Carolyn's Model & Talent Agency review: Fraud and lies 63

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.

"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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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?

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.

Okay so how do you find a reputable agency?

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.

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.

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!

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.

oups maybe we are not talking about the same agency. :(

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. :(

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.

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!

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.

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!

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Very true. Someone I know had a similar Experience.