Barbizon Modeling / Barbizon International review: they are cons... 51

I completely agree. Barbizon is a complete scam. First of all, they make you audition in a hotel room and talk about their so called "agency". The woman who was the host told us how she used to model and now she is an actress. She was most likely lying. If she was really an actress she wouldn't still be going to Barbizon to learn about acting jobs. They tell you that people like Sean Faris and David Archuleta went to Barbizon. Yeah...okay. They also show you a cheap DVD that probably is bad quality, most likely because they put a bunch of scenes together and none of the people that they showed on that DVD are people that they worked with I bet. When they first call, they tell you it doesn't cost any money, but when you get their they use their "marketing strategy" so you can pay to go to their school. (The talent scouts may try to look all fancy but in reality they're probably people who couldn't get into the modeling or acting divisonThey probably don't even have an agency division of their school because:
1. Why don't they have a list of clients on their website?
2. Why don't their models have comp cards on their website?
3. Why do they mainly adverstise their school and not the agency division?
Obviously, they're money comes from the school, and they get paid on commission. The more people they scam, the merrier. They try to make it seem like some people no nothing about modeling, when in reality they make a bunch of nonsense terms up to make it seem like you need to go their school. Don't go to these people because they're a huge SCAM! I'm glad I didn't sign a contract with them. This is something that parents and potential models/actors should think about.

"trust me you dont want to deal with these people. Their all FAKE!"-

There is a huge problem in this world and it is people that are so negative, like the both of you. I went to Barbizon myself, in San Francisco, and learned the basics of modeling and acting. I got exactly what I paid for and Im 1000% happy with it. I'm not sure about the other Barbizons, so correct me if I'm wrong, at my audition with them they had a presentation and in it they stated that they do not guarantee work. In fact they emphasized it. They also emphasized that they were training, not representation. Although they did help me find my manager and the two agents followed. Maybe in your presentation they didn't emphasize it but that is a fact. It is general knowledge that there are no guarantees in the entertainment industry. No one is ever guaranteed anything when it comes to modeling and acting no matter who you are. You may be a famous actor but that doesn't mean you are guaranteed to always be successful and to be a good actor. In order to be successful in this world you must learn and practice what you are doing. You can pay people to help you, YES, you can get help for free but at the end of the day it is up to YOU to put yourself out there and be successful. I have been modeling and acting on the side for 6 months now and have made quite a bit of money. Every month I get a residual check form the one commercial I did for about $2, 000 from the first commercial I booked. And I will say this with no regret, that if it wasn't for Barbizon of San Francisco and the loving support they gave me I would not be successful in this industry on my own.

"The woman who was the host told us how she used to model and now she is an actress. She was most likely lying. If she was really an actress she wouldn't still be going to Barbizon to learn about acting jobs. "

From what I know a lot of people that work at Barbizon have modeling and acting backgrounds. That means they have gotten modeling and acting jobs, that does NOT meant they are famous, it just means they have more knowledge of the industry than the average Jane! How can you say she was most likely lying when you don't know. And yes she is probably at Barbizon trying to help other young individuals who want to learn or enter the industry like me. I don't think she was there for training, more like there to train. Does that make sense? Why would Barbizon employ someone who has experience as a chef or a massage therapist? Duh.

"Why don't they have a list of clients on their website?"

Look again they do... Sean Farris and David Archuletta went to Barbizon, David Archuletta was on American Idol when I was enrolled in Barbizon and the staff was always talking about it... seeing someone who came from one of the Schools and is becoming famous. I also know that Lyndsy Fonseca, Carmen Electra, Ryan Phillipe, Katie Holmes, Elijah Wood, Jessica Biel and many other went to Barbizon. Try doing a google search with their names and Barbizon.

"They make you come into there little auditioning to look and judge you. After that they say you have so much potential."

I remember my interview and they did say I had potential, no disagreement there. This is because they believed in me just like they believe in everyone, its called giving someone confidence. It places like Barbizon that change people with low self esteem and stop kids from committing suicide. I'm happy that they helped me with my confidence and I have the ability to say NOW LOOK, I'm living on my own, going to college full time with hopes to be a doctor (and no one will tell me I can't) and working on the side. I have a brand new BMW convertible, a gorgeous girlfriend and more than I could ever want.

So you probably wonder why I wrote this, you probably think that I work for Barbizon but I don't. The reason I wrote this is because Barbizon of San Francisco and the family that runs it (yes it is family owned and ran) and the staff are like my family. I have stayed in contact for years and visit when Im back up there. They have always helped me when possible and I owe it all to them. I heard about some complaints found this on the internet and am passionate about letting people hear the other side. Sorry if other people have different opinions but you should speak for yourself. You had a bad experience, maybe with someone who had money symbols in their eyes and not simply the demeanor of helping people. I know that the principles of Barbizon are to help young individuals pursue something in modeling and acting but that is not just it, its to help with confidence which is the biggest tool in life. There is no way you can go to an audition without believing in yourself. Im disgusted by people thinking that they are guaranteed something. You always hear all the negative and none of the positive. Well here is some of the positive real TRUTH.

This is to Charles...Actually, they are a scam and your probably a scout anyway. There is nothing wrong with telling the truth, which is that they are a scam, thank you very much.

i dont understand why 'charles' has to be a 'scout' just because he doesnt agree with you;&+ you dont know him &+ you dont know which barbizon he went to;all of you doggin on barbizon;you need to grow up &+ get over it if you got played.

If someone knows that an agency is a scam there is nothing wrong with that. You can't criticize people because of an experience that they went through. Do you know how many models nowadays are taken advantage of because some people are just in it for the money? I'm sure you have been through a bad experience and you were mad also. Everyone has the right to express their own opinion, and if you don't agree with it...well that's your own idea on the issue but don't tell people to "get over it" because until you've gone through it you don't know. I'm not trying to give you an attitude, I'm just saying that you need to respect other people's opinions.

I am on the fence about starting classes at Barbizon. I was all for it and was even willing to pay for classes if that came up for the 2nd call back which they did call back. After the 2nd interveiw I felt like I could be the next big star and that I had a great chance in modeling & acting (due to the scout), but the scout said I had to start right away with the classes because they are not always excepting students and I had to pay the tuition of $1395.00. I was willing to pay like I said before but she told me before I could start 425.00 had to be paid then 65.00 their after for EACH class session until graduation. This is not what I was willing to pay. I'm starting to fell that this just isn't worth it!

I just made an investment in my child's future and enrolled her in Barbizon. First of all, I would like to say she is beautiful and has the height and body of a runway model, and that is what she wants to be. She doesn't know anything about the modeling industry, how to CORRECTLY walk, how to apply makeup in various ways, how to get over the jitters when doing an interview, and other important factors she may need to be competitive. We decided to take a realistic look at what her future may hold in a modeling career. At the end of her training at Barbizon she will not be a supermodel, she probably will not be modeling in Milan, and she may not even land a big modeling job with a well known company. What she will have is a foundation to start with, confidence to go out and compete for what she wants, and most importantly, some KNOWLEDGE of her chosen career path. Do I think she will eventually become successful? YOU BET! If she is able to go out and make enough money to take care of herself while she is pursuing her college degree (her plan "B" because you always should have a prepared back up plan) and she happens to stumble across her dream, I am happy. One day at a time people, take one day at a time and your dreams can come true (Plan "A" or Plan "B"). To be successful at anything you have to start with the inside of you and work your way outward.

I can't agree or disagree with anyone being a 42 year old male. However Barbizon has had a cart in the shopping mall where I work. They've been interviewing girls for this and said they would fly them free of charge and get them free photo's ect... according to one of the girls working the cart.

I was really caught back with fear when they said they'd fly them free to somewhere. I distinctly got the image of human trafficing. I have feelings that this is a front for someone Turkish or Arab King in the Middle-East attempting to pick some girls for his harem.

They probably dress them up take photos and send them to the Kings the Kings then say which one they want and then they are flown out of the country. They are virtually kidnapped and the local authorities cannot stop them because of diplomatic law. Once the girl is on the plane she's history.

See this link describing what happened to a former Miss USA.

www.sauduction.com/12issue.html

Correction! Do not stop them because of diplomatic immunity

The Barbizon school has been in business since 1939 and is the most reputable in training for the performing arts. One only has to read their web site that clearly states their mission statement of training. A school cannot select talent for Modeling or acting only the the writer or photo editor has that control. Agents and Managers have the job of representing trained and prepared talent and arranging for auditions. It is not possible to work in the entertainment industry without training. Models and actors are made not born. Each and every talent that you see working as a model or actor has had training and they continue to train through out their entire career. Those who become angry and sour about not working have unrealistic expectations for themselves, schools and agents. Industry professionals have no use for these types of malcontents, as there is a line of happy, well mannered talent to fill the spots. It is what is on the inside that is more important than the outside. On Barbizon's web site it clearly list all the national clients that have hired Barbizon grads.You see them every day in ads, hear them on the radio, TV and staring in Feature films. Most Barbizon schools are licensed by the state department of education which would not allow the exploitation of any minor. Those who become successful in the entertainment industry take from each teacher and audition experience and understand that if another opportunity comes up they act in a way that they would be considered in the future and not become angry.

I put myself through college at an agency like Barbizon. My job was to sell classes. I told every young girl and her mother that we were going to teach them poise, confidence, runway skills, how to apply makeup, etc. "Of course we can never guarantee that anyone will get modeling jobs, but many of our students have gone on to model - look at their pictures on my wall." It's a pretty easy sell in most cases, as every girl and her mom wants "the dream." It really didn't matter if they ever had a chance to model, we just had to keep filling up those classes.
The business really bothers me. I modeled myself, as well as worked in the agency. I saw creepy photographers talking young girls into posing for really inappropriate photos. I saw 19 year old male models talking young 15 year old models with stars in their eyes into bed.
I know it's not all this way, and there are success stories. I just caution you, parents. I have daughters now. I would NEVER expose them to these types of schools. My daughters are beautiful, and if they come to me and tell me they want to model, I'll hire a photographer to take some fantastic shots of them (with me there) and I'll make the rounds to the established agencies in town myself, with them. I truly feel that any established agency will give me an honest opinion if my daughter has the look they are seeking. If so, they will tell me what she needs to do to get work.

Ok let me tell u guyz about barbizon! its a lot soo bare with me. Barbizon is one of the biggest rip-offs I've ever known. They don't necessarily lie to you, but they definitely MISLEAD you. READ CAREFULLY! They talk about how u got the look or they helped these stars that you see on the videos during the interview thingy, but in reality they didn't get them there they happen to cheat them out of their money to. Let's be smart here ppl, bcuz I wasn't you shouldn't have to pay THAT MUCH if any at all. I don't know y i didnt realize this b4 but they fed me & my mommy THIS STUFF about how cute we were and my mommy wasnt even in for the interview. I wasn't believing all of this stuff. They don't get you HUGE jobs, after the class like I said b4 READ CAREFULLY! and after reading all of the comments barbizon is ridiculous with the ppl they excepted. I dont feel special anymore, and they were all sooo nice. But its just a ploy luckily we caught up with this thing, b4 giving the money. ALSO even my mommy said some of them girlz shouldnt even had been in there.. some would say not so cute, kinda ugly..not my words. but regardless plz google or yahoo search b4 you waste ppl money. I'm soo thanxful friends at school told me this was a scam b4 we paid. I hope i SAVE SOMEBODY!

my two best friends and i got stopped at wet seal where someone was "scouting" and asked if we had any experience, and we said no, so she recommended barbizon for us. i haven't gone to the classes yet, and neither has one of the friends who was with me, but the third finished the program and is now modeling as her job. she was 13, now 15. when i think of barbizon, i don't think of ridiculous prices, because, honestly, the modeling business is expensive, but definitely worth it. the only bad thing is, now my friend moved to las vegas from atlanta for her modeling. i don't know exactly how much she's made, but she's paid off her tuition by far, and now i'm just begging my mom to take me! :) so i definitely recommend it. and to anyone who thinks it's a ripoff, you're wrong. and to anyone who thinks it's a trafficking conspiracy, you're crazy!

I thought I Knew much about barbizon and I was thinking a about going there but after what i heard today not sure. my parents dont have that much money and if its expensive for nothing it is not worth it. I most certaintly would like to be a model or an actress and i also heard really good things about barbizon. i also got card saying thay wanted me to be there or something like that anyway i hope its not a ripp off cause i want my dreams to come true. My friend reccomended me to do barbizon cause she graduated but told me the pictures were like $300. well anyway i do not Know what i want right now.

In reading the above post I can only think of expectations. As a former model myself who graduated from modeling school after a long battle to get into the school I find schooling as a whole to be an excellent route for parents guiding their children to success. My battle was with my mom, she was from a small town and very few people in my small town ever left the small town. We did not have "overblown" expectations of what modeling school would do for me. I learned about confidence, avoiding peer pressure, make-up, runway, and photo posing, interview skills, etiquette, skin care, posture, grace, voice and diction. The topics I studied in modeling school were not offered in any other format in my primary education. After finishing training I had the opportunity to work locally in fashion shows, bridal shows, promotional model, local cable access TV commercials and even went on to sign with a NY agency. I never made a million dollars... but that is not what I expected. I expected opportunity and education. I went on to college and now work in a corporate environment, a young thirty something, mother of two who is the Vice President of the company. As a parent myself I would never deny my children the opportunity to educate themselves in any area they were passionate about with a structured curriculum and a safe state approved atmosphere.

Yes, Barbizon is a rip off. Did I talk classes? Yes. Do I regret them? No. Why, because I knew I was getting ripped off. I needed to learn the proper way to walk and I knew i would get signed. Did I get signed? Yes. Do i get jobs? Yes. Should everyone go to Barbizon? No. If you are gullible and have gullible parents, do not get into Barbizon. It's pretty pathetic because a lot of the parents worship the ground Barbizon walks on, its gross. To get into IMTA you have to be with Barbizon or John Robert Powers and it is waaaaaaay more expensive than Barbizon. I was at a show the other day and the moms were talking about how exciting it was going to be and how famous their kids were going to be. Their girls had bad skin, bad teeth and were overweight. I'm sorry, Elite and Ford are not looking for that kind of "look". Just know what you're getting into.

It's quite obvious from all the comments here, good and bad, that if you have the "look" or the "potential", then Barbizon MIGHT help you launch your career. But it's just as obvious that Barbizon will TELL you you have the look or potential whether you do or not in order to get your money.
They are a business, and they are in it to support themselves and profit, so whatever gets them into your pocketbook is what you will hear.
Millions of people (since 1939) have paid for their classes, portfolios, photoshoots, etc..., so it stands to reason a few will become famous... DUH... but it doesn't mean they are going to make your average, mediocre kid a supermodel or movie star. Think about how few actually "make it" and figure the amount of money Barbizon wants compared to the minuscule chance of your child's success...
Most people are WASTING the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
And if your child really is something special (ask someone unassociated with you and your kid, so you get an OBJECTIVE opinion), check out stories of how the famous were "discovered" (it's easy, cause if your reading this you have Internet access and famous people love to brag about themselves so their stories are easy to find on the Web) and maybe you'll follow their leads instead of just forking over a$$loads of money to a "modeling agency" that really isn't.
Actually it's also obvious some people here should have spent the money on grammar and spelling lessons...

BARBIZON ARE A BUNCH OF CON ARTIST, WHAT I LEARNED WAS THAT IF AN AGENCY ASKS FOR A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY UP FRONT, MOST LIKELY THEIR SCAMMING YOU. a GOOD ONE WOULD ASK FOR A SMALL FEE, LET YOU TRY IT OUT AND SEE IF YOU LIKE IT, AND THEN YOU CAN CONTINUE, NOT BARBIZON, YOU CANT EVEN REFUND YOUR MONEY.
AND ON TOP OF THAT THEIR LYING, THEY SAY MODELING AND ACTING, YOU ONLY GET ONE ACTING CLASS, AND THE TEACHER OF IT OPENLY SAID HE THOUGHT WE WERE BEING SCAMMED. THE CLASSES ARE LONG AND BORING AND DONT TEACH YOU MUCH, THEIR BASICALLY A WASTE OF YOUR TIME. I WENT OUT OF MY WAY TO TRY TO AVOID SOME OF THE CLASSES, LIKE I FEEL SORRY FOR MY MOM WHO FEELS LIKE SHES GETTING A DEAL HERE BUT ISNT. I WOULD HAVE QUIT BUT IT WASNT MY MONEY I WAS USING, NOW I GOTTA FIND SOME SORTA WAY TO REPAY MY MOTHER OVER 2, 000 DOLLARS, WHERE THE HELL AM I GOING TO GET THAT KINDA OF MONEY. BARBIZON HAS PUT ME IN SUCH A HORRIBLE SITUATION. I THOUGHT MY MONEY OR MY OMS WA PAYING FOR A LIST OF THINGS WHEN IN REALITY, ALL MY MONEY PAID FOR WAS THEIR CLASSES, THAT JUST ASK YOU FOR MORE MONEY TO PAY FOR THINGS THEY SAID WAS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE LIKE MAKE UP. THROUGHOUT THE CLASSES MOST OF WHAT THEIR DOING IS SELLING YOU PRODUCTS YOU CAN FIND ON THEIR SITE AND BUT FOR A "LOW" PRICE, YOU KNOW ON TOP OF THAT 2 GRAND. NOW I'M GRADUATING AND DREADING IT BECAUSE I HAVE LEARNED ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, AND DONT KNOW HOW TO FACE MY MOTHER OR WHAT WILL BE ASKED OF ME AT THE GRADUATION.

I ADVICE YOU TO NOT TAKE THE CLASSES, SAVE YOUR SELF THE PAIN AND MONEY.

I have an appointment this weekend for my daughter? After reading the comments, I am skeptical! So it is not free?

Umm, I went to the hotel today, and they played the DVDs and had a big presentation and I got really excited. My parents said no, and I dunno if I even made it yet based on my interview. They're gonna call me tonight so I'd know if I've been offered the classes or not. I've always dreamed of being famous or modeling or acting, I mean, there aren't many girls who dont. But I was really willing to take classes and learn knew things and gain confidence. I really wanted to be succesful in that area, but I dunno anymore. =/ does anyone know of any other companies that could put me on the right track? i really wanna get started. I've heard of success stories and stories about fraud and scamming, I just really want to get started in that direction though. Sooo if anyone has advice, please let me know. =]

My youngest daughter received a phone call two weeks prior saying she was recommended for modeling/acting. They called the house so it was obvious someone gave them our number. I was asked if I would like to bring my daughter to a scheduled INTERVIEW to discuss the endless opportunities that Barbizon could provide if my daughter had any talent at all. I was given the choice of a 9:30 am or 1:30 pm appointment. We opted for the later because it was over an hour drive. When we arrived it was a mad house with a line longer than at the unemployment office. EVERYONE in line had an appointment at 1:30 pm, and to make matters worse, people from the 9:30am line were still waiting for, what was now called, an AUDITION. Not wanting to disappoint my daughter, I sat through a looping DVD, then a presentation by a woman, who I thought was very good, on the selling points of a good education, good eating habits, setting priorities and goals, and she could not stress enough that good agents only get paid when their clients work. BUT, Barbizon never sends out models or actors that have no experience or prior training. So they offer classes over a six month period (one weekend a month, 1/2 day Saturday and 1/2 day Sunday) for the low price of $2145.00 That's $357.50 per weekend. So it's a little pricey, I can maybe find somewhere closer to give lessons in the same way for less travel time and less money, but maybe not. So we decide to keep our scheduled INTERVIEW/AUDITION. 3 1/2 hours and 18 times throught the looping DVD, those of us who are remaining (because they haven't got through the 300+ kids scheduled at 1:30) are asked to step into the hall so the 5:00 pm group could come in and start their movie and presentation. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! I didn't not cause a scene, but the guy next to us did. He asked why their were so over scheduled. The head executive woman, 2nd in charge, said that patience is a must in this industry, and if he thought this was a long wait he should see some of the other auditions his daughter would no doubt be sent to. She was good.

My daughter decided to leave on her own. "Mom, this is ridicules, they only want our money. And besides, if I have to see that flipping DVD one more time someone's going down."

IF BARBIZON IS FAKE HOW CAN SEAN FARIS IS SO FAMOUS...HE WENT THROUGH IT AND NOW LOOK AT HIM...SO YEA IT'S NOT FAKE OF A SCAM BUT THEY DO ASK FOR ALOT OF MONEY...BUT IT'S WORTH IT...

To "Tricky91" you are so very lucky to have such an astute daughter- I'm sure she picked it up from you. I spent a very short time with a Barbizon, I won't say which because of their legal contracts, but you can find the training and information in other ways for much less. The "audition" ... well, if you have the potential of money or being pursued by a collection agency then you will be accepted into this audition.

And yes, you can learn all sorts of great stuff and meet neat people, and get a job out of it, maybe. You can also do that from many other ways without paying thousands of dollars, however. Try acting classes at schools for instance, or intern at the college during the summer...

The point is - check things out, check your facts, don't let them mislead you and tell you what you want to hear if you cannot afford a finishing school for your kids.

barbizon is a scam they tell you its not going to cost nothing and that if they do need money for whatever that they will take it out of youre pay when you start working and so they got our attention by telling us we wouldnt have to pay anything so we went to there addition and they gave us this long slide show presintation with all these people that went threw there program and who are now making hundreds of thousands of dallors or more and tell you if youre energetic and practice and now what youre doing you can make all this money and then they interview everybody and call you and tell you that you passed youre addition and out of 40 or 50 people you and 10 or 15 other people only made it "which im sure they just say that to get you all excitted and thinking you have something special about you" and then after you pass they met up with just you and then say oh you perfect you would be so good to do this and blah blah blah and then say but youll need training and that is 1400 up front or 490 up front and 65 a week and that you need to have it within 90 days or youll have to re addition and then they say you dont have to pay anything else unless you go onto la or where ever "which is a lie" but they try to tell you all you will have to pay is a [protected] dallor school and then after you end up paying that they will say well you need 50 for this and then after that you will need 2oo for something else then another 3oo for another thing and they try to get the money for the school out of you at first and say that there wont be anything else that way when you pay it and they do start telling you oh you will need money for this and that and this and that you allready got so much money into it you cant just quit and back out ive read hundreds of reviews of people who went to the school and say its just a scam they dont get any jobs and dont make any money all they did was waist theres i looked up a million reviews and didnt see one good thing about it so what does that tell you...hmmmm that maybe its a SCAM ya im sure they have people that go threw there school and become famous but those people have probly been doing it there hole lives and know someone in the bussiness that can pull strings for them you are stupid if you think that this pro talent barbizon thing is the real deal

YWe had an awful experience with the San Francisco office in September 2009. We were made to believe our daughter was special and had a lot of opportunity. Our first clue that something was not quite right was our deposit hit our credit card within hours of giving the number to reserve the spot. No contract or registration was ever signed. I am so happy I did not say that I may want to pay the whole amount in order to save a few hundred dollars. Second clue was how rushed we were made to feel and the pressure that was put upon us to hurry up to 'get in' for the training by that weekend. Then the third clue was no returning of the phone calls we made to discuss what our final decision was. I have made 15 or so calls to my only contact at the San Francisco Barbizon office and have not receive one call back. This is not good business etiquette right here folks! This person knows who she is too and I would bet she is the one who wrote comment #6 on this posting. So, beware some good comments are probably posted by the sales folk trying to do damage control on the blogs. I for one am glad I took the time to read the blog comments; they were very helpful and dead on. Without this information, we would have probably gone through with it till end, spent a lot of money and then have nothing come out of it for my daughter. They don't tell you things like that you will have to pay for the sitting too but you do and it also costs another 1to2k to go to the big show if you go.

It has been about 5 weeks now since they took my money, I have not received even a courtesy call back and I have not received a refund. The charge is in dispute right now (which means I do not have to pay for it) and Barbizon's merchant bank is being contacted by my credit card to get the funds back. I am confident that it won't be a problem because if this happened to us, I am damn sure it has happened to many others so their merchant bank has got to be saying, 'here's another one of those'.

Chuck it up to life lesson learned. If you want to be a model - go to open call at any respected modeling agency. Most of them have them and many don't require professional photos.

This is a huge scam. My daughter went yesterday to one of their so called auditions. Today she was chosen as one of the lucky ones and we needed to make a decision right away since the class starts this coming weekend. Right there I knew this was a scam. Any reputable company would let you think about it. The definitly do a good job of selling this crap. They has my daughter all excited. I explained to her how it was a scam and told her to goolge it. She now believes me. It is criminal what they do. Obviously they are successful since they have been around for 70 years. I am sure a few people make it, as some people walking in the mall are discovered and make it. I just think they completely mislead you.

Ok. I've seen so many complaints about Barbizon and people thinking it's a scam. I personally went to Barbizon, learned a lot, spent money (yes, I'm not ashamed of it), went to a competition, won my division, and received callbacks from other agencies. I've also received three paid jobs from Barbizon without having graduated yet. What people need to realize is that there is no way anyone can make it in this business without spending a dime. Despite what Tyra Banks and other celebrities like that might say, when you add it all up, they must have spent money somewhere along the way to further their career. This is what is called an investment. Yes, there are some wise and not so wise investments and with any investment there is risk. You need to ask yourself if the risk is worth the reward.

Where do you think models get their portfolios? Pictures taken of them, right? Well, how did they get those pictures all nice and printed out on glossy paper for them and not just cut out of a magazine they were in? They paid for it.

Even for actors, they invest money. Has anyone ever been to an acting workshop? If you have, then you know that it's beneficial and you had a pay a fee. Barbizon is basically an extended workshop and those who are dedicated will pursue and invest. If you think it is a scam, then you're thinking negatively and will never see the positive effects.

When's the last time you heard of a college that takes you through school without asking for a dime until -you- make money? ... Never? That's because there isn't one. (Unless someone can prove me wrong, and then I'd love to see this magical place.) That's what Barbizon is about. They tell you up front that they are not an agency, but they can give you the tools to get an agency and give you a list of agencies once you graduate. If this just seems impossible to you or your situation, then maybe this industry isn't where you need to be.

I agree with nonyabiznus, Charles, and christine and some others. I especially agree with nonyabiznus: some of you instead of complaining about something should learn how to complain (meaning you should probably do some research and learn how to use proper grammar and spelling.)

I went to Barbizon when I was 15. I did not go there with expectations of becoming a fashion model, I only wanted more confidence. After going there, and 'graduating', it is easy enough to say that Barbizon IS A RIP OFF. However, I did meet my closest friend there and even she agrees what a rip off it was. The so called school was constantly asking for money, even after stating that we had paid for everything in full already. The teachers had no idea what they were doing when it came to teaching simple things - such as doing one's eyebrows. The school itself, was in a very shabby building that was completely unprofessional, lacking heat in the middle of winter. I wish I wasn't making this up, but my parents did waste their money. I'm happy for those of you that were satisfied with your experience, and I'm not trying to be negative, only sharing my thoughts. If you have the money, spend it at a real professional school that is willing to work with you, not only your wallets.

well i strongly disagree im am currently 16 years old its [protected].&nd i got my phone call not to long ago saying that i was accepted &nd so far i have strated my training &nd it is great im learing things i never knew my scout is great she makes me fell great &nd confident my self-confident as went halway throught the roof since i strated barbizon so i dont know about all of you but its working great for me &nd my little cousin who is also in..

Does anybody have experience with Barbizon in the Kansas City area? My daughter and I attended the Intro/Audition last night and while it was not as overbooked as the one in San Francisco, it was pretty crowded. My concerns are the "extra" costs no one is communicating, the fact that each Barbizon is a franchise who can change times/venue or cancel classes as they wish. Reviewing the refund schedule concerns me if they are able to make changes as they want. This would be an 1- 1/2 hour commute, and even if it is "only" 1 weekend a month it is a substantial "extra" investment. My call back will be Monday night, so any info would be appreciated. Oh, by the way! Has anyone really not been accepted?

When you start with the premise that you are going to be interviewed, having been specially picked, only to find it is a cattle call for an overpriced exercise in commercial robbery, you will get complaints. After some study, I believe they do use a precious few to succeed, but they know who they are at the cattle call. I know this because my granddaughter was one of them. They select about15% of that group to school at a fee, knowing full well their value to them will be recruiting more students. Sadly, most of these young people will get an early life lesson on how easily they can be taken advantage of.

I'm a model. I'm semi-pro and I never took "classes" on any of that nonsense. I went through the material they mailed to my 15 year old sister. I will note that they singled out the sister that was a little heavier than average, the girl with low self esteem. Her twin sister is slimmer and has higher self esteem and she didn't get the mailing - that was the first thing that tipped me off. Looking through their material, it shows a large spread with "stars" on it, photos and bios, but reading through it it comments that four, out of some thirty-odd photos actually went to Barbizon.

I have my B.A. in History, and have an Associates' in marketing. The fact that they didn't claim those big stars went to Barbizon on the literature immediately tipped me off. They are implying it, but not stating it. Why? Because they can't legally say that those stars went there when they didn't, that's illegal. But implying it? Dirty pool but won't put them in court.

I didn't go to the meeting, but I went through the class list and scoffed. You don't need to learn how to walk, how to pose, those are things that a photographer will work with you on. I know. I walked into my first shoot knowing nothing and the photographer instructed me (turn this way, kick your hips that way, tip your head up...) and I got some spectacular photos. I also didn't have to pay a penny for any photos I've had taken. I personally work through Model Mayhem and have done a number for TFCD work and have had some wonderful experiences with fantastic photographers that have been amazingly professional and through there I have several magazine opportunities. That isn't to say that MM is the cure for cancer, but it is a decent way to get started.

So yes, having examined the material, having looked through all the nonsense I felt sick. They prey on girls that feel bad about themselves and under the guise of giving them confidence they milk the family for thousands of dollars that aren't necessary to get into the business if you know what you're doing.

Modeling is a dangerous business to wander into, whatever steps you take, take them carefully. Make sure that the photographers aren't screwing you, make sure that the agency isn't messing with you, make sure that you aren't compromising yourself. You don't need to be Carmen Electra to do it, either.

WE JUST WENT TO THE RICHMOND CONVENTION CENTER 5/29/2010 430pm.

THIS IS A SCAM, U GOTTA READ THIS.

We were told by our so called assigned director JUDY from Tampa FLorida that there were no costs involved, zero. She said that they represent hundreds of other agencies that pay for everything, I could only assume that Barbazon worked off of a percentage scale. I asked these questions so that we did not waste our time on a scam. We attended the two hour presentation. What they do HIGHLY UNETHICAL, is put all the children in the front rows and the parents in the back. They do this so that you cannot make a quick exit. They show your kids all of the famous people on NICK TV, etc to build them up and make the want to join. They next hit the parents with a one time fee of over $2000.00. They make it difficult to say know because of what they have done to the kids already. I don't want to be mean, but I saw them randomly scouting people at the mall any one that would fill the form out and they ACCEPTED EVERYONE! There were a lot of girls that should have been turned down but do you think that Barbizon is going to turn down $2000.00 for their training classes, yeah right. They take em' all and have no standards. Less than 1% ever make a dime with Barbazon, you have to keep in mind that they are located in every major city in the U.S. Think of all these people that are not making it 99% and the $2000.00 they are losing, you would be better off going out to buy $2000.00 in lottery tickets. I have emailed the company to complain. I confronted the director about the lies and she told me to take my daughter and leave, this was before our INTERVIEW. Whether you receive any good trainining or not from their classes this is not a company that you want teaching your child anything and now my 9 yr old little girl is upset that her daddy won't pay the money. What a bunch of ripoff [censor]s. If anyone wants to know more about my experience please email me at the3jenx@yahoo.com I dont want to see someone get screwed.

Barbizon North Carolina and South Carolina is a scam. I've talked to other parents who feel the same way. With the way economy is today I think paying for modeling and acting is not helping my child's future at all. I know they were exposed on Dateline NBC. Should have been my first red flag. Sarah told my daughter that she was picked out of over 200, trying to make my daughter special. I did some research and they are not with the Board of Education, like Sarah told me. I did contact the Better Business Burea and the rating was not up to my standards for my child, when I brought this up to her, she made all kinds of excuses. My advise to other parents do your research . Don't pay with less than 24 hours to a complete stranger . Talk to other parents at the interviews, exchange phone numbers. Compare your experiences . She offered references, but respectfully declined, because maybe they are already set up to say nice things. As for the other comment, she did the same to us and said she could work with us on money, even offering discounts or paying lower amount to get my daughter started. On top of all this said she talked to her director Carrie and already was booking jobs for my daughter. When I got home, I read over the paperwork and found typos in their packet of info, and it even says no jobs guaranteed. And the contract, please read the fine print. I mean if you purchase a car, you have up to 30 days. But with Barbizon you lose money and very little time to change your mind. Needless to say we are going to do much more research before we make anything permanent and compare what the other options are and not make a hasty decision and any company if they care about my daughter will give me time to decide what is best, a week, month no deadline . But I will NOT be Pressured or SOLD by her.

Barbizon is a scam, why do they need your credit or debit card information so badly? Idenity theft anyone?

Yes that makes sense why would I give the lady at Barbizon my credit card and everything over the phone in less than 24 hours. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. And your right about the idenity theft they would have all my info.

I have an interview with them this sunday and after reading this i'm a bit uneased. I'm going to the one in San Fran. I might do lessons I might not I still have to do this and get called back.

I just signed my daughter for Barbizon OC. Does anyone have any experience with that location?

hey, I was actually accepted to Babizon about an half an hour ago and I was excited that they called me. I couldn't believe it, but once they asked me for my fathers' debt number I thought twice. "Rita" asked me to ask my dad for it. I said sure, so I called my dad to tell him. But once my dad anwsered he sounded a little sad.He said that he had already talked to her and that she asked for the same thing. So he made an excuse to hang up. Then he told me that it was all a scam. He said that he had investigated over that web and found alot of information that proves it. I couldn't believe this, I wasn't convinced. So, right now I'am investigating for myself to see if it is true. Their's a lot of proof that it is, but for some reason I'am still not convinced. Just about 10 minutes ago my dad called me to tell me that their telephone number is not even registered. What company doesn't have a registered number? It also got me thinking, why would they even ask for your debt number if they don't even know how your going to pay? That's strange, a good company doesn't do that especially not over the phone. I guess I'm still in shock that this happened to me. I mean they even went to my school and my school is pretty strict on letting anyone in. I guess they can fool anyone.

It's Not A Scam! It's A School Not An Agency. They're Helping You Not Ripping You Off! I've Gone There And I've Learned Acting And Modeling Tips! If You Even Take The Time To Read Their Website They Even Said They Don't Guarantee That You'll Become Famous But If You Have The Good Enough Potential You Can Make It. Your Just Mad You Didnt Become Famous!