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We signed a contract with Carolyn's Model & Talent Agency last year for my daughter. Basically we paid for pictures from their photographer. The pictures were horrible not even worth a $ 100 but we paid around $ 600. A similar thing happened with a friend of mine she paid the same amount for her daughter and some more money for the cosmetic products she was told to but for her daughter which supposedly you can only buy from Carolyn's.
We were promised that her pictures would be submitted to big companies but we never got a call for almost 3 months. I called the office one day to ask them what was going on they told me her pictures were submitted but the clients did not select your daughter. After a few days I got a call from them that she has an audition, we were very happy but the audition turned out to be a small gig for a promotional company where she was suppose to serve drinks. My daughter did that job and worked very hard at the job but at the end was not paid the amount she was promised. I had to call and email them 3 times just to get her paid!
The other casting we got was a non-paying job and those were the only two calls we have received from them till date. It has been almost 12 months and we have heard nothing from them. Now we just gave up on them but we have a very sour taste in my mouth - very sleazy people. I would like to know that other people won't be taken advantage of this way. I'm chalking the experience up to - you live, you learn - but I would like to do what I can to assure they don't make money in this dishonest way.
They don't do anything to really get jobs for their models! Just another SCAM AGENCY.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Very true. Someone I know had a similar Experience.
My daughter has done extremely well. I am so glad i went to carolyns. She landed a lead role in a tv series. i can't thank them enought for all the hard work, it is really appreciated. I am surprised anyone would be disappointed, but i guess not everybody will do well, it is like anything in life. It is all about timing and getting selected by clients. this agency came highly recommended with great recommendations from many clients. I am very happy. it seems like people are always looking for something to complain about.
I would not empathize on “it seems like people are always looking for something to complain about”. It’s a fact, someone’s experience. We are both Psychotherapists and had our baby now toddler enrolled with this agency for three years and paid extra for an annual USA fee and it was mandatory. We felt this would be good for our son, help build a sense of self. He is very handsome young boy who’s very mannerly. Fact is to be known, our son did not get anything from Caroline’s Talent Agency, not one job. So of course we are disappointed. We believed in them and they did not deliver. We lost money in doing so. Time and energy spent updating his file. This is our story. The pick of draw i guess. Some are fortunate and happy and some do not benefit at all. So, we do not recommend Caroline’s Talent Agency simply due to our three year experience. So people please be aware that your kids may or may not get in. Thanks
Hey... this person (Lauren) is clearly p*ssed off and didn't do any homework. Stop bashing this company! There is nothing fraud about her company! I used to pay the models and talent so I know that it can take anywhere from 3-6 months sometimes longer to be paid. They pay you the moment they get the money. You don't know anything about the industry so stop blaming them for your ignorance!
Anyone who reads this article, this individual is going on any site she can to bash this company. Please do your research first before screaming scam! Carolyn is a wonderful individual, has done tons of charity work, a 3 time survivor of breast cancer and genuinely cares about her models and talent. You should be sued for slander! Stop posting BS! And btw... just incase you try to blame them, I don't work at the agency. Do your research, retract your comments and you'll see what happens when you ACTUALLY get scammed! Professional actors pay easily $600-1, 200 for headshots ONLY (in black and white) directly from a professional photographer. You got an amazing discount!
/URL removed/
I cannot believe the ignorance of this Lauren woman who wrote her complaint.
My daughter has been with Carolyn's since 2004. When we registered her, we were intelligent enough to do our research beforehand and were well aware that there were no guarantees. It took thirteen months for my daughter to get her first audition, and she did not get the job. It was almost another year before she got her first job, a small role as background in a film. Since then, she has continued to go to auditions, but the frequency varies...sometimes she will go to four or five auditions in a week, and other times, there might not be anything for months at a time. This year, so far, she has gone on fifty-three auditions and has come away with four jobs. This is just the nature of the business, and we knew that coming in to it.
A talent agent CANNOT get you work...all they can do is submit your photos to the casting agent, who then decide who they want to see. Often, the final decision is not even made by the casting agent, but rather, by the clients themselves. I am sick and tired of hearing people complain that their agents aren't getting them any work. If a client wants to see you/your child, then they will ask to do so. Obviously, Lauren's daugther did not fit the criteria for the job breakdowns that were coming through, plain and simple.
I consider Carolyn to be one of the most respectable and upstanding people that I have ever met. Her integrity and committment to her business and her models is admirable. Perhaps Lauren should do some research before she decides to slander good people on a public website. If she did, she would find out that her daughter's experience was pretty much the norm for the modeling business.
Jodi Cross
P.S. I have seen hundreds of photographs done by Carolyns, and they are all top notch. Perhaps Lauren' s daugther is just not that photogenic.
Listen, "Lauren" isn't that far from the truth. Anybody who knows anything about the "industry" knows that reputable agencies do not accept ANY moneys from their talent. The only money a real agency collects is commission. Anytime you walk into an agency and they start talking about registration fees, selling photographs, courses, and oh how convenient - it all happens to be done in the same office as the agency? RUN, RUN FAR AND FAST!
Bottom line is REAL agencies make money off the jobs their models/actors book, no more/no less. And anyone who tries to tell you different either just plain doesn't know what they're talking about, or is trying to scam you into paying a "registration fee", sell you courses and pictures, ... separate you from your money. SCAM ALERT!
When I went in for an Interview I was highly impressed until they mentioned money.
I have studied the industry for two decades and I know for one thing, a Talent agencies job is to open the door for their clients. Giving out pictures to interesting parties which make the casting producer to either contact the Agencies client for any future job.
I also know that when an actor gets paid, they have to go to their agent to pick it up and give their agent their commission.
I read what they gave me, $700 for the photo shoot and 5 to 6 hundred for a workshop which is a hefty prize and I thought to my self this doesn't seem right.
Yes they are nice people and I'm sure they can open doors, though it's the actors job to show up at the audition half an hour early.
In the 1990's I nearly signed up with another agency, though I wish I did now. They weren't charging Fees for photo shoots or for anything else which I liked, at the time I wasn't driving a car.
My whole point is it goes two ways, an actor who doesn't pay the agency should be barred for five years. And an agency that demands their client to pay up front fees or swindle them for low prizes, should be reported right away.
I never worked in this industry here in canada " i am portuguese / canadian" but when i lived in Portugal for 2 years i had and amazing experience working as background and a few times i had lines too. :) was an amazing experience.
Good agencies there don t charge you a penny not even for photos. it s funny how things are so different from one place to the other. i would love to continue and do background, commercials ...
but i don t know ho wto start there are so many agencies out there. when i called carolyn s agency they told me they they were busy and will call me back . they did 2 days later. it s ok i understand they must be busy. so 2 days later this lady calls and i ask her info if there is any registration fees... she told me she can t give me that over the phone. she told me that they have a lot of background work now. ?
she said that it depends on the job and on me... i asked her for background... she said it s between 120-800$ she was kind of rushing into giving me an appoitment. i don t know about thi sagency too. i would love to belive there are genuine. :( i would love to find background work for series movies, commercials... but this industry is so hard specialy here in canada i find. i wish i live in nyc or la maybe it would be easier. :(
oups maybe we are not talking about the same agency. :(
The Carolyn's Kids that I have investigated (2 minutes from my desktop) shows this:
http://www.carolynskids.com/
On their web page, at the bottom, they list two of their addresses: one in Mississauga, Ontario and one in Toronto, Ontario.
I went to Google Earth (Street View) and looked up two addresses and viewed each location. Perhaps the Carolyn's Kids other people are talking about is a different company, but these are the places that the website lists.
I live in Toronto and I know these two places. They are cheap dumps, not quite an international modeling agency I'd want my dog shown in.
The previous comment is ridiculous and highlights the fact that the writer knows nothing of the industry. Plain and simple seems to be the norm across the board. The Mississauga office of Carolyns is located in a business complex and the office itself is very classy and well kept. I have not been to the Toronto office but I find it hard to believe it is a "dump". Most of the Toronto modeling agencies are in small, nondescript areas...Sutherland Models/Kamera Kids is in an old building on Spadina that is nothing to look at, Rockys Kidz is in a strip mall, and many other of the big agencies are in similar locations. The models don't work out of the agencies, so there is no need for them to be big, ostentatious buildings. In fact, even the majority of casting agents are in areas that are less than attractive...usually in old buildings in Toronto that do not have elevators and very simple furniture...usually just wooden benches or plastic chairs. I think there is a general public impression that it is a very glamorous industry where everybody walks around in marble buildings wearing thousand dollar suits, and that is the furthest thing from the truth!
With regard to photographs, I have NEVER met another model who was not charged for their pictures. In fact, the photograph session at Carolyns seems to have been one of the cheaper ones as most of the other agencies do not provide hair and makeup artists to work on you before the pictures are shot. When we attended a convention last year I attended a session for parents and there wasn't a single person there who had received their pictures for free. Let's be realistic, people...nobody works for free! It is asinine to assume that an agency would provide photographs au gratis. The photographer still has to be paid! As for the courses, yes they are offered but are not mandatory. In fact, in the six years we've been clients of Carolyn's my daughter has only taken one course there and it was at our request.
I'm really getting tired of listening to what sounds like sour grapes. My daughter has been with Carolyns for the last six years and has been in commercials, feature films, t.v. series, miniseries, a movie of the week, internet ads, and print modeling. She earned more than $28, 000 for one commercial alone. She has made enough money to pay for four years of post-secondary education and continues to audition and book jobs; just last week she did a photo shoot for a major childrens' clothing line. I am realistic enough to know that it could all end tomorrow, as the industry is based on the current "look" that casting agents are going for, but if it does the last thing I would do is blame her agents. It is a fickle industry and there's no room for people who have egos that bruise easily!
I know nothing about the industry. I have never been inside these offices. But I know Toronto and Mississauga. Allow my to correct myself: the area these offices are in are dumps, not the offices themselves. I was just sharing how one can see these areas by using Google Earth and not having to travel there to see just how dumpy the areas are. The picture below from Google Earth shows one of the "International" offices.
I currently have my kids with a very well known and reputable agency in Toronto. Collectively my children have booked 3 lead roles in Feature Films, 4 principal roles on Canadian television series'; 22 commercials, in addition to radio and voice over work. I have had friends whose children were not accepted into the same agency as my kids are with join Carolyn's. I can say that some of these children are very shy (no doubt the reason that our agent did not accept them). In my experience the difference between the more reputable agents and Carolyns are:
-the fact that clients are submitted for very low paying print jobs ($50 per hour) and extra work (most reputable agents do not adhere to the "Jack of All Trades" point of view)
-professional photos are required and children are wearing makeup in photos - our agent does not require more than a good snapshot of the child until they are earning enough to pay for headshots from an independent photographer that is NOT affiliated with the agency (the photographer we went to provided personalized headshots, with 3 retouched final 8x10s and 50 prints for $350) - agents are not supposed to make money off pictures, Commission only
- in house courses are recommended for children - again, our agent, as well as several directors that I have worked with have often maintained that they do not like trained child actors.
- they will accept just about any child - what does that say about their reputation in the film industry? Casting directors rely on certain "top" agents for a reason, they know that the actors being represented have been carefully screened, nobody in this industry likes to waste their time in auditioning kids that can't do the job?
If a child is more suited to background work and catalogue modelling, then this agency would be fine, this is not an agency that will likely get your child seen by top casting directors or for lead roles (with the odd exception that I know of). I do know of quite a few actors that have had success at Carolyn's switched to more reputable agencies after the had built up resumes. Again, there are a few of Carolyn's kids actors that have been successful but I can say that one is much more likely to be considered for the bigger/better roles with another agency. Personally, I don't have the time for my children to do small print jobs and extra work. I would not say that Carolyn's is a scam but, for the average parent, it is a very expensive way to see your child in a couple of flyers.
Okay so how do you find a reputable agency?
As for charging for pictures, did any of you even ask if you could get them done with another photographer? In the industry pictures are very important, so I knew I would need them, didn't like the price tag so asked if I could use my own photographer. The answer, "of course, just bring the prints in". Sometimes it is important to ask the right questions before assuming it is a scam.
ok sheesh i just signed up my daughter and they took about $350 registration fee.. didn't need professional photos for her since she's younger then 9 months.. now i'm worried.. since it was just yesterday, I'm wondering if I Could cancel the contract - isn't there a 10 day cooling off period in Ontario?
My child is with a top agency-but you normally you cannot get into them until you have done your "time"-which means acting classes(and no not the classes run by your local community). Also, getting into these agencies are usually on a referral basis only. Also, top agencies DO NOT charge any up font fees-I agree-RUN when you hear that they charge fees!
I agree totally with the people who state that Carolyns Modelling Agency is a scam. Any reputable agent will not charge up front fees or advertise in local newspapers. I could supply you with a list of complaints but I think they have all been said before. I just want to advise anyone to keep their child away from this place and as for the CMTC convention that is a total rip off!
Carolyns Modelling Agency is a scam! End of story. No agency should ask you for money of any sorts. People do your research! And anyone who comes here and says that there child made '$28, 000"... has to be a recognizable face. SO WHO IS THIS CHILD? Whats his or her name? What commercials have they been on? WHAT YOU CAN'T ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
THEY CAN'T ANSWER BECAUSE: they are ppl who work for CMTC and they are just trying to hold up what is left of there reputation. If a child represented by CMTC was making thousands then you would see there name attached to this semi-famous kid. BUT THERE ARE NONE. THEY ARE SCAM!
SO GET OVER IT... AND TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE ###S!
MORO TALENT MANAGEMENT IS A SCAM! SCAMMERS!
I'm very lucky to have not been fooled but I feel like they must have thought I was stupid... cuz when I googled them the most people of have posted of having stolen from them was 1500 or 2000. THEY ASKED ME FOR $2995.99!
I'm an aspiring actress but unfortunately as a minority I was finding difficulty finding representation/agent and so one day I was approached by this women in the EATON Centre and gave me a business card.
I called her and asked her questions about the agency and then made an appointment to see her. However I did not feel safe so I brought my cousin (a really big guy) with me and asked him to wait outside in his car.
Once I was there the a guy took me to his office and asked me a bunch of question and then asked me to pretend I was in a Iphone commercial and sell the phone. So I did... I sat down and he said... "that wasn't bad, you need work but I would give you 8 of 10. I think you have really interesting look going for you."
then he pulls out a contract and says that he would like to sign me and shows me a breakdown of things I have to pay for. the total came to $2995.99 and explained that it is a lot of money but I can pay them monthly. I wasn't sure what to make of all this so I had a gut feeling I shouldn't sign anything without doing any research.
I told him I need to think about it and that I will call him after the weekend (I was there on thursday). THIS IS WHERE THINGS GOT SERIOUS... his tone of voice changed and started telling me that I'm not serious about being actress and that as a company they are doing me a favor because they just don't take anybody off the streets!
I kept telling him that I can't sign anything right now but I will contact him and his final reply was "THIS OFFER MAY NOT BE ON THE TABLE WHEN YOU'RE READY..."
I called my cousin with my cell phone and left it on so he can hear what was going on... My cousin came in the building and starting asking the receptionist where I was... when I heard his voice outside the door... I got up and walked out of the office. My cousin knew when I called and didn't say anything... something was wrong. I was terrified and shook up by the meeting.
The things he wanted me to pay for was headshots, editing, demo reel, acting classes, make up artist, hair stylist and other stuff. The one thing that cost more then everything else was the "ADMINISTRATION FEE" and it was 699.99! I googled them and found people online who were saying the same thing.
If you see a posting saying Moro Talent and Management is NOT scam... it is there office posting those notices online... look at the author... it is Sakina a head hunter for Moro!
I'm appalled that people like this exist and scam people of there money. What I've learned from this experience is that a LEGIT agency will NOT ASK FOR MONEY. Your agent makes money when you do... they get commission when you a book a job.
I finally found a an agent... I've booked work and working hard at my craft.
I advise anyone who has encountered a SCAM AGENCY to post it online and help out fellow actors/actresses/models/artists from being scammed!
MORO TALENT IS A SCAM AND THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!
It's Funny how everyone who seems to be hating on the industry doesn't actually have any correct real information
"3.[protected]" wow I'm surprised you even have an education ... Facts are Streetsville (located in Mississauga) is not considered a dump its the soul of Mississauga bread and honey a Festival just happened last week I guess Festivals happen in dumps makes complete sense.. also in regards to location you should never judge a book by it cover.. Your area in Toronto where you live I'm Sure looks like a disgusting mess it's Toronto it can be dirty and sometimes there are people begging for money outside you door I guess that means you live in a dump and you live like a pig.. Yuck
"Sarah" Agencys can not at any time control the amount of jobs you get Ever! Its not a choice made by the Agent to get you a job, if you read your contract correctly they all state there is no guarantee your child will get work.. Agencies get paid on a commission basis.. so it makes total sense that they accept models and yet never get them jobs that means the agent get $0.. wow you're also really smart when it comes to common sense and math.. did you know they have been in business for over 25 years Having been in business that long also with the awards they have received the amounts of time they have been in the paper and on tv because there excellent customer service, good rates and prices, compassion, understanding and the fact that they have the experience of 25 years.. As A person with a brain and the understanding of how the industry works I totally get why sometimes I dont get jobs I Might Not Be What The CLIENT is looking for.. nothing to do with the Agency.. but what do I know I've been a model for 15 years and have usage of my brain..
"Sherri Anne" Ok so lets get everything For free because thats how the real world is.. Sorry jump back to reality.. Do you know what the agency fees pay for? do you know how much photographers cost? Dog You know how much prints cost? Do you comprehend that you need professional photos done in order to actually get a job? in the process of paying an agency there is a break down of all costs which they gladly show you. You have no idea how the industry works at all .. FREE Really?!?! Wow normally when you hear the word free it means crap.. You Say "Anytime you walk into an agency and they start talking about registration fees, selling photographs, courses, and oh how convenient - it all happens to be done in the same office as the agency? RUN, RUN FAR AND FAST!" You can actually get your shoot and photos taken and printed else where they just have to be tasteful and what the clients require. Yes Conveniences are a lovely thing But if you dont want to do it there you can open your mouth and say no.. you have the capability to speak and ask questions .. Just like to mention that you will always have to pay and it is important to do research on agencies passed history is important years in business etc.
"todd89" News Flash Things Cost Money.. A free photo shoot sounds really scary to me.. If An agency gives you a break down of all the cost to register thats good news
- comp card prints and includes reprints ***unlimited
- Photo shoot with two looks
-casting workbook **agency pays for
-Agency admin fee ** once a year After 5 years no admin fee
It also depends if you want to be a model or in acting
so costs may vary
"kidsasactors" I see that you really dont know anything about Carolyn's they have a blog and it clearly states every success story that has happened and yes children and adults do get "real Acting Jobs" as you put it and "Real Modeling Jobs" lol but I guess since you haven't been represented by them you wouldn't know nor have you looked at the blog or reviewed facebook to know anything ..
I'm Quoting you
"-the fact that clients are submitted for very low paying print jobs ($50 per hour) and extra work (most reputable agents do not adhere to the "Jack of All Trades" point of view)"
****Fact is that print jobs vary in pay out so each job is different also if the print get shown many times the talent is also paid for that as well
"-professional photos are required and children are wearing makeup in photos - our agent does not require more than a good snapshot of the child until they are earning enough to pay for headshots from an independent photographer that is NOT affiliated with the agency (the photographer we went to provided personalized headshots, with 3 retouched final 8x10s and 50 prints for $350) - agents are not supposed to make money off pictures, Commission only"
****Fact having 5 Professional photos for a comp card or 2 Professional photos for 8x10's is required.. Snapshots Are Not Professional Clients will Choose Professional Shots of talent over Snapshots. Also You can choose your own photographer not affiliated with the agency which is what I have done in the past. All comp card shots are retouched and when you pay for registration all comp card prints are paid for as many as you need. Agents dont make money off the prints Commission only is correct but photoshop does cost money it can take hours to touch up photos.. whoever does the photoshop must get paid.. unless you think where you work you shouldnt be paid either ?!?!
"- in house courses are recommended for children - again, our agent, as well as several directors that I have worked with have often maintained that they do not like trained child actors."
****In house courses are RECOMMENDED NOT REQUIRED and im sorry You've have been mislead but courses help not only build understanding how the business works and builds confidence and help teach children to express emotion more clearly.. These classes help the child or adult with everything also having that on your resume is a HUGE Bonus !
"- they will accept just about any child - what does that say about their reputation in the film industry? Casting directors rely on certain "top" agents for a reason, they know that the actors being represented have been carefully screened, nobody in this industry likes to waste their time in auditioning kids that can't do the job?"
**** Yes you must know every single person who goes in there to be able to confirm this assumption but you really dont so you've mislead yourself.. I was able to sign only one of my children up and the suggested that I should wait awhile before thinking about signing up my second child she's shy and a little too Serious which make sense.. If the child or adult does not fit with the industry and what clients require why would an agent sign them up you said it before that they get commission only so... by the person signing up the agents make no money just like the talent ... Its funny that you have done no research on the Company Someone who has is aware of all awards Carolyn's has received the many time on tv and the web and blogs facebook... I can go on ... One Of The Top agency's in GTA look it up.
" gallopgirl"
Quoting you
"My child is with a top agency-but you normally you cannot get into them until you have done your "time"-which means acting classes(and no not the classes run by your local community). Also, getting into these agencies are usually on a referral basis only. Also, top agencies DO NOT charge any up font fees-I agree-RUN when you hear that they charge fees!"
****Acting classes are never required maybe were you are at this "top" agency the might of scammed you.. Hey Let demand everything is free because if we look at real life everything is free right?!? Newsflash your an idiot
I suggest everyone run if you can think for yourself and understand how this industry works and all the ins and outs Do your research on every agency if and agency can suggest other agency's for you that better fit you and they suggest them to you that shows that they are not OUT TO GET YOU..
"robinsonC"
Quoting you
"I agree totally with the people who state that Carolyns Modelling Agency is a scam. Any reputable agent will not charge up front fees or advertise in local newspapers. I could supply you with a list of complaints but I think they have all been said before. I just want to advise anyone to keep their child away from this place and as for the CMTC convention that is a total rip off!"
****LOL your super funny Reputable agency's Do ADVERTISE everyone does so everyone everywhere must be a scam your list of complaints have had a big impact of being incorrect but hey you I guess were a talent there oh wait you didnt say you were guess you opinion really cant be taken into consideration also CMTC you must explain why it is a rip off were you expecting to become a star REALLY! I guess again you must not know what CMTC is for... Weird that your getting so mad because you have no idea why CMTC exists
"HATESCAM"
"Carolyns Modelling Agency is a scam! End of story. No agency should ask you for money of any sorts. People do your research! And anyone who comes here and says that there child made '$28, 000"... has to be a recognizable face. SO WHO IS THIS CHILD? Whats his or her name? What commercials have they been on? WHAT YOU CAN'T ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
THEY CAN'T ANSWER BECAUSE: they are ppl who work for CMTC and they are just trying to hold up what is left of there reputation. If a child represented by CMTC was making thousands then you would see there name attached to this semi-famous kid. BUT THERE ARE NONE. THEY ARE SCAM!
SO GET OVER IT... AND TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE ###S!"
*****Yes People Do your RESEARCH and know that CMTC doesn't represent ANYONE because its a convention So you should take this persons advice because they know what they are talking about. Why would anyone say their child's name on here so you crazy Bipolar people can stock them not thanks your way to crazy with no facts or proof or any real information that makes any sense at all.. people like you make me glad that you aren't at Carolyn's because you Freak me out! Your made because you didnt make the cut or you didnt have the money to pay for your photoshoot I'm sorry just because you make minimum wage and cant afford to put out the money then You don't truly have a dream to be a success. CMTC was amazing this year My son Received three awards and made some really great friends and had an amazing time with the competitions and he got his name out there . next year I'm hoping to have my daughter join Carolyn's and have her come to CMTC !
In regards to Tweeti that fee you paid last until your child is three which is amazing and because babies constantly change in appearance Carolyn's baby photo shoots to update your babies 800 casting for FREE
I Advise all people who really want t be in the business that things cost money photographers, Comp Cards, 800 casting, Prints, Casting Workbook, Breakdown Express, Etc
But What do i know Been in the business for 15 years my one child for 5 years
and no im not telling you how much My son Or I have made Because I didnt come on here to gloat just to prove a point that a lot of these people claiming Carolyn's Model & Talent Agency is a scam and that point being that they have no idea how things work they assume everything is free in this world and no money should ever be required to accomplish anything ... ALL OF YOU WHO ASSUME EVERYTHING IS FREE ARE CRAZY! And don't understand the business what so ever thats why your falsified fabricated incorrect statements you call facts are wrong maybe correct for other Agencies I wouldn't know Because Ive never considered going to a shady agency
And on a side note after being with Carolyn's for 5 years no more Registration FEE
Anyone who writes a lengthy put down comment such as the one above is fake.
I have talked to a few people who have been with carolyns and carolyns kids told me it's a scam. They have not received work or very few calls. Now they look for themselves and are getting work. That is what I am doing instead of waiting for an email from carolynskids staff
I do not agree that it's located in a dump. I was told kids don't need pics but yet they request a photoshoot. Some of those I talked to were told the pics by that photographer were horrible and they use incorrect pics on casting site. I think the photographer, the staff etc it's their friends, and family getting the worker
I had another photoshoot done by an independent professional and the pics were much better.
"Carolyns Modelling Agency is a scam! End of story. No agency should ask you for money of any sorts. People do your research! And anyone who comes here and says that there child made '$28, 000"... has to be a recognizable face. SO WHO IS THIS CHILD? Whats his or her name? What commercials have they been on? WHAT YOU CAN'T ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?"
That was me, you idiot, and it's true. My daughter's resume is as long as my arm. She did a Nestle commercial that ran in the United States for nine months and when it was all said and done the total earned was just over $33, 0000. There were four other kids (from different agencies) that were featured in the commercial with her and they made the exact same amount; I would guess that you wouldn't recognize any of them, either. You are wrong in thinking that the kid who makes a lot of money needs to be a recognizable face - the amount of money made depends on the MARKET and the CLIENT. My daughter was only in the commercial for a couple of seconds and only had one line, but because it was (a) a very big company (Nestle), (b) a huge market, and (c) a long running commercial, the money was big. If the same commercial had been one for a smaller company the pay would have been a fraction of that. The commercial was on the Nestle website at one time; not sure if it is still there but you can check it out at www.kidessentials.com. In addition to several commercials, she has also had principal roles in made for t.v. movies and television series, as well as print work (and no, not catalogue work - magazine/advertising print work). She has made enough money over the last six years to pay for her post-secondary education - and I bet you wouldn't recognize her at all if you saw her on the street, or even on t.v., as she looks different in each role - sometimes with glasses, sometimes without, different hairstyles, period costumes, etc. I can tell you for a fact that the kids who you DO recognize are making well into the six digits.
For the poster who mentioned that Carolyn's is a "Jack of All Trades" agency, the proper industry term is "Boutique industry". Many kids' agencies offer print, modelling, and tv/film - Kamera Kids and Minor Details are two that come to mind. Carolyn's just also happens to offer background.
As for the photos. As someone upthread mentioned, you don't HAVE to get your photos done there, it is just a service offered. It's the same with the courses - they are never required or even pushed. The one course I put my daughter in was my choice, and I actually had to phone the agency to find out if and when they were running them because there was no advertising whatsoever. Carolyn's did put makeup on my daughter, but just foundation because she is pale - and to be honest, even if I take her for pictures at Sears or Walmart I do the same. They don't cake on a ton of makeup like it's a beauty pageant or anything, and if you don't want any on your child all you have to do is SAY SO! I know the agency the one poster mentioned - where you can just submit casual photos - and it's true, but many of the photos of their kids look amateurish, as a result. If you look at all the major kids' agencies 99% of them require professional photos. It's a business, after all...you should look the part.
And for the poster who said Carolyn's takes everyone, that is not true - I know of some people who were turned away and then they went to another agency (who I won't mention). And they are honest; I once had a woman who wanted to sign up her kids but wanted to know the real ins and outs of the industry, so Carolyn gave her my number and told her to call me. I gave her the facts and she decided against it, because she realized that it is a lot of commitment on the time of the parents.
The bottom line is this - there are no guarantees. If you signed your kid up for soccer or gymnastics and they were not good at the sport, you wouldn't blame the coach. You would rightly acknowledge that your child is not good at those sports and move on to something else. It's the same with acting/modeling. Just because your kid is cute, and just because the talent agent thinks they have potential does not mean that the casting agent or client will feel the same. However, whenever a kid does not do well the parents blame the agency. Maybe you kid is just NOT GOOD at it, it's not their fault. Lots of kids freeze up in the audition room because it can be very intimidating. People get very touchy when their kids don't do well because we all think our kids are adorable and even if they are, that does not necessarily translate to being good at acting. Just because you child is cute does not mean that they will be able to pull off eight hours on set. You have to treat the industry like any other extra-curricular activity; if your kid enjoys it and does well, that's great, but if they don't enjoy it or fail to be successful, cut your losses and move on. It's that simple.
P.S. I should add that my daughter has only been on about half a dozen auditions so far this year; usually by this time she's done about thirty or forty. Unlike many of the posters on this forum, I realize that this is not the fault of the agency, but rather that it is just the nature of the business. I also realize that she might book ten jobs this year, or never book another job again - because that's the way the industry works. What casting agents and clients are looking for today is not necessarily what they will be looking forward tomorrow, next month, or next year.
I paid over $300 dollars to Carolyn's kids for a registration fee for them to represent my baby who was a few months old at the time for up to 3 years. It took almost a year before I heard from them for a booking. My child was not used for the shoot, but you are supposed to be paid anyhow. Carolyn's says it could take up to 3 months to be paid. It's just over 3 months now and I'm still waiting.
Another woman in the waiting room who had her child booked for a shoot as well that day, said the agency charges 50 cents for each voucher (the piece of paper you get signed with the money amount earned for the day). I didn't know this at the time I registered my child, but it begs the question: What is the $300 dollar registration fee for, if you have to turn around and pay 50 cents for a voucher (carbon copy receipt) everytime you get work. I don't think that Carolyn's kids is a reputable agency. They appear to be making a lot of money off of new overzealous parents who would like to see their babies in print ads/commercials.
I've heard that client's don't book children who are at the age of 2 and many agencies won't take your child in until they are 3. So, I'm thinking $300 was a rather excessive fee to lock in for 3 years, when it seems unlikely a toddler who is 2 or nearing the age of 2 will get any work.
...continued from above---
At the time I signed my child up, the talent scout was trying to get me to sign a contract to model as well, and told me about prices for pictures taken by their photographer. From what I understand about this business, an agency is not supposed to be supplying you with a photographer or taking money for photos to give to a photographer. I later called Ford Model and Talent, which is recognized around the world as a top agency to ask them how new talent go about getting portfolio pictures taken. She said you have pictures taken by a photographer they can match you with but you don't pay the agent anything. The photographers are trying to establish themselves in the business, so it is sort of a trade off. You may not end up paying anything, but printing your pictures. You don't need a portfolio to start with. A portfolio will showcase you work when you get it.
She also said she never heard of Carolyn's Model & Talent or Carolyn's Kids before. She told me to check out http://www.amisontario.com/
LAME CASTING AGENCIES!
First off...you never PAY for a JOB.
She is an agent. SHE works for YOU. and she gets 15% of whatever you make. End of Story...
There is NO need to ask you to get photographs.
That is so 1980's
They can take a shot of you in the office with a digital camera and send that photo out to any movie casting director
As one person said "the bottom line"...
well the BL is this: paying over $500 for photographs is outrages
If you cringed when she asked for the money, then you should have went with you gut
But, let it be known...he name is mud all over the internet:)
PS...that is so BS about the 50 cent voucher
SHE IS A CHEAP ###. Period.
She has costs (rent, etc) and she is looking to nickel and dime anyway she can...the registration fee? $300? that is so outrageous and she is a BIG BIG SCAM...
NEVER pay for a job. Period.
They will tell you it is for administrative fee's...which is BS
It is because their Casting Agency is ### and they are looked upon in the industry as '''the one to STAY AWAY FROM"
She just wants your money to pay her rent, hydro and food
She could care less about her clients
I would contact Sean O'Shea about her agency and her 'charges'
I bet you he would do a News Story on it...
CONSUMER SOS
http://www.globaltoronto.com/story.html?id=1820568
Sean.OShea@globalnews.ca
sos@globalnews.ca
Toll Free: [protected] ext 5467
or if you’re in Toronto area – [protected]
Yes, you go ahead and get that news report done...then we'll all have a good laugh when y0u get sued for slander.
P.S. As I write this, we're waiting on payment for my daughter's last job - it' s coming up to three months, but that's o.k., because I know - from EXPERIENCE - that payment can take anywhere from two weeks to three and a half months depending on the job and the client. That's the reality, regardless of which agency you belong to. Perhaps you should have done some research before signing up.
P.S. I find it hard to believe that the person you spoke to at Ford had never heard of Carolyns - considering that both Ford and Carolyn's attend the Canadian Model and Talent Convention every year, and all the agents know each other.
All I can state is my experience with Carolyn's. Spent $700 for a photo shoot. 1 year has passed and there has been NO work. No calls. Not even an audition. I simply cannot justify sending her to "camps" and "classes" for $330-$450 a hit when she is not getting any calls. Would she get more calls if we took the classes? Not sure, but simple economics has to win out here. She is not my only child, and I have other financial responsibilities. I have kept her portfolio updated, tried working with the staff to find out how I can help increase her opportunities. Registered her on 1-800 casting (and paid the fee) I cruise Casting Workbook regularly for her. I'm not expecting her to be a supermodel. I'm really disappointed. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. Snide and rude comments are not welcome.
Did you call them every week?
Or did you sit on your butt and wait for them to call you?
ONE year and NO GIGS? that is not right
PS...going online and PAYING or REGISTERING your child is NOT the way to go!
Read more here on the CORRECT way to do it:
http://www.actratoronto.com/perform/index.html
We went to an open call today at Carolyns Kids. The staff are nice, but regardless of what any of the pro-Carolyns' respondents on here have written - the baby program is a scam. First of all, they obviously don't have many people doing the math when you figure they say they only take 4 children of each age category at any given time - yet they sign up on average 10 to 12 babies per week - that is 500 to 600 new clients a year who they say they 'protect'. When I brought this to their attention, they could not give me an answer. Secondly, my wife was a professional model in Toronto in the 80's, and she knows what to look for and what questions to ask. The Carolyns' rep made no sense in answering the questions my wife answered her a about the industry, and when my wife told her that an agency is not supposed to charge an admin fee the girl literally started sweating and rambling on about studios charging fees and them being charged to the agency and then you having these charges taken from your cheque. Not in the real world!
Finally, not ONE baby was really looked at and none of the parents were interviewed. They just asked for $300 and handed you a one page 'contract' top hand back with your $300! EVERY one who had $300 was a new client. EVERY ONE! The topper was when we said we would think about it and they said we had to give them the 300 today or they may have to give our babies 'spot' top someone else and we would have to come back again and start over. My wife said, 'if we send the money or call in our credit card number in 3 days - you only do open calls once a week so how will any other baby get our daughters' 'spot'. At that, they suddenly thought of a way to fax in the contract when we called in the number.
What a complete scam! I know there are people who have found success with them and my hats off to them - but the hundreds of people who are paying fees are what is carrying this agency.
It is a definitely legitimate agency. I've been there. It is like many other agencies if you are concern about their premises. The staff is friendly and nice. Also they are nicely pushing you to spend money upfront. They don't clearly justify what the money for, everything is pretty transparent "good investment in your children's future". Some people mentioned gymnastics or soccer here. Yes, there is no guarantee, but at least your child is learning something and the activity itself is guarantee. In this case NOTHING is guarantee! It is not the agent's fault, it is the industry itself. Go to fresh faces database, there hundreds thousands faces. Your child will be just one of them and no agent in the world can make a casting director to pick your child face. So if you are ready to pay $ 750 + tax upfront it is just your choice and you are comfortable with the amount. It will not bring you jobs and will not get your child on some kind of priority spot. The bottom line whatever you pay or not pay your child will join the same database of faces and from there on it is just a pure luck. The only what GUARANTEE is THAT YOU CAN GET YOU MONEY BACK WITHIN 10 DAYS after the contact is signed. So think carefully, read the conditions (they are quite tough) and make your choice.
"know what you're talking about"
I can respond to you comments as you did - by quoting you:
"****Fact is that print jobs vary in pay out so each job is different also if the print get shown many times the talent is also paid for that as well"
The vast majority of print work for children pays $50 per hour and they work for one hour, yes some jobs pay more but most dont - the same way that an "average" SOC role on a commercial that airs for 2 cycles will gross approximately $2300-$2500 and there is the "once in a while" rare US national that a kid can book and earn $35000...few and far between
" ****Fact having 5 Professional photos for a comp card or 2 Professional photos for 8x10's is required.. Snapshots Are Not Professional Clients will Choose Professional Shots of talent over Snapshots. Also You can choose your own photographer not affiliated with the agency which is what I have done in the past. All comp card shots are retouched and when you pay for registration all comp card prints are paid for as many as you need. Agents dont make money off the prints Commission only is correct but photoshop does cost money it can take hours to touch up photos.. whoever does the photoshop must get paid.. unless you think where you work you shouldnt be paid either ?!?!"
perhaps, as I said, if you are willing to waste your time bringing your kids on jobs that make you $50...then a comp card is necessary? As I said, I wouldn't - I have had head shots done for my kids by photographers who specialize in head shots many times and the cost has never exceeded $325.00 - (including touch up and 50 prints) I can give you the names of the photographers if you would like?
"****In house courses are RECOMMENDED NOT REQUIRED and im sorry You've have been mislead but courses help not only build understanding how the business works and builds confidence and help teach children to express emotion more clearly.. These classes help the child or adult with everything also having that on your resume is a HUGE Bonus !"
Actually having courses means absolutely nothing on a child's resume to casting, a director, or a producer...it is the child's performance, self confidence, look, ability, or just what they are looking for (this is however different for adults in some cases).
"**** Yes you must know every single person who goes in there to be able to confirm this assumption but you really dont so you've mislead yourself.. I was able to sign only one of my children up and the suggested that I should wait awhile before thinking about signing up my second child she's shy and a little too Serious which make sense.. If the child or adult does not fit with the industry and what clients require why would an agent sign them up you said it before that they get commission only so... by the person signing up the agents make no money just like the talent ... Its funny that you have done no research on the Company Someone who has is aware of all awards Carolyn's has received the many time on tv and the web and blogs facebook... I can go on ... One Of The Top agency's in GTA look it up."
This doesn't even make sense so I am having a hard time understanding you - what I can say is the motivation for signing up many many children would obviously be the registration fees and what they are making off other charges (photos, classes). As an example, taking money off people to register babies? What exactly is a registration fee for? Things like rent, faxes, stamps, internet, etc. are all business expenses that should not be paid for through registration fees, they should be paid by the company from their commission profits. I know that I don't pay my real estate agent a "registration fee", their overhead expenses are paid from their earnings, like I said, the cost of doing business.
I would also like to comment on the "blog" and facebook page. I think (actually I know for a fact) that these "success stories" are completely misleading. There have been 2 occasions that I can reference. One of my children was performing a principal role in a television movie and several of Carolyn's kids were doing background on the same movie. I guess the parents saw the "stars" of the movie in the hallway and asked if they could take pictures with him. These pictures were posted on the blog saying how great a time the kids had on set of this movie. This simply isn't true, the kids were cooped up in a small room for the entire day (it was very hot in there) and the kids could not eat until after the rest of the cast and crew had lunch. On another occasion one of my children was a lead in a television series (a very well known one that is still filming in Toronto). Because my child was going to be in so many scenes of the series, they had called for a photo double (for those who are not sure what that is, basically it is someone who will dress the same as the character, who looks similar and would be around the same height - they use photo doubles when doing some blocking or setting up camera angles etc. to give the cast a rest or for them to have tutoring). The photo double was never on camera and spent the better part of a week waiting around. On Carolyn's blog a picture appeared of this photo double (dressed like my child) with some of the stars in this series. The caption read how this child had such a great time on the set of the series.
If this is not misleading I don't know what is? Like I said before, if you want to get your child into some small modelling, background work and maybe the odd student film then you may be happy with this agency. If your child is truly talented and you want them to have bigger opportunities you will have to be with another agency. I am not saying this because I don't like Carolyn personally, I don't know her. I am saying it because I very rarely see any of her talent at the "really good" auditions. This tells me that even if a child is very talented, for the most part they won't even get in the door. Another thing to consider is that most agents will limit the number of clients they have that would be competing with each other (age, look, etc.). At Carolyn's there are way too many kids in any given age range. There are many times when casting directors don't want an agent to submit 30 kids, they will tell agents to only submit their best.
With regards to cost, the only fees that a parent should pay is a casting workbook fee but that is normally paid by the parent and not the agent, the cost is $35 for a year for children under 5 I believe and $100 for over 5 (it has just changed so I am not sure if the amounts are correct). If someone is with Carolyn's and they do not have a casting workbook account you can be sure that they won't be seeing very many auditions at all as the majority of casting directors in Toronto are now using it.
I was just at carolyns today for their baby open call, and i all sounded so great! untill she brought up the 300.00 admin fee... for what? we have no clue, we were told we had to pay 39.99 us for 800 casting website and up load our own pictures...what am i paying you 300.00 for then?
hey, i just read through all the comments here, and i also attended the children's meeting.
I dont agree that you have to pay 300+tax upfront, that didnt really sit well with me. From what i remember your not suppose to pay to simply sign up with an agency, you start paying once you start working, and also if you want to get photos and classes, but thats your choice. I also questioned the fact that aside from the 20% commission they take from your jobs, they also deduct hst from it as well? is that normal? I used to be with an agency a few years ago, and they never charged me any registration fees or deducted taxes from my cheques? have things changed? im not familiar with this industry any longer...
i have a 5month old, and i would love to sign her to an agency or with an agent but i dont exactly know who to sign her with or contact? If anyone who reads this has any information on agents or agencies i would greatly appreciate it.
IM NOT HERE TO OFFEND OR DEMEAN ANYONE ELSE'S COMMENTS SO PLEASE DONT BE RUDE WITH YOUR ANSWERS AND I WILL APPRECIATE ANY POSITIVE COMMENTS
THANK YOU
This Agency is a SCAM! We went in for the open call for babies at the Mississauga location, which second address to the downtown Toronto location. We were told to be there at 1:00PM SHARP! We arrived on time. The building was very shabby and that raised a red flag immediately. There were around 25 babies sitting in the room, and I want to add that they were all beautiful. I was really impressed by the turn out. By that time the meeting began, thirty minutes late, the babies were restless, crying, and tired. A woman spoke for fifteen minutes and gave a great first impression. She never mentioned that there was a registration fee. If they had been up front, I would have never gone. After she was done talking, she pointed to a second room to sign up and have your baby registered. When we got into the room, I was told that we need to give our baby's measurements and a check for $300 dollars. What? I asked what and who the money was for. I was told by a blond woman that the money was what paid the bills at the agency. I replied that the agency was suppose to make money off the bookings. I explained that I Ford and Elite Models do not charge their models to represent them. The blond woman replied, "Yeah, but does Ford Models even exist today?" I was so shocked that I couldn't say anything. One of the other women in the room replied that Ford Models is one of the best and oldest agencies in the world. On top of that, I was not allowed to leave the room to review the contract, a contract that required a 3 year commitment. I just have to say the people were very nice, but this is a business. A business not in the best interest of the models. Read the contract for yourself. Do you want to pay $200 if you show up late or miss a booking? That is not a normal business practice. It's too bad that I saw so many naive people paying out for services they will never receive. Good luck to you, and buyer beware! Carolyn's Agency is a fraud.
Read it for yourself...
ya i asked to take the contract home to look it over and they didnt let me leave the room with it at all...would anybody here know what agencies to look for? i tried ford models but i saw nothing about canada or babies?
and also elite doesnt say anything about babies
The may not be scaming, BUT they are certainly taking advantage! My daughter has been there almost a year and has had 3 calls, count them 3! The first call we got, we said yes, she was available, they said they would call back and let us know if she got in time, NEVER got a call back from Carolyns so we hung around all weekend waiting. Next, it was for an "extra" which she showed up for, she loved it! The last call we got was an audition but unfortunatly my daughter had an exam that day and just couldnt go...Thats it...Now I think I understand that her profile gets put forth for work and uts up to the director to pick her...My problem with Carolyns is that they guaranteed before we signed her up that she would get lots of opportunities for auditions etc, that she had that something special about her., but of course if she got the job that would be up to her, which we understood of course...She has had 3 opportunities in a year. Everytime we went to the office, they were signing up loads of people, what a great money making machine, sign people up, take their "FEES" almost $1000, give them maybe one job and them let them cancel their contract...What a Scam!