I will briefly describe my horrible experience. I was scouted around July 30th in a Mall.
I always had an interest in modeling so when the scout approach me with this opportunity I wanted to check it out. So I attended their "open-call" where I found people of all sizes (most of them had attractive features which made the open call appear legit). During the "open-call" my measurements were take along with a digital image of me. I waited in long lines for hours for my measurements and picture to be taken, and an interview from a modeling scout/agent.
In the interview, I was asked a few questions (i.E. Am I serious about modeling?). After the series of questions I was told "Congratulations"... And that they found interest in me. I was told in the interview that a person from their corporate office will call me to interview me to see if I am modeling material. Also, in the interview I had to sign an agreement that stated that I had a certain amount of time (I think 72 hours) to cancel or I will automatically have to pay for the digital images sign up fee of $595 based on the premise that I was accepted by an executive from their coporate office. I was left with the impression that I was not accepted as a Options (TCTalent, Willemina) model until the executive from the corporate office accepts me. I was very skeptical but thought that maybe I will not get accepted because they are looking for someone more perfect or something.
Interesting enough the executive called about 2 hours later than what I was told by the "open-call" interviewer. The executive asked a few questions and quickly dicuss how I will finance the digital images on the website. I asked the executive if I could have a few days to think about it. The executive said that after he hangs up that I would not have another an opportunity like this until a year past (which is not guarenteed). Also, the 72 hour limit to cancel expired during the phone call conversation that I was having with the executive. I felt highly pressured to sign up with Options (TCTalent). I was told that I had "THE LOOK" and modeling opportunities would not be a problem for me to get. I was strongly discouraged by my husband but I sign up with them anyways.
In November or so I was offered an opportunity to go to Orlando Rock. They said that I was chosen out of a certain amount of models to attend this event. With this event I had to come up with $895 which did not included travel expenses. Also, I was offered an opportunity to be photographed by a professional for $500. I strongly thought about it but I did not accept any of the above offers mainly because I did not have the finances for it. I am sooooo glad I did not give them more money!!!
I was told by most of Options (TCTalent) staff the most flattering comments a person would want to here. I had just got laid off by Meier & Frank and thought this would be a great opportunity to live my dream and earn some cash. (Vunerable)
The only opportunity I get is jobs to promote tea, toliet tissue, shampoo, etc. I was also sent information to sign up with modeling agencies (information I could have gotten myself) I have done a total of two very low-end promotion jobs since July last year. Also, the modeling agency that I worked for subtracted 20-25% of my check so they get their cut too. With the jobs that I worked I still have not broken-even financially.
A report done by Dateline NBC on Options (TCTalent, Willemina) confirmed my suspicion. I was literally in tears after the report was done. I am about to cancel this week. Is there anything I can do to get my money back and prevent others from using their services.
Thanks
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