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CB Media and Publishing Review of Movie Work Now Casting
Movie Work Now Casting

Movie Work Now Casting review: Scam 61

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5:38 pm EDT
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The first thing that most people should consider when dealing with a casting agency is if the agency is a member of the screen actors guild/SAG. If a casting agency is not then do not bother because more than likely it is a scam. The second thing that people should know is that a reputable casting agency and or talent agency does not advertise and they do NOT charge people/talent/actors/ (thier potential employers) money because they will earn a percentage (10%) of what the talent makes. Their job is to get jobs for their talent so that they (the agent/agency) can get paid.
Movie work Now is a member of the BBB but they are not a member of the SAG union. Movie work Now makes money by requiring wanna be actors to take $300 head shots/ photo shoots. I had an appointment on Saturday Oct 4th and I was so excited during my interview with Barbara Capra. During the interview she did seem a little rehearsed becuase she kept repeating the same comments especially if I interrupted her with a comment of my own. She almost seemed like a recorded message. Her office had major motion movie production posters on the walls, she was wearing gaudy but dull jewlery that didn't even shine or twinkle at all, and she told me a story about how Moviework now provided two out of work men, who had no acting experience at all (like me), work in print as truk drivers. She then wanted to get started right away and knew of upcoming casting calls that I would be great for because my look was in demand. I was able to sneak out by telling her that I was going to call my husband to ask for the $300 picture shoot fee. This was after I told her that I had forgotten to bring my check book and that my husband was the one with the family credit/debit card. She asked about my husband's features and then told me to bring him in because Disney was looking to cast an inner racial family (and becuase that would be $900 versus $300 for my pictures alone). I have to admit I was disappointed. I had hoped that this place was legitimate especially since they are a member of the BBB. The point of this post is to tell people to do research before entering/trying to enter the Hollywood/acting/modeling/voice-over scene and keep your wits about you. Just becuase you can read and love Jonny Depp/Brad Pitt or any other fine actor doesn't make you the next "it gal/guy"
Take care,

61 comments
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yardieguhl
Phoenix, US
Oct 24, 2009 3:26 am EDT

I don't believe either of the people here saying that this company is legit or they have gotten work through them. I went in to the office with headshots and told them I had an agent. They told me they "don't work with agents" meaning people who have agents, and my headshots needed to be done by them, because the 15 year experienced professional photographer that actually has done print work & magazines I had was not good enough. I come to find out later the person taking their photos was only doing it for 3 years. Barbara the 200 year old bejeweled dinosaur was very rude at that point, told me she could not cast me because I have a bad attitude about this and asked me to leave. Check into them a little more and you will see their owner Patrice (not Barbara, Lance or any of the other hucksters who work there) biggest credit was extras casting assistant and they have cast for a grand total of 3 movies (1 that was not released in the US) and some local commercials, about a handful of people and they claim to have been in the business since 1990 (further researching will show you that they have only been in business since 1999 unless they previously operated under a different name - a hallmark of a fraud company) Barbara told me many lies, that she has personally cast people in movie roles, I would be perfect to do soap operas, model, etc. Exact same crap that is posted all over the net already. With the hundreds maybe even thousands of people they have scammed over the years, that is a very small number, too small to consider them legit. They should be put out of business. You can get your money back if you have been ripped off by them- they will resolve complaints with BBB (when I checked there has been 6 resolved so far and 2 [redacted]s confirming the company refunded them) call your credit card company and dispute charges; just be as persistent in getting your money back as they were with you while pitching this crap. If you want acting work, look elsewhere, preferably in L.A. or N.Y.
No legitimate company is going to ask you for money up front, aka advanced fee fraud. They will take a percent after they get you the work. If I ever had the misfortune of meeting these people again, I would like to point this out to them just to see their reaction (though I already know they know it.) I can't believe an old woman is conning people like this!

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Juunanagou777
, US
Oct 21, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

Im soooooooo glad i read this. I paid for the $300 to get my pics taken (I had a set already) Then when i went back Barbara told me that i had to pay $1, 372 for the of pics. Thats when i started my research. Came across this site. So thank you all for saving me from making a huge mistake.

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Tjoeblow
Phoenix, US
Oct 21, 2009 10:59 am EDT

I posted this first on Rip-Off

OK, so I am here to set the record straight about Movie Work Now. I moved here in June of ’09 from back east. Degree in acting under my belt and what have you. I came to Phoenix, as I am unique to my market and I didn’t want to work as a waiter in LA making cents per hour and living in a rat infested bullet hole. I started straight away to fine the support network here, Durant Communications and Craigslist providing the bulk of work. My wife one day, pointed out that they were casting talent and extras for ‘Valley of the Sun’, so I called them and set up an appointment for that day, frankly I was so happy to get work, I went along.
I sat with my wife for a while in their lobby with all the pictures around. Those ARE legitimate believe it or not. Eventually, Lance Jarrel came out and saw me. We sat down and so the rehearsed speech and flattery began, then the bomb shell. $300 to start a portfolio. As it was marketed as a separate service I didn’t notice it. So we payed, as I needed headshots anyway and did it the following week. About 2 weeks from the intial interview, I had my photos, paying $25 each for 3 of my 4 and waited, got e-mails which I replyed to very regualry and still waited, nothing.
A few days ago, I signed with Ford/Robert Black, and have new headshots through Laura Durant (sorry, I know it’s a plug) and frankly I have put the whole mess behind me, and take it as a costly learning experience.
After asking various people in the acting field in Phoenix (Laura, Matthew Dearing), MWN is a two door system. They ARE legit. So if you have an agent and go to MWN they will process you in a very professional manner and they are experienced, they give you all the information at once, don’t back track and don’t waste your time. However, if you don’t have one then you get the pitch.
So, here are your options.
1. Do what I DIDN’T DO. RESEARCH, chances are if you are reading this, then you are either been touched by them or found them on Craigslist.
2. If you have no acting experience but want to be an actor, go to lessons for it, if you are in school, choose acting lessons as your electives, start now and be prepared to climb and be patient.
3. Do an amatuer play or student film, start building a resume.
4. Contact a SAG approved agency, you can find a list through www.sag.com and click on the Arizona branch.
5. Be professional and take your craft seriously.
If you want to be an extra, try Darlene Wyatt or Good Faith Casting.
REMEMBER:
Movie Work Now IS legit and their business practices are NOT illegal, so don’t try and sue them, you won’t have a legal leg to stand on. The pitch is their business model and it’s the classic hard sell.
But, for the love of everything that is holy, don’t ever think that you are going to be the next Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johannsen if you go with a casting agent, the most you would be is 3rd thug to the left or lady in big hat at racecourse!

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Doug MAsters
Gilbert, US
Oct 19, 2009 4:46 pm EDT

This is a scam, I applied on Craigslist and BAM the next day they call me for an interview. I went online to see if this was the same agency that tried to scam me out of $300 several years ago and looks like it is. I asked if I needed to bring head shots in and they said no. If it wasn't so far I would go in just to mess with them. That Barbra gets mad when you say you wont pay. I am surprised they haven't been shut down or had a news story done on them. REALLY IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING DON'T GO THEY WILL LIE TO GET YOUR MONEY. I myself have an interview tomorrow that will go unattended, they wanted me to go in today!

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Angel Vega Rolanda
Surprise, US
Sep 03, 2009 2:06 pm EDT

I agree with all of you. I have been a professional model for over 21 years in the Chicago and Milwaukee area. I was just in Movie Works early last month just to check out the acting thing. Like many of you, I met with Barbara...who also told me that African American woman were rare in Phoenix. There was a role coming up very soon, and I fit the description of what they were looking for. She kept repeating over and over again how beautiful I was and that I did not look my age at all. I was told that I should immediately put my pictures in the data base for work. Thank God I had my fiance with me. He mentioned to her that I just took some new shots in February that I have not used yet. They were pretty awsome shots from a professional photographer out of L.A. It seems as though after speaking to me and just her knowing that I have been in the business for a while, she could not immediately get that 300.00 from me so quick. She told me that she would be right back to discuss it with someone else. She came back in and stated that if I could get my proofs over to her on disc that they could pull one shot off of the disc and use just one head shot for 150.00. I did agreed to doing this, because I just refused to pay a whole 300.00 on pictures when I already had my own. They ended up using my one picture on the data base. The funny part is, after I looked up my picture on the data base, I not only had one shot...but three different shots on there for the price of 150.00. So someone slipped up somewhere, because they were only going to put one shot on there. But oh well! That was exactly one month and a half ago. I haven't heard anything from them at all. Not even an audition! I am so glad I have a "real job."

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rescems2
Scottsdale, US
Sep 01, 2009 12:10 pm EDT

I was in the acting business Many years ago, had an interview with Barabara and the first thing I thought was rehersed . She told me instanly how marketable I was and how because of my past job knowledge I could be hired on as a military or law enforcement advisor for movies, then it got deeper she told me "Had I been plugged into the database when the Kingdom was filmed I could have had a starring role. Really? Barabara Really a starring role without a SAG card or portfolio or any speaking parts in over 22 years. Wow . Then the shoe dropped she needed $300.00 dollars for a photo shoot. Hmmmmm my look according to Barbara is perfect for Military, cop, biker, western roles which is true but wanted me to take pictures right then and there in a sport coat. The Last time I did contact sheets I did a few different looks. I brought with me some samples of the different characters types I fit, she had no interest at all. Oh and I was told I could possibly have a lead role in Valley of the Sun, once again really Barbara really? a lead without an audition? Amazing. Dont waste your gas folks.

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not that gullible
Surprise, US
Aug 26, 2009 3:24 pm EDT

I was just about to suggest 3 On Your Side! I just got back from my appointment. I spent about 45 minutes in Lance's office while he went through his emails, showing me all of the parts he filled and how perfect I would have been - but darn it all, he already filled that spot.

I don't know if Barbara used this same tactic or not, but if she did - did any of you happen to notice the dates on those emails? Some of them were from last year! Clearly, that is part of his sales pitch - save every email he's ever received and pull them up when he's got someone in his office. I was beginning to wonder how he knew which ones to click on while I was there. Maybe there's a secret code in the subject line or something. Or maybe he has separate folders for different demographics... Anyway, thanks for this complaint board. I left there without paying the $300, but made an appointment to come back for the photo shoot in three weeks. I figure if I am as fabulous as he says I am, my phone should be ringing off the hook with all of the jobs that I would be perfect for.

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Bad Karma for Moviesworks
Phoenix, US
Aug 25, 2009 2:48 pm EDT

Thanks people!...I was about ready to go to Movieworks...Like so many people a little extra cash never hurts...But this is Arizona...Home of the carpetbagger. $300 photo shoots. Glad I checked them out. Perhaps someone needs to contact someone like 3 on your side and see if they won't do a little a little candid investigation...Like send someone in with a hidden camera to expose this fraudulent crap. I sure all the employees at Movieworks took a class in business ethics...They failed the class but they took it lol.

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smart2
, US
Aug 12, 2009 4:29 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

How obvious is it that only_ me is from the agency. There are complaints on [redacted] as well as this site. Barbara is mentioned over and over with her script. Professionals consistently say YOU DON'T PAY FOR CASTING SERVICES HUGE RED FLAG. GOOD TRY ONLY ME. IF YOU WERE LEGIT AND YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS...WHERE IS THE PROOF. WHATS YOUR PROFESSIONAL NAME...GET A LIFE AND STOP SCAMMING PEOPLE

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only_me
Buckeye, US
Aug 10, 2009 10:17 am EDT

O, I forgot to add.
If you are looking for reputable Talent Agencies in Phoenix, the only ones are Leighton, Dani's, Robert Ford, and SIM. I have heard some bad things about Signature also, but they are SAG so maybe they will do okay for you. Don't be surprised if the Agencies also want you to retake your headshots with THEIR photographer. It will probably cost you $200-350. And these are the REPUTABLE ones.

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only_me
Buckeye, US
Aug 10, 2009 10:05 am EDT

Wow! Lots of haters here. Sorry to put a damper on your parade, but I have had geat experiences with MWN. I signed up with them over 3 years ago and have worked on a National Commercial, 2 Feature Films, and 6 Local Commercials and a print job. Some of which have paid VERY good.

MovieWork Now isn't a scam at all. They get their talent work but YOU also have to work to get it. I have done a couple jobs that I didn't even have to audition for but alot of them I did. So it's up the Casting Director and Company doing the hiring if they pick you or not. MWN supplies the projects, YOU still need to do the work to book that project. Also, if you don't fit the look the Casting Director is seeking they don't even call you in for an audition. You all know that right?

Anyways, I'm not getting into a bunch of mumbo jumbo that you all don't understand.
Also, you don't HAVE to have them do your photos. But your headshot DOES have to be professional. You do pay to be in their database, just like all the other Casting Agencies in Phoenix. Getting into acting takes some personal investment. That's just how the business operates. MWN is a company that gives people who DON'T have a talent agent the chance to also work in the Entertainment Industry.

I am so happy for this company. I've been able to work on some very exciting projects. Any money I have ever paid to them was made back about 10x.

Too bad the last person who posted didn't keep their appointment. They just got hired to do the casting for a SAG film, Valley of the Sun. One of the films I worked on also was the Jamie Foxx film, The Kingdom.

It's not like we are LA folks. We're Phoenix, we don't have non-stop acting work here 24/7.

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niche
Phoenix, US
Aug 06, 2009 1:34 pm EDT

I drove by the Movieworks office yesterday, called last night and got scheduled for an interview this morning... LOL

I had the gut feeling some of you had prior to going in and I googled "movieworks now casting" and got this site. I really enjoyed canceling my appointment by reading a few of these posts to 2 different people. Thanks guys!

My buddy works in LA and has been in over 50 movies from small speaking roles all the way up. He said he also tried to become an actor when he lived in AZ and it is possible but only if a film gets shot here. The majority of the time AZ only had indie stuff from local schools as well as some work from local marketing agencies (commercials, etc). He said you have to go where the work is and unfortunately the majority of the work is in L.A. and New York.

Unfortunately he does not know any real talent agencies out here but will inquire and let me know.

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maggiep83
Tempe, US
Aug 03, 2009 9:27 pm EDT

I got a call last Wednesday for an "interview" today. The interview was actually for my daughter, I hate cameras but she shines when they come out. In any case by the end of the interview I felt like a peice of garlic bread all buttered up and ready to go in the oven. I have half a mind to call them on this and tell them that if they honestly think that a person coming to their "interviews" has real potential, then they should pay out of pocket for the photo shoots!

Also, did anyone notice that Barbara mostly took the male clients? And the other guy took primarily female clients. They try to appeal to the clients with flattery. How pathetic are they?

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Thunderoustopaz
Chandler, US
Jul 08, 2009 5:49 pm EDT

July 2009

Hi everyone,

I am so ashamed that I paid my money for this crap. Barbara was my talent coordinator as well (whatever the hell that means). She told me that as an African American female I was in high demand. She also told me about the same union stories and not to join SAG immediately. Before I knew it, I had paid $300 and didn't know what I was getting for my money. I called back to ask Barbara additional questions and she said the money was for my photo shoot. Since when do you have a photo shoot without a variety of clothing items and propts? I didn't even get my negatives, so what the hell did I really pay for. The photographer said she had only been taking professional pictures for 3 years! All the signs were there, but it was too late to get my money back.

When I went to view my photos, Barbara pulls out this pricing sheet and tells me that I get one 8 x 10 in my $300 and the rest I had to pay for. The package she selected was $420, an allegedly included 10 prints. She also said I would be a good candidate for Soap Operas and weekly sitcoms! Now how is that possible if I live in Phoenix. I can't get my money back, but I would encourage everyone to pursue their acting dreams the real way. Find a reputable acting coach, take classes, and seek out local talent agencies. I found some great information on joeedelman.com that I plan to pursue in a few weeks--once I can save up the money I lost with Movie Now Networks Casting. Lesson learned the hardway.

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rebecca615
Phoenix, US
Jun 08, 2009 3:26 pm EDT

Just for fun I filled out the MovieWork Now's online application last week with the expectation that they would call me someday if they ever needed movie extras. I don't have any interest in turning this into some kind of career...I just thought it would be fun expereince to be an extra in a movie. So imagine my surprise when they called me the next day and told me they wanted to "interview" me. I had no idea what to expect but thought I'd check it out so I agreed to come in on Saturday morning.

The office is very nice and professional and they their "client list" does seem pretty impressive. I met with Barbara and she gave me quite a spiel. She said that she was very interested in me because I looked so young and that they could cast me all the way down to 12 years old (I'm 30!). She talked on and on about AZ being a "right to work state" and how that meant they had tons of work opportunities. Of course she asked me to do the $300 photo shoot. I asked why that was needed just to be an extra in a movie and she said that the real money was commercials, etc. and that I needed professional photos to be considered for that kind of work. I said that I just wanted to do this for fun and she said "don't you want to make money?". I asked if she could guarantee that I would be cast in something and she said "I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't think you were marketable" and that "I don't ask everyone to do this."

When I said that I needed to talk to my fiance first before spening that kind of money she said that I was going to miss out because she was doing some casting on Monday and that I could get something right away. As I was leaving, I told the receptionist that I needed to think about it and might be back and she said, "Just so you know, when I started doing this I was cast in a commercial and a documentary right away and my son was cast in a movie."

I am ashamed to say that I almost fell for this this and I can see why others do to! They definitely exploit people's desire to be in a movie or commercial. You want to believe it's possible because it sounds so exciting. I am a bit naive when it comes to this kind of thing because it's hard for me to believe that people would lie to my face just to make a buck! But the more I thought about this the more I wondered if it wasn't a scam. You have be really wary of anyone that insists that you "must buy right now" or "buy something to get something" because they are probably slimy. Reputable, honest salespeople with a good product want you to make the best choice and do not pressure you.

I am so glad I came accross this and other sites that tell the truth about this palce...and grateful that I didn't give MovieWork Now a dime!

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utopia133
Tempe, US
May 22, 2009 6:39 pm EDT

Ugh...I feel so terrible for people who fall for this company. Literally the exact same thing happened with me except I wasn't lucky enough to be told they were a scam ahead of time. My freshman year of highschool they somehow got a hold of my mom, and she took me in to the interview.

Being young and my poor mother not knowing anything about the business. We went for the whole $300 dollar pitch. I have to admit I did get some pretty nice photos out of it however even looking back at those i realized we were scammed as well. We purchased prints (which were just as expensive) and she gave me some "addresses" to send the pictures out to, and also told me that they would put me in their data base and that I would get my own user name and password. I sent out a resume to every address and either got no reply or had them sent back to me and I tried logging into the data base and never was able to get in.

If you are contacted by them or anyone else remember these things:

1. A true casting agency or agent or manager of any kind in this business should not charge you a dime. These people do not get paid until you get paid, and once you do they take a percentage of your total pay and that's it. Run if you are asked to front money right away.

2. Head shots should be made to make you look natural. Make-up and lighting and all that jazz are of course still used. But true casting agents and those involved in movies and television want to see you as natural as possible, looking as true to your age as possible. If you are done up and made to look older these give casting directors a false perception of who you are. I'm currently 20 years old, they took my photos 6 years ago, and I am just now able to actually use them and look my age.

3. Recently with the strikes going on they will try to get you to believe that movies and directors are going directly through them to get to you, instead of the big named actors that normally appear in movies. This is incredibly false because in the industry if you're not SAG you're not in within reason strike or no strike.

One of thses days someone needs to go in and tell her this, I'd love to see the look on her face lol.

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mio
, US
Mar 19, 2009 1:39 am EDT

I just went in for one of those interviews today and got the same lines. I just had a bad feeling about it. How can you offer me a job but require me to pay $300 first...I dont' have a job. She even asked me that didnt' I bring my credit card? I found an excuse and got out of there. I said I'd give her a call and just like what she said to you "your look is in demand", that is what she said to me. Well, thank God for the internet and thank you guys for posting and preventing me from doing something I might forever regret!

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queenlena
showlow, US
Mar 11, 2009 12:47 pm EDT

Glad I checked up on this as Ms. Capra has called me for an interview.
#1- I dont have $300
2#- Scams piss me off
Thanks for this important information.

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MissC
, US
Feb 03, 2009 4:03 pm EST

Thank you so much for Posting Your Experiences Guys. If it werent for you, i wouldve joined this rediculous scam! Xoxo!

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Dave R
,
Nov 01, 2008 2:10 pm EDT

I've run into a few people over the years with similar experiences.

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Daniel Peters
,
Oct 14, 2008 1:24 pm EDT

I totally agree! Barbara is fake as can be. I drove about an hour from Tucson to meet her and I told her I wasn't going down there to pay a fee. She said no fee is required, she lied to me because when I got there she ended the interview with me needing to pay 300 dollars ! I told her I didn't come down to pay I just wanted to work. She made it seem that my profile application was gonna get filed in the trash.