First of all, I went into the room where we were to get measured etc. Well, after being measured, I was told that I was 1-3/4" shorter than what I was measured at the doctor.
Then, we were to stand in the hallway for an hour. The lady who was in charge was an overgrown wench. She walked in with this attitude and yelled to everyon that if they thought this was a scam to walk out now! Well, 2 people did walk out.
There was a guy in the room with us prior to her statement who got on his cell. He was talking to a girl who had actually gotten scammed by this company. She told him that they try to talk you into paying 1,000.00 for an online comp card which is what you will actually need for other agencies to consider you for their work. This is a great idea, but how do I know that top agencies are really looking? They did actually do this when I went, but they should've brought a top representitive from one of those agencies to give a testimonial. I wasn't convinced.
Then you are told to pay 20.00/month after the 1,000.00 upfront fee. Then, she told him that they try to make you feel like a model by turning on a getto-blaster and having you do a catwalk in front of everyone. Yes, they did do that too! It was a hot, nonairconditioned room too! Well, after all that jazz we were to sit in this room and watch the movie SPIDERMAN. Let me tell you how annoying this was! They turned the volume up so loud to distract you from probably discussing anything with the others in the room, and also to not hear the individual meetings going on in the office in the next room. The reason I think this is so, is because some of the people in there who really thought they could model-COULDN'T!!! I hate to be mean, but come on! This separation was to get each person (whether they are model material or not) to be pursuaded to pay these fees.
Then, when each individual meeting was over, I believe they watch the people go to their cars and leave so that we (waiting in the other room) couldn't go and talk to the "non-model material" and see what they told them-just to see if they would tell me the same thing.
I really do believe that this whole scam thing is true. Okay, now to my individual meeting. I went in and they told me that I had a great look. Well, yeah I think I do. But, who else did you tell that to? BUT, the very first thing they said was "so, you understand everyting about the information we gave you"? Meaning: you understand the fees we charge? That was their way of finding out whether or not you were willing to be suckered into paying the fees, then they tell you how you have a great look!!! I then said "you mean the online comp card"? She said "yes".
Please note that while she's asking me these questions, there is another girl on a computer in my plain view with my pictures they took of me posing earlier that day. They looked really good too. This was just to show me that they were actually loading my stuff into the database and so I would think "wow", that's me? That's so awesome. But, I'm sorry if Wilhelmina modeling agency was actually in charge of this, they would've not charged you money upfront.
This is why I say this... I got on the wilhelmina.com web site and actually researched them before I got to this Transcontinental Scouting session to see what they were. Well, they actually say that you should not have to be charged an upfront fee to be a model. It may have not been those exact words, but they didn't recommend it.
I am giving you this information because I was one of those very few people who didn't pay the money to do this online comp card. I do know that if Transcontinental claims to be the Top 3 in scouting, then who is the #1? That's what I told the executive who called me the next week trying to once again convince me to pay up.
Anyway, let me know what you think? I know that I am model material, I just don't know how to get started in the right way. I've went through a local agency that made me stand at booths with a t-shirt they made me tear in shreds that made me look like a slut. All for passing out flyers for their product. From what I understand, this company does the same thing. Let me also note that I drove several miles to this scouting location to sit in a hot room with a group of people who probably will never ever have a chance at modeling. Good luck, I hope you find a good agency and if you do, let me know!
Julia
Batesville, Indiana
U.S.A.
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