Moviework Now Casting, Inc. Contacted me to register with them for background and minor roles in movies being made in the area.
The company claims to have been in business since 1990; however, Arizona Corporation Commison records indicate the company was filed in 1999, under the name of Arizona Media Resources, Inc. Since I was acting or working in films since the 1950s, I remember this outfit, and it still hurts.
In the early years the company charged "wanna-be" models and actors a fee to take their picture and add the photo to their binder full of photos which the company represented was taken to "clients" for the clients to select models or actors to be included in TV commercials, print ads, movie roles (both principal and background), and all sorts of other opportunities.
When I inquired about the number of jobs calls they received, I was told hundreds per day. I asked to see past job calls, past "clients"... And generally proof of what Barbara, the representative was telling me. I was told that after I registered with the company, I would be provided a "password" to visit all parts of the website. Additionally, I was told that I needed to check the website daily for rush calls; and that I didn't have to accept all the jobs offered me. Background actors need not audition, but pricipal roles did.
I signed on with them in Oct. and paid them a fee of $280 to "register." There was a written contract that required my signature but never signed by any member of the company. So it is arguably a non-enforceable contract.
Later I returned for my scheduled photo shoot. The photograhoer and pictures were of Walmart, Sears or school photo caliber; they were not professional and I refused to accept them when they shown to me.
After receiveing the "password" I did search their web and discovered a complete dissappointment that they had little or no history of providing on-camera work opportunities now, as the name and pitch of the representative declared.
When I refused the photos I was told I had a bad attitude and that they would be afraid to send me out on a "call." Later when I questioned the fact that I was unable to locate any significant proof of their claims that on-camera work was available NOW. I was then told by Patrice Farner, Vice-President of Moviework Now, that "because of my attitude she was the "booking agent" and would not send me out on a job call.
At that point, I began the task of getting a full refund. I was directed to thier "unsigned contract" tht the policy of MOVIEWORK NOW... THAT ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND THERE ARE NO REFUNDS.
Moviework Now is very similar in method and operation as the other modeling and talent agencies that charge up-front fees for non-existent job opportunities. The business of a company "selling what they do not have to sell" is growing and if tight economic times are coming, there will be a huge growth among the "pay me and get nothing in return" industry.
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