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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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Author of the review
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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Risa43
, US
Aug 14, 2015 8:45 am EDT

I had a opportunity to work with them with my 5year old little girl doing a photo shoot. They never asked me for money when it came to my kids. But my daughter do this photo shoot so they do note 30/90 days wait for a pay check I was working with Agent named Annie. 30 days went by asked when my daughter was going to be payed, she mention once not yet banner health hadn't released any fund for that project. 40 days went by then she said yes checks been mailed out more then a few times she mentioned it through email vetoed address too. Never saw a check in the mail. So I called her after 90 days said what's going on she said money hasn't been released yet, lol ok but I have a paper trail you said it was Annie said no it hasn't will let you, were still waiting.

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Katnaz
Phoenix, US
Mar 04, 2010 6:58 pm EST

My son and I went there today for him to try out his talents and desires. We met with Barbara Capra, she was nice enough, although something felt "off" with and about her. She went through the whole process of how not only my son was marketable, but I was too, and for that matter my whole family, so ask my husband too...We listened all about the movie Kingdom and about SAG and allot about her distain for illegal immigrants and how she told Juan today to take a hike out of her office, and the many that come in without social security cards, she drills them and then berates them for her being tired of paying for them, that lasted about 10 minutes. She immedialty then turned to her computer with a bunch of 'head shots' of a young beautiful girl, and how you need head shots, and 8 by 10's and a video 'resume' and then onto O and that is all only for $525, something inside me told me right there in that moment to stop believing anything about this 'interview' except that she really wants my money, she repeats it several times and reached into her desk, I thought wow she has a credit card machine right in there in her drawer, but no, it was only the paper describing the great things we were getting for $525, when I questioned the $325 package, her face changed slightly, like how could even ask that. Well, she made sure I was aware that she takes visa, mastercard, money order or even ca$h. I told her we would go home and discuss this as a family, that ended the interview. Not one time did she ask what my son'd desires were, his experience, his goals, his talent, nothing. When we got in the car, my son was quiet, I asked why, he said nothing. A little later he said, you know mom, I don't trust that lady, something doesnt feel right. I agreed, but didnt say so, as I didnt want to dis courage him just yet. I got home, and googled this company. SO for all of you that took the time to post your experiences about what a scam this is, thank you, although we werent going to pay that money because it didnt feel right, sometimes we get coaxed into things with such high hopes, but becuase of the people who posted the scam, you for sure saved us the same fate. SO you did help, and I hope ours will help too...Peace

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DaleW
, US
Oct 15, 2013 3:42 pm EDT

Barbara Capra is still getting away with this scam, there has to be a class action suite mounting against her scams.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/tfr/4127127640.html

movieworknow.com is a scam be warned people.

They post the images attached in the Craigslist post and they are old images, some are not even from Movienetwork now.

We need to get together people, and get his place closed, and put Barbara in Prison where she belongs.

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JeffS63
Phoenix, US
Apr 23, 2013 12:23 pm EDT

They are at it again on Craigslist

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tfr/3761576635.html

Hopefully, thanks to this site, more than a few people will save themselves $300

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mycamero13
, US
Dec 31, 2012 7:23 pm EST
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I just looked them up through the BBB today and they are NOT accredited by them and they have approximately seven complaints so far. They have an A- rating because they have resolved those seven complaints in less than a week each. Makes you wonder if everyone here floods the BBB and files complaints that perhaps they will pay people back or even better... be forced to close their doors before they scam more money from hundreds if not thousands of hopefuls a year. They don't deserve that A rating whatsoever! So... everyone... take a few minutes to visit the Better Business Bureau website and start the filing! Just an idea for everyone! :)

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mycamero13
, US
Dec 31, 2012 6:07 pm EST
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Last post on here was in 2010 and in another complaint spot about this same company started in 2008 and it appears they are STILL getting pretty bad reviews and comments today in 2012! I went there a couple years ago just to give it a shot to maybe earn a couple extra bucks and to just have fun with whatever work came my way.Unfortunately, I did fall for their $300 head shot scam! Afterwards I was getting emails about possible extras work and other shoots and I agreed to do most them that they had sent me and I didn't and haven't gotten a single call back about any of them to this day! I mean, I agreed to do probably 10 or more shoots and not a single call back to even be standing in the background somewhere. My advice, do not go with this company. The main old ### lady that almost everyone speaks to is an actress in her own right. Everything she will tell you and talk to you about is rehearsed and she has been doing this for many years now so she is very good at scamming people! It all sounds great when you are talking to her but her main objective is to get you to purchase a $300 head shot from them. I paid $300 and only got one single head shot print and not a single call to job offers they had sent me! As stated above... DON'T DO IT! If you are serious, get a real agent with a solid portfolio that you can research and confirm is legit!

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didntgetmethistime
, US
Oct 14, 2012 9:59 am EDT

My husband and I just visited their office, talked to Barbara, and went through the same old, tired routine. She blah blah blahed about us being African-American, how we were so rare in Phx, talked to us for about an hour about plantation stuff, and other what-nots...then BAM asked us for money. I would never pay a single red cent to a company that claims that I am in "high demand", but refuses to give me an opportunity to let my acting pay for itself. Stay away from this company...I will post this on their FB page, too. They are beyond ridiculous and they need to be stopped.

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mabelle123
Scottsdale, US
Oct 09, 2012 8:22 am EDT
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I too had an appointment with them for my daughter, that was a couple years ago. I was charged 300 dollars for "pro" headshots, they weren't. The whole photo session was a joke and this is when I realized the photographer wasn't professional at all. After reading all the info here I realized they had not asked for more money after the photo shoot for prints, I guess it's a new strategy to make more money off people.
My daughter was in the database for a year, absolutly not one call, offer or casting of anything. I never heard from anyone after we had signed up. I didn't renew for a second year.
There wasn't any complaints online at the time, I'm thinking 5 years ago. Today I saw their ad on CL and wanted to see what they looked like today. At the time they were located on Indian School off the 51. It seems they moved to a new location. In difficult times, people try to find work anywhere and it's unfortunate that movieworknow exploits them. I don't know where all the people on their website testimony page come from, they should publish their last names and make them available for questioning. I am also convinced that the positive comments here are planted by staff.

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OneBdHombre
Phoenix, US
Oct 04, 2012 8:41 am EDT
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It's absolutely unbelieveable that they are still in business and still scamming people. Maybe there should be protestors outside of their office...with signs that make interviewees aware. What a shame that this type of business "lack of ethic" still exists and nothing has been done about it. Thank you for all of the postings...I'm glad I conducted research before actually going to the appt. I guess I will be having THEM wait for an hour and a half !?! ;-) READ ALL OF THESE POSTINGS...BEWARE! SCAMMERS!

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PRICK
LIT, US
Aug 07, 2012 5:38 pm EDT

OMG who wants to take this place to channel 12 news? I do, I lost $500 in 2004 and everything I have read is still the same with Barbara and the Vice. I'm on this for refunds. Who is with me? I'll check back on Friday. Lets get these scam artists out of our town.

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MMA66
Avondale, US
Jul 09, 2012 10:58 pm EDT
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7/9/2012 Just wanted to update as of today that Barbara Capra is still saying and selling the same thing. BEWARE. Do not waste your time. I should have known better when we arrived on time for our appt, and we waited an hour and a half before she met with us. She told the same schpiel that everyone here has sited.

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Broomrider
Mesa, US
May 25, 2012 3:07 am EDT
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I have to say, I am amazed that this company is still in business. These complaints go back 4 years and "Barbara" is mentioned that far back. Well guess what, she is STILL there! I saw the website and thought being an extra on something would be cool so I filled out the online application. I got a call back the next day and set up an interview for next Tuesday (today is Friday) with Barbara. Now that I know I will be asked for money upfront, I will not be keeping this appointment. I am unemployed and don't have $300. Whether they are legit or not, I can't part with the little money I have left. Guess it's back to looking for an 8-5 job.

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Justme!
Phoenix, US
Dec 02, 2011 4:18 pm EST

I had an interview scheduled for today. The office is about an hour away from me and after reading this post I do not think I will be making this trip. I feel like they should do 1 of 2 things. Either A. advertise as an agency that will help you land jobs for a fee be straight up and business will pick up. or B. If ou trule feel someone is marketable then invest in them and return reep a profit. If I am looking for work and do not have a job them why would I want to pay $300 for something that is not for sure. If you feel I will get the part help me and let me pay you when I get paid. Take a fee like a true agent/manager.

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viza
mesa, US
Nov 17, 2011 10:08 pm EST

I went there today. Met Barbara, she gave me the speech for 20mins she was very sweet after her speech she brought out a fee sheet, to make a long story short she was upset with me when I asked her questions about the fees. I said why do I have to pay for this service, is this the same like the internet talent agencies. She called me negative and her whole demeanor changed. She said she is not fake like the internet casting companies etc I felt bad so I apologized and explained that I didn't mean it that way. I have been gullible in the past so I told her I will think about it. Glad I did not give her money for membership.

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Azbluefox
Phoenix, US
Jul 19, 2011 10:23 pm EDT
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Life isn't that simple" folks, as going to a "modeling agency" and putting your face in front of a camera, taking a few pictures, and walla . . . . you're suddenly a STAR. Sorry people, it just doesn't work that way.

It occasionally does happen, but it's far and few between. (like James Dean for instance) I fell for it myself about 35 years ago when I was a good looking young man, and it's the oldest scam in the business. At that time I put out $80.00 out of my own pocket for head shots, which is like $500 today. Someone I know is falling for this crap right now with "MovieWork Casting Now" and I know they will be taken to the cleaners financially. They are telling my friend that they have gigs for him with GoDaddy.com and he is their #1 pic for the shoots for this commercial. AND, that it will be released within a few weeks. First of all, I watch TV a LOT. And to the best of my knowledge GoDaddy usually put's out one (1) TV commercial a year, and it's usually on the Super Bowl. Am I wrong? Just let me know if I am. Therefore, MovieWork Casting is a CON ARTIST / SCAMMING COMPANY that is simply after your money !

These scamming modeling agencies work on your EGO. Which is your weakest point. DON'T FALL FOR IT ! Get a "real j o b " You're better off.

We ALL like to hear someone pay us a compliment and tell us that we're good looking and should be in the modeling business, an actor etc. But your odds' are incredibly against you. I HATE these scam artists that take advantage of young people's ego and their parents ego, who believe that their kid should be in modeling or acting, all while the scamming agency is sucking ton's of money out of them until their bank account is dry. I've seen many stories on 60 Minutes and 20/20 on this bull ### SCAM. Just remember to Google search the modeling agency before you do anything with them ! 99% of the time they are scam artists !

It's like the old saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

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Washout
Mesa, US
May 23, 2011 7:05 pm EDT

This Company does nothing to promote you once they make their money from the Head Shot photo shoot. You must buy your own bussiness cards, pay for your own mailings, expenses, etc. You will most likely end up at second rate commercial shoots or as a crash test dummy for an industrial insurance claim shoot.You will be on these limited assignments normally all day for a flat rate of pay normally betwee $50-$300. You are going to end up with about 50 8x10 photos that you will never use. Also the Phoenix Arizona area just DOES NOT have very many opportunities for potential actors. I received only 3 such assignments for the entire 2010 year. If it is not SAG related you just are not going to get quality work in the movie industry...Save your time and money!

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scammerbeware22
Gilbert, US
May 07, 2011 12:04 am EDT
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I got the same schpiel as the rest of you. Was told I could make lots of money doing voice overs for documentaries because I am educated. She complemented me on my ability to spell, and said that all these ASU freshmen can't spell. The form you fill out just has your name, address, height, weight, shoe size and some check boxes. If you can't spell your name and address, then I guess you would be considered literacy-challenged. I got my hopes up because I have no acting experience, and I really wanted to do serious work like documentaries. She went on a tirade about kicking people out of her office for speaking Spanish, and then I told her my wife was Mexican, so she asked me to invite her too. I skeptically waited for the red flag, and I thought I had seen it. She had two databases, the 150 database and the 350 database. I was right...those were the dollar amounts required to join each database. As I always do, I said I had to discuss the financial side of things with my wife. She asked again for me to bring my wife. My thought driving away is that this agency probably does provide work for SOME people, but if you don't have experience in acting, you won't be one of those getting work. There were at least 10 others waiting for "interviews" before and after me. She didn't ask me one question, so I'd say that's a first for me in my interview experience. It's one heck of a business model. I'm sure they put you in a database, but as one post previously stated, you need someone representing you when you go in. The rehearsed speech goes away and they lay all the cards on the table at that point. I feel bad enough for wasting my gas and my time...don't worry about being punctual if you go because they book interviews 3 or 4 at a time. Like everyone else has said, don't spend your money on these bozos. Spread the word if you do go. The economy is too tough for this kind of thing to be going on.

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munchcan
Goodyear, US
Apr 12, 2011 12:32 am EDT

omg, thank you so much for posting this i gave that [censor] Barbara 150 cuz i didnt have the rest and i planned to give it to her too...now after reading this im defintely going to try to get my money back sorry for u people that got scammed for the full 300...I will never allow myself to go through this again!

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Not important...
Tempe, US
Mar 20, 2011 11:10 am EDT

I have to say I had a similar experience. I went to meet her and was told the same thing, pay for headshots and a one time fee to get me submitted to castings... she ignored me and talked only to my father. (I was older than 18 at the time, but wanted him there for his opinion) she said he should get into the business, and my whole family. Only addressing me on only a few occasions, even though it was my interview I was disappointed. I did however before this meeting get cast by Movie works now casting and was in a national commercial spot. So I don't think they are a scam completely. They need to make money too, but they do help you in the business too, at least they did with me, and I didn't pay them a cent.

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SASHA MILAN
, US
Mar 02, 2011 7:17 pm EST

PEOPLE PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY. MY NAME IS SASHA MILAN AND THEY SCAMMED ME FOR 700 BUCKS. THEY WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING JUST TO GET YOUR MONEY..PLEASE PLEASE DONT LET ME FOOL YOU LIKE THEY FOOLED ME...THEY SELL DREAMS TO DREAMERS, EMPTY DREAMS AND IN THE PROCESS THEY WILL SCAM YOU TOO

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cma190
Phoenix, US
Oct 04, 2010 5:17 pm EDT

I just left Barb's office and I got the EXACT rehearsed schpiel that this poster is talking about. Amazing. I'm so glad I did not pay for anything. Oh and when I declined the photo's (I told her I don't have 300 bucks right now) she seemed very very annoyed and all of a sudden I felt like I was no longer the "star" I was when she though she could con me into paying lol. Buyer beware!

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Mattman29
92614, US
Sep 02, 2010 3:09 pm EDT
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Thankfully, I don't live in Arizona where this woman is as was not a a part of this scam. But the other part is I live in Orange County, so close to LA and there are TONS of scams.

The biggest thing to remember is if it sounds too good to be true and/or your instinct/gut feeling doesn't feel right then tell them no. The INSTANT you say no and the agent responds with "Well, alright but your going to miss out, this opportunity won't be here tomorrow or three days when you change your mind" - that agent has just made the biggest gaffe. That's pretty much like the agent telling you in code "Well, fine you don't want to pay me my $300 scam money, then get out of my office"

Second is if the agent or agency promises you your going to be the next biggest thing in the industry but you need to get professional headshots which are $250-300 and then you need sign up for acting classes $400

Sure you might be the next big star, but no agent or agency will require you. They can recommend and suggest, that's perfectly fine, but it should not be the basis to represent you... EVER.

Agents and agencies need to market you and the legit agents will only take a percentage AFTER you work on your movie. Percentages range from 5-20% with the average or consensus norm being 10-15%.

The likelihood of a legit agent and/or agency wanting to represent you with no or fewer than say 10 film credits is extremely slim. The best thing to do when you have less than 10 film credits is to find a manager. What's the difference between an agent and a manager? Mangers are geared to help you become more marketable by having you attend acting classes with a acting coach and sit with you one on one about how you can better develop you talent to go on more auditions and get more work. Where as agents or agencies don't have the time to help you develop your talents, they feel you are or should already be up to par for what they need.

Managers help you develop your craft. You usually do NOT need a headshot when you first go to a manager, but I'd recommend having them. A manager will probably interview you and try to find out about what line of production you want to work on (i.e. film & TV, theater, etc)

The link below is a helpful guide on what a talent manager does and if it's the right fit for you, while also providing great information on what kind to avoid and the differences between the types of talent managers. For starting out actors, what is a called a "newbie" talent manager is probably your best bet. They are not fly-by-night operations, but don't have the long established connections that a "Established" manager might have. I hesitate to say their in the middle, because frankly I would dare waste my time with a Fly-by-night manager, besides they'll be here one day and tomorrow gone. So let's call the "newbie" manager 1B and the Established manager 1A.

You can read below on the difference and the pros and cons on the two manager types and find out how to avoid those pesky-nat-like Fly-by-night ones.

http://hwtalent.nfluential.com/images/pdf/ChooseManager_IAEMagazine.pdf

Legit managers, like agents will NEVER ask you pay an upfront fee. Managers take a little more of the cut (15%) after work on a film or TV show, because of the more personalized service, time and effort the devoted to you. Their client list is also smaller than agencies in most cases.

Hope that helps.

Break a leg!

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AlexiaBouclier
Scottsdale, US
Aug 03, 2010 6:42 pm EDT
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My brother, mother, and I went to this "company", because I want to act for a living, and I am passionate about it. and I thought I had finally found a non-scammer in Arizona, because they're all scammers... because she said she wanted to interview me. INTERVIEW. I thought, "Wow, already? An interview!? Great!". So, I take time to perfect a résumé, a cover lettre, and even took a headshot. I spent a lot of time on those things. So the "big day", At 11, she makes me fill out a form, and I meet "BEARD-BARA", and she asks me 2 questions. Two! And not that important... My AGE, and my HEIGHT... WOW, it's on the form...
She gets into this banter right away about how they've apparently done movies... mhmm, and how they cast for movies, and she even used Disney Studios's name... THAT desperate?! She smiles the "sweet smile" when she talks, and talks like she's talking to a baby when she talks about how "the company lost alot of money, 'millions of dollars'" Euheuu, boohoo, oh no!, and then she talks about getting my headshot... my voice... and... can't she ask for the stuff that I have right here...? "Here's the headshots, how we do them... "... Let me translate what she's saying to me..."GIVE ME YOU MONEY".
The headshot of the typical fake-o blondie she showed me? It's not even a professional headshot! You have her leaning over with her knees in the picture, as we like to say, "look, I'm a mermaid!"... not supposed to have lower than a torso in a HEADSHOT! It's for acting! I do research!
My Mom says, we don't want to do the headshots yet...The lady closes the interview, "Ok, well thank you for coming..."
Translation:
"No money? Get out".

ONE WORD TO SUM THIS UP: SCAMMERS!
DO NOT BOTHER

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saved trip
Chandler, US
Jul 30, 2010 12:32 am EDT

Is 300light for real? Of course not. What Commericals, what movie? If anyone had sucess in getting work, they would want everyone to know who they are and what they did. MWN watches this site and likes to post crap like this. Come on its common sense. They lie to our face and they lie here. Good try stupid. I'm still have my $300.

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saved trip
Chandler, US
Jul 30, 2010 12:14 am EDT

Thank You all for posting your comments on this site. You have stopped me from wasting my time. A little reserch is a smart thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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m@d as h3ll
Avondale, US
Jul 29, 2010 12:59 am EDT

man these fools got my money 2 but it's all good i got something 4 them can u say take these suckers to court man them pics i took was not worth no 3oo dollars i could have taken my own pics and keepted my dog on 300 dollars can u say walgreens

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300light
, US
Jun 23, 2010 7:57 pm EDT

In every business there are barriers to entry. I too have gone to MWN and got the pitch. I did not expect to become an overnight star or make thousands of dollars a year. I wanted the cheapest quickest way to get in this business as a hobby and a way to make contacts in the business. I have been through many "pitches" in my 45 years and the MWN pitch had all the same qualities. But understanding its a business I paid the $300 dollars for the photos. I have access to the website where my headshot is posted. There are many areas on the website to point out what my skills are, to post my resume, and other information. I get the the casting emails as they come out and I apply to the ones that I fit. In the last 6 months I have been an extra in a SuperBowl commercial, a Stand In on a film shot here in Arizona, and an extra in another major commercial. I have no acting experience or acting school in my background, and I am not particularly good looking. But I do know how to show up on time and work. I am not a member of SAG. The only way I would have gotten the work is through MWN. They are a casting agency, and they develop a database of talent to offer production companies. I do not know the requirements, but each project I worked on allowed for a certain percentage of non-SAG talent which each production did its best to reach-after all it is a business.

I am not an overnight star but I have already made over $2, 000 on just three projects. I have met several people on these projects who were hired through MWN and they have similar stories as mine. As I read the above comments I understand that we all have been caught in scams and caution is always important, but all those above who did not get the photos and access to the website by investing $300 have nothing still. I have also run into people that have been hired by a production and quickly let go because they demanded certain food for lunch, or showed up late, or couldn't be found when needed.

I guess the best thing I can say is you get what you pay for. If you pay nothing to get in this business, at any level, you will get nothing. In this case, with MWN, I paid $300, got over 7 times my money back, and have seen how commercials and a movies are produced. I might have paid anyone the $2000 just for the experience. I have also made connections with other folks in the industry here in Arizona. Even though the pitch was a bit "pitchy" and $300 is, well . . . $300, MWN has already exceeded my expectations.

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prnjce
, US
Jun 18, 2010 9:26 pm EDT

I should have searched this site first. I fell for it twice ...in a way. I signed up for email updates over a year ago and one of their emails indicated they were casting model types for a swimsuit ad and I suggested that my friend go check it out to be an extra, because she is the model type and needed some extra $$. I told her if they ask her for money, it isn't legit. Well after her 'interview' she called me a told me they wanted money for a headshots...and I felt bad for sending her there. I must have forgotten because I registered with them this past Monday on the website, received a call on Tuesday saying they needed my type and age and to come in for an interview. Having done extra work and acting before when I lived in Cali, I asked, is there any cost to do extra work? And she said no, there is no fee to do extra work...I immediately thought awesome...So I drove 30 minutes to the interview, filled out the ap (which I already completed online) and met with Barbara, she went on and on about SAG and AZ being right to work state and how the industry is going to be huge in Arizona and how marketable I am and how much I can make from residuals...then she went on to say they had two packages to to choose from...WTF? Packages?!? I just want to do extra work...I explained to her that I am not ready to make that kind of commitment and just want to do extra work to see if that is an industry i'd still like to be part of and that $300 was not in the budget, much less $500...she continued on telling me how marketable I am and I will be really successful, blah blah blah...I just sat silent thinking '[censored] is crazy, does she think I'm stupid?' I informed her I had a resume and headshots and she was NOT interested in that...I worked for a casting company when I lived in Cali and I did not pay 1 red cent, I got 15 projects within a couple of years...and didn't have to pay a thing...This makes me sad that someone is so willing to lie straight to my face. Luckily becoming a movie star isn't my lifelong dream...oh and the kicker, when I told her the $ wasn't in the budget she told me to find a boyfriend for the night and bring him and his credit card to sign me up...Like I am going to [censored] myself out so they can make an extra $500...As I was leaving she gave me her card and the packages and told her to call her soon since they are starting casting my type immediately and I told her I just want to be an extra for now and she said (as she was folding my application and walking to the trash can) that I will be put in the extra's database...puhleese!

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Doyourresearch
, US
Apr 21, 2010 3:38 pm EDT

I applied online after viewing a newspaper ad and received a call the next day. I went in and she threw the flattery at me right away. She didn't vibe right to me and I was uncomfortable through the conversation. She gave me the 12 year old line and a few others mentioned here. She talked about how the SAG and the strike had made so much film work come to AZ because we are a right to work state. Said I wouldn't want to use an agent because the checks get mailed to them and you never know what the total is so they could be screwing you by taking out more than 20%. Blah blah blah. In less than 5 minutes she was asking me for --> $500!

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Cadillac Eddie
Scottsdale, US
Apr 14, 2010 5:43 am EDT

I went there also and dealt with Barbra Capra. The $300 is just to get you suckered in. Seems like it cost me over $1200 and I never got any work. After she got my money she told me actors spend years working free in school plays, etc. She basically told me I shouldn't expect anything with no experience. She seemed upset that I would question their methods. Last time I tried to log in to update my info I was locked out. I was unemployed at the time and this really hurt. She said it was the best time to do it because I'd have plenty of time for casting calls, etc. There were none. She told me a lot of Hollywood work was moving to AZ because it was too expensive to film in CA. I don't think that happened. This was about eight years ago.

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mylesmusic
Phoenix, US
Apr 07, 2010 12:08 pm EDT
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I agree with all these comments! I had the same situation happen to me a couple of days ago. Barbara is a "Snake" Her excuse for none SAG is "this is a right to work state" I lived in LA, I new right off the bat this was a scam!

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spunky2dejavu
Chandler, US
Mar 02, 2010 5:59 pm EST

I had been an extra before and thought it would be fun to do it again. I met with Barbara Capra back in June 2009. She went right into her scripted speech telling me "your look is in demand", "you look far younger than you really are!", "there are projects in the works now and I have to get you in front of the directors immediately!" BUT it was going to cost $300 AND I was going to need a bunch of pictures. It should have been a huge signal for me to walk out when my questions or comments made no dent in the "flow" of her script AND when she told me about the $300. She hardly took interest in anything I had to say EXCEPT after I stupidly paid that $300. Her phony compliments were pathetic!

A week or so after the photo shoot, I returned to go over the pictures. After spending the time to pick the ones to use, I was hit with the ridiculous price of $1, 200! The cost of the pictures is based on what she believes one's income is. Once I told her my husband is a general contractor and I didn't have to work, she nailed me with the high price tag. I've read other stories and have seen the price as low as $100. Until today I hadn't heard of anyone being charged anything close to the $1, 200 that I was going to be charged. And the nerve of Barbara to call and leave a voicemail asking when I'd be in to pay! What a fool... though not as foolish as I for falling for her BS.

I just finished watching Inside Edition today and they investigated a company called ACT, the Academy for Cinema and Television. http://www.insideedition.com/news/4074/inside-editions-hidden-camera-investigation-into-a-child-acting-school.aspx . They're pulling pretty much the same stunt Movie Work Now Casting is and they too should be exposed! I'm considering contacting a few places like "3 On Your Side" and "Inside Edition". What do you think? I'll keep you posted!

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Santeria
Tempe, US
Feb 27, 2010 1:47 am EST

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have all saved me from a huge mistake. I have/had an appointment tomorrow morning (saturday) w/ MWN...till I stumbled across this. Thank you world wide web! *Muah*

I will be more than happy to tell her where to shove it!

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therealshannonrenee
, US
Dec 30, 2009 1:31 pm EST

Response to 'only_me', GOOD FAITH CASTING IS FREE! I was already in 2 films within 6 months of each other.

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crankyoldfart
, US
Dec 16, 2009 2:07 pm EST

that kimberly carbajal has a forehead big enough to PLAY the kingdom on

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GREGORY WIRTH
SCOTTSDALE, US
Nov 29, 2009 10:48 am EST

yeah, the upload didn't work for me, either. Here is a link to a very legit site that I got TONS of work from while in NY

http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/gregorywirth

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GREGORY WIRTH
SCOTTSDALE, US
Nov 29, 2009 10:45 am EST

Thanks for posting folks, I had an appointment for tomorrow and now see that this is just another AZ scam. I worked in New York, did my own marketing mailing and ended up working as a sub-contractor for about 28 different union/non-union agents & casting directors. The only company that charged me a fee to get me into their database was Central Casting, but I knew them already and the cost was only $25. They sent me TONS of work! I was on AMC & ATWT, SNL, 30Rock and tons of print, commercials, etc. - all legit - all agents who took their fees after the job - so this was really useful.

No legit agency in NY EVER complained or needed "new" photos from me, they loved my shots and I worked pretty much full-time while I was there for about 4 years. Any agency that is trying to push photography blah, blah, blah has another agenda.

BTW - Bruce Talbot did my pictures, both times I had them done, you can google his name - he does such an outstanding job - very professional and has been in this business for decades! I can't say enough good things about him.

Once again, I appreciate all the great responses and support to the acting community for unmasking these frauds. Cheers!

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yardieguhl
Phoenix, US
Nov 05, 2009 8:32 am EST

Well the attach photo thing didn't work, so here it is on photobucket:

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/buymygreatthings/KimberlyCarbajal.jpg

or if that one refuses to show up: http://tinyurl.com/k1imc4

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yardieguhl
Phoenix, US
Nov 05, 2009 8:27 am EST

I just purchased a copy of Maricopa County's "The Slammer" newspaper, an amusing collection of recently arrested criminal's mugshots. Guess who I happened to find, charged with drug possession? One of the supposed success stories from Movie Work Now's website. I guess they lead her down the right road to become a movie star, huh?

Kimberly Carbajal - stand in for Jennifer Gardner on "The Kingdom" (they have been tooting their own horn about casting 2 people in that movie ever since it was being filmed. That's right, 2 whole people out of the tons of extras they had for the movie who were not cast by MWN - and out of the thousands Patrice Fournercator has scammed over the years. Here you can see what one of their lead star success stories is doing with her life!)

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Movieworkscam
Phoeniz, US
Oct 24, 2009 4:01 am EDT

ALL they want is to sell you a $300 photo shoot and charge you around $450 to get the pictures after they are taken. They have almost no work and have got about 5 people jobs in film since 2006.
BEWARE if I was you I would just fill the form out from them with a bunch of FAKE info SCAM them like they scammed me!
Here is the link
http://www.movieworknow.com/register.aspx
Waste their time like they wasted thousands of other people
And if you got the money SUE THEM THEY ARE NOT LEGIT!