Wilhelmina Philadelphia review: Wilhelmina of pa is a scam 116

oh and number two milissa f first comment on vip talent connect contract scam stating and telling people to call out on jesus and to stay away from vip talent connect then she comes to this page and states she works for wilemina in ny but she lives in alaska?ahhhhh yaaaaaa okkkaaayyyyy lmao

NOTICE: To all persons working for Wilhelmina of PA, I am in the process of contacting the Pennsylvania Attorney General. If Wilhelmina of PA is making false claims and promises, for the purpose of taking advance payments of thousands of dollars, from thousands of people, then that is fraud. Anyone connected with that fraud can be arrested. Wilhelmina of PA has recently been exposed in a feature article in Show Business Weekly Magazine, titled 'BRAND NEW AGENCY, SAME OLD SCAM'. Here is the link for anyone interested to read that article... http://www.showbusinessweekly.com/archive2010/604/news2.shtml

In the amount of time I have spent reading all of these unprofessional and hypocritical comments.. and for the amount of time you all have spent on writing them, you could have been signed by another agency, or at least set up an interview or worked a few hours to pay for your website fee.

The fact that you may not appreciate contstructive criticism, or the opportunity to expose yourself to something greater than you (because you no doubt do not have that great of a career since you were waiting in line at an open call in the first place) is saddening.

Every business has a flaw or two or three or four. But the truth is, Wilhelmina would NOT put their reputation on the line. They have been around for too many years. NYC and LA are completely different markets than the Philadelphia area which is why there are different limitations that each agency may follow, i.e. the agency fees.

For those of you who feel hurt and offended by having to attend what you like to call "cattle calls" I am sorry that you cannot move on from it. ALL agencies require you to pay their fees, although they may all vary. Like stated by several replies, some agencies ask for it up front, others take it out of your pay.

Wilhelmina does not make you attend polishing classes, they ask you to attend runway classes given by professional and experienced models who will teach you the benefits of each style of walk and when it is proper to use them.

They have you use THEIR photographers, because they are accredited and more professional than yours are. If they were not, they would not have been hired by the agency, and your book would have been accepted as okay. The amount of effort you put in to your agency determines the amount of hard work they are willing to do for you to get you booked.

Just because you are signed, DOES NOT make you the most amazing and talented person. Nor does it make you an automatic super model. You must have the right look at the right time - FOR EVERYTHING - and if you do not, you should never get your panties in a bunch about it, you should turn around and try again next year.

With all negatives, come positives. And diva attitudes will never succeed, so the first thing you need to do, is lose it. No one will work with you if you are so humble you feel the need to belittle everything that turns you down.

Grow from everything you do, never turn an opportunity to audition down, and always be thankful you are able to wake up each day and live your life.

If there is anything you need to learn from this industry it is how to appreciate being yourself. And being understanding when things do not always work out as planned. Set an example, be a role model, stop wasting your time blaming others and just move on.

One last thing, knowing the difference between safe and unsafe business is important and it is absolutely alright to have concern about something that you are going to involve yourself in. But make sure you always check your references, because the internet and news are not always from the first source and spoken truthfully. The models that clients like at an agency are the ones who book jobs and make money. If you do not have what they want, it is not your agencies fault. It just is not the right job for you. Everything happens for a reason and just being book smart will not help you through this industry whatsoever. Network and build strong relationships with everyone you meet. And learn a little bit more than what you think you know before you speak up about something, because 9 times out of 10 you still have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and your false accusations will come back to hurt you in the end.

-Experienced Source.

Damn, I have an audition sunday. And I don't know what to think now. Blown away from what I heard from both sides.

I had an audtion with Wilhelmina of PA today and they told me to lose 5 pounds and then come back in two months. If they really had a job for me, they wouldn't have sent me away because of 5 pounds. This company is a scam. From what i heard (from a girl who recently left Wilhelmia) they won't find you work, and if something doesn't work outs its always the models fault. People are going to do what they want, but i learned from my mistake to not waste the time and go back there.

I had an audtion with Wilhelmina of PA today and they told me to lose 5 pounds and then come back in two months. First off, I'm already skinny as hell, if i lost anymore weight it would be sickly. Second, if they really had a job for me, they wouldn't have sent me away because of 5 pounds. This company is a scam. From what i heard (from a girl who recently left Wilhelmia) they won't find you work, and if something doesn't work outs its always the models fault. People are going to do what they want, but i learned from my mistake to not waste the time and go back there.

The only reason that Wilhelmina of PA turns away anyone, is if they feel that they can't scam any money out of you. The weight excuss was just a smoke screen to get rid of you. You must have indicated that you didn't have money or weren't willing to spend money on photos, lessons, advertising, etc.

DEAR "NICE LIFE":

YES. YOU PAY FOR WEBSITES, PHOTOGRAPHY (UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES) AND CARDS. YOU DO NOT PAY $2, 400 UP FRONT. THAT IS RIDUCULOUS. AND, IN THE INDUSTRY, IT IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS A SCAM.

CLAYTON NELSON

Whoever are claiming it is okay to need to pay for all those things are completely wrong. If you are actually a model, your agency does what they can to cover costs for you. Not once have a put out money in order to model, and I am with Click. They sent me my portfolio in the mail from New York, they give me contact info of photographers and give me the option to test with them (which I have NEVER paid to test with a photographer), and they even are excited when I find my own contacts to shoot with.

The idea that you can only shoot with a particular photographer is terrible! And the fact that you need to pay for it?! Any great photographer would be happy to include you in a project or do a test shoot with you if you truly do have a great look. Modeling is about networking and broadening your resources, how on earth can you get more resources if you are forced to use everyone within a particular agency?

Acting classes are not necessary to model, and a waste of money unless you actually plan on acting. Models don't need runway classes, they don't need any special orientations. They get an agency, test shoot with all types of photographers, throw their-selves into castings, and they either book the job or they don't. If they want to waste their money on useless classes then that is their choice.

Comp card can cost money, and printing out your own photos may cost money as well. But occasionally if you network enough you can find sources to help you with those costs.

Anyway, a model should never have to pay to test with a photographer if she is with an agency, and she should definitely never have to pay just to be put on the agency website alone! Agency's are supposed to cover costs like that and reap the benefits when you actually book your jobs.

APPARENTLY Wilhemina Philadelphia doesn't do a good enough job finding their models great paid jobs, and need to charge their models fees to make up for what they are lacking.

I am currently with Wilhelmina of pa. I've been reading some peoples post on their experience. Well mine was very different, after i made the open call, someone from their agency called to let me know that i was accepted. So at the time i was with an agency in another state so i told them i couldn't come in right away, which i had to wait about a month in a half before i could even visit their agency. They approved it and stated that it would be okay to do so. i called back and i still had a spot with them. so it's def not like they move on because you can't see them right away or have a bunch of money to pay all up front. Also they loved some of my photos from another photographer that was used for my last agency. which they will also be used as well as their images from wilhelminas photographer. I ma a experienced model, not very experienced but i am a working model. So i do know alittle about the industry, I 'm not up here to fight with anyone but i'm just saying my experience is nothing like what some are saying about them. An also if you don't have money for your materials you can make payments. also these classes can help with you growth as a model and also working with the pa office can also get u into the ny office as well if they like you. Some of the models that are with wilhelmina pa or also with the ny office.

I URGE ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN DRAWN INTO THIS SCAM TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE PA OAG ASAP. I FILED THIS WEEK. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF AGENCIES THAT DO NOT CHARGE A FEE. THE ONLY POSITIVE REMARKS HERE ARE FROM WILHELMINA EMPLOYEES. AFTER TRAVELLING TO NY FOR A BOGUS CASTING CALL I MADE UP MY MIND THAT WAS IT. KELLI HARMAN NEEDS TO BE IN PRISON NOT THE MODELING BIZ.

hm...I'm suppose to go to PA on Sunday but this makes me nervous.

I W-I-S-H I had found this complaints board before I kissed away $1200. The experience of others would have been worthwhile and I would never have gone to Wilhelmina of PA.

Here is a sure fire method to get your stolen money back. Anyone that has been cheated by Wilhelmina of PA, should picket outside their offices and open call locations with a loadspeaker and big signs. Advise other potential victims not to give up their money. Keep picketing until those thieves at Wilhelmina return your cash. Let everyone know how you make out and post your results on this board. Good luck.

The sad part is about this board that the majority of the models who are signed and have visible potential and GET BOOKED are now being discredited for their talent because of all of your negative comments. And thats ashame that you cant just move on and be responsible for the decisions you made to sign that contract. NO ONE FORCED YOU. the agency is still trying to build their relationships with the clients in the city, that all takes time. And the agents there are working their [censor] off. Its all an experience so stop trying to ruin other peoples and just move on from it. And also, dont act immature. That makes you look bad not wilhelmina.

Please Please Please send your complaints to the Pa Office of the Attorneys General Bureau of Consumer Protection. You can do it online or print out the forms and send them in. This is imperative because this scam is more far reaching than you or your private attorney can reach. It crosses state lines thus if you are from Pa you may be asked to go to photographers in Ny. Nj. Md, or acting classes in other states. Keep in mind they ask you to continuously build your resume yet when you take their classes they are not accredited so you have no certificate, diploma or otherwise to show on your resume. It's a gift that keeps on giving, you come back and continue to give your money to them via directly or through commissions.

wilhelmina is NOT a school so therefore, why would you expect a diploma for a class? Those classes are to build your knowledge of the industry for when you are sent on job go sees. And yes you may go to fifty before you actually get booked but thats not the agency that is the client choosing you. Portfolios need to be updated every six months and yes, every agency will charge you a website fee and comp card fee. Nothing is free I dont know why everyone expects it to be. You all should learn more about the industry because you clearly do not have enough experience yet to be mature about everything. Or, maybe you just arent meantto be in this industry or havent met the right people yet.

Honest model management companies and agencies don't charge any upfront fees. The cost of photos, printing, web design, etc. is charged to each model and taken out of their future earnings. Wilhelmina of PA is an outright scam. They will accept anyone who is dumb enough to pay them in advance, regardless of that persons modeling or acting potential. Give Wilhelmina your money and you will never see it back, unless you picket in front of their offices with big signs and a bullhorn (from Radioshack). Once Wilhelmina sees that you are warning other potential victims of their scam they will immediately refund your money. I have done this and it worked like a charm, all my money was refunded in cash. It's 100% legal as long as you don't use violence or block their doorway.

I think you are a bad person xl4u and god will punish you

I just wanted to put my two scents in and say that I'm a intermediate talent signed with Wilhelmina of PA and I received nothing but professionalism from them! I know what a scam is and not once have I felt this way about Willy Philly. They work so hard for us and even work with the NY, LA and Miami office - which I was invited to be seen by them and received high praise. And on top of that, the bookers do get castins for us, which I recived my share.

But everyone's journey to success is diffrent... I hope this will not hesitate any new talent to experience Willy Philly...

Happy Holidays
Happy talent signed with Willy Philly!

Hey Happytalent, You're obviously one of the scammers.

I recently signed as of Aug 2010 as a model. I went to the casting call, meet and greet with the director, and all. Total cost was 1775.00 but if you wanted to shoot with their "Photographer" in miami it was 2660.00 total. By the way the photographer has the director in personal photos on facebook? Okay, no its not a scam because if your talented you can book jobs only because of the name of the agency but it is a business. They are not looking for talent they are looking for potential investors. They know if you really want to model you will invest in your self. They dont want to spend money like NY just to find out you cant take a picture. This is their sales pitch! True you should invest but they should also make sure the models they choose have potential. If you get smart or do anything they disagree with they will cancel your contract and all the money you paid you will not get back and they wont give you photos either. The director has some models which i believe are in the business scam with them as well. I went to model mayhem and the same model that was teaching the runway class has a casting online for runway models paying 100.00! So i guess they book jobs with the client then go out and find models they can pay low to do the show and keep the rest. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN WITH THIS AGENCY! I WISH I WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED THE RED FLAGS FROM THE BEGINNING! IF IT WASNT TRUE THEY WOULDNT BE COMMENTING ON THE REVIEWS! MOST LEGIT BUSINESS DONT!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Wow! I was suppose to go for my "interview" tomorrow, glad I found these reviews first! Initially I was a little skeptical that the open call was scheduled on a Saturday, and not Mon-Fri. Also, there was very little information given about what I would be traveling 2 hours to do when there is an office here where I am. But, I am new to this industry so instead of shooting it down I decided to do a little research and see if it was worth the risk. Well thank goodness for the internet! Investing in myself is not an issue, and no I do not think people should provide their services for free, photography or otherwise. However, an honest an upfront individual would notify "chosen" talent of these "fees" before they travel (sometimes hours), using their hard earned money to be presented with a sales pitch. A simple notification of what to expect before traveling to the "open call" would be helpful to both the business and the talents, that way nobody's name is slandered "unfairly", and nobody's time or gas (which is NOT cheap) is wasted. So thanks again for everyone's comments, for me the bad outweigh the good so I will be sitting this one out.

THE PRICES LISTED BY WILHELMINA PA. ALWAYS SEEM TO VARY, THEY ARE NEVER CONSTANT. THIS ALONE IS INDICATIVE OF A SCAM, AND SHOULD SEND UP RED FLAGS. IN THE "MODEL SCAM" BUSINESS, PEOPLE WILL GENERALLY CHARGE WHATEVER FEES THAT THEY FEEL THEY CAN GET AT THE TIME. I HAVE SEEN THE "PHOTOGRAPHY" OFFERED BY WILHELMINA PA. IT IS ABSOLUTELY HORRID. THE DIRECTOR, MS. KELLI HARMAN, KNOWS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OF THE SCIENCE OF ACTUALLY DEVELOPING AND BOOKING A FASHION MODEL. HER POLICE AND CIVIL CONVICTION RECORD ATTESTS TO THIS. IT MATTERS NOT TO MS. HARMAN THAT SHE IS OPENLY PERPETUATING A "MODEL SCAM". SHE IS WELL AWARE OF IT, AND YET, CONTINUES TO DO SO. WHAT IS TRAGIC IS THAT THE PRESENT OWNERS OF WHILELMINA IN NEW YORK ARE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION, AND DO NOTHING TO CURTAIL IT. THE FORMER OWNER OF WILHELMINA, MR. BILL WEINBERG, HAS HEARD OF THIS SITUATION, AND WAS ABSOLUTELY LIVID WHEN APPRAISED OF IT. I PERSONALLY KNEW WILHELMINA COOPER, AND KNOW FULL THAT, WERE SHE STILL WITH US, SHE WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY APPALLED. LEGITIMACY IN THE MODEL INDUSTRY TAKES BRAINS, AND ENTAILS HARD WORK. MS. HARMAN HAS VERY LITTLE OF THE FORMER, AND IS UNWILLING TO INDULGE IN THE LATTER. I HAVE CONVERSED WITH KELLI HARMAN. SHE AIN'T EXACTLY THE BRIGHTEST BULB ON THE TREE. SCAMMING IS A SIMPLE PROCESS, FOR SIMPLE PERSONS. THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA HAS CRACKED DOWN OF MS. HARMAN BEFORE. IT IS BUT A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY DO SO AGAIN.

I thank you all for posting your experiences. I had an "appointment" set up on February 19th and thanks to you guys I'm not going to waste my time. I rather get scammed in New York versus traveling to PA and having to come all the way home with my head hanging. HA!

Anyway I would like to touch on a few things. I always find it entertaining how representatives of a company flock to these scam message boards to defend their companies. Never do they defend it in a professional way. It is defended by insulting other writers command of the English language and broadcasting typos. This is very childish and only confirms the many allegations of unprofessionalism. In other words you're hurting yourself. Stop that. It's really silly, really.

For those who have had success with Wilhelmina companies and have paid these "fees". Why are you on here? How did you pull up this message board? If you are enjoying your life as a model and making money, why would you research Wilhelmina scams?. Just so you know, These are rhetorical questions. I already have the answer.

Anyway, thank you all for your postings, even though you've wasted your time with these fools, you have helped many make a wise decision.

Thank you

The Pennsylvania division IS part of the organization. My granddaughter was just accepted but I called the main office to double check. The more local offices are not listed on their main site. She models with a smaller company from Philadelphia and they also had up front fees for photos. It is necessary. It is not money we would not have spent elsewhere for a photographer, but it was ones that they recommended and they were worth it.

Being a model is a business and you are an independent contractor. This I know from the business that I am in. These are all costs that are normal. They give you the list up front. As was said before, in the larger offices, they are taken from your commission, after the fact. The smaller offices do not have that sort of budget because most of the models are newbies and not yet established as in NY, LA and Miami.

Obviously, danceteacher73 is a stooge that works for the Wilhelmina of Pa. scammers. No legetimate model management company will charge models for photography and other services. The legitimate model management companies invest all up front expenses in models that they really believe will be successful. The legitimate model managers don't make excuses for wanting the models to pay out of their own pocket. On the other hand, the Wilhelmina of Pa. scammers, will hold large open calls and make a strong sales pitch to anyone that walks through the door. If you look like the bride of Frankenstein, but you have money to pay the scammers, then you're 'accepted' as a model. However, if you're a georgous female, 5'10", with blond hair and blue eyes and you should be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but you have no money to pay the Wilhelmina of Pa. scammers, then they reject you. The only thing Wilhelmina of PA wants, is to steal hundreds or thousands of dollars from model hopefuls and their parents. Wilhelmina of Pa. is a scam, it's plain and simple.

I model for W. PA and know all of the models that are signed and come in and out and quite frankly the fact that you are bad mouthing an agency without being signed to it is rude and a scam on your own part. NO AGENCY will sign a model without portfolio, website, training classes and comp card fees UNLESS you have prior experience and are established to where the agency thinks you will be booked on jobs all the time. Do you honestly think an agency photographer is going to do a shoot for you for free if they have no proof that you can model? Everyone here is working. All of you who solely rely on TFCD shoots are missing out on some amazing artists because you are too stubborn to admit that you can get what you pay for. I have made all of my money back from my fees for the agency and more. I have networked with hundreds of people and have made some amazing friends. If you are a serious model and actually have talent, you will do anything you can to be seen by an agency and contracted. W models in PA have been booked on $2000 jobs, worked on movie sets, been on national television shows like Gossip Girl and It's Always Sunny, and have walked for 100+ designer's already like Pamela Ptak, Petulia's Folly, David's Bridal, Urban Outfitters, Duke&Winston, Alecia Zameski, and others since starting. If you choose to pass up that opportunity and experience, then so be it. But stop bad mouthing a company just because you THINK you know what you're talking about. Life is an experience. Take it, or go find it somewhere else. But don't talk about the people enjoying it because, well, actually.. go ahead. We still know better. And if they're asking you to pay a lot of money, it's probably because you need a lot of work. At least they're giving you a shot to make it. But you're the only one who can make it happen.

The above writer, 'wholegraininformation' is just another stooge/employee of the Wilhelmina of Pa scammers. Any real model management company or agency will accept and invest in a new model that has no experience, provided that person at least has model good looks. However, Wilhelmina of Pa hold large open cattle calls to deliver a high pressure sales pitch to everyone attending. It doesn't matter how attractive or ugly you are to Wilhemina of Pa scammers. The only thing those crooks want is your money. Wilhelmina of Pa. will tell a 300 pound troll that they can model if the troll has thousands of dollars to pay in up front fees. Anyone who wants to verify about this Wilhelmina of Pa. scam, should google "Wilhelmin of Pa. Scam".

Oh my god. A. the people writing claiming to be models, aren't. You also would not be with PA and NY wilhelmina. My friend is the new faces scouting agent at Wilhelmina NY and I asked her. I model here in NY, I book jobs, and I am signed with 2 REAL agencies. Guess what. I didnt pay for ANYTHING. The agencies hook you up with their own photographers and you TEST shoot. Free. They make comp cards. Free. They give you the agency portfolio book. Free. And then I book jobs, like I did Calvin Klein, they take 20%. That is where they make their money. If they invest in you, it's because they will make it back. If you are paying, they are taking your money because they know you are not going to work. Why would a tiny agency making you pay for anything book you for big jobs in NY? They DONT. If you want to do REAL modeling, get signed with an agency that does not make you pay for ANYTHING. You don't have to be 6 foot brazilan and skinny as a rail. In fact, thats not even the in look right now. So if your over 5'9, not bigger than around 123, and work out, then you probably have a chance. Look up LEGIT agencies in Nyc and send the SNAP shots they ask for. REAL agencies do not even want you to have professional pictures. They like to build you on their own. I was with Elite at 15 and this is what happens. I feel so bad for people who pay anything at all to model.

They are a scam do not believe anyone on here who tries to defend any part of this mess. I will not even call them an Agency. Kellie is a criminal, look her up. This is not her first agency, and she is in this for the money. Her first agency went under with her still owing people money. She is taking all that she can, that is why she is charging fees up front.

BBB Penn, has given them a credit rating of F, because they refuse to respond to a dispute that someone had with them for bad selling practice's. Any legit agency would not have a cattle call to recruit model's, trust your instinct and do not believe the lies of those who are on hear saying that they are legit because, I can tell you that Kellie and her mess of an agency is a scam and she will do nothing for you but take your money. Run far away from this to avoid the heartache.

Models in NYC have their expenses deducted from their checks plus 20% - no agency in the world pays for anything even photo copies are charged. I have been a booker for 15 years - this is how it works - models are always responsible for marketing costs period.

Todd Birchman - Abrahams Agency NYC

The above thief posted a fake comment using the name Todd Birchman . This is just another con-artist working for Wilhelmina of PA . Those crooks don't even know the correct name of the agency that they're impersonating. They is no such company called "Abrahams Agency NYC". However, there is a famous talent management company called "ABRAMS ARTISTS". Maybe that's what those crooks meant.

FYI- All honest model managers and agents NEVER charge upfront fees to their models. They deduct expenses and agents commissions from the models earnings.

Wow, "models are always responsible for marketing costs period. " ...um WHAT? I am a model in NYC with a top agency, and can assure you that is NOT true. I don't even pay for pictures, it is called "test shoots" real models do not EVER EVER EVER pay for such things and real agencies will NEVER EVER ask you to. I'm not sure why this is an issue here, it is a FACT that you do NOT EVER PAY. Call any agency, IMG, NEXT, ELITE, ask them. They will tell you the same.

Oh also, only 20% is taken out, nothing else. Your comp cards, portfolio agency book, picture copies etc are ALWAYS costs the agency pays for and never takes back from you. Ugh this makes me SO mad to see an agency steal money from people! And the people posting that this is "how it works" you should be ashamed!

Wow.. I just rec'd a call not that long ago from Jen @ W.PA, saying I was selected for the acting division. I never performed a monologue at the open call; however, I did check it off on the application. I was waiting to hear back from them again, if I would be selected for the modeling division as well...but, after reading comments on this and various websites, I don't know if I want to pursue a part-time career with them. Fees for acting would cost me $2000, not to mention, I'd also have to drive back to Harrisburg to fill out the paperwork and at least pay a down deposit of $500. I'm so upset at myself for not reading these blogs prior to me driving nearly 2 hrs away. In order to be considered for 'modeling' I was asked to do a test shoot, that would determine if I would be selected for commercial print. Someone mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee.. I do know a friend who has her daughter w/ W. PA. She has gone to go see's (so at least they are doing something), but I don't think she's actually's been booked for a job yet. There is a lot of negative v positive comments on sites. People are saying to contact the AG's office of PA, call W. NYC/LA/MIA.. I'll have to look into this more myself and I suggest anyone else who is interested to do the same before you sign/pay anything. It may be of your best interest to also have an attorney look at the contract. See if they would fax/email it to you prior your interview. My excitement has gone from "off the scale" to "pure disappointment". I hope everything works out for all of you aspiring models/actors...do your research.

Don't even consider Wilhelmina of PA, it's nothing but a BIG SCAM! It's Plain and simply. The sad thing is that hundreds or thousands of people that haven't read or seen these posts are getting ripped off every day for their money. Everyone should try to circulate this message as much as possible.

This is a scam, I was with a big agency in New York for eight years, and i never had to pay $1800.00. I recently was selected by Wilhelmina Pa. and was told i had to pay $1800.00 before i could sign, this a complete scam, nothin like Wilhelmina NY

So, has anyone corresponded with Louis? I submitted through Backstage and got an email saying I was invited to come into the office this Saturday, but seeing as it was only a few days prior to the weekend, I already prior obligations. So I ask him I could come on another day seeing as the website lists quite a few other days for other open calls. After two emails and still no response, I call the office and a really nice lady on the phone told me that it would be no problem to come in on another day. So about an hour after this, I finally get a response back from Louis saying that it is "impossible" for me to reschedule and that if I can't make it this Saturday I should re contact them in a couple of weeks and "if we are still interested" I could come in for an open call. So, me not being one to take blatant rudeness, wrote a letter back saying I'm sorry he felt that way, but I already called the office and made my appointment for another day. He proceeded to quickly write a response that said "after careful deliberation, it has been decided that you should resubmit in 6 months". WTF kind of professionalism is this? I understand they have a large work load and have to sort through tons of headshots every day, but my day job is an office manager and I would NEVER treat a potential client/colleauge the way he treated me. It makes me fume.

Regardless of whether you think Wilhelmina PA is a scam, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences with Louis?

I don't understand why people are saying that these people are "idiots" for feeling like they are being scammed. I understand that many agencies do this "fee" process, but the point is that if you were anything special, this "big, top, preeminent, distinguished, etc" agency would be putting out the money for EVERYTHING to get you jobs. The way that an agency makes money is by receiving a percentage of what the models make from different jobs; NOT by these fees. If they REQUIRE you to take a class or use their photographers then they are 100% doing something that is illegal and that is a fact and cannot be argued. If an agency thought you were going to make it anywhere in the modeling world they wouldn't allow you to turn down their offer to represent you just because you choose to use your own photographer. I think this whole thing is silly anyway, most people that believe they are fit for a modeling/acting position aren't even close to good enough. I know thats harsh, but that is exactly why it's so easy for these agencies to SELL you their services. They do this rather than just providing the service to get you jobs. This shows that they don't have confidence in your chance to become a real working model. In all actuality, an agency will make their money back double by just booking the right model for the right job even with any small expenses they had to put out along the way. Bottom line, all of you people need to wake up and realize that you are probably average or above average but you aren't Adriana Lima, so it will NOT be easy to be a model, or make money, or not be scammed by companies. NOW...if you are 5'8 or taller, and have a completely physically fit figure along with amazing looks when you wake up in the morning...DON'T GIVE UP, YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY. Otherwise, open your eyes!