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M models is a scam a rippoff. I signed up with M Model and talent few months ago and paid them $500 for printing my composite cards. I went to the photoshoot and never heard back from them ever since. No CASTINGS, GO SEES OR AUDITIONS.
Now if that's not a scam...I dont know what isnt!
Also the photographer they used SUCKED! I was suspicious to begin with but modeling has been a dream for me so I gave it a try. Now i am sure that this agency makes their money by sending models to photographers that are ON STAFF to shoot expensive photos and produce a comp card.They sign up just anyone with a credit card and they don't make their money by booking work instead only by selling pricey photography.
I was told that I need to print 100's of compcards where as a brand new model should never print more then 100-150 cards at one shot. If you're new, chances are your first card isn't going to be strong. So, 400 or 500 cards isn't a good idea. 100-200 cards are enough to get started and they shouldn't cost more then $1.00 per card to produce.
BEWARE of MMODELS AND TALENT...
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
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I have been to m models and 4 other toronto based agencies and I am confuesed. Some tell me they will pay for my portfolio I just have to pay 400-600 for the comp and head shots. Other agencies say that if they are serious about you then you shouldn't have to pay for anything.
So please I also need help choosing.
any info would be great.
No agency would cover all your cost. I was with m for almost 8 months went to 12-14 auditions landed two of them.
I did get mad. But its not their fault. Its all up to the client. As far as i know the agency is good. These complaint board reminds me of the same complaint for sutherlands and orange agency.
Did you ever get paid?
http://www.actratoronto.com/perform/agentlist/a-e.html
List of ACTRA approved agencies in Toronto.
1. Real agents don't guarantee work if you sign on with them.
2. Real agents don't require you to buy services from affiliated photo studios, training schools or video producers.
3. Real agents don't represent extras, models and principal performers in the same organization.
4. Real agents don't advertise or hand out leaflets.
5. Real agents make money if you make money - they don't charge you high fees if you're not working.
I HAVE BEEN WITH M MODELS FOR ONE YEAR NOW. I wasn't guaranteed work.
Toronto agencies is not like new york agency's they cant pay thousands of dollars to scouts.
Agency like sutherland models, orange models, icon models and many more advertise in order to find new talents.
Did they ever pay you?
Anyone with M Models?>? Recently signed and looking to get money back for comp cards...has anyone had any luck getting their money back from them?!
i currently just landed two commercials, I am doing pretty well with M MODELS.
They are crooks. Following are the few reasons why:
If an agency has to charge money up front it usually means they do not have enough modeling work for either the agency or the model to survive on.
You should be free to go to any photographer you want to. Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you could go to.
I really like this agency. They are the only agency that shows u what projects they submit you for. I have been with other agency's .They are the only one that actully got me decent work. This is a great agency .
its a scam! I'm gonna get my money back from them! They agent didn't even have her last name on the card. I can't believe i felt fot their scam! i'm gonna get my money back and make sure everybody knows that they are scammers!
Yeah, it's a shame. I know this post was made in 2011 but their contract is illegitimate, their BUSINESS CARDS do not even provide their real names (VERY FISHY?!), and no agency should demand upfront costs without proof of work first... if they really are worth $500+ (i see some others saying they paid up to $1000? another thing, why is their no set cost for the same "service" either? ALSO FISHY!) then they would let you pay off the $500+ overtime in gigs and they can take 100% of the earnings until you pay it off. They also wrote that they WILL NOT make any charges except for composite cards which are never even provided or shown proof of AND... THE COST IS NEVER LISTED ON THE CONTRACT. Legally, you can't have a contract and then charge my account over $600.00 after taxes when it was never stated that I would be paying such a fee and also, a fee for a service that IS NOT EVEN PROVIDED. The agents will say they show "proof of work" but it's only "submissions", which aren't even legitimate at least half the time... it's just to shut people up.. but the work isn't actually being done and the comp cards aren't actually being submitted.
I've also spoke with some talents from M that they DO advertise about getting jobs on their account and upon asking... it's very clear that they take A SELECT FEW "GOOD" MODELS/TALENTS... and DON'T make them pay ANYTHING / charge their accounts AT ALL... So clearly, they are taking some people's money (and never dealing w them ever again) so they can use that money to assist OTHER PEOPLE/TALENTS. How awful. I basically got charged $600.00+ so that I can make SOMEONE ELSE'S career happen.
Their not scammers . I just currently met two girls that have landed big campaigns thru them. You need to do more research. I am a sick and tired of people bad mouthing the agency. I get auditions thru them. They have helped me a lot. You can go on their blog and see what work they have got for me and other talents.
But have they paid you?
Probably not. It's also someone from their agency, they spend a lot of time replying to bad reviews. lol. Yeah, it's a shame. Their contract is illegitimate, their BUSINESS CARDS do not even provide their real names (VERY FISHY?!), and no agency should demand upfront costs without proof of work first... if they really are worth $500+ (i see some others saying they paid up to $1000? another thing, why is their no set cost for the same "service" either? ALSO FISHY!) then they would let you pay off the $500+ overtime in gigs and they can take 100% of the earnings until you pay it off. They also wrote that they WILL NOT make any charges except for composite cards which are never even provided or shown proof of AND... THE COST IS NEVER LISTED ON THE CONTRACT. Legally, you can't have a contract and then charge my account over $600.00 after taxes when it was never stated that I would be paying such a fee and also, a fee for a service that IS NOT EVEN PROVIDED. The agents will say they show "proof of work" but it's only "submissions", which aren't even legitimate at least half the time... it's just to shut people up.. but the work isn't actually being done and the comp cards aren't actually being submitted.
I've also spoke with some talents from M that they DO advertise about getting jobs on their account and upon asking... it's very clear that they take A SELECT FEW "GOOD" MODELS/TALENTS... and DON'T make them pay ANYTHING / charge their accounts AT ALL... So clearly, they are taking some people's money (and never dealing w them ever again) so they can use that money to assist OTHER PEOPLE/TALENTS. How awful. I basically got charged $600.00+ so that I can make SOMEONE ELSE'S career happen.
You are one them if you are saying they are not scammers! It’s funny because you just sound like them when they tried to defend themselves. However, the way the agent was defending herself and the fact that she was so scared made me sure that they are conducting fraudulent and illegal activities. How did you find about this complaint anyway?! It seems like you are one them and trying to do some research to see who is bad mouthing you guys! Even if they find work for some people what they are doing is against the legeistaltion.
They tell models that they are going to invest in their portfolios and the fact that they wouldn’t charge them for anything. But after the second interview they charge the model somewhere between $650-$1350 for low quality comp cards that doesn’t even cost over $50! They advertise through free listings (which is against the legislation!) and basically accept whoever who applies so they make their money from the insanely over-priced comp cards. They might find some job for a model or two but that’s just extra money for them.
According to Entertainment Code of Ethics:
*An agent will not advertise to the general public for the purpose of soliciting clients through advertising placed in any form of printed or electronic media (newspapers, flyers, magazines, telephones, the Internet, fax, CD-ROM or mailings, etc.)
*It is not a condition of representation that an agent stipulates the photographer, printer, school or any other service provider for the client. Should an agent have any financial interest in above named businesses, full disclosure about said interest must be provided.
*If an agent recommends a service provider in which they have a financial interest, it must be disclosed to the client at the time of recommendation.
I will be calling all the authorities and have them investigated to prove my point.
For those of you who say M Models is a great agency...PROVE IT. What work have you done? What commercial are you in? What photos do you have to prove you have gotten work? I'd like to see that before they EVER get any more of my money. alma7 - I feel for you.
two words M Model...
PROVE IT.
I don't want to see the job description...I WANT TO SEE YOU ON LOCATION WORKING.
good luck
ps. During the interviews...why don't they ask you about you employment history? Work ethic maybe? Might be important since they are invested "$2000+" in your portfolio.
No questions. Just sign here here here annnnnnnd here. Oh ya 735 dollars please.
Shoot. Maybe I just gave them hints on how to better trick people.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Oh ya and James Henry - couldn't find you on their website.
Weird.
I'd love too
Also. Just a question. How come when they hire you, the don't give you time to think about it and read over the contract and take it home. Any REAL legit contract/business will TELL you to take time and read it over. Not sign here and give me the money.
I checked out the website. There's a lot of very vague congratulating notes. Not too much proof of the model actually modeling "said products/campaign/ect".
Luckily I have a friend that is in the business IN Los Angeles and she even said this sounds funny
The blog doesn't say squat. It has a logo. Big deal. That's not proof. I could make a website and say I had a zillion contracts and deals with 10 major companies and post a picture of a logo. Am I really a model even though I say I am? I guess so because you seem to think this is a great agency.
They are a SCAM. ACTRA will not associate with them. ACTRA states that cheques BOUNCE from them. ANY agency that posts on CRAIGSLIST every day, every minute is DESPERADO. They are a SCAM. They have to business sense and soon they will be closed for FRAUD!
See below their PATHETIC ad posted everyday on Craigslist.
Come on CRAIGSLIST?...give me a break. Elmer Olsen is the way to go. Totally legit modelling agency.
Mmodels is a SHAM!
Seeking MEN, WOMEN, TEENS & KIDS for TV Commercials, Print Ads, Music Videos etc. (Ages 3-60)
Fill out an Application at: http://www.mmodels.ca
Once you have filled out an application submit a Head Shot and Body Shot at: mailto:newfaces@mmodels.ca
Our models and talents have worked with clients such as Budweiser, Td Canada Trust, Mtv, Much Music, Virgin, Canadian Dairy Farmers, Scotia Bank, Men`s Health Magazine, Sony Ericson and Much More.
Check out our blog for recent projects http://mmodels.typepad.com/blog/
Serious Applicants ONLY!
They are still open ! I just landed the scotia print ad! Also they are not on the no actras chq list. I called to check also went on the actra website. Plz stop writing crap. Jusr so you know they found me from craigslist . Elmer olsen does not take commercial print models . They only want high fashion models
M model is owned by the zaidi family. anyone who has questions about how illegal they r just google saroor hassan zaidi or just saroor zaidi. M models is running the same scam that La cite models, Orange models and Blitz models ran. if neone has a doubt just go to orange they will give you the same story. the owner of La cite is related to the owner of M models. just google them and u will find all the info u need they change there address and name every six months. Mark Heinz to RAJ to zaidi one guy just keeps changing names, ran a big scam of montreals next top model and people who own and run M models were part of it. if i was u i would ask them abt these other scams and watch how fast they will turn on u.
My experience with them never went that far thankfully, but regardless I found them to be thoroughly unprofessional!
I had my second appointment set up for August 1st, the girl I spoke with actually mentioned the date, so there's no confusion. I sent in some pictures by email as requested, also confirming my appointment date and time. There was no reply correcting the appointment date, so I assumed everything's in order. I call the day of just to be sure as it is a long weekend Monday - no answer. I go down to their office for my appointment anyway, and of course nobody's there.
I had left a message and the receptionist calls me back the day after. She asked me if it was my first or second appointment, and when she finds out it was my second she says "Oh, that explains it, nobody who had their second appointment yesterday was actually called for cancellations." In disbelief I reconfirmed what she just said - is it possible, they had second appointments for possibly 10-20 people, and none were called to let them know the office was closed? Then her reply to me is "Well, you're the only one who left a message, so I guess everyone else just knew except you." I didn't know whether to spit or swallow.. When it comes down to it, it's my fault that I didn't guess their office was gonna be closed.
The girl I saw on my first visit was Olga or Olivia, I assume her to be about 20 years old. She sat me down, looked at me with a smirk and a look letting me know that I'm a mere subject, then took a big breath and explained her agency's way of doing business in one long sentence seemingly without ever taking a breath, much like a machine gun that never runs out of ammunition.
Save yourself the frustration, and go to a professional agency - someone with experience, respect and professionalism to propel your future career as a model.
I would go with Zameret Kleiman...(extrascastingtoronto@gmail.com) she books everything by email.
She does EXTRAS CASTINGS and doesn't take a cut or percentage from you as the big big movie companies pay here to find GOOD people.
You could send an email with your resume and a body shot/head shot and introduce yourself stating you would love to be an Extra and work with her.
She has done a TONNNNNNNNNE of BLOCK BUSTER movies...and is currently casting Extra's for the remake of Total Recall...
PAY IS LOW! but over minimum wage. She pays you $11/hour (again she takes NOTHING from you in percentage) and if you are on set less than 3 hours, you get paid for 6 or 8 hours minimum...you get paid by cheque...after you finish the shoot, that day your fill out a voucher and they mail you your check...I have never had any problem with getting paid or receiving my pay in the mail. You would get it within 2-3 weeks...I have been with her as a side job for about 2 years now...
Here is a link to everything she has cast for:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006995/
She also post on Craigslist under the Jobs Section>>TV FILM
Here is her current post as of August 3, 2011...they still need Extra's for the Total Recall film...read more here:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/tfr/2526775225.html
or
See below:
Business types needed as extras Aug 20th and 28th on Total Recall (Toronto)
Date: 2011-08-02
Reply to: extrascastingtoronto@gmail.com
We are looking for upscale males and females to play business types on Total Recall Aug 20th and 28th.
You must be available both days in order to apply.
Ideally, you own a grey or black suit.
If you have already been on Total Recall, please do not respond to this ad.
Extra work pays $11.00/hour and a typical day is 12 - 14 hours.
If you would like to apply, please email a current and clear picture.
Location: Toronto
Compensation: $11.00/hour
Take them to court if you paid for photos
It's all over the news...people paying for photos at stupid prices and the agency does nothing
Call this man at Global TV...he would love to do a story on them and once it's out THEIR NAME IS MUD!
CONSUMER SOS
http://www.globaltoronto.com/story.html?id=1820568
Sean.OShea@globalnews.ca
sos@globalnews.ca
Toll Free: [protected] ext 5467
or if you’re in Toronto area – [protected]
I don't really have a complaint, I just want to say this...I replied to the ad that was posted on Kijiji last week, sent my two photos and they contacted me via phone. I spoke to a women named Nicole who booked me an interview with senior agency. I am to go this Saturday, late afternoon. I was completely ecstatic after I got off the phone...as the week went on I was planning on getting my hair done, my nails and find a new outfit to purchase so I could dress to impress. Then it hit me...nerves shot through me like a sack of potatoes. I started second guessing the agency, as I started to play back the conversation she and I had. she said that they only chose a selected few...but the ad on Kijiji showed 320 applicants. I started to think, how is it possible out of 320 applicants they choose me as a potential? Then the phone rang and I froze...I later listened to the message, and it was a girl Casandra on the other end...she fumbled on the phone, said my appointment was a different time than what I was told, she said a different day then what I was told, and she paused for a moment and asked me to call back to confirm. I found that rather odd as I already had confirmed my appointment with Nicole when I spoke with her on the Monday. So the question here is, do I suck it up and go see what this is all about, or do I just turn the other way and stay put?
DO NOT GO!
stay away
they will ask you for money bla bla bla
any agency that posts 100 times a week on kijij or craigslist is a DESPERATE FRAUD
do you research. many good agencies out there
go to ACTRA website and view the ones that are good
GOOD LUCK!
save yourself the anger and frustration
this agency IS NOT PROFESSIONAL
the girl that called you back on the phone
they switch receptionist every week as everyone quits once they find out how corrupt MMODELS is!
stay away from M MODELS
#mmodels
Thank you for your advice, much appreciated..I chose NOT to go! Call it intuition, but I had a bad feeling after I had that follow up conversation with Casandra. After confirming my appointment with Nicole on Monday, I didn't understand the reason for the second call...which I may have mentioned, she had the wrong date and the wrong time noted! I was a bit disturbed that she would call to confirm what I already had confirmed with Nicole...the wrong information, she had my name correct but that was it. Anyways, I am really glad I found this page to read up on this company...and I hope that others do their research as well before they follow through with it...Thanks all for all your input and well taken advice! xx
You can check out HOW to get an Agent and what to look out for on ACTRA: http://www.actratoronto.com/perform/index.html
Be sure to click on the right and read about the "no cheque list" etc etc...it's under the '''Info for New Performers"
Getting Started
Protect Yourself!
No Cheque List
Agent Information
Child Performers
Joining ACTRA
Industry Terms
Brochures
Hi i had a interview with M models in downtown on bay street. They made me fill out an app and asked me a few questions. And they told me to come again another day so i did and they said we dont have many people liek you in this industury so they offered me a 6 month contract with them. And she let me take it home and look it over for a few days. And it said That MMT inc are not hiring the model or talent, but representing them as free lancers. So they dont gurrante you work see. and please dont say something is a scam when it clearly states the fact that They Are not hiring you. look above (:
Is M models a scam? Cause i dont want to lose $650.
"they said we dont have many people liek you in this industury so they offered me a 6 month contract with them."...
WHATEVER!
YOU and 100 other SUCKERS fell for this line!
They ALWAYS state that you are unique or different
Of course they say they 'cant guarantee you work'...
But when an agency ASKS you for MONEY...RUN!
This was the whole point of the original poster.
Agencies take a PERCENTAGE of what YOU MAKE! That's it
To ask for money for 'photos' that a 12 year old can take is ludicrous!
They are stuck in the 80's where agencies were scamming folks to get 'headshots' for $500-$1000 with a photographer they rave about and it turns out it's their Cousin Larry.
Mmodels is looked upon in the industry as a total scamming JOKE!
The END!
I am very confused cause more people are saying M Models and talent is not a scam and fewer people are saying so i don't know what to do? Can i call or see something that has proof that they are legit?
Holy Crap...do you need a hammer on your head?
Guess so.
Can someone just answer me?
Can some one give me proof that M models and talent agency is real or a scam?
i signed my 6 months contract with M models but i havnt signed the photoshoot paper and havnt paid for my comp cards because i wanted to research bout them before i paid any money. Is it possible for me to jus tell them to cancel the contract? will i get in trouble or that paper doesnt mean anything?
In any contract you have so many days to cancel
You are NOT obliged to continue
RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN~!
Hey Guys,
I am from Carolyn's Models,
Tell me something, how come there models getting jobs if they are a scam. Why is it that their talent are going to same auditions with me that i get sent out to?
My sister is currently with them and she has been doing just fine. I had to pay for my own shoot at Carolyn's Model and for my comps. M Models covered my sisters shoot.
Also i have been watching their blog and seems to me people are getting jobs. Here are couple of links that are helpful so you know they are not a Scam! Looks like Ourrights has personal vendetta against the agency!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62357324@N04/
http://mmodels.typepad.com/
i just did my research on the poster Ourright's looks like he/she. Just talks bad about every agency. If you go through her list of complaints he/she has made.
I just contacted m models to let them know what's going on. I hope Ourrights should know that he/she will be caught through ip address ! So keep on posting lies !
LOL
I have only posted was has been said all over the net
IF both agencies have a problem with that, then so be it
A REAL agency would NOT be scanning the boards to protect themselves from what is being said. A REAL agency is too buzy for that and has a great REP in town. A REAL agency doesnt ask you to buy photos and sign up asap. A real agency gives you time to read the contract. A REAL agency wouldnt be posting on Craigslist and Kijiji.
A REAL agency takes talent and takes only a PERCENTAGE!
The end ...!