain percentage of the model’s earnings, which is what keeps the company reputable and ultimately earns them money to run the company itself. Any modelling agency who asks for money during the interview process is contradicting itself and demonstrating the fact that they are scamming you to make the extra cash and to make you think that you will become a model for a fee. How ridiculous does that sound – “You can be a model if you pay us $$$$”. I know a few models and none of them paid any money to become one, I’ve read interviews with models that specifically said that when they first started their agency covered all the initial fees and they gave the money back once they started working which is what every company should do. Stop stealing money from poor people with dreams! Offer them a job as one of your agents or a receptionist, at least you’re being honest about them not having a potential. You should be ashamed of yourselves!

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sutherlandsutherland
, US
Jun 19, 2009 9:02 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Ann Sutherland may be genuine, but the fact that I have taken this course and seen the ugliest, shortest, fattest, untalented girls worked through the $997 program doesn't show me that Sutherland's school is 100% non-ripoff worthy. There are girls that are definitely not going anywhere in any talent or look-related career.

It appears that while Sutherland Models is a highly reputable agency, that they are using their reputation to profit themselves a little too much. There are new girls in classes being pumped out of that place CONSTANTLY. It is unbelievable to think that the agency is truly interested in each one.

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ann sutherland
Toronto, CA
Jan 19, 2017 1:01 pm EST

Hi,
Just a note to say that we loved having students of all shapes and sizes! So be kind.

I am happy to say that to this day I meet past students who have said that we played an important part in their lives and their self-esteem. That is something I will forever be proud of. That is what the classes were designed to do….

Having said this, times have changes and there are a lot of modeling lessons to be learned from Youtube and other places on the internet. So because of this, we no longer offer classes. BUT if you are interested in applying to our amazing agency, please go to our website and apply. The internet has also offered us the ability to cast a wider net to scout!

Sincerely
Ann Sutherland
President

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ann sutherland
Toronto, CA
Apr 28, 2009 9:47 am EDT

Dear Stephanie,

I am sorry that you are disappointed with our program. However it is unfortunate that you have chosen express your frustration through an anonymous forum such as this one and others, as you are misinformed and slandering our company with false accusations.

The cost of the Sutherland Models training program is $997. Further, it has been at this price range for over 20 years.

Both our agency and our school have great reputations. Many of our clients, including magazine editors, send their children to us…in fact the majority of our enrollment comes from referrals. So we must be doing something right.

What we are doing right is providing professional instructors in the areas of modeling, photography, makeup, self-defense and others to our students.

What we are also doing right is running one of North America’s best modeling agencies, as well as a student division that has been the springboard for countless careers. Notably at this time we are proud of our latest star Addison (see www.sutherlandmodels.com/addison ).

My personal experience of taking a modeling course when I was a teen was truly wonderful and was invaluable as a building block to my self-confidence and self esteem. I wish that this had been your experience too.

I extend an open invitation to you to meet with me at your convenience to discuss this further.

Sincerely
Ann Sutherland
President
Sutherland Models Inc.
[protected]

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ann sutherland
Toronto, CA
Jan 19, 2017 1:11 pm EST

Update! the post above is from 2009 The world has changed...we no longer offer training as we have found that classes in makeup, runway, wardrobe and photography among others, are now at everyone’s disposal on youtube, with some really, really great videos and tutorials out there!

The internet has also been amazing for our business to scout new models and promote them both nationally and internationally.

So if you are interested in applying to our agency, feel free to go to the "apply" section on our website,
All the best!
Ann Sutherland
President

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