I Also took my daughter to the Model Search that was held at ANTHEM in Arizona. We had to leave before the Catwalks started. (We didn't realize that the winner wasn't going to be announced until 2pm and had to be at my daughter's dance recital at 1pm.)
A couple of weeks following the Model search I received an e-mail from Signature stating that my daughter had been chosen for further attention. I e-mailed them stating that I was interested in making an appointment.
This is a copy of the contract that was attached to my email:
Thank you for your interest in our agency. Before we set up an appointment to meet, I want to make sure that you are aware of what this commitment involves on your part.
Children and teens are required to shoot their photos with Still N. Motion they will receive 3-4 color photos including styling and minimal makeup (see our web site for examples) their rate is $280.
The models cards cost $40 for 20 cards. Their fee to be on our website is $100 for one year.
These are the general tools that all models need to work within this business. Please remember that we cannot make a profit off any of the required materials.
If you still would like to make an apt. To meet personally with us, please e-mail us back and title the e-mail Jessica.
At your meeting we will provide you with all our paperwork to review and schedule an appointment for a video taped orientation, (for parents only.)
Best Regards,
Terri Hoffman
2600 N. 44th St.
1 Light South of Thomas Road
West Side of Street
Camelhead Business Center
Drive all the way to the back-you will see a blue Fountain and a State Farm Sign. We are above State Farm in #209
For map quest our zip is 85008
After I read the contract that was attached to the email I sent a copy of it to a friend of mine that is a portfolio photographer. He said that it sounded like a scam and to skip it. He said that the $100 to be on the website should not be charged and you should be able to pick out of a list of photographer not be forced to use a specific one.
Being that I had researched Signature previous to attending the model search and they were there with a known reputable agency " Ford Robert Black" I decided to still make the appointment but just ask a few questions before going.
Signature called me to set up an appointment for an open call and at that time I asked a few questions. I beleive that I was just being a safe consumer and parent.
I asked the assistant if Signature REQUIRED me to use a specific photographer. She said yes. According to all things I have read and people in the industry that I have talked to that is the first sign of a scam. Second I asked if the $100 for the website was required and who that money went to. She said the money went to SIGNATURE and yes it was required. That is another thing that I have been informed that a legitimate agency will not charge for.
At that point I asked How the children chosen for "further attention " were chosen. She said that, Terri, watched the catwalks and wrote down #'s of children she had interest in. When I told her that my daughter didn't do any of the catwalks, she asked me if I wanted to speak with Terri. I said, " Sure".
Terri got on the phone and was defensive the minute she started talking. She said " Can I help you?" I asked her how she chose the childeren she wanted for further attention and she to said that she chose there #'s from the catwalk.
I started to explain that my daughter didn't participate in the catwalks and she didn't even let me finish. She was very defensive and rude and said " How dare you question my integrity!" I tried to explain to her that I was just trying to be a smart consumer and she just continued to say how she was just on Tv because she was such a great model scout etc.
She ended the conversation with " we will pass" and hung up. I was floored by her response and was very surprised that she would talk to me the way she did. I didn't feel like I was being rude or unfair in
any way.
To me her response verified my suspicions that the email was sent to everyone who attended the model search and the upfront fees were not legitimate. She seemed very suprised that anyone question her. More people should
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