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Marisa Sclafani at Empire Talent is a con artist and does push you to use her photographers only, this is how she makes her money. Marisa needs to be stopped now before anyone else is taken advantage of from her deceitful web of lies. Marisa doesn't know anything about booking work with directors, she has no contacts and is a bad seed. This kind of agency at Empire Talent gives a bad reputation to the other reputable agencies out there. I would recommend filing a complaint to the BBB and file a law suite with Empire Talent Modeling Agency (what a joke)... I know there are a lot of people upset with Marisa Sclafani's business ethics and her scamming ways. These individuals are all filing a report against her and getting the police involved.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I am part of Marisas agency as a film maker. She did not ask for anything from us for her representating us. If you are going to be in film, we require a headshot before we will use you in a film. Do your research with any company but Empire is NOT A SCAM!
You are not part of Maria's agency as a film maker. I did do my research MARISA;) and all the reputable childrens mags and photographers say DO NOT do portfolios on children under 4. Weird. You have no workers. YOu are a JOKE!
I must comment that I am currently using Empire Talent as an agency for my son. First of all she did not insist on using a specific photographer nor has she requested any money from me. She doesn’t get paid unless my son gets a job and gets paid. She has booked jobs for him so I am unsure why there are complaints being made. Any agency will advise you need photos done. Your choice where to have them done is a benefit of using Empire because not all agencies let you choose your own photographer. Also there are many agencies out there that make you pay them to look for jobs where as I have not had to pay any money other then commission when my son gets jobs.
If I can jump in here for a minute.
I'd like to say that I have been happily represented by Marisa for going on 6 months now.
I'd like to address some of the complaints made against her.
1: "Marisa pushes you to use HER photographers."
As we all know, it is VERY difficult to get acting work anywhere, let alone in Phoenix Arizona. However, in order to get a career in acting or modeling, you must first find the right head-shot. Your head-shot is your career. It is what gets you work, what pays your bills, your head-shot is your EVERYTHING. I have PERSONALLY SEEN Marisa accept head-shots from other clients that were NOT taken by her photographer.
If you come into her office with a head-shot that is NOT industry standard, she will turn you in the direction of somebody that SHE KNOWS CAN DO THE JOB RIGHT. Marisa does not collect on this, head-shots are expensive, and they are part of the process, she will not turn you down if you have INDUSTRY STANDARD head-shots from another photographer.
2: "Marisa says the same things to everyone."
I would like to go out on a limb here and say that Marisa was NOT going to accept me as a client at first. I consider myself lucky that I was even able to make it down for an appointment, and after I showed her what I was capable of as a performer, she considered me. I've seen her turn people down, and almost experienced it first-hand.
3: "Marisa doesn't get me any work."
Go to LA. Go to New York. If you want calls every week, Phoenix probably isn't the place for you.
A word of advice from someone trying to help:
Don't listen to the people that talk negatively about people in the business. There is no sure-fire way to fame, fortune or the silver screen. Every route is different, and people that post negative things online about representation will most likely have a poor chance of ever getting represented by anyone.
Happy hunting.
It's interesting that some of those defending Sclafani in this thread post regarding nothing other than Sclafani and in at least one instance simply copy and paste exactly the same defense in multiple threads about her. "Sandi", I'm looking at you.
they are a complete ripp off then and a scam. police and fbi needs to be on this scene.
I must say Marisa has represented me for a number of years now and has booked plenty of work for me in the past! People are upset because casting does not choose them in there add, print work, movies ... whatever it may be, but it is definitely not due to Marisa Sclafani's lack of character or professionalism! If anything she is one of the most savvy women I have ever met, who has looked out for her talent and has done everything in her power to get US work. Do not harass this poor women, she is trying to earn a living like everyone else and has done a phenomenal job by my standards. All I can say is Marisa is a great agent and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a shot at becoming something in this industry.
Thank you Marisa for all of your help throughout the years!
With regards from another loving and satisfied customer,
Johnathan
i worked with marissa for a year got two jobs, but shes indeed a scam. the photographer who did my photos told me him self and said he stop working with her because she was saying the prices for photos were the prices he was charging which wasnt true at all. so yes she did infact screw me but i learned my lesson.