Please believe all the reports on here. I am a mother of one of his clients. My daughter is quite young, and we met with Micheal just to see what was out there and test the waters if you will, I thought it might be nice for my daughter to do a few photo shoots and add to her college fund, no big deal. I wasn't expecting for her to be the next big star, on the contrary I just thought a few jobs would be nice.
We met with Michael in his dirty office downtown Portland. He kept saying how the cleaning crew was off that week, like he was embarrassed, but I get the feeling there was no "cleaning crew". He was very pushy and a classic "fast talking salesman" even at that first meeting I realized he was probably full of it, but I just couldn't figure out what the scam was - basically he takes a few pics of you, (or your child) or has you send some pics to him, then fill out your basic stats, and then its $180 for a year on his website. He calls it a $15 a month maintenance fee. For that he is supposed to tell you when auditions are and submit your info for bookings. I know it doesn't cost that much to run a website but I figured why not? He might as well get some $ for his trouble doing all the legwork to find out when and where the casting calls or whatever are. Honestly $180 isn't that much money, so again I figured why not give it a try.
Well I can tell you, you would be better burning your $180 to keep warm or give it to a bum on the street, do anything with it other than give it to him. All he does is put your (or in my case, my daughter's) picture and stats on his website, and then he just emails you a bunch of junk. From what I can tell he is linked up with this Jana person who offers an "acting class" every week, whether its acting or walking or whatever, for hundreds of dollars. He's even sent some emails to tell me to "register" for other casting sites that require membership fees - he must make a commission. I did get one email that was asking for UNPAID extras so I guess that was technically a casting call, and another that was for a tv show that was filming a "rooftop pool party" and needed girls 18-25 who looked good in a bikini. Really? How does that apply to my 2 year old child? Is he so lazy that he can't even sort his address book to send things to the proper clients? He also continually references his "staff" but its just him, and him alone.
So, again, I went into this fully knowing that nothing would probably come of it, I figured if my daughter got one job it would be fun for us and she'd make a little $ to invest for college. I would just like to save others their money - especially if you are older and seriously looking for this as a career, DO NOT GET INVOLVED with this guy - save your money and do it yourself!
In closing, below is a copy of an email he sent with the subject line reading
"free money giveaway!!!"
To the Vaulted-
I know we have been sending you all a bunch of opportunities for classes and photoshoots as well as some casting opportunities. It is completely up to you if you want to involve yourself with any of these opportunities. It is in your best interest to be prepared and have great photo's as well as continue to audition. It is a fiercely competitive market and we keep seeing basically the same large grouping of clients booking. They are usually the ones with great pictures, training, network and keep involved. I know that myself and the staff have really tried engaging our clients and asking for your help in marketing you. Many of you have taken us up on the offer and we have been able to help many of you focus and get together a game plan for your career.
If you are not currently working or feel you do not have all the tools to be marketed correctly we need to have a meeting and figure out how to get you those tools. I have heard from many clients that they can't afford classes or photoshoots. That is fine but if you want to succeed in this industry we must have the basic tools to market you. You can always be working on scenes & monologues on your own for free. Getting out and shooting digital photo's of yourself is free and will keep you working on your best angles and poses as well.
We have grown and will continue that rise with the help of all of our incredible talent. Vault Management clients have been picked because we feel each one of you is marketable and is a bookable talent. We will help assist you in any way we can to make you more marketable. If you feel you are not getting the attention or help you need to assist you then call and set up your appointment.
Sorry, as usual the phones are going bonkers so I am writing this scattered email during long pauses. The point is GET INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED, DON"T GET DISCOURAGED, DO THE WORK, FOCUS!!! Oh yeah - BOOK, BOOK, BOOK, BOOK!!!
The link below is for Todd Freeman who is one of Portland's top film makers. He has put together this reel showcase that has been receiving great response from Lana Veenker casting.
Http://www.portlandactorshowcase.com/
http://www.portlandactorshowcase.com/<br clear="all">Peace & Love,
Michael W. Fox
See? Everything has a pitch at the end that is really just asking YOU for more $
Again, stay away from this guy. He is such a rip off, I feel so bad for those out there who are really trying to make a career of this and putting their hope in him.
0 comments