John Casablanca's Modeling

Ican't say enough bad things about this place- and I never even got a chance to step inside the office. JC pulled my info from a public profile somewhere and cold-called me about coming in. The rep's wording sounded a bit dodgy, but I made an appt. for a casting and resolved to do some poking around. The rep told me very clearly if I no-called, no-showed, they would not entertain a future interview, which is standard business procedure. After getting home that day, I looked up reviews for Cary JC and saw an ovwhelming number of them on the negative side, many talking about them luring you in for an 'interview' which was really a sales lecture ending with solicitation to enroll in their modeling school. I decided then that it wasn't worth my time, and didn't bother to cancel my 'inteview', as it was just going to be a mass sales talk anyway. ( A friend of mine had an 'interview on the same day at the same time, starngely coincidental, and it did indeed turn out to be a sales pitch, not a casting as implied. Shocker.). I didn't think anything of it, until the next week, when I began receiving calls from Desiree (can't remember if she was the original rep I spoke to.) about future castings. That was a red light for me- if I had no-called, no-showed, why were they trying to get me in for another 'casting'? No professional company operates like that. They are obviously desperate for business. When I was finally able to return her call at a time she was in the office, I expressed my concern for the raw reviews online and the fact that I wasn't looking for a modeling school, but an agent. Any sales rep with two brain cells to rub together would realize that this was her chance to reassure me that the school was legitimate and that they were also an agency. She did indeed do the former, but without pause and in the same breath said ""But I can see that whoever you've been talking to has convinced you otherwise, and I'm not going to waste time defending our school. I see you've already made up your mind."" Wait- it is a waste of your time to reassure someone that your school isnt scummy so that you can get clientelle (it is only a waste of time if your business is indeed scummy)? I replied that I hadn't been ""talking"" to anyone (PARANOIA!) and was looking for an agent, not a modeling school, which is what they are listed as. She went on to say that they were also an agency. I told her that if she had informed me of that before going off on her personal attack rant, it would have been a bit more helpful. She then proceeded to SCREAM AND CURSE at me. I had to hang up the phone. This is why your school has bad reviews, JC Cary- reps like Desiree that are sour they are working out of Cary NC instead of LA and taking it on potential clients that aren't stupid enough to fall for the schtick. Fire her fast, and any prim donna like her, do a business makeover, and try again. Potential actors.models- stay away from here. There are plenty of legit agencies in the area that don't require you to enroll in their school before giving you representation. more

I accompanied my twenty year old friend on what she was told would be a private audition/interview to join the agency as a model. We walked in to a room packed full of young girls and boys and their parents. For an hour and a half we were lectured on ""what it takes to make it in this industry"" by the agency director, Brigitte. She basically spent half the time talking sternly to the fresh young faces on how they need to mold themselves to fit in, and half the time selling the agency to the parents. For about thirty minutes, she went through head shot after head shot of successful actors and models who she claimed had ""made it"" because of the Cary franchise of Casablancas. Towards the end of the meeting I raised my hand to ask a question about up-front costs which may be incurred to new talent (costs for new headshots, model training classes, etc.) Brigitte looked at me and said ""Sorry but I don't have time to answer questions."" The woman had just spent an hour and a half lecturing us. I go to a major research University, and in every single class I've ever taken I have been given the opportunity to raise my hand and ask a question. In talking to a personal friend who is a major talent agent in the Southeast, I have learned that Casablancas is a running joke in the modelling world. No legitimate photographers cast from Casablancas because they see it for what it is: a scheme to sell parents ""talent training"" that is ""necessary"" for their children's success. Again, I went to this audition as a friend and observer. I am also a working actor with a regional agent, and student at UNC Chapel Hill studying Dramatic Arts and Film Production, so I have a working understanding of the business. What I witnessed tonight was nothing more than bold faced exploitation. If they sign any kids from tonight's audition, it will be nothing more than an induction into a very malicious scheme. In a year and a half, and over $5000 out of the pockets of the poor kids' parents, most of the talent will probably have not signed any kind of major job. I took a break from Brigitte's soap box to go and chat with some of the ladies in the office. After digging around for the facts about the agency and how they represent their talent, I was completely disgusted. It is a total rip off. At one point, a larger woman named Charity (or was it Jerri?) walked into the room and interrupted my conversation. I proceeded to talk with her for ten minutes but got nothing but cold, bad vibes from her. Trust me, there are better talent agencies that will shoot straight with you in North Carolina. If you ever have to sit for more than 30 minutes in a modelling audition, something is wrong. The real people don't have more than 30 minutes to give to anyone other than paying clients. But then again, that's what prospective talent is to Casablancas. Also, if you are ever asked to pay any kind of up-front costs before signing with an agency, it is a scheme and you are being ripped off. more

John Casablanca's Modeling in Cary is a bit expensive at first glance (but, if you look at the cost of several drama camps, it is not). After you graduate, you get text messages to find work as an actor or model. \r more

Okay a year ago, I went to their casting call to be apart of JC. When I passed I was so happy, but then when I was signing a contract with my mother, there was a catch. Money ($2500 - paid in full). I have done research for other legigment agencies and found that we were once again played by these people (JC and Barbizon). I also passed the Avanti audition, and looked up reviews and found there is another oh great FEE! Seriously, these places have built up my confidence better than anything, but in the classes, I barely learned anything about acting. Stating that acting and modeling go hand in hand, but honestly, there are actors making good money being extras in LA. However, they are very nice people, but honestly to say I did talent scouting and mannequin modeling, and got a little bit of side money, but nothing huge. Yes, John Casablanca found Elite Modeling, but the thing is, we aren't getting the huge jobs like we should. Yes extra work is good for a resume, but in Hollywood or in acting in general, do you want to become known as an extra actor? Casting directors frown upon anyone ONLY doing EXTRA work. I found all my extra work on my own. Honestly, please sign up for sites like imdb pro or backstage pass because places like this want money and then you get classes, I have also found that you will get laughed at for being represented by them, but again, ITS WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. I have also found some awesome people (friends) in these classes, but again. When I paid in full, I am getting my money's worth with unlimited photoshoots (other ones cost a ton of money). Personally, I think that actors or models should start around 13 because little kids in the entertainment industry have so much paper work, warning parents here. And if you are looking for classes on acting, take some theater classes or look in wilmington, that city is the best for filming. They are acredited by BBC, but the thing is real agencies want 10% and thats it, this place with Model and Talent Management want 20%. A real agency will not make you take their classes and require fees upfront. But whatever. I mean I am determined to make it as an actor but you need to be aware of certain things in the entertainment industry. Best place for actors is atlanta, miami, LA, NYC, or Quebec. Hope I helped! more

You have to actually WANT to do modeling or acting. Like REALLY WANT IT. Because it costs like $2000 and they just teach you to do stuff that has to do with modeling and acting. Otherwise, you have just lost $2000. I've done the program awhile ago and one person from there called be like I wasa a new customer asking if I was interested in modeling and/or acting. And then they called my little sister about is like 20 times and she's never done it before. ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR MONEY. They will tell you that you have something special and worth something. THEY WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING! This is from my personal experiance. But you can actually do auditions and ""jobs"". Like audition for real things. But again, YOU HAVE TO WANT IT!! So if you're thinking about it, really really really really think about it! The class does improve you're self esteem and it helps you be more confident. But its a risk.. not really worth taking.. ~Think about it.. more

JC is a SCAM!!!! I have over 10 years experience over seas and in the U.S I never payed up front. Real agents take a percentage of your check after you done your job. My portfolio wasnt good enough but they looooved me so much till i said no to the ""training"" they were bugging me for a while and they finally gave up! All of you paying for them are stupid! They gave you a couple of jobs a month?How much did you make? :grin Get a manager and He/She will find you a job if you are pretty, talented or both! GOOD LUCK GUYS! more

In my opinion, it sounds as if the majority of complaints are coming from people who were not motivated and committed enough to really take it seriously, pay attention in the lessons and utilize their advisors. For anyone thinking that an agent representing you will not take a cut of your earnings as a model/actor, 20% IS the standard amount. When I had my interview, my advisor made it absolutely clear to me that graduating from the training will NOT guarantee me a job or success in the modeling industry, the same as a Harvard Law student is not guaranteed to be a successful lawyer after graduating. If you get nothing else, you'll learn healthy habits and you'll learn how to be a better you. Like all life-altering decisions, I did extensive research about the company before deciding. Plus, I've been watching them for the last decade. The very first place I checked most recently was the BBB, where I found that there have been no complaints filed against the company. Also, I want to comment on the money thing. If you sign with an agency, you will not be asked for money; sometimes the agency may invest their money in you, even. JC is an academy to establish/improve your skills in many areas and then help you get work, and they even tell you up front that most of these areas you have classes in are also life lessons, not just meant for your modeling or acting career. JC does ask for money, and being as they are the most prestigious academy in their field (John Casablancas actually put models on the map like never before many, many years ago), they deserve it just like any other vocational training. I get the feeling that a lot of people are just sitting around waiting for the jobs to come to them after their training. They don't fall in your lap. This is not a get-rich-quick investment. You have to work for your return. I haven't actually started my training, but my advisor is being more than helpful considering my financial situation. He has offered many options and a lot of time to think about each one. He is not demanding that I pay right here, right now. He wants to make sure that I'm stable enough to buy groceries and pay my rent before anything else. Also, he told me that I don't have to pay for any portfolio expenses; those are included in the training. Plus, this isn't a limited-time contract or anything, where they drop you the last day. After completing the training you are allowed to come back to and retake any classes you want for no extra charge for the duration of your life. Not only that, but if I move there are JC companies all over the country (scratch that, the world) and I would be more than welcome at any of them. I hate to see that so many people have little faith in this company, especially when I've researched it since high school and the BBB even says it's not a fraud. Also, for the record: Elite was founded by John Casablancas. I don't know if it was on this Site or another, but someone said that no JC students got the part for an audition they went to. The part went to an Elite member. It's pretty much the same thing, only with Elite you've been fully trained + proven your worth in print and on screen. And as is common sense, hundreds of people may show up for an audition that only a handful of people will receive callbacks for. Don't get discouraged! Go to more auditions! Something will come to you. Always keep a positive attitude and if things don't work out the first time, try again and be persistent. If this is your dream, don't give up. You'll meet many friends along the way and learn how to better yourself, if not get famous which I'm sure is the sole reason for a lot of people trying to become models and actors in the first place. One of the rules of JC is ""NO unhealthy diets - if you need to change your eating habits, let it be for the right reasons: your health and your self."" more

When I came to John Casablancas as a 12 year old I was a nervous, shy, and introverted child. I enrolled in classes at John Casablancas and my parents began to see a change immediately. John Casablancas offered life skills to me that I wouldnt have access to other wise. The classes were extremely extensive everything from what color socks to wear to match your outfit to how to put together a resume. It gives you confidence to do things outside of your comfort zone. Before standing in front of my classmates made me nervous, now I can stand in front of a group of 1,000 people and its second nature. The staff here works with you and goes out of their way to answer questions and make sure you are always comforitable and are more than willing to talk to you. I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am today withour John Casablancas. It gave me the confidence to strive to do more and never settle. I can not thank this staff enough for treating each one of their models like family. This experience and things you learn here goes WAY past the modeling and acting industry, it gives you life skills that are needed to be successful. more

When I saw a friend's daughter go from being a very quiet little mouse who let people walk all over her become a self assured, confident pre-teen who held her head high among her peers I asked what was going on. I was amazed to find out that her parents had enrolled her in modeling and acting classes. I didn't think that something like this could instill the sense of self worth that I have seen bloosom in this young lady. For those who are complaing about cost I have two words of advice for you: First, ask the right questions and you will never be surprised. Nobody can force you to sign anything. Secondly, in this day and age of peer pressuring and bullying, what lengths would you go to to equip your child with a skill set that will not only give them an opprotunity to do something enviable but also give them the self repect to stand up to their peers when the situation calls for it. We all know where kids end up who go along to get along. Educate yourselves and make the best decisions you can for your children. They're counting on you. more

The skills and tools I have learned at the Raleigh John Casablancas Center have molded me into the strong willed, hard working, smart, beautiful young woman that I am today. The confidence that this program has helped me build is truly a gift that I will be able to carry with me the rest of my life. I now know that I can do anything that I set my mind to and I hope to inspire young women everywere to love themsleves and reach for the stars. I know that the staff at John Casablancas in Raleigh has truly changed my life. I can't express my thanks enough for giving me most important skill of all, confidence in myself!\r \r more

A person from John Casablanca came to my school and gave out information to everyone. My friend and I signed up because we were interested in acting and modeling. My friend had her ""try-out"" before me, so she went and got a free photoshoot, then they told her to come back tomorrow because she made ""first-cut"". The next day, she went there again, and the people there said ""You made it! Your in!"" So she got in, but the people there were like, ""Okay, for the makeup and joining fee, you must pay $2295 and $10 for the photos for a 6 month class of John Casablanca's Modeling and Acting!"" I was shocked when I heard she paid that much. Now, that was completely optional, if you wanted your pictures that you took during the photoshoot, you can pay $10 for it. The joining cost was $2295 and they gave you an option if you want to join or not, but my friend was desperate to be a model/actor so she actually paid that amount to get in. To me, that was the worstest choice anyone could ever make. Almost $3000 to learn about modeling/acting? And this company isn't even going to make you appear on the red carpet or those hit tv shows. This is a scam!\r \r I decided not to go to the audtions and that company keeps calling and emailing me almost everyday saying, ""Please contact me back! We really look forward to see you!"" or ""We have a audtion at Tuesday, 6:45 p.m. please come!"" or ""Please contact us immediately!"" It is annoying and obviously, they don't have good business going on, so they are constantly calling me to make me come. \r \r Word of Advice: Don't ever give John Casablanca your info. because they will keep contacting you until you respond. Auditions are suppose to be free! The model company should be paying you, not vice versa! more

It all started with a visit from my school. JC in Cary, NC had visit my middle school back in 2008. It was on of the staff from JC in Cary, NC and she was telling us about what JC has to offer and everything. Soo, I wasn't really all the convinced but I signed up on this paper that she had for people whom were intrested in JC. Well then she had a booth were you come and grab some flyers, look at models picture that went through the JC program, etc etc. \r \r Well that was the last I even thought about her or that booth of hers. Few weeks later I get a call saying I was welcome to come in at the JC to have my picture taking and runway walk. The lady on the phone told me the place and time of when to come in. I didn't know who it was until she said she was from the JC Center in Cary. I had totally forgotten about her. \r \r So the next day I go in and finds out that the free photo shoot and runway was an audition. Wow !! I do as im told and Brdiget the lady who was audtitoning us had pick chosen people to join JC. Wow !! again. \r \r \r I was one of the chosen people. And I had to pay $3,000 to join JC. But let me tell you that $3,000 was worth it. I had classes every Saturday to attend to and the JC staff trained us about Agencys, and Audition. Basicly everything you need to know about TV/Print , Modeling industry. I had 20 Classes and they even take pictures of you for your headshots and teach you how to do your resume. They Have a professinal Photographer to take your photos and he does a really good of a job. !! They give you extra help. They have workshops so you can get a better understanding of the industry.\r \r All in all, my expreince with JC was the greatest. And I am very pleased. It's an investment in your future. \r \r Without JC in Cary, NC I would not be where I am today, which is signed on with a top agency in NC !!! \r \r I would highy reccomendd it to a friend. \r \r God Bless\r Jasmine C Pros: Easy, Meet New People, Learn alot, Friendly Staff, Get Work, Cons: Very Expensive more

im in jacksonville, fl and at the JC in baymeadows, but i just got into the little agency and whatever you call it they asked me for a down payment of $100 and i payed it, my first class is next saturday and i don't know if im being scammed or what because i always wanted to act and do a little modeling, and they are asking for a lot of money, but is it worth it or not! if anyone can give me information on JC either reply to this post, or just e-mail me at product_envy@yahoo more

ok, im a SAG actor and i know a scam when i see one. She calls me and wants to schedule a ""free"" shoot...ha ha ha ....yea right... ive worked on tons of movies and tv shoots..... that's not the way it works......Check NC Film Commission to get parts....Paying parts......250 a day at worst more

WELL...I sighned up for john casblanca on their website 2 weeks later they call me saying they had an audition so i went with my mom. after the dude blabbed alot ""derrick"" we finally did a run way he liked my look and called me back. so i was super excited i went there looking forward to an interwiew but he just laid down the line and told my mom we had to pay 1,300 my mom thought we had to pay $300 she doesnt really understand english so she did it and later she found how much money she actually had to pay and wanted a refund. they said they couldnt!!!!! my mommy needs that money... and another thing i asked them how many people actualyy passed the audition he said only 5 people passed out of 50 yeah right!!!! yall really dont need this if they were going to give you a job they would pay you!!! you dont have to pay them!!! Pros: losers Cons: stupid company more

Okay so I signed up for this place online like thursday it is now saturday november 15 2009.. anyhow they didn't ask for a picture online or anything but brief information. Weird number 1. next i get a random call (thursday) from a woman named Naomi who sets me up with an appt and tells me that she ""looks forward to seeing me""-after i told her that i had no experience she still offers me a "" job"" interview. weird number 2 ..friday night rolls around which was yesterday, i go get a fresh hair cut and a nice new outfit. late friday night i decide to research this john casablanca to see what its all about i end up finding a lot of reviews about scams. to make a long story shorter haha i finally get to the john casablanca building, the lady at the front desk is not very pleasant nextly when i meat my so called recruiter naomi i could tell that this was no professional meeting by the way she shook my hand, she had no grip whatsoever it was the least firm not even close to business appropriate..next we go in her office after i waited in the beautiful lounge center inside of JCB for nearly 30 min, we finally reach her office and shes speaking like a f*cking sales representative barley taking breaths, i mean this lady could throw a 90 mph sentence at you, she mind as well had spoken to me in spanish cause i could barley understand her so she gives me a tour then tells me all the things i could do, she says i look like a model then she tells me that they have a spot for 12 jobs which 10 have already been filled and that i filed out an application at the perfect time of the year then shes talking about classes and make up and an schedules and its sounding promising, she tells me about the portfolio and making like $200 and hour but they get 20% commission on all your pay and im thinking sure this is an okay job then as shes speaking more fast and rushing through i wait for the catch and surely enough she pitches.. she hands me a paper and asks if i could make like and $80 dollar down payment rite now...? hold on i thought they were offering a job..? i didnt ask for a fu*king class to prepare me? I ended up driving 45 min to there building in CT just for them to offer me some deal that would ultimately cost me or my parents $1300 dollars.. i told her id let her know if they'd go for it on monday.. but i only said that so i didnt have to say ""no bitch your physco"" rite to her face.:) so to all you people my conclusion is that it is a bit of a scam and a school nothing more really for some people maybe but for most its just something to help build confidence and self-esteem, meet some people or work under some great staff, and thats it, there really arent too many probono agencies out there that will take you and help you without cost or atleast 1300 dollars haha that place is plan unreasonable. Pros: Teaching, fun staff, something to do with time, build self E Cons: will get u nothing but O.T at work to make that money back more

a few years ago i wanted to do modeling/acting so i went to a JC audition. they said to come back on a certain date to get everything set up.\r so that's what i did. my mom and the lady talked about payments (and let me just say, it's A LOT of money!) in the end my mom gave her a check or whatver.\r i started classes and they were every Saturday 8am - 1pm. in all honesty i dreaded every class i went to, they were SO boring! and maybe it was just me but they were. applying make-up and the cat-walk was ok but...other than that BLAH!\r the teachers were nice though and they'd joke around with us. at the end of my classes i was supposed to go to a meeting so they could review me but i never went.\r i missed some classes so i needed to make them up but seriously, it was BORING. i couldn't take it.\r so i just stopped going. and the lady emailed me about a audition a few months later so i went and checked it out but i was a minute late (no exagerating) and they said i had to come back. so i just didn't.\r and two years later here i am typing this review.\r the plus side to it is that i learned some runway tips, i got make-up brushes and i did a photoshoot. (:\r it's not a scam. they tell you in the begining that they're not promising you a job, they're helping you. and that's what they do. the rest is up to you.\r they give a weekly list of casting calls all over that you can apply for.\r people say it's a scam because of how much money you have to pay. and truthfully, it's not worth it. not the amount of money they're asking for. if it was less then yeah. i'd refer people. but i don't BECAUSE of the money.\r hope i helped. and no, i'm not someone from JC that was asked to come up and review it. Pros: photoshoots, runway tips Cons: too much money, no guaranteed job more

I am suspicious whenever I see several 5 star ratings that appear on the same day. I doubt very seriously several people got on to sing the praise on the same day and only after a negative comment . I would bet money that the agency posted the 5 star ratings and I would have to go with others which is all 1 stars. Word on the streets is they are a rip off school taking your money and not delivering. \r \r BUYER BE AWARE!!! Any agency that has to stoop to such low tactics as to post their own stars to boost up their rating must be a crock!\r \r Also notice if you go to all the 5 star raters profiles they all only posted one rating which was to these people and notice also how they advertise all the features of the agency in their rating just like an advertising. They are so obvious. I wouldn't trust them. more

As a former model from Los Angeles I would just like to make a comment on some of these reviews that I have read on this site. First of all, I have worked with some of the top agencies in the world and have shot with some of the best photographers in the world. The reason why I say this is because I have done this for REAL and know the real thing when I see it. I have a niece that has been working with the Raleigh John Casablancas center now for several years. All I can say is that it is the real thing. They never make any promises to you from the beginning. I have found that people that make negative comments like these people are just miserable people who have a bad attitude in life and please know right up front that with that kind of attitude you will get no where in life especially as a model or actor!!!! I would like to comment on the comment someone made about the owner, she is a very intelligent woman who actually knows this business and if you think she is tuff then good luck! You would never make it in the real world of modeling. To the same woman, why do you try to make it sound like its a bad thing that they moved thier office to Cary Nc (not Morrisvile)? I think that the move they made was a huge benifit to thier students. The previous office was in Raleigh in an area that had become not so safe for the kids and the new office is beautiful with new equipment for the students to use in thier training. Why is that such a bad thing? This is what I mean about your negative attitude. My niece has been booked on several jobs while working with them and we have actually made our investment back! What you put into this business is what you will get back. If all you do is sit back and look for the negative then that is what will come your way. Quit complaining and be willing to work and keep working. Dont quit just because you didnt get booked for every job that you audition for. I have seen my nieces self confidence grow so much in the past year. Thank you JC! Pros: honest staff more

John Casablancas in Raleigh,NC was one of the BEST experiences I could have ever given my two daughters. The staff there and at Avanti remain some of the most wonderful adults I could have ever exposed my two girls to. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, warm and enthusiastic. It is however up to the client to utilize the tools that are given to them in order to meet the goals that as an individual have been set. Irregardless of what one decides to do in or not in the ""business"" this training leaves you with an abundance of lessons that will carry you through life. more