Neil Snape wrote:
It is downright deceitful for this person to be behind such an awful plan.
But how is it that when honest people or run through this that the main agency is not alerted?

I'd say it takes two to tango.


Thanks so much for posting AND taking the time time to go through with researching this horrible vulgar attack on model's hopes.

Is it ever possible that a legitimate agency scams one model, but not another, like a mechanic will do an uneeded brake job for an out of towner, but a regular only when he or she needed it?

RL_11214 wrote:

Is it ever possible that a legitimate agency scams one model, but not another, like a mechanic will do an uneeded brake job for an out of towner, but a regular only when he or she needed it?

Not sure, I only try to keep with all the going ons from speaking with the girls I shoot.
Maybe that is what this one does, no idea.

When I was doing some tests with agencies before, I worked with an agency called Crystal.
I booked a model from Russia for a test but unfortunately the girl had a magazine gig to do.
I insisted but didn't have time or the right time to shoot shoot. The girl was with a sub par agency , and for her it was a spring board.

So yes perhaps this sub par agency may just use the cattle calls to make some money, and promote the real potential models even if rare.

BTW the girl I was talking about is Natasha Poly!


For those who think that agencies who ask for payment for pix and cards, there is a lot worse that goes on in Europe, especially in Italy,


scary!

Lucy Dominga wrote:
Not sure if anyone's still looking at this thread, but...

Has anyone heard of Wilhelmina S2? They seemed legitimate to me, but then through Google I found several models who are represented by Wilhelmina S2 and I'm not impressed (no offense to them). Is it a legit agency or another of those franchise scams?

Yep they are a scam as well it seems.

AngelicaAswald wrote:
Yep they are a scam as well it seems.

Depends on how you define scam. They are a legal affiliate of Wilhelmina and operate legally.

http://www.wilhelmina.com/affiliates.cfm

Zoe Mosier wrote:
Im currently signed with Wilhelmina of Pa and  I can tell you they are a legit agency. However, I do feel partially scammed by them. They require you to take classes that are very expensive and I am positive some of that money goes in their pockets. It is is standard to pay for test shoots, comp cards and whatnot. Where I really feel scammed is that I paid 1500 total to them for many different things and have not recieved any jobs and they require me to pay for all expenses, and frankly I can't afford it. The only thing I got from them was some pictures.

A legit agency would not charge you for classes or charge you $1500 to sign with them. Put it to you this way: a legit agency gets paid when their talent does. Agency takes 20% from a job and then pays you the rest. That's how they make their money. If you are paying for classes then guess what, they are getting their money by selling classes, not their talent.

Test shoots & comp cards are legit expenses for any model.

Amy Eli wrote:
Well I solved my own problem!!!

Definitely a scam!!!

I have been modeling for a few years and did not recognize this at first... I felt it was an opportunity for myself to expand out of my area...

Here's what happened, for all of you people considering doing this "Wilhelmina" open call, since there have been many posts about it.

1. CATTLE CALL
I showed up for my "appointment", which was an open call. They acted as if I had a real appointment, and there were about 70-80 people in my time slot. I believe there was another time slot that same day probably with that same amount of people. I also believe they do this twice a month. So we signed up, took measurements and stapled our photos to an application. I already wanted to leave.

2. PRE SCREENING?!
I emailed the agency for this "appointment" and had to send photos, measurements, etc. The people that were there along with me DID NOT look like model material. Not to be rude but there were all sizes, shapes, ages, most of which did not fit any type of modeling criteria I have ever seen. Red Flag #2.

3. RAZZLE DAZZLE
We were taken to a room and sat down in front of a projector with runway music blaring and all kinds of glamourous Wilhelmina people talking up the name. Barf. Then Kelli Harman spoke to us about how greatly connected to the NYC office they were and how much opportunity was in store for the chosen ones. Blah Blah Blah. She went on to say what an INVESTMENT modeling was and how Wilhelmina specializes in packaging their models up and marketing them... Then there was a list of prices. Seriously, how tacky. Then she had us introduce ourselves and I heard about 50 sob stories from around the room. The whole time I'm thinking, this is suchhh a waste of time. Then we walked the runway, even the people who weren't really out to be fashion/runway models, whatever. Red flag #3.

4. CALL
I received a phone call the next day, Kelli wanted to sign me. I agreed to go in for a second appointment. She reiterated on the phone the fees I need to pay attention to.

5. APPOINTMENT
So I just got back from my lovely appointment. I went for the benefit of the doubt. A girl rearranged my portfolio to make it seem like she knew what she was doing and was talking about all their clients (I was asking lots of questions). I was handed a contract to sign right as I walked in the door. RED FLAG #4. I did not sign anything but read what looked like a normal modeling contract. When Kelli was ready for me, she literally spoke of the fees within one minute of the conversation. She said I owed $1100 for website, training and comp card fees. Then she asked if I'd pay in cash or check. WTF. I think that is tacky and rude. On top of that she was trying to pull me into workshops that cost $600.

So I walked out without paying, signing or anything. I am tempted to email them all the dirt found through this site and other testimonials, but only if they email me again.

I am not naive in this business but I am just so PISSED off that I was sort of victimized like this. Even more, that this happens to tons of people everyday and people actually do pay. It's sick and sad.

OK the end.
Sorry for the long thread...

Thank You for posting this... I went in for that cattle call and was turnt off right away when I saw prices, but stayed since I just drove 2 hrs., I got a call today saying I was accepted, and they want me to come in to "talk" about signing.. I thought that was kinda weird, and figured the where going to ask for money, so I decided to come home and google.. THANK GOD I FOUND THIS.. it saved me like 60 bucks in gas.. and 5 hours of my life.