OTM (On Track Modeling) NC
To Whom It May Concern:
This is in reference to the OTM-North Carolina branch.
I signed with On Track Modeling after going to an open
call where I was given a finely tuned song and dance
about how they were reputable and could launch us to
stardom.
The next day they called and said that I had been "chosen" and
had to be back at the hotel that night.
At this point the only money I was worried about was
how much I had to pay in the parking ramp both times,
but this soon changed.
They told us that we didn't HAVE to use their photo
shoot (which cost a ridiculous $599), but that if we
didn't, basically we could kiss our chances good-bye.
I stupidly agreed to the photo shoot, which was actually
a fun time, but the results weren't even close to being
worth the money.
When I went to review my photos with their "professional," I
was raved about and told that I was the most promising
model they'd seen out of my area in a long time.
I was pressured into getting the largest package of
comp cards (another ridiculous $540, for a total of over
$1,000), because they said I would be working so much
that I would need every card I could get.
I have an extremely limited budget so I was afraid to
do this, but they sweet-talked me into it, treating me
like a friend.
I guess I got what I deserved for being so naive, but
this appallingly unscrupulous company has not contacted
me once since I ordered my comp cards, except by a mass
email inviting me to have my card displayed on their
website for $20/month.
HA! I'm a lot wiser, a lot more sad, and have a LOT
less money since walking into OTM's open call.
Do NOT make the same mistake I did.
They have not returned my calls or emails.
Please help me get my money back! What can I do?
You said: "I signed with On Track Modeling after
going to an open call where I was given a finely tuned
song and dance about how they were reputable and could
launch us to stardom."
OTM, according to the BBB, has been in business since
1994. They have been finely tuning their open call for
eight years.
There is probably nothing you can do to get all your
money back. Most of the money for the photographer was
presumably already paid to the photographer. You have
already received a professional service, a professional
service for which you agreed to pay, and the photographer's
time has already been spent.
If however you have a good case to say the quality of
the photos was unacceptable, you could make this case
directly to the photographer, since it was obviously
the photographer's responsibility, and the photographer
evidently has been paid with your money.
In any case, you could find out how much money On Track
Modeling made from not only the photography but also
the comp cards. You said you paid $599 for the photography.
Find out how much OTM marked up the price.
One OTM photographer said her rate was $500, so OTM
marked up the cost by $99. You could demand that money
be returned since what right do they have to make money
in upfront fees and talk as if you are going to get work
only to abandon you?
Next find out the total cost for the comp cards. Which
company did the printing? How much does the printer charge?
How much if anything did OTM mark up the price of comp
cards?
You can't really complain to the printer and ask for
your money back from them if they did their job and produced
professional comp cards, even if the photography was
weak.
But if OTM marked up the price for the printing as they
did with the photography, it is the same principle: what
right do they have to make money from upfront fees and
talk as if you are going to get work only to abandon
you?
You could demand that money be returned and if they
are ethical, they will return it.
Finally, you said from OTM you received a mass email
inviting you to have your card "displayed on their
website for $20/month."
Why is On Track Modeling trying to make money from photos
offline (comp cards) as well as photos online (comp cards)?
Not only are modeling agencies not supposed to make
any money from upfront fees and advertising, it does
not cost $20/month to host a comp card on a website!
P.S. When was the photo shoot? Have you contacted the
BBB?
My photo shoot was six months ago; I got my cards in
early fall.
I should add that the recruiter went on and on about
how we should look out for scams and emphasized the fact "They
want us to work because they only make money if we do."
Too bad he forgot to mention that they really make money
on the photos instead.
No, I have not contacted the Charlotte BBB... since
it has not been that long (but long enough for them to
have clearly broken their promise).
I am still sort of waiting and hoping. I was also wondering
whether it makes sense to market myself when OTM's logo
is plastered on my comp cards?
The best way to market yourself to modeling agencies
is to show up at their open call or visit them in person
or send good Polaroids to agencies in larger markets.
Clients need to see comp cards; agencies do not. Have
you visited all your local reputable modeling agencies?
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