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

Our son enrolled as an infant to toddler age of 3. We spent time on his portfolio with updating pictures and any size changes. Our son did not get any job from this agency. Very disappointed and unsatisfied with this agency. I feel they already have their favourites and I'm sure those favourites are getting the jobs. Waste of my time and money.

I decided to put my "two cents" in after reading so many "hate" comments. I do not know Carolyn's but I am meeting with them this week to "assess" them. Yes I am going to assess them to see if they are right for me! I am an actress and lived in New York for many years. I have been scammed before twice before, once in New York. I also was part of an agency in Canada where I had to pay initial enrollment fees and yes this was to help the agency move along and probably pay their rent and wages. But the agent worked really hard to make herself known, respected and sought after. It is not easy. Second, if your child nor you are getting any work, it is indeed the client's ultimate decision, the agent has nothing to do with it. An agent can send your picture out to 100's of clients but if the client does not like the look, they will pass over it. It's like getting 100 emails a day, which ones actually catch your attention? The ones from people you know! The ones that "speak" to you. I also am reading about many people paying a lot for photographers. Well you can look at it two ways. Either you can do the "all in one" with Carolyn's or similar agencies and pay for the photographers and the head shots and the comp cards, or you can choose to do it on your own and believe me good photographers who really know what they are doing do not come cheap! I have paid up to $800.00 for head shots. I have also paid $400.00. I have also had them done Time for Print from new photographers that needed the experience and I needed the photos. You can do TFP Time for print to build your portfolio but if you want pictures, if you want to be in the industry, you have to invest. YOU ARE YOUR OWN BUSINESS SO YOU NEED TO INVEST IN YOU! DOES THAT INVESTMENT PAY OFF? SOMETIMES YES, SOMETIMES NO! It is not the agent who decides. The agent yes can decide to push her/his favourites but you need to understand that casting directors and clients see absolutely hundreds of people, after awhile black and white or colour photos of people smiling gets to be tiresome, sometimes for the mere factor that there are few that have that it factor or wow factor or that catches their attention enough to get called for an audition. Then the audition is filled with other talent and you have to be ready and if you are not, you will not get a call back. If the call back goes well, you may get cast or lose out to a third call back. I am appaulled of the ignorance. If you child wanted to go to University or college, you would research that for them, so why then do you not research really what the industry is like by talking to real professionals. It is not like on E! Tonight! I am startled that so many mothers want their 2 or 3 years old's in this business so quickly. They are babies. However, I have lived abroad and while abroad, I worked for a magazine company, not as a model nor actress. A rather large and famous magazine company which will remain nameless- but those ideas you have of walking into a glamorous building...well let me enlighten you, but you are referring to the Magazine companies because yes they do have wall photos of their models and yes they do have an elaborate reception area and lounge area and coffee area and yes they do shoot right at the magazine and yes it is like walking into "The Bold and the Beautiful!. Also Photographer's studios-really big photographers use big studios but they are not their studios, they just shoot there. Some studios are glamourous and elaborate but really mostly a photographers studio can be a small white room with lights...a sofa, a fridge and backdrops.

As for acting, I once went to a casting directors office in New York and his office was wall to wall with polaroids and post-its and a small desk. There was barely any room for me inside there. On the other hand, I have also been inside Abrams Agency which has an elevator separating the two sides between print/commercial and film/ tv. The offices are spaces that are lined with cubicles- body width spaced apart; nothing fancy, nothing elaborate, nothing "rich." The receptionists desk was on the left of the elevator and she was practically in the hallway. I bet their apartments and homes are beautiful though but their offices absolutely not! Furthermore to all those people who claim Carolyn's is a scam, I am not saying she isn't or is, I don't know yet what my gut is going to tell me, what I am saying to you is you do not get work right away. I was an actress for many years and I had to hustle. I was up every morning at 7 filling envelopes with my head shots when we still used to use paper head shots and filling them out, pounding the pavement, sending out my comp cards, making phone calls because I didn't have an agent but technically I was doing exactly what an agent does. I got calls sure, but not to anything super. I needed to have contacts for that and without an agent, I didn't have the contacts. Trying to get contacts is what an agent does. They give you an entry way into being seen by the right people; the people who may be able to offer you work and it is all based on a photo and your past working experience. They want to know what you did but moreso who you worked with.

Either way if you want your child in the industry you are going to have to invest. Those fees that you claim the agency is taking--do you not think they are shared with the photographer and the make-up artist or do you think that everyone's services are for free. If you want free services there is modelmayhem.com built for people to create their portfolio and you will see a lot of shady people there too. What I am saying is do not expect to submit your daughter or son and for magic to happen, that doesn't happen and not even in Hollywood, not even on Broadway. People on Broadway have been at it for 20 years investing in themselves as dancers, taking voice lessons, photo shoots, learning odd skills to separate them from the rest, constantly making themselves better. Actresses I have met have enrolled in class after class, improv, martial arts, horseback riding, eukelele lessons, anything to divide them from the rest of the group. You are your business and so you must invest in yourself once you decide what kind of actor or model you wish to be. Do not expect to be a pretty face and have it all paid for. That does happen but really rarely and you have to be a genetic gift to the world because models are genetic gifts sometimes and you have to be in the right place at the right time and some of us are just destined better at being in that right place at that right time like the Linda Evangelista or Kate Moss or Giselle. But even they had to invest in themselves. I was told once by Ford agency that photos would cost me $1200.00. That was Ford Agency in New York and that is because they saw potential in me but I wasn't necessarily a Giselle or Adriana Lima or Kate Moss. Doesn't mean I may not have had the same sort of success once I got started, who knows but I didn't have that kind of money so I turned away that offer and closed that door and instead of investing that in myself because maybe that could have given me other opportunities, I simply decided I was not going to spend the money. If I were to count now all the money I have spent in photos, websites, comp cards, casting sites, over the years... it would sicken you but it does not me, because I invested in me and that is what it took.

If you are looking for a start, you should meet with several agencies and feel them out because really in the end it is not them interviewing you, but you should be interviewing them to see what they can do for you! That is what you should ask. What can you do for me? Do not think -Is my child going to be famous or rich or get lots of auditions... The most an agent can do is submit your photos, they are working for you but now with the internet, everything is digital and imagine how many submissions are made daily. Once the agent knows your work and they can try to push for you a little then maybe a lot, once a casting director deems you as reliable and great and fantastic, you have to hustle and wait it out but until then you build your resume or experience.

I once said I was scammed. Well my past scam included paying $700.00 for photos that I would get but never did. When I went back to visit the agency, the office was still there, with a lot of girls, many desperate and wannabe's like me - just wanting to be seen, but the photographer wasn't there, and my prints were still being printed. I never got them. The photographer was great and did take great photos..but I never saw them in hard copy. For all I know he took them back across the world and used them for other purposes... 6 months later I believe the agency was nowhere to be found. BUT...NOT ONLY AGENCIES WILL DO THAT, ALSO INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE KNOWN TO DISAPPEAR AND WITH YOUR PHOTOS...I have had so many pictures taken of me that I have never received..tragedies happen, circumstances happen, and at some point you leave it up to the gods and say well there goes that, what now? I have had to beg for some photographers for photos. I paid $600.00 for a photographer in Miami plus my flight to have him shoot me so what I am saying is where you are not willing to pay, there are people willing and some times those people find themselves further ahead. Now don't get me wrong, use your judgement but don't judge. Use your judgement. Not everything in the world is a scam and they can definitely be smelled.

Regarding payment...modeling jobs will take anywhere up to 3 months to pay you as will acting jobs. It is a chain of events and you should learn how it works if you are going to be in the industry. Some jobs pay nothing but give you exposure but then I worked as a translator for a legal firm and that even took up to 60 days to pay me. It is the nature of some businesses but it is definitely the nature of this business and until you are on a weekly series, I don't forsee you getting a weekly paycheck for a modelling or acting gig. You have to wait and it is okay to hound because people need to be reminded. For people who have no idea about this industry- what you should do is perhaps call a really big agency and have them break down the facts to you so then you know. It is true that if your child is not being selected it could be because their photos don't "speak loudly" to the client nor the casting director. Sometimes all it takes is new photos, different colored clothes, different scenery, who knows but it is a fickle industry. I had one head shot that got me so many auditions in New York and I came to Toronto and one agent told me I looked like a prostitute. I was floored. I thought "well little do you know." Different people, different tastes...it really is different strokes for different folks and those folks happen to be clients and casting directors and DO NOT FORGET THAT SOMETIMES PRODUCERS HAVE ALL THE SAY IN THE WORLD AS TO WHO GETS CAST.

Just to let you know that I have also been on auditions where the casting director without telling me we were starting the audition, was actually filming the small talk between him and I and then he said "thank-you" and when I asked "did you want me to start?" He actually said "I've been filming you all along." That was horrible, that isn't a test of my talent but a test in whether I was clever enough to notice if I was being tricked. I didn't even realize I was auditioning yet. SO everywhere you turn in this industry, you will find "scam" if you look. However if you make yourself aware, learn the "Business" aspect of it all, things can work for you. You have to remember that "people do want to see you" they want to know that you are the next big thing, they sit at auditions all day and see the same thing, they want something refreshing and new but you have to show them that, they aren't going to go digging to find it. They honestly don't have the time, that's where agents come in. Agents do all the leg work that casting directors and clients don't have time for.

So lastly, If you really want to break into the industry, take classes. Hire a real photographer, go to an agency already with your photos if ones like this make you suspicious. Talk to former talent. Don't just carry your baby around waiting for an open call. God I have been to so many cattle calls, I can't imagine how traumatizing that is for a child. But if you did want to take that leap of faith, then try it out. The most you learn is that it wasn't for you, it didn't work out with that agent and it was not nor is it ever a waste of time but it should serve for you to learn more about the business and what or what not to expect!

Carolyn Model and Talent stole my money and my dreams . Please be warned do not give them one penny . They are Liars and Frauds that take advantage of peoples money and time . Very sad that these type of people and their so called Model and Talent Agency can exist and continue to misrepresent people and legally operate and steal money from them .

Carolyns Talent and Models scammed me out of $1200.00 for photos and registration fee . I have nothing to show for it except many months of frustration, no return phone calls and some photos my brother could have done for free .They took my hard earned money and total advantage of me and ignorance of the industry.
They are not good people and they steal people dreams . I will never attempt to work in Modelling again .

Thank You Carolyn...NOT Return my money you frauds !
J. P

I signed my kid almost ago and have got nothing anytime I have questioned them about what they have sent in for my kid they say yes and send me a report with no dates on it, they tell me I need to go on Mandy.com and casting workbook and apply...what do I pay them for? Pictures were done in house $600 I took better pictures, workshops they push on u $200 each in house... I have been looking for a new agent and lots of them say the same thing that they hear them.

Just got back from Carolyn Model Management in Mississauga. Pushed for $800 in classes and photos and $200 registration fee. So $1000 to sign up with an agency. I have experience and beautiful pro photos but they didn't care. They just wanted me to fork over money. I asked how long the classes are. They say one 2 hour class. Really? $800 for photos and $2 hour class. And the agency seem so scammish to me. All she said were nice things, I could tell she was buttering me up to fork over the money. I don't even mind the $200 registration. But forcing wannabe clients to use your photographer and take classes is BS. In my last agency, they love my pics, I didn't need to take photos. They used my pics for their comp card which was not expensive at all. A reputable agency should give you the option of using your photographer and telling you what they require in that photos. An industry headshot requirements is universal. Any professional photographer knows what the standard headshot looks like. So sorry, even if Carolyn is not a scam, they are not doing business the right way - a bit too money greedy, and I will stay clear.

I just signed my daughter up with Carolyn's yesterday and am now regretting it. Does anyone know if the 10 day cooling off period applies here and how I would go about getting my money back? Thank you!

"KnowWhatYou'reTalkingAbout", take your own ###ing advice. You have the time to write a write along reply telling people that you know more about the industry than everyone else who has posted comments here, yet you say "Why would anyone say their child's name on here so you crazy Bipolar people can stock them..." (in your response to "HATESCAM"). I have studied and have friends with Bipolar disorder and they have never felt the desire to "stock" anyone, because that is not a symptomatic behaviour of ANYONE with Bipolar disorder. That ignorant statement trashes your credibility right there, even if you did know much about the acting/modelling industry. Like you say to "3.[protected]", Wow, I'm surprised YOU even have an education, because you're foolish enough to post a statement where YOU have no idea what you're talking about. Your ignorant and hateful comment about "crazy Bipolar people" speaks louder than anything else you said to anyone in your long rant about the entertainment industry. Having said that, I am somewhat indebted to people like you, who provide successful comedians like my non-stocking Bipolar colleagues and I, with great stand-up material.

I was also taken advantage of by Carolyn's Agency several years ago, with my 2 daughters. Haven't forgotten it. I even wrote to Carolyn personally, telling her how much it meant to lose over $1000, and how unfair it is to make promises to young kids and then shoot down their dreams by not even calling..until the parent calls to find out why they haven't been sent anywhere. Then suddenly you get a call, just to make you think that they're working for you. I would NEVER recommend this agency to ANYONE. I really hope people read these comments before handing them their money. I still remember Maria, telling us how my girls would absolutely be getting calls and opportunities because they were "so beautiful". I still remember how their faces lit up as she spoke, not knowing that it was all a SCAM and they were just taking advantage of us. I blame myself now because I should have known better. I should have done more research on them and read comments like these. Because we lived in Streetsville at the time, and Carolyn's has been there for so long, I assumed they were reputable...WRONG! DO NOT GIVE YOUR MONEY AWAY TO THESE PEOPLE! Carolyn, you should be ashamed!

Ok, in regards to Carolyn's ?i paid 300 to have pictures taken... And now I have to pay another 150$. To have the pics put on a CD...sounds sketchy...
Agency's need to be UPFRONT with fees and what you get For your money..

This agency is a scam. Call the police, put them in jail, and or sue them in court, win your money back and teach them a lesson.

I have 3 children signed with Carolyn's and I am not impressed. Driving to Toronto for "auditions" for "background" is a complete waste of time. Getting the call at 9pm the night before to go to an "audition" the next morning. With the price of gas, it's hardly worth going at all. Not Carolyn's problem I know, but still - just a sample of the types of "jobs" we get sent out on.
The cost of photos, done through the agency, is pricey, and I have never needed one on an audition, although I have about a hundred sheets printed off (that I paid for of course).

I brought my middle child to meet the agent before signing on. She asked him to do a sad face, angry face, scared face, etc. My son gave her stone face...every single time. Yet he was signed anyway. He's a cute kid and has been booked on one major job, but still. Clearly not a great impression.

The baby we signed at 3 months and paid the $300 (not sure what for?). He has had 2 "auditions". One he booked for "voice" work and one we were told that they wanted babies with teeth...he had none at the time. He is now 2.5yrs old. Nothing in sooooo long.

Now I get emails asking for the $199 +tax annual "admin" fee for each kid. For what? I have to pay the 1800 casting.

For the few jobs we have booked...it does take FOREVER to get paid. And no, they don't send them out as soon as they get them. I ALWAYS have to email and phone to remind them to pay us.

It truly isn't worth the $11/hr for background work. Maybe for some it is...and I guess those are the people they are hoping keep signing up.

I contacted Carolyn's Model and Talent Agency a few days ago and was contacted by a representative within 1 hour of sending my email. I was still in the process of investigating different Agencies for my daughter so I was surprised to hear back so soon. I was given several different dates for an appointment, all within the following week, so it seemed they were quite anxious to meet with her. As I was trying to find a mutually beneficial date for both of us I continued to research different Agencies and was also checking ACTRA's website for additional information regarding child talent. It was only when I asked Carolyn's representative (in an email I sent to her) about their status with ACTRA that the correspondence abruptly stopped. It has been more than 48 hours and I still have not heard anything from them. THAT IS EVIDENCE ENOUGH THAT SOMETHING SHADY IS GOING ON HERE!

For anyone out there who ever wants to put their questions or fears regarding a specific 'Agency' or their legitimacy to rest once an for all, I suggest that you go to the ACTRA website and check their listing of member agencies. You do not have to be an experienced or 'principal' performer to use this service, you don't even have to be a member of ACTRA, all you need is a few minutes and a computer. You can search their member agencies by alphabetical order - it's simple, and, there is a lot of information about the roles an agency plays, what their responsibilities are etc. I am glad I asked that Carolyn's representative that question, it saved me a trip to Mississauga.

And, by the way, YOU DO NOT PAY AN AGENT TO REPRESENT YOU, YOU DO NOT PAY AN AGENT FOR PHOTOS EITHER, a reputable agent will only get paid if they get work for you and will ALWAYS allow you to use a photographer of YOUR choice, not theirs.

I was a model in the late 1980's, I was with Judy Welch Modelling. When I signed up with them, they asked me to start building my portfolio, they gave me the names of several photographers, most of whom were also looking to build their own portfolios, so you know how much my first round of photos and comp cards cost me THE COST OF THE PHOTO PAPER THEY WERE PRINTED ON!, Thank you very much! Swallow that 'KnowWhatYourTalkingAbout', because it doesn't really sound like you do!

Also forgot to mention... I asked the agency why my child hasn't got one audition yet they stated because the company didn't choose them! Then I asked if they even sent my child's profile to these company and they looked into it and stated NO because you havent logged into my child's profile for over 22 days! I am like WHAT? I log in almost everyday! SCAM SCAM SCAMMMMMMMMMMM!

Carolyn's Kids is a SCAM! Charged me $350.00 fee upfront. I have not got any calls from agencies and I have been waiting for a long time! I noticed that every auditions always the similar names pop up that they got the part. After doing my investigation I noticed these kids are the children of the parent who works for the agency! WINK WINK...I guess everywhere you go everybody has their "favorites/choices".. They make their money by advertising you to have photography done by them every month and a half and their beauty line... dont forget the upfront fee! FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD AND LIES! Shame on you guys!

Bcast is a scam and many others but not all of them are.
If you're not sure look the company up as I do for everyone of them.
The only beef I have is traveling for over an hour to get to wood-bridge, scam or not.

Actra isn't a scam, they are there to help you.

There is a list of reputable companines on the ACTRA website. Also a lot of information to know what is right or wrong when signing with an agency.

so where else could i look into?

They are not listed as a reputable company with ACTRA

Everything listed on ACTRA for scams is everything this agency does. The charge the most to join, pictures (plan to pay $1000+) . The comp cards are the least professional I have seen while taking my child on auditions.

The commission is 20 to 30%. ACTRA says for children the norm is 10-15%.

I've researched and they charge the most and don't give a list of photographers just their own (daughter runs it), the auditions are rare compared to other agencies. Also a reputable agency does not attend the convention nor advertise (pls read ACTRA's website).

My child finished the year with CarolynsKids.

1) they aren't listed with ACTRA. All the points Actra mention as being scams are what is going on in this agency. They aren't suppose to advertise, they're to give list of photographers not send you to their own for $700.

2) Their commissions are the highest of all the agencies in T.O. 20% to 30%. Read the fine print before signing. ACTRA states 10 50 15 % is the norm.

3) The positive posters on here work for the agency. The photographers daughter is a client and gets a ton of work. The two daughters of Carolyn also work at the agency. The acting studio across the hall is linked. I heard it and Gloria Mann courses are not very good.

Research, visit a few and don't pay as we finished the year in the red. Too many kids on roster which was evident when almost everyone sent to one audition was from Carolyns.

use casting360.com instead. they are 100% legit

Registration fees to cover their costs? Really, I am a travel agent and I dont charge clients fees, I make commission of what they buy thats how I survive, thats how they should survive! Then to be told that 800 casting is MANDATORY, that we had to pay extra? What for, thats what I was paying them for in their fees! I dont question the length of time it takes to get paid, I am questionsing the hunderds and hundreds of new clients that they take, the fees they tak and they do very little in return...SCAM!

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!

and also elite doesnt say anything about babies

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?

Read it for yourself...

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.

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

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?

"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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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]

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:)

...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/

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.