John Robert Powers Modeling
School
To Whom It May Concern:
I was almost scammed by a company called John
Robert Powers (it's a modeling/talent school
which is linked to the Look Agency).
John Robert Powers had placed an ad
for an open call in a San Francisco newspaper back in
the spring of 1997.
Never having modeled before I read the ad and went to
one of their so-called "open calls."
I was led to a room with a makeshift catwalk full of
model wannabes and hopefuls. I was not impressed by what
I had seen, but I turned a blind eye because of the statements
claimed by one of the company's representatives.
She discussed the type of jobs that were available to
model hopefuls like us. "Like us" —how
was that so when some of us appeared to be overweight,
vertically challenged, or too old?
She went on to say that they could teach us how to catwalk
and pose. We were all directed to walk down the catwalk,
pose, and then return up the catwalk.
She made a quick evaluation about each of our qualities
and flaws, and with that we were done.
In all I would say that I spent about 1-2 hours in this
one room, and then one by one we were all invited to
speak with a representative one on one.
I was surprised that no one had been turned away, because
there were obvious people that did not have a chance.
When it was my turn to speak with someone, I was told
that I had a great look, and that I needed to dye all
of my hair back to its natural color (I had highlights),
so that I could get work.
The company boasted about its link to Look Agency and
how they had an agreement for Look to represent the graduates
from John Robert Powers' training program.
She then went on to discuss fees and the class schedule.
I told her that I didn't think I needed to sign up for
the classes. But she insisted otherwise, stating that
all potential models needed polishing and direction to
make it.
She then went on to ask for approximately $1,200 (I
don't remember the exact figure requested) up front for
portfolio and class fees.
I told her that I did not have that kind of money, and
she simply said I could pay in installments. I wrote
a check for approximately $300 to secure my spot in the
class and to begin shooting for my portfolio.
On the morning that I was scheduled to show up for my "photo
shoot" I fell ill. I called and told the same lady
that I could not make it, and that I needed to reschedule
the shoot.
She then quite angrily responded that I needed to show
up in the next hour or I would have to pay for the photographer's
time and inconvenience.
I refused and told her that I wanted to remove myself
from their program. She told me that I had signed the
contract and was not entitled to receive any money back.
So I threatened her with legal action and hung up the
phone.
I called the Better Business Bureau and found out that
there had been a previous complaint settled with the
company. The BBB then helped me file a complaint and
an investigation into the matter was started.
The BBB was able to help me rectify my situation and
not surprisingly the same pushy representative called
me to say that I was released from the contract, and
that I did not have to pay for the photographer.
I was lucky to avoid spending more that just the $300
that I lost, but many others fell for the bait blinded
by lure of fame and recognition.
Looking back on the situation I can definitely see all
of the signs of a rip-off, but my main flaw was ignorance.
I advise anyone aspiring to make it in this business
to become educated: this is your only defense in the
vicious entertainment/fashion world.
C.F.
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