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I got scammed by this company too, along with two fo my friends and their kids. I filled out the form like everyone else did and they called me a week later asking me to bring my son in for an interview with their casting Director, Brody. I was told, like everyone else, to be there the following night at 7:15. I was lead to beleive this would be a one on one, at no time did they tell me about walking a catwalk, the many other people that would also be "auditioned", etc. My son is 2, I showed up at 7pm, only to be told to have a seat, we would be called for our appt. time with the casting director. After watching their various advertisements for their company, including endorsements from "Oprah", it was now 7:30 and my two y/o was getting antsy. Finally we were called, only to find out their were multiple people all going up on stage for a talent/fashion show and we were lined up. My son was "picked" along with everyone else, which clued me in something was fishy. I was then told to book an appt. for a photo shoot for them to use on their website and for us to use to solicit jobs, they had three pkg.'s with different prices, but we were told in order to continue on to the next step we had to pick one and pay a deposit up front. The the balance to be paid by the competition date. I then explained to Brody how we were deceived and he apologized and assurred me that the photo shoot would be individualized attention. I went on to explain that I had not brought a juice cup, a change of clothes, a cookie/cracker nothing and I was ill-prepared to have a two y/o wait patiently for 2+ hours (which is how long this whole process took). Like all the other fools i paid the deposit and went shopping for an outfit and showed up with my 2 y/o for our scheduled photo shoot at 6:30 two nights later only to find out they were doing another "audition" and we had to wait until the end, not one of the other 5 staff members could help us. The one guy that could take the stinking pictures was running another "show". Only I had googled them the night before and done my homework and knew that they were a scam. I figured at the very least I could either get his pics done or get my money back at this point. They wouldn't let me talk to Brody and no one else could answer my questions. I was told I am only an intern or I'm just 12 interning and apart of the competition. His assistant Kyle, keep blowing me off and telling me he'd be right back. I even got out the business card and called Brody's cell right there on the spot, of course, no anaswer. I left a message, of ocurse, no return call. After waiting yet again for over an hour, I walked off. I should have listened to my gut and what people told me, if they were legit they would take you on for free, not ask you for money up front. And let me tell you the second "audition" I got stuck watching while we waited for a non-existent appt. for a photo shoot - THEY ALL MADE IT TOO! Funny, we must be some talented people in this town.
Location: Crystall Mall, Waterford, CT
Wow thanks for the heads up Im glad I researched this company before I wasted my time with this company. I had a feeling it was a scam Brody won't be seeing me tomoroow night at the Crystal Mall! Why do malls let scam artists come and take advantage of shoppers?! I guess its all about the cash! Im sure The American Mall Model Search pays a hefty fee to set up stage there to make people think they are model worthy!
THIS IS NOT A SCAM! This is the second time i've participated in this model search. The first time around I couldn't continue because of personal issues. They wanted to give me a contract the first time around, but like I said, due to personal issues, I couldn't take it. So, I'm doing it again! Just got back from my second round at attempting this a few hours ago.
Let me make this clear, If anyone thinks for a second that a catwalk, photos, and talent aren't involved in a model search or modeling competition (because that's what a model search is), then think again. Apparently you don't watch America's Next Top Model or know what modeling consists of AT ALL! Think you're going to get pictures for FREE? WRONG! Do you have any idea how much a modeling portfolio would cost with a regular professional photographer? Try an upwords of $500 PLUS for just a few pictures! Not only that, but the photo shoot IS personalized. Everyone gathers as a group and each person takes their turn having their pictures taken. This company is more than trustworthy. Last time, I got everything I paid for. The pictures, the CD, etc. etc. (which I still have!) ...Also, if you are complaining about having to buy your kid clothes for this thing, then that tells me that he has some pretty shotty clothes in his wardrobe already, and that's nobody's fault but yours. I'm sure NO ONE there held a gun to your head and said that you HAD to buy him new clothes! I wore things I've had in my closet for over a year. Also, if you think that you're so special that you were going to have a one-on-one with a director, you're wrong again. Everyone gets treated exactly the same, same stages of competition, the same script and the same process for everyone who filled out the papers and put them in that little clear box with the tv mounted on top. Did you not see all the other papers in the box? THOSE ARE OTHER PEOPLE! You also complained about not being able to speak with the director THE DAY OF the shoot? Are you kidding me? There are hundreds of people that need his attention, ...like, other contestants and employees of the agency. You must think your situation is extrordinarily special for some off the wall reason. Another thing, you want to complain about not being "prepared" for the photo shoot? You had TWO days to prepare for this (longer if you count the back to the day you filled out the paper to enter your son)...the dress code was CASUAL, so it's not like you had to make him look like he was going to some fancy event. Besides, it's not that hard to get a two year old dressed anyhow. And shouldn't you have a diaper bag with all that crap in it, with you all the time? What are you thinking going to something like this without a diaper bag anyhow?! As for your son not being "the only one" to get picked, you need to understand the PROCESS! This model search is going on all over the east coast...it's done in "mass production" if you will. It's hard to find a model when the company lets the model come to THEM rather than the company go to the model. But if you wanna go to a private agency, like Barbazon for instance, then be my guest. I guarantee you that you won't be spending any less than $5, 000 to get your son started in modeling! Not only that, Barbazon is a modeling school, not an actual agency. Those 3 packages ($150, 210 & 300) are a FAR CRY from $5, 000! So honestly, I don't know what you're complaining about. Sounds to me like you're one of those ppl that like to complain and start drama. Your son HAD the opportunity to do this, and you took that from him by being impatient and spoiled, ...like the world revolves around you. Just because YOU were unhappy with the process, HARDLY makes it a so-called "scam". Maybe they were just sick of dealing with you and your constant, overly persistant nagging. And to think someone is just going to "hand" you pictures for free, is ridiculous.
Nothing in life is free, I think you need to understand that. You get what you pay for...and honestly, when you have masses of people attending this model search, think about the thousands of pounds of photo paper and cd's they are supplying YOU for just a couple hundred bucks per person. Fact is, it costs MONEY AND EFFORT to get into modeling. If you can't understand that, then I suggest finding another profession for your two year old. Not many places in the U.S. are hiring two year olds right now. Be grateful for the fact that you even found this opportunity for your son. And a lesson for you, stop complaining and nagging people, the world does NOT revolve around you, nor will it cater to you or give you hand outs. You are complaining about nothing. Instead of wasting your time researching companies to call them scams because things didn't go your way when you were stomping your feet like a child, try researching the modeling industry, how it works then look at your options! Look at the positive, now you have the money to go out and get your son a decent wardrobe AND a diaper bag!
You're a nasty nasty girl little SwissMiss. And I've had my fair share of modeling agencies and photo shoots to know that the way this "Search" is being run, is not how it is suppose to be. Let's talk about someone thinking the world revolves around *them*! I bet you think you're great, but you are most likely a very very lonely and sad person to be putting someones TWO YEAR OLD down and pretty much calling them a bad mom. And if the "DIRECTOR" gave this women his card, with his number on it, then it was meant for her to use. Not everyone would get to even see the director let alone talk to him. Trust me - this is a scam scam SCAM! Get a life SwissMiss - if you were that great to have been given a contract last year you would have taken it and they would have worked with you though your "PERSONAL PROBLEMS" or you would have had an offer from someone else.
Ok. Let me start by saying this is a scam. I showed up with pictures and cd of my 3 kids in hand. I advised them that I had purchased the package from their so called talent show under another name AKA MODEL PRODUCTIONS.
They went on and told me they needed most recent pictures and that I would have to get another package. Needless to say I did Jo such thing. The pictures were only from 8 months ago and believe me when I say there is no way they changed. So I told them that they are full of SxxT! Wish I would have researched ahead of time. So too all of you thinking of going this route, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME...
To Madmom2 - Being a mom, you know better than to take kids to any appointment without all your acoutrements, juice, diapers, bib, snack, toys, ect. No appt anywhere is exactly at that moment nor is it less than 15 mins, in and out. I can't believe that people would attempt something like this without investigating these types of things first. Out of 1750 contestants in our area only 12 were contacted. How do I know? I made sure I buddied up to the right persons and got other info then investigated those, the links, and the BBB. This was a great experience for my 12 year old daughter. I even explained that if she didn't get picked to get a contract that it was still a great experience and she could gain some knowledge about how things go in the public eye. I am not a mom who thinks her child is the best thing since sliced bread or better than any of the other contestants, we even cheered on everyone else. She had a good time, did very good at her walk and her singing (for a 12 yr old she does have some very good pipes lol), as well as her commercial. I was very proud of her for not going "Diva" about it, and doing all that infront of a large crowd, that takes hutzpah.
Remember, always investigate groups like these. Also, to do something like this in a mall or public arena, the company must first show proof of license, check out with the BBB, have coporate references, and be able to pay for the time they are there and the space. A mall can get closed down just for not taking legit precausions about a business or company.
We all think our kids and family are stars and special, but, no one is going to see them as you see them. Nor are they going to hire you out of the blue without some kind of sparkle or talent they can market.
I hope that anyone that does this looks at it clearly, as we did, and are prepared for how things may or may not turn out. We have some awesome pictures to keep of the experience, whether she makes it or not, and we had a good time. That is what counts.
My daughter auditioned for AMMS @ Grapevine Mall in Grapevine, TX. She was told that she advanced to the 2nd round and at that time they told us that she would have to do a photo shoot that cost $150. We paid for her photo shoot and to make a long story short, she "won 1st place" and at that time they wanted us to pay $150 for pro-cards. We paid them for the pro-cards and she gained access to their online casting board. She was told that she won a 1 year contract. When she finally gained access to the site, they were looking for specific people like men over 40 or girls with long stringy hair! She was never qualified for any of the job listings on their site! I took her to Austin for an audition for Paul Mitchell 3hrs away from where I live! We sat for hours only for them to tell her they wanted long stringy hair so they can cut and color! I was pissed! That was the closest thing for her to audition for and the last. Next thing I know, her 1 year was up! $300 and a trip to Austin all on me and all she has is an ugly photo shoot that she herself isn't happy with, pro-cards that she can't use, and a t-shirt she designed! I would definitely say this is a scam and they should not be in business unless they can guarantee their work!
Complete scam. I was the only one to second guess the payment upfront. I know you have to spend money to make mone, but come on. I was going with a great look and possible modeling but I am more into acting. I felt all this nonesense of portfolios was gonna limit me without one. When I was called it seemed almost too perfect that I hadn't had a portfolio and a resume. Im twenty five years old and stood up with a bunch of kids for this, I look 18 mind you. This seemed so similar to John Casablancas where my sister went but at least there they offer you rewarding classes. Something that will stay with you, but this t-shirt design and talent thing and then nobody needs your look after all that seemed way too convienient. I am having a student who is needing the publicity of her photographic skills and my looks and we are making our own professional portfolio. We are going to represent one another... to me that sounds promising. On top of that a actor or actress must obtain certain tax purposed approval cards ... they wouldn't even think to inform you of them... anyone who is in the acting business knows even with modeling you must obtain one to be paid for tax purposes. Lastly, think before you leap people... because the people not thinking and just forking over 300 dollars for your three shot package deal or even the 150$ ... you are giving these fakers the possibility to continue to rip people off. Thank you and goodnight.
The same thing happened to me! It is a total scam... I think i am going to make it my mission to go to the mall everyday and tell everyone there that it is a scam... and do not waste their time or money.. i do not see how the people who work for them can sleep at night...!
I was supposed tp be nptified if my daughter passed and I paid for her talent show cd and nobody has responded?
Eventually theese peop;e can get a lawsuit against them for fraud..
A friend of my son just did this and they feel as though they were "scammed" I just checked them out on the Better Business Bureau website and they are NOT a BBB Accredited company. There are also a LOT of complaints against them. I've looked on several sites about them and more people say they are a scam than people that say they aren't. Then again anyone who could talk to someone like that person toward the top did (the one that thinks she is all great and grand and obviously in her mind she knows everything) could work for the company. I think most anyone that says it's not a scam and then goes into how the "business works" works for the company and are trying to convince people it's not a scam. I would not use them for my children. I would go with someone with a GOOD reputation. Anyone who was scammed by them seriously needs to file a complaint with the BBB so they will get an even lower rating and hopefully be shut down. If they took your money don't just LET it happen. File a complaint with the BBB that's the only thing at thing point you can do. Don't let them get away with scamming you, do something about it.
I am a legitimate photographer and have had several people come to me to see if I could "fix" the pictures they received from American Mall Model Search, in the end they had me retake the photographs. The pictures I've seen coming from this company were horrible, poorly lit, blurry, awkwardly posed etc. Folks if you want portfolio photos to compliment you, avoid these scam artists.
Seriously.. this ISN'T a scam.. I've recieved my contract and I am officially modeling for money right now. It takes time and patience actually! Unless you've got on that stage and tried, then you don't need to go for what someone else is saying about AMMS, because half of it isn't true.
#justsaying
Unfortunately, if most people who audition weren't so stupid, uninspired and continue to not have ANY confidence in themselves, they would realize that the American Mall Model & Talent Search is willing, can and does help people reach their goals in so many different areas of the show business industry. You must invest in yourself and if you really check, the cost of the photos are so much cheaper than any other agency. Also keep in mind, we are not a "glamor shots appearance changing" photographer, but the true appearance of what casting directors and producers want to see. Wake up people!
SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM...IF IT WALKS LIKE A SCAM TALKS LIKE A SCAM AND LOOKS LIKE A SCAM...ITS A SCAM. ANYONE WHO THINKS OTHERWISE CAN KISS MY BUTT. OBVIOUSLY THE COMPANY IS HAVING THEIR SCAM ARTIST EMPLOYEES COME ON HERE AND WRITE GOOD REVIEWS. OLDEST TRICK IN THE BOOK. WHY DON'T YOU ALL PAY ATTENTION TO ALL THE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK. ITS A SCAM!
interesting to hear the nip tuck theme used as music background for the amms.com website ;o) : "IT´S a perfect LIE."... folks - just listen to the music and lyrics! Have a word... People who work for the amms should ignore all the idiots here posting bad things about their business - the business is great and honestly and that´s it...greatings to the Fort Lauderdale area from Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin and Ulrike Meinhoff...
I just got picked for the second round in Arlington, Texas...I'm so confused!
Just because something didn't go your way DOESN'T make it a scam. Complaining that you paid all this money for your childs pictures won't do any good, you have to pay to get that stuff to get into this industry. $300 may seem like a lot but really for photos its not and if you don't want there pictures get some from someone else and see how much those will cost you. Also you got the chance, you paid the money, you did the same process as everyone else...SO if your kid didnt get maybe it's because your kid just wasn't as goood or wasn't what they were looking for. In this type of buisness (modeling, acting, dancing, ect.) you have to be the best AND look the part. The casting directors for comercials or movies have a character in mind so if they want someone whos a 15yr old girl who can dance and your kid is a 13yr old girl who does gymnastics there not gonna get picked. You aren't all going to get picked and just because you don't doesn't make this entire process a scam!
I paid over $200 for a package from Glamour shots and it had nothing to do with modeling. So why should anyone freak out over paying $150- $300 for a portfolio? I asked the questions before paying any money. I pointed out that it seemed EVERYONE got picked to go on. A few didn't but damn near everyone. But in the end if all we get out of this is the portfolio and experience I still think it is worth the money. My daughter is getting experience. She is having fun. And maybe even an opportunity to get into real modeling. They specifically told me before any money crossed hands, that 1. they do not guarantee that she will get any paid modeling work. 2. they do not offer classes or coaching. 3. they only promise the portfolio and a one year website showcasing her photos. 4. They will make her portfolio available to agencies who are looking for talent. 5. Only an agency can sign her to an actual modeling contract.
They did not act like they didn't want to tell me any of this. They did not act as if she was going to be the next Tyra Banks. They said she was photogenic and very pretty. They were impressed with her height. But they also said most of it depends on her. (Her talent and her dedication). I don't know how much more upfront a company can be. The portfolio is ours to keep forever. And the experience is something that is not easy to come by. So its nice to see that even fat ugly little kids get to walk the runway and have fun once in a while. And they get to do that at least once without paying a dime. Scam? NO!... Parents just need to be realistic and ask questions. If you honestly think your kid is going to be instantly famous after walking a mall catwalk just once, you are way too delusional to be raising kids. I'd rather pay $150 to a company that may or may not get the greatest pics of my daughter than to go to craigslist and get some weirdo to take her pics for free while he JO's to them in his closet later.
I agree. This is a SCAM! I took my daughter here the other day and paid careful attention to everyone who "Modeled" on stage. Afterwards, the person running it called names, but he called them by groups... to throw off the audience and participants.. .yet, he called EVERYONE's name at one point or another. Not one person there was rejected. Now come on... really? Not everyone is model worthy. Think about it, you fill out this card, and they blindly call you because they have no idea who you are, you just put the card in a little box and walk away. There's no way they remember everyone. And any modeling "agency" who is asking for money for pictures right away (frantically handing out forms for you to write your credit card number on and handing out pens - BIG RED FLAG)... is a FRAUD! Don't be fooled.
I NEED ADVICE ON WERE TO GO FROM HERE... I took my 2 year old daughter to the American mask model search and went trough all the steps, long story short she won the 1 year contract. I know every parent wants to believe their child is the best looking and smartest kid out there, truth is that isn't always the case! I'm having a hard time figuring out if they truly seen something in my child or if I am delusional? I can't go anywhere without someone coming up to me and praising my daughter, I know she is not your every day two year old, she is much more cute than most kids on on most products, she is very smart, she counts to 15 knows her ABCs to n she is learning sing language, she has the composer of an adult she is intellectually advanced for her age, not ONLY IN MY MIND, so I am stuck wondering were to go from here? Is the casting board a scam? Please help! Thank you in advanceJennifer
This ifs a pic of my daughter, thanks Jennifer Deluca
I really wish someone would start a class action lawsuit against this so called company
Just took my daughter to the AMMS "Casting Call" as it was called to me this evening at South Hills Village Mall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and really feel now after reading all these comments and thinking back that this is a SCAM! When I got the call for this I was told that my daughter had to walk the runway and talk to a producer from Disney for a commercial. NOTHING was mentioned about a cost for anything, it was simply a "casting call". Of course my daughter is super excited and can't wait and she thinks she's going to be talking to a director from the Disney Channel so we decide to go. We get there and there were 17 people total that had to walk the runway say a line and then strike a pose. Out of 17 would you believe 11 made it?! Still nothing mentioned about paying anything yet! They get your children all excited tell them they won and made it to the next round then once you gather "backstage" to talk to the "director" or whoever the hell he was you open up the booklet and then it hits you ! You have to pay 150$ for pictures! Well could I tell my daughter that her dreams would have to be crushed and that I wasn't going to buy her pictures NO I fell right into the scam just like they want you to! Now all this stuff I'm hearing about the crappy pictures and no call backs and all that I will not be going back to attend the photo shoot! Thank God I only paid 50$ and not the whole 150$! Total rip-off and disappointment! They need put out of business!
Swissmiss and a couple of others must work for this company. This is what I would refer to as a scam when almost everyone is selected whether they are model material or not and have to pay for photos from the company and the contract. If you can model, sing, or act, you should not have to pay the company that is 'searching' for you. My granddaughter 'won' a contract in 2009. We purchased the photo cd, but then there was more we had to pay to go out of town to meet with reps from an agency and I don't remember what else. That's where we stopped. If you have the potential, i.e., you are a good candidate, you should not have to pay the company; they should pay you after they get their commission. If you need training, that's what they do because it's not hard if you have what it takes, and they are going to make money with you. So, it seems that what they are doing is searching for people to market to agencies, brokers rather agents. What is the one year contract for that you have to pay for?
My daughter is having a blast and she loved her TWENTY FIVE very well done photos. They keep telling her how great her personality is and that they hope she's working her routine. But that only the BEST from her age group is chosen. So i do not think it's a scam but something you need to have fun with.