Thomas Street Studios / Fusion Studios
Reviews and Complaints

This company is full of lies and scams, their only interest is to make money and leave you with nothing, no future to make money for yourself. If I can give any advice, steer clear of them. Once your shoot is done with them, they will convince you to buy a package of a payment of £3500 for some photos on a USB stick and promise you a future in modelling. This is something they do not tell you about over the phone before you go there. Be warned about this, after you pay the deposit and attend your shoot, do not be pressured to buying anything, go there with the intention of gaining some free experience of a photo shoot for yourself and leave without purchasing their service as you are not obliged to do so.

I attend photoshoot at 23th February, made 30 photos, everything fine, friendly staff, after I had interview. All fine j passed,) I had more options for pay: the cheapest was 300 pounds, but woman who interviewed me to advise me choose better option: for 3000 pounds, full service, promised me find job fast about 4-6 weeks. I really want to try modelling job, so I chose 3000 pounds, I paid 600 pounds, signed some contract and direct debit (my mistake), but I have been tricked, gave me no good information.

After I sent me few messages with websites some modelling agency, I had to register them and pay another money, just one paid St studio (around 60 pounds). This is all service. Now just text me if want money.

I asked for discount, texted me okay, but first payment I paid full 200 pounds. These people have rude style of conversation, financial manager texted me: This is my last email. Confirm me this payment. Another people sent that I have to pay, because I signed. Nothing about work, services. This look like fraud.

My email: cerevka.[protected]@yahoo.co.uk

I visited the students Photos sent the quite authentic and professional they appeared to be. It took me to the office after having a photo done and they sent me the possibility of modelling. However, I had this dump up £1500. I said I didn’t have the money I would get back in a few days that took up bank details and let me out for another door. I’ve got looked at the reviews and went straight to my bank, not block the card since then threatening credit Resolution solutions to gain access and attain money for me to be getting emails from his company on behalf of Thomas Street studios trying to sort money for me of £1700 as price has gone up now. However for 50 photos absolutely crazy it’s a scam was thinking about and sped. Please be aware

I am 26 year old lady that had my photoshoot with TS studio on the 9th of December, 2023. After the photoshoot, I was taken to a lady named Kimberly who explained the packages I had to pay. I chose the £2000 package which contains efolio, z-card and 10 print photos. I chose to pay direct debit and I paid 200pounds upfront. Unfortunately when I got home and read reviews, there were complaints about the studio not fulfilling their end of the bargain after payments. They were described as a scam. I fear that I have signed a contract with them and I do not know how to come out of it.

I have used this platform to talk about my experience of getting scammed by Thomas Street Studios. My date of experience was 8th of April 2023 and I'm still receiving messages from CRS, threatening legal action if I do not resolve the matter. I'm an international student and I'm doing a full time master's course with no income. I cannot afford to pay £200 every month when I have so much to take care of. My partner and I have already lost £450 to them and we're still getting chased. I'm trying to ignore the threats but I'm really scared of legal action taken against me. I have heard from so many people that they're a scam and won't take me to court but it's CRS that I'm more scared of. Despite all the evidence I have against them, I can't seem to get rid of their threats and messages. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi

I attended a photo shoot on 28.11.2022 in london.

Paid £50.00 deposit to attend. Which was told would be refund.

I ended up signing a contract after being pressured into it. I stated I don’t know if I can afford this and can I please go away and think about it. Was told no I have to decide now as everything gets deleted. I asked if ok to speak to my partner as I don’t know if I can afford it. He couldn’t answer at the time. And the lady wasn’t understanding and came across as I should have to call someone to make a decision.

Was told of course i can afford it and pay monthly it’s fine. After 45 mins I gave in and signed as just started to feel so embarrassed as others were waiting. Was not a good experience in the end at all.

I got out of there thinking it’s ok just call and explain what happen they will understand.

When I got home offices were closed. I sat down looked at my financials and realised I just can’t afford this at all. Call them. Spoke to a lady and she said to email in which i did. To be told - no. I signed a non cancellation contract. They were not interested at all what happened or me saying I can pay this, I don’t have the money.

Invoices kept being sent. I kept replying saying sorry I don’t have money for this, please cancel.

I have explain so many time what happened that I can not afford this, already struggling making ends meet and was pressure into this and felt embarrassed because I couldn’t afford it.

Was replied saying basically again no. I wasn’t pressured.

How do you even know what I was feeling and made to feel? Even on email now they don’t listen or read to someone saying - I can’t pay this I don’t have the money.

I’m now being told I have to pay the full amount.

Financially I am even more worse off than what I was. Things are even more harder. I’m behind on my household bills, school fees and everything. I literally do not have the money and I’m being pressured into this still and find money.

I literally do not have. Can’t even afford my bills at present I keep saying. I’m on repeat constantly.

I entered into an over 40s modelling competition. I received a phone call to say I was selected.

I booked a time and place paid £50 deposit, which at the time I didn't question it, as I was excited that I had been selected.

I had, had a rough time recently, I wanted to get back into work and look after my son who has SEMH. So this was a great opportunity? I thought? I attended the session with my son.

When getting ready I felt nervous, as on the phone the man had told me ' to get the work you need to sell yourself' So I was up for the challenge. As I had a goal.

The session was unprepared and I was thinking whilst I was there, there isn't really alot going on. There was a Women who was being photographed. Put it this way, they drew out the whole process. My appointment was at 1.30pm. I was still there after photographers had left to go home, stylist packing etc.

A male was photographed at the same time as me. I found it very unprofessional that the women who was selling all the contracts commented on not having him on her books due to his 'body odour' 'RUDE'

I was exhausted by this point, as my shoot had finished and we were basically waiting around to find out if I made the cut! In my mind I know the Model industry to be Cut throat, so I wanted to achieve like most people?

Anyway made it into the office finally, after the seller had made a big song and dance, spraying air freshener, just being unprofessional. Oh and just to add a black women, who was before me, must have signed up to a contract also. At the time I was 'naïve' thinking, well done to the women, who just was signed for a modelling contract. As the seller of the content was 'fist pumping' the air. I was under the impression that she was happy for the Black women achievements. Oh how wrong was I. The 'FIST PUMP' I now know means 'WE GOT ANOTHER SUCKER'. As I said, very disappointing and unprofessional. I think its important to understand the environment in which you are entering is 'Alien to you' so walk with care and consideration for people you come into contact with, because there are so many fraudsters in this world! TS STUDIO'S are FRAUDSTERS.

On reflection, she is very good at using distraction techniques, she spoke about my son getting into modelling, my heart was warmed, as my son is neuro-divergent, bless him he struggled being there with me, but we both discussed prior and agreed that this would be financial beneficial in the future if we put in the work.

I digress, she literally showed me a few pictures of me, and for the rest of the meeting we discussed my son, his feelings about modelling etc. Before I knew I had signed up to this unique package for myself and my son costing £2k.

I came home, I was elated as was my son, we were looking forward to working with the company.

I discussed the contract with my partner, who was 'furious' he stated we had been had, he read the contract, shook his head and said 'babe this is a con'

my heart sank, my son's face feel to the floor. He sat me down and explained exactly what they ARE NOT OFFERING but expecting you to PAY for.

He very practical and logical and I'm the impulsive one I guess. I contacted my bank immediately, they advised me on what I can do moving forward. Which I have followed this guidance.

One the day of the contract being signed I paid £250, as I was told, we cant start anything with you unless you pay this initial fee. I told her I didn't bring any money with me, she just kept talking about the steps the goals and what the picture could be like for us working as mother and son as models.

I have to say, I feel stupid, I made an impulsive decision, based on the dreams these people where feeding me and my child. I am DISAPPOINTED to say the least.

I have made contact with TS STUDIO'S and they are trying to intimidate me and state that I signed the contract on the day. Some advice and guidance would very much be appreciated.

Can they sue me now? ive just realised how dumb i was for signing for a 1500 portfolio wich we whoud get after we paid off our debt to them and after they changed the bank ive noticed something fishi aboutb it and canceled the direct debit and reported them to my bank wich has took the money back from them and same day i recive an email how my portfolio is all paid up and its in progress but in top said that we still owe the amounth so what a confusion and then they sent out a copy of the contract ive signed for a debt of 1500 wich is non cancelable is that even possible we didnt buy or take anything from them to be non cancelable and just realised how many people had similar experiences with them..

We went on the assessment and waited for 4h in line first then my wife had her hair done and make up after she had her photo session after 6h we were called up to an office upstairs when everyone was gone home and light were off the lady was chaty and was talking abouth everything how they gona help my wife and how beautiful she is after we pay off the amount they will help her make money and i agreed to all i was there with our two kids who were restles and wanted to go home so we rushed true the cobtract and ive signed all the paper work not realising what im signing after the 50deposit we paid 150 same day and the next month direct debit took the agreed sum of 108 and then they stoped taking down the money, for two months nothing happened so i called in to see what is been goin on so they said they had to change bank account and that was the reason so that made me realize something is wrong there so i called the bank and reported the fraud wich went true and my money was back in my account just now im a bit worriwd can they sue me for getting out of that contract wich i dont think it was an legal contract at all.

Hope somebody can give me some advice

I booked a modelling photo shoot booking with Vox talent for me to attend my photoshoot at the TS studios 15-18 white lion street N1 London for 14/05/2023 @10am. I paid a £50 refundable booking fee.

On the day of the photoshoot after my photographs had been taken I had to wait to carry out an assessment in order to see whether I had model potential and if TS studio would be able to support me in finding additional paid work in this chosen field.

Being a NHS nurse I am really struggling financially which I emphasised to the lady carrying out my assessment and the man who booked my appointment, I also informed them that I was hoping this would be an opportunity as an additional income which is greatly needed right now.

I was told 31 photos of me were taken however only 8 of these were shown to me, I was told that it was £299 for a copy of my pictures and £699 For the cheapest package which included agency referrals my own website and support from TSStudios.

The Lady was very chatty and humorous whilst showing you a few images and telling you that she will do you a good deal by upgrading your package for the same price whilst pushing paperwork in front of you requesting for your signature using very effective distraction methods.

She even asked me for advice on her medical condition, and before I knew it I had signed for a 12 month contract for over £100 pm (£1300) and a £ 200 deposit which I realistically cannot afford.

She put some of the paperwork in a sealed envelope and rushed me out the door. I had not and still have not seen the full products in which I am being charged for over the next 12 months!

I became suspicious the next morning as the excitement faded, when I noticed I did not have a copy of all the paperwork (contact I had signed). On the paperwork I was given it stated you cannot cancel once you leave the premises.

I am now being told by TS studio that I am not able to view my pictures or have any agency referrals (should be 6) or have access to my website until I have finished paying off my contract in 12 months time! Even though I have agreed to pay monthly.

I was misled and conned into believing that I would be signed up to 6 modelling agencies, have my own website and available support in the process!

Now I am even worse off financially and will be for 12 months to come, surely this should not be allowed..

Who charges for a product/ service on contract that the client has not viewed, does not have access to and can in no way benefit from their services.

This is totally unacceptable.

Please cancel this contract as I financially cannot afford it and it is really stressing me out.

I applied on this cute called Hashtag Models. A guy called me, asked for £50 deposit for the photoshoot and made it seem super legitimate. Went for the photoshoot, got everything done and then they told me that the package starts fro £300 and I cannot start working until I pay the whole amount unless it’s the platinum package. The lady sold the world to me and my partner and got us to sign the most expensive package and pay £450 on that day (there was no mention of the £50 deposit. Only once I mentioned it, she deducted it from the package amount). She also used the queer card on me and my partner. Once we got home we looked them up and found that they’re a scam but I was super scared because the contract sounds threatening. I’ve tried calling them, they have different numbers and their liaisons are super shady. Tried calling them, they haven’t picked up plus I keep getting calls/emails from other liaisons which ask for more money. Clearly, we were coerced and missold a service. I’ve raised a dispute and received a refund but they have my bank details so I’m worried they will try to deduct money from my account. I’m trying to block their transactions and shut that account and open a new one. I’d be happy to receive any advice on how to deal with this and would be willing to help others as well.

You are protected under the Consumer Rights Act of 1974 which allows you a cool off time of 14 days to withdraw from the contract. Notify their customer service email of this. You should also cancel the card which you paid them with and dispute any payments. Speak with your Bank's fraud office.

If you were pressured or intimidated into signing, this is called undue influence. If you felt you couldn't leave the room without signing, this is called duress. Either circumstances make the contract void.

Also see: Goods bought because of misleading or aggressive sales practice

https://www.mylawyer.co.uk/your-right-to-cancel-a-contract-for-goods-or-services-a-A76076D76927/

Threats made against you by their customer service team are likely to imply legal language, or legal involvement, but a legitimate company would not threaten their customers via informal ad hoc emails.

A Letter of Claim is sent to a debtor as a final warning, requesting that payment of a debt is made otherwise legal action will commence. If you receive this, you should seek legal advice. Anything less than this is just coercion.

Keep all correspondence, dates and contracts. Write an account of your experience and save it somewhere.

This company, like many scams, operates on the fact that most people are too embarrassed to speak to people about their experience.

See a thread on the Consumer Action Group: https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/428378-crs-ajjb-chasing-money-for-photo-studio-group-run-by-michael-john-hannah/page/3/

In 2021 after coming over many times around the link to become a model i decided to apply on the link. And as part of the procedure they requested to sent few pictures of me which i did. After that didn't know my application was about to be successful I got a call from a agent to get a appointment for few seances of shooting i got there I was dealing with 1 guy who was alleged to be a professional photographer after three seances of shoot as we were meant to change our clothes several time for them to get many option to get the best of us. At the end of the shooting session I got to met this owner of the place as soon I get to his desk he was telling that I have a great deal of chances in a movies industry that early on was tom cruise in that very moment in Birmingham preparing to make a movie just talking to me like turning around the circle literally cooking pot for at the end get my eyes blinded to get me make sign a portfolio of £1,858 in 9 installment payment every month which I did for the first 4month just after the 4month which I was going through financial crises due to lost of employment I call the agencies to explain to them and find affordable agreement just within a week they move my case to CRS which they harassed me literally every weeks bombarded with messages threatening constantly. Now as many complainer as me in regard of this cases I reassure that was something insignificant in this company there literally big scammer. I'm looking support myself to find out where I can go report those people. Because ain't gonna pay for scammers. My email address is [protected]@gmail.com if there anyway to come to support really be appreciated. Thank you

They said I will be a model and pressurised me into signing a contract before I left which I didn’t want to do. I’d only just turned 18 and wanted to make a living for myself. I have heard other people calling it a scam, and saying they pressurise people. I’m in debt as they made me choose the most expensive one. They also made me pay on the day and tried to get more I had to call my dad and ask for more but he didn’t answer. They said I can’t get anymore photos taken or get any jobs or websites until I’ve paid it off in full and when I told them it was too much they scared me saying they will take me to court.

They said they will provide me with photos after a few days on the day of the photoshoot after which I signed the contract. They never contacted me and instead told me to pay the entire sum to get going with my modelling. They told that it was miscommunication when clearly they never mentioned about full payment to get services before signing. They said I will have thousands of opportunities and can easily get a job in the field.

When asked to strike down the contract they mentioned the Consumer Credit Act and I was scared. They use the CRS as their weapon, some advocate or lawyer should help us. If I can pay £250 per month, why will I go to them. I would have rather tried something on my own. I signed the contract thinking I could earn and pay for my loans etc. but instead I am stuck in this pile of debt for no reason. I have no job and no resources to pay them.

Please help me come out of this. I would not ask anything from them, just relieve me of this misery which happened because some liar.

It was just before the end of 2017 and l decided to have modelling pictures taken by this company. This was a huge step for me and a way to boost my confidence as a woman given that l had come out of an abusive relationship. However, I wasn't aware of the price up until the end of the shoot. The way they convinced me and my poor disabled mom how good the pictures were and definitely be up to standards for modelling career. I've had no luck at all with they're pictures. Poor quality to be honest and no modelling agency wants them. Never the less, l did set up a plan to pay the £1000 over a few months as l was struggling financially at the time. So the last transaction was refunded back to my account by the studio as l had overpaid. Now the palaver comes, all of a sudden the studio is requesting l pay £95 after they had refunded back the last transaction of £20. I've got an email threating me that they're putting my account forward to debt collectors, For what!?. How does this even happen. Utter scams honestly. Why do they need the extra money for?. They've absolutely skyrocketed my anxiety and stress send these kind of emails. Nobody wants to be threatened with debt collectors for something they didn't do wrong. Is it my fault that l overpaid then and they refunded back the last transaction. On the other hand the pictures are not even good. They should compensate me for the poor job they did. Never got any modelling offers from those pictures. Completely crashed my confidence and ambitions of being a model one day.

Unbelievable.

Im truly not happy about this company, shame on them honestly!.

Scammer!

I searched for a modelling agency to register my son and this company came up. I asked a number of times during phone calls and was told there were no charges involved apart from a deposit to ensure we attended a photo shoot and then we would be given an opportunity to purchase the pictures for his portfolio for £299.

When we attended the photoshoot, it turned out that the portfolio would cost £1700. The lady dealing with us stated she highly recommend this as this would enable my son to to be marketed right away and that they would also advertise his portfolio to other agencies to improve his chance of getting more contracts and diverse roles.

2 days later, I received an email from someone who described themselves as the company’s agency liaison. It became apparent in this email that the company were not an agency, but a mere middle man who offered nothing more than I could do for myself with the help of the Google. The day before I had received an email from a ‘recommend’ partner asking for a further £120 to do nothing more than ‘help my son market himself’, yet Thomas Street had stated that that’s what the fee was for - marketing and operating his website, which they said we would operate ourselves, no mention of a professional opinion to vet photos or ensure the photos uploaded were of a high standard. It became very clear that they were offering nothing and therefore the £1700 fee was a complete scam.

They also rushed me into making a decision and signing the contract as everything had to be done there and then and the lady seemed to give an impression she was doing us a favour and was full of unsolicited praise for my son etc, which was all a gimmick. Looking back, the contract was a mere single paged document lacking detail and completely below standard for the amount of money involved.

Jesccah Zinyemba

[protected]@yahoo.co.uk

They agreed on 17th of March if I could not make the appointment date they had selected, due to my overly busy scedule i could rescedule at any time. I found out i could not book the days off and cancelled later that same day until future notice when I would have free time to attend. They said no problem and that my refunded deposit of £50 would be with me within 5-7 days. It never arrived. Total scam. Avoid. This is not an agency providing a service, rather a money-grab, disingenuine company.