Showcase Worldwide actually goes under different names -
- Just Models Inc
- Murray Talent Scout
- SOA
- Showcase of America
- Canadian Showcase for Models & Talent Inc
Another interesting page, clicky
All in all, this is a huge scam. Avoid this agency, or any other agency from the previous list (basically the same organization under different names!)
Keep these two golden rules in your head if you want to succeed in the industry -
NO AGENCY WILL EVER ASK FOR YOUR MONEY. IF THEY DO ASK FOR MONEY (MAY HAPPEN ON RARE OCCASIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE FEES, REPRESENTING YOU, PHOTOSHOOT, ETC), LOOK THEM UP ON THE INTERNET BEFORE YOU HAND THEM OVER THE MONEY. OTHERWISE, RUN!
MOREOVER, IF PASSING THE FIRST AUDITION WAS, ACCORDING TO YOU, TOO EASY AND THAT YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MADE IT TO THE SECOND AUDITION BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY AN ASTRONOMICAL FEE AT THE END, THEN IT'S ALSO A SCAM! RUN!
66 comments:
i got caught in this scheme. they are evil.
they are trying to get me to pay for my "complimentary photos." if they were complimentary, why do I have to pay? i refused to pick it up.
one of their agents harassed me in an email (on facebook, not an official way to contact someone) and left me a nasty voice mail for not wanting to pay. i already paid appx $1100, and then decided NOT to go to the event b/c i'd have to pay my own fare to the event. Initially i believed the payment covered the hotel, plane, food, and photoshoot. That as incorrect because it only covered a photoshoot (not the photos) and entry to the convention. Guests on the other hand pay $95 to enter (if you're still curious, go as a guest, save yourself the money).
What you are paying for: over $1K to have a chance to audition.
they are a scam. remember, if you believe you are an awesome performer and an agency can see your potential, then they will pay money to get you there, not you paying them.
You people need to learn the difference between a talent scout/modelling convention and an agent/agency. An AGENCY will never make you pay any money...THEY will make money when YOU make money. A SHOWCASE/CONVENTION/SCOUT is completely different. A SCOUT travels all over the place, looking for talent to attend a showcase or convention where they will have the chance to perform in front of the top agents and casting directors. Only a limited number of people are chosen to attend a showcase.
Who do you think is going to pay for the convention so that you can go for free? For the hotel rental...the entire convention floor is booked for the weekend...the money that the scouts paid for their flight tickets...their hotel rooms...the room they are auditioning you in...the flights for the agents to attend Showcase...the agents hotel rooms for Showcase...the meals for the agents during Showcase...who pays the people that they have at Showcase giving seminars and talks about different things in the industry?
Do I need to go on? Of course you have to pay for a convention...just like every convention. When else will you have the opportunity to meet any of these agents?
And if you're concerned about the money..be creative and find a way to fundraise the money. If you want it bad enough, then work for it. It's just like everything else in the world..it's not just handed to you. Modeling should be treated like any other career that you want to do...you would put money into going to school and getting training for the career...why is this any different?
I went to Showcase a few years ago and they are not a scam. Because of that weekend, I have done so many things in the industry. I received callbacks, work, moved to Toronto, worked as a scout myself, I am a fashion show manager for 4 large fashion shows a year in Alberta. Don't decide not to go to a modeling convention because of reading someone writing a blog about something they know nothing about!
The person above sounds like a plant from showcase worldwide and needs to stfu and gtfo.
YES they are a SCAM! Thank you for making this blog. These tards called me today and they kind of sounded desperate to get me to go to some audition. Also they didn't know who "referred" me. If it looks like a scam and smells like a scam, it probably is.
@Second poster
Then explain how did I get to the second auditions so easily without even having to "showcase" myself. (Ha-ha, get the double meaning here?)
----
I'm glad to hear that this blog has helped you guys confirm your doubts, or just made it even more clearer.
Wow
they offered me a 50% reduction . BECAUSE i think i was resistant in the first place . Please dont in vest money in this program or whatever they are calling it these days! The aggresssiveness is intimidating but please leave and dont take any offer . you shouldnt have to pay anything and the is no differance in a talent agency and an scout its the same bloody thing !
Beware: Vanity is hideous!
Some message on my machine says i was coming to the audition in less than 24 hours and i had better be there, and i had been referred by someone
I checked it out apparently someone stateside referred me i have not been stateside for 30 years...
first she the scout says i have all i need and made it look as if this was no big deal and they were there out of the kindness of their heart or something,
i sang a couple of songs and was told i had a nice voice and that she had nothing for me in edmonton but... there was no culture base here and if i was interested to go to toronto for this big deal event of theirs; i was given no price list just a card with a cell number leaving my ego to bite the hook...
if one is desperate they will likely take the bait.
20 years ago some so called starsearch outfit from nashville did the similar trick with newspaper ads etc, recorded everyone on cassette... and sure i got a call from nashville, whereas 65% of the others did too, and it was 400 for the demo and photos and if you wanted a video it was 2500 etc etc... sure i got a call from nashville...
Ummm.... I didnt read anyones comments above, I just saw the title that showcase worldwide was a scam, which I know for a fact it is not, so I had to say something. I know personally because a very good friend of mine was dicovered there and now works as a model/actress CONSTANTLY.
no offense.. but did it ever occur to some of you who feel you got "ripped off" that maybe you just werent what the clients were looking for??
The last thing I will say, I saw that somebody above said something about an agency wanting to rip them off and get them to pay for pictures. I myself have worked as a professional model for the past 10 years, on and off.. travelling literally everywhere around the world, and making a very comfortable living off of it.....
When I first got started, it probably cost me almost $2000, by the time I built a half-decent portfolio. The fact is.. no matter "pretty" you are, or how good you fit a market.. and no matter how good an agency is... NO CLIENTS WILL BOOK YOU UNTIL THEY CAN SEE HOW YOU PHOTOGRAPH. A strong portfolio is literally the life line of a good model. So if you think you have what it takes, my suggestion is... take the plung and spend a few bucks on the pictures... you will definately see the return on your investment. I did. and so did every other model I know who is working professionally right now. Nobody can just look at you, and book you jobs. You need a book. Anyone who knows anything about the industry knows that.
Actually my daughter went for the showcase 2010 in May and all I can say IS NOT A SCAM!!She was expose to a lots of agents ant I do believe that was all worth the money I spend.Was her first appearance but she got SIX call backs with the agents.The CEO from the show --Marie-- she did a great job to put together ,with her team , the show and I have to thanks her for opening the door to this agents.With her help,my daughter she did the pictures ,a portfolio, which is a start for a model.She may not be a model, she is a strong dancer with 10 years of training,but this opportunity was very helpful.And the money which we pay,well there was a good sense for every penny...And also you get in touch with all this agents ant meet with them , get their card and contact.... and in the end you feel like you GET A LOT OF INFORMATION FROM GOOD AGENTS ONLE ATTENDING THIS SEMINARS!!!
So,my opinion;if you can afford and you want to give your child the opportunity to be discover GO FOR IT ,and follow the steps which you are told.
Nicoleta
June 03,2010
showcase worldwide is NOT a scam. i'm flying over to toronto in may 2011 so meet with a bunch of agencies that marie, the same girl nicoleta mentioned above, is taking me to. and if all i have to do is spend money to take a few classes to become famous, i'm willing to go for it.
umm im got a call from them today and they want me to audition for them but the thing is
first of all, i want to know wheere the scouts have seen me and second
i just realised(sorry if i spelled it wrong),that the people in this blog that said showcase worldwide is NOT a scam seem like nice people but also seem like people that have at least $2200 to spend! and one of the ladies Above said IF you can afford!!! yeah... i come from a working class family prople!! lots of siblings and at least one of my family members wok 2 jobs! so what im reading is if you've got the money, go. so.. what if you dont have 2 grand to spend?
I am a parent of an attendee at Showcase's Convention weekend. This company is not a scam, trust me. I received everything that they promised and more, they never once lied or snuck anything by me, and in fact provided a truly wonderful networking experience for my daughter who received 5 call-backs from New York agency reps from Next Models and also Elite and Spot 6 Models from Toronto.
A scam is a business that provides false information to their customer about what they are paying for. If you think something is suspicious don’t hesitate to ask them as they have your answers. Showcase’s scouts are highly professional, provide you with an organized portfolio, an experienced photographer, a package full of guides, and up to date communication before the convention. Just as they promised over 40 Agents are there!!! They were from Japan, New York, California, Italy etc giving seminars, interviewing children, parents, models, actor’s singers and even really great dancers. The Agents critiqued and gave call-backs to a lot of people. Obviously not everyone is a prodigy. Even the prettiest Models got rejected by one agency and picked up by another simply based on their look or persona.
Obviously they don’t just choose anyone. They have real agents to feed the talent to in order to keep this show alive. When asking about how they got my number they were very honest and said “everyone being auditioned got here through referral from schools, competitions agencies etc. My daughter had gotten training from a school in Montreal a year back as we use to live there (now residing in Toronto) so I certainly believe this after seeing agents and managers from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto along with the agents worldwide. None were from Montreal but they had mentioned there use to be representatives in former conventions but not anymore due the scarcity of great agencies and schools over there.
Imagine a diverse version of American Idol except there are 3 rows of agents sitting in front of the stage. I am very proud of my daughter for gaining this unique experience. In Canada it is so difficult to get exposure like this and I support Showcase in their vision. A lot of work is put into setting this show up and I hate to hear some people whining on the internet and spoiling it for someone before they even meet the scouts.
Trust me guys, if you want to have big dreams, sometimes you are going to need money and connections. A lot of really talented people never get the real exposure they need. This is the brutal truth.
And as a word of advice, to bloggers, try looking for the educated responses/comments.
goodluck, bonne chance Canadians!
At the latest post --
Why would you call us whiners and claim that we do not know anything? If you wanted to make a good review about this agency you would instead be positive about it and not call anybody names.
If your story is true, then I wish real success to your daughter!
I am not going to write a long paragraph because I already did in my blog posts, and every other scam agency I link to is linked to Showcase Worldwide somehow.
Why would scam agencies partnership (or change identities) with Showcase Worldwide?
Just do a quick search on Google on any of these agencies and you will see:
* Just Models Inc
* Murray Talent Scout
* SOA
* Showcase of America
* Canadian Showcase for Models & Talent Inc
Do a google search on (905)850-8896
People who say Showcase is a scam are ignorant about the business. Making those ignorant statements are serious sins that god will punish.
Probably are those people who failed the audition and want to release their disappointment...
Well i'm going today to their convention in Montreal, since I live there. I recieved a call not too long ago from them stating I could bring someone with me and that it's held at a Hotel downtown.
If it's not a scam? Well I take back what I think. If they ask me for money? I'll walk out.
a couple of years ago, i also got a random call from this "agency" and of course i ran at the chance. i did an extremely easy audition and then was chosen for the next step or something. i had to pay over 350 dollars just to do a second audition. This year a girl I know got "scouted" as she puts it for modeling. they've never seen her??? she's 5'0 and they keep telling her that she really has a chance. got 4000 dollars?
@ Tumex
Thanks for this post tumex, i really appreciate you going out of your way to let everyone else know what showcase is really all about. i went to one of there auditions and they told me that they picked me as the top 3 out of like 50 people. for all i friggen know, they told EVERYONE that. then they invite me to their showcase event wich costs friggen $1875. So i end up not being able to get the money together and about a month later i throw their buisness card they gave me in the trash.
Then just yesterday i get a call from a stern sounding voice with an accent named "claudio" telling me to give it another shot. he even offered to front me the money, i said ok sure why not if your going to BEG me to come. But after reading so many posts about showcase and their branches all being scams, im just not gunna show up. they can suck it! Thanks again Tumex. good on ya.
ok guys let's clear something up. first of all showcase worldwide is not an agency! many people are saying that it'S an agency but it'S not. it's a talent search. what they do is look for talents, then when they find the talent, they invite agencies from all over the world to come see you.( now when they say that they'll invite people from L.A to come see you, people start saying that it'S too good to be true!)but now that's where the money you pay them comes in.second of all, showcase worldwide is not gonna take all the expenses.cause the agents who are gonna come see you guys at the convention don't pay the tickets themselves.they have to them buy the flying tickets to actually come to the convention. they have to pay their hotel room and the food they are gonna eat. not to mention that thoses agents are busy and they need to find a way for them to come.soo you don't pay your money for nothing. and they have to hire a proffessional photographerto take all your photo shoots, they make you a proffessional porfolio and even make you bussiness cards. soo if you could put yourselves in the comipany's shoes you could maybe get why they make you pay that money. soo what i'm trying to say is that IT'S NOT A SCAM!!
okay. Well my son is an actor. And he has no expierence and he thought this would be his big break so is this really a scam ?
I went to this audition after they called me. My hopes were high and i really thought i would be famous. I went to the hotel they asked me to, i was the first person there, me and my mom and then a couple of people came after and people started to file in, they had clipboars for people to fill out information and stuff like your address, email, telephone number, anyway, i went in and met marie dafnas and i gave her my pictures to look at and she liked then and then she had me sing, asking if i had vocal training and i answered no bout after i sung she started to critique me like a professional, so that led me to believe this was legit, so after all was aid and done she started to say that if i got chosen to have a callback the following day, i could go to a big showcase in toronto with scouts all around the world so my hopes were VERY high. She gave me a call back and gave me a paper with commercials i could do the following day with either iPhone, Ninteno DS, CoverGirl, Acer and Nikon, so i went home to go to the call back the next day.
The following day i went back for my callback epecting cameras and directors and make up artists, when i went i was in the same room just reveiwing the commercial, with NO cameras, make up artists, no nothing. and we practically did the same thing we did yesterday...
but guess what.... she asked for money to go to toronto because she chose me, almost $2000 canadian dollars and my mom found it supicious because an agency should NEVER ask for money. so she gave my mom a paper to write the payment down. but my mom found it suspicious that we were supposed to pay the following day especially when the phone call we got said its free and that marie said nothing about money the day before, so my mom didnt pay, she lied her way out of it and i was so bumbed the whole day until we went home and research and found out that this was a scam and she has a company called Just Models Inc. and the CEO's name is MARINOS dafnas and on showcase the name is MARIE dafnas and i saw alot of reveiws where people got ripped off
my advice is never get sucked into a scam that asks for money, an agency or talent scout should NEVER ask for money
My son was called out of the blue, at the end of June...how did they get his name, phone number, etc? Anyway, we went to the first audition which was 3 hour drive away. Maria liked his "talent" and asked to memeorize a commercial and come back the next day...when we told her we drove 3 hours she let us come back in 1 hour. It went well then she told us about a photo shoot that would be coming up in the NEAR future...ok also the Toronto BIG THING...not of which is paid for so...we agreed upon the photo shoot which we were told that he would receive a portfolio and she put him down to do "runway" which is modeling...he is NOT doing that part he is only doing commercials and getting his portfolio...that's it!!! He got called (emailed) back to a wardrobe/training session in which he had to email and go up to get his "outfits" approved. Done now photo shoot in January and no money involved except for gas to get there. They already soaked us for quite a bit so it better be a worthwhile portfolio!! With or without we are checking with the bank and BBB to see if we get our money back. Hope this makes sense not cents!!!
I keep getting phone calls from this place saying that I have an audition! I'm planning on emailing them and asking them to stop!
First, whether it is a scam or not we can't do nothing about it. We have to protect ourselves either way. But even if they are not a SCAM! one thing I can claim and say for sure is that THEY HAVE NO MORALS, ETHICS AND NO HUMAN THING within them, as people or a company.
Some person above mentioned the God will punish us for making stataments how they are SCAMERS... First of all, we would not make such comments if we haven't expereinced something in the first place. Taking money from peope on a Slimy way, by giving them false hope, encourgament, and promises is a SIN!!!! and unethical. If someone dosen't have talent, let them go...don't misslead them, right? their whole structure and strategy of getting people is based on APPEAL TO EMOTIONS. they give you speech how gorgeus, or smart, or talented you are, whatever it takes to get you to sign up. VERY BAD!! I feel so sorry for people with lack of conffidence (including myself too)we are just simply the best prey for those HUNTERS!!
I was called 5x peristantly, litteraly they begged me to sign up. I told them before signing up. -"Don't do this to me if this is not true!!! Please be honest with me, and please I am a single mother, barrly meeting my ends, I can't waste money or time on something that sounds SO good". Their response -" you are gorgeous and you are exactly what we need, don't worry. We are a family now, and you are under our care and wing". I turned them down 5x, and 5x they kept calling me and reducing the price to adjust towards my budget.
I signed up...after I had to do my photos. It took me 5 months for them to be done, never got a call for anything, everything they said wasn't fullfilled, and I ended missled in any possible way (except the photos). The most pathetic thing is when I told them to mail my photos because I went there before 5x for nothing. (5x they aked me to go there in regards my photos and some casting). I went there...nothing...nothing solved, without photos, and again same speech, reasons, and explanaitions. I wasted gas and money. In the end they requested me to PAY!!! for mailing the photos, and how it is not their obligation to pay for the mailing. I flipped. who will pay my wasted gas for going there? They love and care for money more than for people and their clients, and that is a SIN!!! I wish all my money that I have took off my kids table to give it to them, goes back as they deserved. I wouldn't play games with KARMA!
I highly appreciate all of your comments! It has certainly surprised me to see so many reactions.
I thank you very much for it! Not only do you help people gain confidence in their choices, but you also help simply spread the word about those charlatans!
More power to the people, eh? ;)
Anyways, I'd like to say that I have omitted the dead link that used to link to the "interesting page", and replaced it with another one (basically the same, just a domain change on their side) !
Enjoy and I wish you luck in your adventures! :)
HOW does this Worldwide Showcase get information? I was called regarding my step daughter talking as if she signed up for this audition. I thought that she may have went behind our back since "Francine" had her phone number and email address. NOPE! I talked to my step daughter and she mentioned she was on a link for talent, started to fill in her info than came to a part where is shows a charge, so she closed the link. I called Francine back asking her who referred her, and she was unable to answer saying they get recommendations from schools, churches, etc. I thought maybe her school recommended her since she's in drama. NOPE! I explained that she started to fill in the website info then discovered a fee. I was then assured that it was a FREE audition. My next question was "Are we going to get there and find out that theres a fee afterwards to be in a commercial?" She answered, "All I do is book the appointments, you would have to ask the drector." I asked "It would have to be unlikely that someone would be CHARGED to do a commercial, right?" she went on to say she cannot answer that, to go to audition and ask the director. I ended up cancelling her "appointment" for the FREE audition.
I did this showcase, and it IS a scam. I model now with a REAL agency and have gotten a ton of work, I am in Salon Magazine and in Phase magazine, plus I do many many live shows. My agent advises all the models not to do this as it IS a scam, and anyone who says it isn't...works for them.
I am so glad I found this blog...All your stories about Marie sound similar to my daughters first audition experience. How gorgeous she is, blah blah blah....She wants us go to back tonight for a second audition...I don't think I will be taking her. I will be searching for a modeling agency instead...truly, thanks everyone for your info!
I WENT TO THE AUDITIONS TODAY AND THEY ASKED ME TO PAY, BEFORE THEY EVEN GAVE ME MY SCRIPT FOR THE ACTING THEY GAVE ME THE CALL BACK, AND THEN WHEN I WENT IN THE ROOM TO THE THE ACTING SHE WASNT EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO ME! AND SHE ASKED ME FOR 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DEPOSIT, AND SHE SAID THAT IT HAD TO BE GIVEN TO HER DURING THE DAY CAUSE ITS THE ONLY DAY LEFT! THE SECOND SHE SAID THAT I WALKED OUT OF THE ROOM.
hi i was just wondering if any of the above people could tell me if they were able to get back their money after they found out that it was a scam and if so what was the procedure in doing so
showcase worldwide is a SCAM i know this because when i went to the addition my walk wasn't ads good as i thought it would be and the face i was making was very horrible i was very suprised that they wanted me. After i was finished my walk MARIE started over me saying that i was very gorgeous and that i would be a perfect model. They said that the agents would go crazy over me. So if anyone says that it isn't scam their liars and apart of the scam too
if anybody wants to do modeling do not go to worldwide inc its a scam i know this because i went there and i discovered their all liars and it was all a SCAM
showcase is all a scam please dont go thee at allll its bad there liars
LIARSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
I dont have Much to say. I got called for an try and they told me i was great! so i took the chance ... if you had a chance at becaming famous wouldnt you take that chance.. i know i would.. so if it is a scan or NOT then just try .. lifes to short to set there and do nothing... money never goes and just doesnt come back.. it does you just have to work hard.. and SHOWCASE WORLDWIDE is a big comany but from my point of view i think it is a great thing... Just give it a try. you never no what happens
Hi,
First of all, who ever wrote the original article was in correct by saying this was an agency. Showcase Worldwide is a convention that helps new talent and models showcase their talents to agencies that are looking for models and talent for their rosters. All conventions charge money, and the money is a fee that is put towards the conventions costs, such as the agents that are invited in worldwide for the hotel rooms, food, and transportation costs. It is also for the cost of the room rentals for the seminars and the competition rooms. I have attended the convention as a legit agent for over 5 yrs. I have taken on several talent from this showcase who have all gone on to do tv commercials, theatre, tv series, music videos and modelling work. First and foremost it is important to get your terms correct. A convention or company that hosts conventions is not an agency.
As this is a worldwide convention. My daughter Rajinda and my son kuldeep have so much talent that here in India we cannot have our children exposed to the rest of the world. My Uncle in Canada told me of the convention and we all flew down to attend the showcase. After 29 hrs of flight time to attend this event we were amazed at how professional everything was. Our children had great exposure and some agents really wanted our children to be in commercials. since we live in India this agent called one of his friends in India and hooked us up. My children today are the poster children of Curry Cream puffs. They are so famous now in India....they are known as the Cream Puff kids....Thank you showcase and god bless Canada......Ranu Ramsanghani
Just to let you know about the name changes. There were originally Canadian Showcase for Models & Talent Inc and Showcase of America. They changed their name 2 years ago to one name; Showcase Worldwide.Sometimes when you Google something old information does come up.
And SOA is short form for Showcase of America.
I had a call from them 2 days ago...never heard of them and never submitted anything to them, they claimed that the got referred by someone else! I've never done any modelling in my life I submitted a few apps a few weeks ago to different agencies, but I have NO experience, anyways I wanted to check things out about them before going on sunday it seems almost across the board that people think it's a scam! I am hesitant now to go!
That was funny. Well life is all about making decisions. I went to the audition yesterday. And mine was quite pleasant. Ps my name is osasu oke. N I just started my acting career. Let me be the example to everyone else who have the desire to go to the convention. I'll go as a lamb to the slaughter cause of the risk. I do have to pay 1011$. I am not afraid to invest that money on myself. Plus I really don't care for money. And trust me I am not rich either. Just look up my facebook page.lol or myspace.com/agentoo6 ps I am real. You have two choices in font of you. To go or not to go. No one will force you to make a decision. I was just looking up the report about showcase this morning to see what people have to say. I was dying especially at Ranu the Indian curry puff story.. Goodness that was a killer. N also the Sin! Comment lol. I love how god always appears in every thing. Ps I believe in God. What I am trying to say is I am willing to go the distance for all y'all to see if its a Scam..remember my name Osasu Oke AKA ZaZu like the name from the lion King. Born in Nigeria, ,moved to canada at age 9 and I reside in BRampton Ontario..I aspire to one day become a motivational speaker and when I do just know ill probably give thanks to showcase. Cause I don't feel like it's a scam. Well thats my opinion. A wise man once said . You'll know when you know. Again to go or not to go that is the decision you have to make
Osasu Oke, I definitely respect what you are about to do. Me and everybody else who reads your message is having, and will have a hard time believing that what you say is true.
Therefore, and you probably understand that, that it is normal for me and probably others to be skeptic.
However, if we are indeed wrong, I would like to apologize ahead of time and on the behalf of everybody else who thought you were a joke. =)
On that note, I'd like to wish you luck in your adventure and I hope for you that it will be worth the trip!
MONTREAL - RDP -MAURICE DUPLESSIS SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOVEMBER 2011!!!!!!!!!
OK PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GO to the AUDITION and play the game with them!!!!!!! this Marie Bulshit Dafnas is a total joke!!!!!!!! and her 2 "guards" LISA GUERRERA AND SILVIA TRIPODI that were in the room with her while my friend was auditioning are also part of this hole scam, im almost sure they are using false names!!!! and why is the deposit cash only????????? in order not to trace them!!!!! plus she said in the first audition that she (Marie Dafnas) studied law school funny how on the "linkedIN" website she says that she graduated from York University in ECONOMICS!!! I mean please just go and observe her lying the whole way, plus she made my friend (a guy)......she gave us business cards with GMAIL ACCOUNTS!!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH are u kidding me???????? and she also says that she worked with Sean Desmon she had proof!!!!!!!!!! : a PICTURE that she showed very fast, i asked her to show me the picture again (that was on the second interview the next day which was today in MOntreal in RDP) I look at the picture and it was taken at an AIRPORT!!! so to make her feel like an idiot I ask : oh which airport was that!!!!! hahahahahahah she goes look at this one she wants to harrass him!! : in my head : NO B*tch Im making fun of u!!!! ......anyway all this is really funny....but at the same time she doesnt know who I work for! She fell on the wrong person..unfortunately for her!!!!! All I have to say is that these people have no heart...to look at these young kids showcasing with all their heart and taking their money making them believe that big agencies will be there..they will probably do a show with agaencies there (but all fake agencies)...all I have to say is that ...they better WATCH their back, I know they are smart...but they just fell on someone smarter! I might not be a B*tch but KARMA IS!!!!!!!!
I was there in November with my daughter, 16, talented singer. So it was no surprise to me to hear Marie something tell us she has potential. We happened to know that already.
Back home after the 1st audition, I fell on this Web page and others. I saw one of their their showcases on You tube and then I figured their scheme.
These showcases must not attract much attention of any serious agency. Judge by yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gj6_qWIsE4&feature=related
She didn't even offer me any business card and there wasn't any available in the very freshly painted RDP office either, which I found very unprofessional.
Obviously, these people abuse people's dreams and it's a shame. Don't believe anything they say.
The 400$ will be put to better use somewhere else, and moreover the energy saved while NOT getting set for a FAKE SHOWCASE will be a better investment.
One thousand dollars you say, Zazu?
With probably over 200 "I'll go as a lamb to the slaughter", as you say you will, for every showcase they organize, imagine the fortune they make even after spending some of that money putting up fake agencies with fake employees (with real wages though, your money) to attend these private showcases.
That is why Showcase Worldwide Inc. probably has half a million $ turnover every year (I saw that somewhere).
And how many artists have they connected with a real agency? Where is their pedigree? Of course, if they fall on a really talented artist here and there, this artist might eventually succeed and they will grab this as one of their success story, but I doubt they have anything to do with that for I'm certain they have no credibility in the eyes of real casting or production agency.
Why is it so difficult to get any information on a business that seems to change name constantly?
Why are these showcases private? Why are the medias not invited?
Why? Because their showcases are poor productions presenting very few talented artists and they would look like fools to serious medias.
They work behind the scene with cash money. Imagine the rest.
Don't be naive, a serious business doesn't operate this way.
I'm so confused I just went yesterday and of course they said my daughter had great talent and they want me to go to Montreal to show my talent in front of lots of big agency looking or new talent she asked me for $1,689.35. I said for what? she said classes u til May and photo shoot and portfolio. at first I was like ok that makes sense. she said she has limited spots and I needed to put down a deposit of $500. I told her I didn't have five hundred I told her I was a single mom barely making it and I had to drive 2 hours to get there. I told her I could only give her $100 my last $100 . then I posted on Facebook and someone warned me about a scam. so I have done some research and I'm pretty sure this is a scam. im not giving her another penny. I'm sad that she got my last $100 but I'm glad I researched b4 giving her the remaining $1,500. now that I look back I can see right through them all these stories are the same. I showed her pics of my other kids and she said they are so beautiful and that I should bring them in too, are u kidding me!! yes my kids are beautiful but that really made me second guess. in my heart I believe this is a SCAM. so if anyone knows of a real place I can put my daughter in please tell me because she is gonna be very upset when I tell her she isn't going back there. I live in st Catharine's Ontario so please help me. oh and is there any way of getting my money back?
Totes! When they ask u for money up front especially a lot it's obvi a scam. Real agencies don't ask for money right away, but whatever. they called me yesterday i didnt answer though idek how they got my number. try casting factory, I hear they're legit.
Who'ze number is this?
by judging to all the bad and the good comments i think that this agency or convention whatever that is it's a SCAM ! ps im french sorry for the spells
It is a waste of money! We paid and had many promises that never came through. Save your money for something more worthwhile!
I completely agree!! I feel so stupid having fell for this scam!! I have paid them in full but was not able to attend any of their sessions! I called for a refund and of coarse they denied it! I understand why they wouldn't, but on the other hand, I have not once stepped foot inside their building! My money did not pay for anyone to train me! I did not take any pictures, nothing!! You'd think a normal business would understand and be willing to give a little back! I'm actually seeking legal advise and hope other people can read some of these articles (while waiting for their second interview, because you literally have no time to think it over once your selected!!) thanks, hope this helps someone else from making a mistake!!
SO I went to the auditon in Ottawa in January. I to had no clue how they got my number. But I went in good faith and postive attitude. I was asked to fill out a form and a permission slip to allow them to video tape our interview, they said it was because they want to see if you look godd on camera. I brought my album and my portfoliio with me. I didn't have to wait very long for it to be my turn. Once inside I was asked to sing and I did. Everybody in the room stoped talking and all eyes on me. I'm an opera singer so you can imagine. I was not asked to pay anthing. I think there used to working with amatures. I'm not an amature!!! so anyway, they were so impressed with me that I was asked to sing a duet with Mr. Macri at the Showcase show in May. I was very happy. Macri was discovered by showcase. I began my studies to prepair myself for the show. Just the other day I got a text from, Mr. Macri telling me that he will not be able to make the show because he's to busy. I was so dissappointed. He made a commitment and he broke it. I already made the reservation for the hotel so now I don't want to go because, after reading all your comments I feel that it could be a scam and that he works withthem on some scale. Thinking back to the initial interview I asked why they would want to sign me and they told that I was to developped and they only work with singers that need to be shapped and moulded. I don't get it I'm ready to be discovered,I'm a guranteed success story and they don't want to sign me. I'm considering not going because there are no guranttees who will be there and I have to drive 2 hours. So what I'm thinking is that they didn't ask me to pay anything except my hotel and $80 if want to do my hair and make up,and $95 for each person who will attend because i'm not an amature??? I'm so confussed!!!! What do you guys think???
By the looks of this blog
THe Bloger Tumex has not been successful in the industry.
I am an established entertainer and have been so for may years, i am constantly still investing in my self promotion.
Nothing is for free in life buddy, red lights should flash when they tell you its FREE. you want to make it in the industry it takes hard work dedication and MONEY.
So i really don't understand what all the bitching and complaining is really all about .
thanks for info nice comments
Okay people listen up. I'd like to retract the comment I made on May 15th. I actually did somemore research and I was really WRONG about saying that Show case is a fraud. This isn't the case at all! The other night I got a call from them and they clarified all my questions and concerns. It was great. I didn't get a a chance to perform with Mr. Macri but I spoke to him and he's an awesome, hard working guy and I look forward to working with him in the future. So if you have the opportunity to go you should go!!!! and have fun!!!
Check out Showcase's success blog and comments from people who have ACTUALLY gone and are employed as well. The Blog is recent so expect more updates.
http://showcaseworldwide.blogspot.ca/
Check out Showcase's success blog and comments from people who have ACTUALLY gone and are employed as well. The Blog is recent so expect more updates.
http://showcaseworldwide.blogspot.ca/
Check out Showcase's success blog and comments from people who have ACTUALLY gone and are employed as well. The Blog is recent so expect more updates.
http://showcaseworldwide.blogspot.ca/
I don't even know HOW these people got my email AND phone number, but they keep contacting me! I've asked them a million times to stop and they wont! The emails started maybe a year ago and they went away for a while and now their starting again! I really hate these people now.
back in 2008 i received an email or a phone call i cant fully recall which one as it has been a few years since then but anyway i was asked to come to the holiday inn where i live for a free audition. I was very excited because being 13 or 14 at the time i thought this could be my big break and i could become famous. I went to the hotel and there were many other kids teens etc waiting in the hallway, filling out their information on clipboards. I was finally called into the room for my auditon with a woman named marie dafnas. I sang a song for her and talked about various things. she said i had a lot of potential and that i could make it in the business, i felt really good as she was just boosting my confidents. she told me to come back the next day and memorize lines from a commercial she gave me. i came back the next day, did my audtion and she started talking to me and my mother who speaks very little english about a showcase in toronto that would give me a chance to be seen by many talent agents etc. she kept telling me i had a really good chance and that she thinks i could make it and that i had a lot of talent. she then told me there is a fee to pay. $300 upfront and the rest i could pay in installments. i begged my mom at this point because i had been brainwashed my marie dafnas to let me go. my mom had to ask my aunt for 300 so i could go. i payed for it all. i was told the showcase would be in june of 2009 and i would receive my package in the mail of commercials to rehearse. finally june came around and my family had to stay at my sisters house in mississauga in order to go to the convention. when we arrived i found i had to pay an extra $95 just for my mom to come in with me. then i found out i had to pay for professional photos. overall the 3 days seemed very legit, there were seminars and runways and casting directors etc. when the weekend finished i got many call backs from various agencies around. one included carolyns kids they asked me to pay upfront fees aswell and my parents had enough they werent willing to do that. i went to an audition in toronto with an agency i met while at soa aka showcase of america and they were a legit agency i didnt have to pay any upfront fees they said i had great potential as an actor but having no prior experience on camera i had to go to an acting camp in order to gain some experience so that i would have something to put on my resume and then they would sign me right away. again my parents were drained of any money they had and they were not willing to pay in fact they couldnt pay and my dreams of becoming an actor were over. also just to add i met a man named randy chartrand with blonde hair who works for this company and he is a liar and a scam artist just as much as marie dafnas is. google his name and you will find out. he also goes under the name randy white. all i have left to say is shame on them for feeding people false hopes and lies and scamming people out of their money. i am in touch even after 4 years with some people who went to soa and they all had no call backs or any sort of contact with randy chartrand or marie dafnas after that weekend, they took their money and left. i just dont understand how the police doesnt get involved with this... anyway to anyone who is preparing to go their showcase or auditions i would think long and hard because you will robbed of your money!
What I get from this is... The first comments state it is a scam, then the later ones defend the company.
Makes me believe it is a scam, and the scammers found this site, and wanted to defend themselves against scamming.
I have been to a professional modelling photoshoot. I was referred by a friend, and got a free shoot. If I wanted I could purchase my photos for about 50$ or so, but I declined and they were fine with that, and did not push me for anymore.
hundreds of dollars for a photoshoot? Bullshite
Considering googling this number came up to a scam alert, I call scam on this one.
Getting an audition I didnt sign up for is like being told I won the lottery when I never bought a ticket.
Accept people are assholes and move on, don't waste your hard earned money by giving into false hope.
The name of the company has now changed to Talent Network just goes to show that if they were legit they would'nt have to change the name so often!!!
The name yes has changed to Talent Network. They also just finished charging 100's of people to join and attend the convention in order to help them get agents. They then called in all the talent to say they would represent them, with their new agency opening up. So basically they charged everyone to attend the convention and then are reeling them in again to pay another fee to join their agency, instead of just signing people to the agency first and not charging convention fees. The man who was doing the presentation for the new agency was Randy Chartrand aka Randy White when working at The Casting Factory. See other Rip off Reports in association with Randy. http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/casting-factory-toronto-ontario-c589113.html
CSMT is nothing but bullshit right from the start. I had a friend who got completey scammed and Marie Dafnos is nothing but a liar. DO NOT TRUST THEM at all, waste of time and nothing else. Too many trolls on here trying to defend CSMT and would not be surprised if it is the employees themselves posting as others. Liars, cheaters, theives, nothing but bullshit.
I understand what you mean about the names, but I was with showcase for a year, when I was 11, and knew the owner of the company. I worked with professional models who were trained by her and she was a very lovely person. My acting and modelling skills improved greatly over that year and at in May, I attended a convention where I met so many friends and had a great time. I got to watch my friends perform and they were amazing. They were all trained by Marie and her co-workers. So whether they have aliases or not, if you're looking to actually improve your skills instead of pick on their professionalism, they are the right company to go to.
MARIE IS NOT HOSTING ANY CONVENTIONS ANYMORE, SO FEEL FREE TO RANT ABOUT OTHER CONVENTIONS OUT THERE, AND PLEASE REMOVE THIS BLOG BECAUSE THERE ARE NO CONVENTIONS BEING HOSTED BY TALENT NETWORK OR MARIE DAFNAS.
Other conventions you can make a blog about:
http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/modeling/letters/letters-faces-west.html
http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/modeling/amtc.html
http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/modeling/letters/mtsc/letters-mtsc-01.html
This SCAM company is under the name 'TN MANAGEMENT"
ADDRESS: 90 Winges Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L 6A9
Please save yourself and your money, "TN MANAGEMENT " Marie is a SCAM artist. She should be behind bars by now!!!
Post a Comment