Do you think this is a scam?

Question

Is Barbizon modeling/acting school a scam?
Me and three of my friends got into it. But me and my other friend goes and the other one refuses to go. So we were just talking and she says she doesn't go because its a scam and one of her moms friends use to go there and they only want money. My other friend says it s a lie she is saying. So I went online and did some searching some people who went there say its not a scam and some people who also went there say its a scam. More people say its a scam. My mom is foucing me to go there I told her she is puting her money in for nothing she says is not a scam. But now am sure it is all my parents are gonna do is lose millions
I don't want to go there anymore How do I make my parents not let me go anymore.

Answer 1

It is a scam.

Barbizon is a modeling SCHOOL. Not agency. Agencies do not accept money from their clients. Agencies represents and help find work for their clients and then take some of the proceds to help put their client out more. I usually gave 20% of my check to my manager, who in return, used that money to find me more bookings. Therefore, a simple $250 paid job, I would only give $50 of that. That is $200 in my pocket I keep from doing my job as career in modeling is a full time job position just as any other job.

McWright Agency, just like Barbizon, puts on at the end of the school fashion show where they have "agents" in the audiance. The girls will hand out there card and hope to get called.

A friend of mine who also was managed by my old manager went to McWright agency. She never got a call back, just like 3/4 of the girls.

The other girls who did land jobs were knocking and having doors slammed in their face by going to bookings of agencies (Ford Models, Elite Models etc High top fashion agencies).

Reason why I never went to the schools as they are there just to teach you what other agencies DO NOT want you get in habit of. Different agencies want different things.

Watch Tyra Banks show and America's Next Top Model. You will find different fashion shows require different style of fashion, walk, attitude and body shape/size/structure.

Models are not made, they are only born with added a little spice along the way through their journey.

Tell your parents that this is a scam and better waste money on going door to door and auditioning to fashion shows and getting into some local ones, with pageants than waste money on something the agencies themselves will teach you themselves on what THEY want. Not what some school taught you, that some of it is the "old school" not the new "top fashion" that is today.

What you can do is do what is called TFP (Time for Prints). You get ahold of some local and some state (or your country) photographers and ask them if they need any shots to help their portfolio. For your time to help them build their own, then can exchange a few photos and give to you to help build your own as well. Instead of paying money, you give your time.

I did this and I picked up ALOT of tips on poses, style and fashion industry.

In the mean time, take a head shot picture with no make up and hair down, but out of face. Then take a full body shot with bathingsuit (nothing revealing, just simple) so they can see your body type. Send that in with your: first/last name, Age, Location, Height, Weight, measurements (34-24-34 for example) and any markings (tattoo's, piercings, birth marks). Then place your contact information with those photos for interview. Can do a resume letter asking for interview (ask your mom for further detail or myself if needed).

As you gain more, you can start advertising and going around to LA models, Ford and other agencies and doing interviews. Make sure you were little make up and dress to impress not overly done.

Answer 2

A real model agency will not force you to pay money up front. If they want you to pay (for a portfolio or anything else), they are scamming you. Legitmate and reputable modeling agencies are always on the look-out for new talent and fresh faces. If they see potential in you, they will pay for your portfolio and any training (runway walking, posing, etc) that you will need. Again, NEVER pay any money to a modeling agency.

Some legitimate modeling agencies are Model One, Ford Models, and Elite models -- but we are talking very high scale agencies there that represent(ed) stars like Tyra Banks.

A reputable agency I know of that does more commercial and more local work is John Casablanca. I have a high school friend and roommate who regularly get work through that agency.

I invite you to have your parents read this information.

So many people want to be a star and make it big in the modeling world, but don't get taken in.

Oh, and if you are interested in modeling, here's a tip:
-Get to know the industry -- who are the elite models, who are the elite designers, and what are their design philosophies. These are questions that potential clients, designers, and agency workers will ask you.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Barbizon is a huge scam. They keep taking money and maybe one in a hundred might get a job at all. Consider, they will take anyone who applies. Send someone who is willing to go, who knows they are not a modeling candidate. Maybe a friend who is very over-weight, and is aware of it. They will be told that they are a perfect candidate and Barbizon will make them a star. Then you can see that you are just wasting your money.

Answer 4

I went to Barbizon Modeling School and they later signed me when I was younger. It was all about the money and they never got me any jobs. As soon as I switched agencies, the jobs started pouring in. I learned a lot at the school though. My advice: finish the school but dont sign with them... go to another agency.

Answer 5

I looked it up on the Internet. It doesn't look like a scam. You should go. Let your parent worry about money. If they think it is too much then they will decide that you not go. But now you have the chance of a life time, so if you have an interest in modeling, GO! GOOD LUCK~:-)

Answer 6

Dont waste your time.I Did Barbizon and as Tyra Banks would say, "Don't trust them if they ask you for money." Your paretns won't lose millions but it is a waste of time just like every other modeling audition or whatever offered at hotels. Don't go.

Answer 7

Keep in mind that a modeling agency is there to make YOU money. If they want money then yes, it is a scam.

Answer 8

well, real models really did go to that school. they came to my school and explained everything and gave us papers and everything showing people who used to go there and now are celebrities. well, i'd say trust your mom on this. maybe your friends just said that because they didn't like it. a few girls from AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL even went to barbizon.

Answer 9

well you are not suppost to pay if it is going to help you out to be a model.
But i have seen that ad in teen magazines (back when i was a teenager) i always thought it was legit. Just tell your parents that you have no interest in it anymore.

Answer 10

IT'S A SCAMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just tell your parents that you refuse to go anymore