Wilhelmina Philadelphia review: Wilhelmina of pa is a scam 116

I didn't get on here and call anyone an idiot or a name that is COMPLETELY irrelevant to what is going on. I am 24, with my bachelors degree. I went through 6 years of schooling and am now a registered dietician, as well as a personal trainer and personal chef. I am SO FAR from the title IDIOT...BESIDES the fact THAT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I AM OR WHAT I AM ABOUT. I am aware that the internet is filled with a bunch of weirdos that sit at their computer screens and follow blogs and just silly silly stuff like that...but I have never experienced dealing with one. I have NEVER in my life posted a blog or commented on a blog. I came across this posting after a friend of mine brought this business to my attention. I will leave out the word scam and call it a business because that's exactly what it is. I understand that they are just trying to make money, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT THEY MAKE THEIR MONEY FROM. They charge these fees because they are booking anyone that will give them money upfront (regardless of looks, age, height, weight, talent, experience, attitude), and then not getting any jobs for these sorry people that think they are now "models"! Don't you get it, they would never have to book even one client and they will still make millions of dollars because 2, 500 dollars is A TON of money to be receiving from EVERY person they sign. Get your head out of your butt and realize that you're protecting someone that truly is just sitting back and making money by TELLING people that they are models when they usually aren't even close...but it doesn't matter if they're model quality...does it? NO, because they just made THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OFF OF YOU AND ONE HUNDRED OTHER ILL INFORMED PEOPLE. Jeeze...I even pulled out the cap locks on that one. WHO ARE YOU TO SAY IF THEY ARE IDIOTS ANYWAY? HUH? I want to know...who are you? Sure you're nothing important and if you were you wouldnt be hiding behind a computer screen blogging and commenting on blogs.

One last thing, the SCAM part...is the part that they lie to you and tell you you are good enough to be booked NOT the fees themselves. I understand that top agencies charge fees for certain things, but this is a different story. This is an "agency" that is just "representing" anyone that looks remotely attractive and has 2, 500 dollars in hand. Now I'm officially done with the internet comment world...SEE YAH!

STAY INFORMED, STAY AWARE.

Maybe I'm not done...
Irrelevant? How so? HE CALLED ME AN IDIOT...

Yes, irrelevant to this posting, no, not irrelevant to my defending my intelligence. Thanks for trying though.

do any of you guys actually have anything to say about the issue at hand...or are you all just little internet addicts getting offended because i said its silly?

I clearly just commented on this issue stating what i thought about it...just like everyone else. then i was immediately attacked and called an idiot? THAT is not intelligent. I'm sorry for ever bringing in my "autobio" into it but I was simply trying to defend myself against harsh words coming from someone that does not know who i am, where im from, what im doing, or anything all all about me. how can you argue against me as a person when i just came here to give my opinion like everyone else? i didnt hate on either side like these last few comments that were directed to me personally about me as a person. that is all irrelevant. oh gosh. im addicted now i guess...it makes sense why you guys come back, i guess its fun to argue via typos and "lmfaos"...LOL. no more responses from me...even though im sure the person who posted this complaint would agree with what i said and would agree that youre just polluting her blog with nonsense comments putting people down, for no reason.

Please file your complaints with the Pa OAG. You will not get results by writing comments on a Blog.

As someone who has hired talent through this agency, I have no issues with them what-so-ever. I have hired mostly young children, ages 4-6, who are very new to the modeling game, and so are their parents. While I cannot address the costs and fees involved from the models end, I can vouch that this is a legit company and one that I will continue to use for my modeling needs.

Anchorman is a ###.

This is the best advise to everyone wanting to be a model or actor. Don't get ripped off by a company like Wilhelmina of PA that exists only to sell you poor quality photos, lessons and other services. They do almost zero bookings of models and actors, while their main business is to get your money.

A real model and talent management company will get you paying work and take a small commission of 10% to 20% fromyour earnings. If you really have potential in the modeling or acting business then a management company or agency will finance all your photos, comp cards, portfolios, etc. You should never be obligated to purchase overpriced photos, lessons and other products with the prospect or promise of receiving modeling or acting work. Always ask for verifiable references from any management company or agency before getting involved with them.

When Wilhelmina of PA advertises from new models they never mention in the ads that the main reason to get you to their offices is to sell you products and a dream. They have NO booking or paying jobs because Wilhelmina of PA is a scam and criminal enterprise. You should not confuse Wilhelmina of PA with the real Wilhelmina Model Management in New York City.

More information on starting a real career in modeling and acting is available at www.showbusinessweekly.com

I went to them with a full portfolio (that they weren't interested in seeing) ny fashion week runway experience, a full modeling/acting resume and they wanted me to pay about $2500 for things I just didn't need. I'm no super model but I'm currently represented by 2 licensed and bonded agencies in pa and also work with a few other agents which is how I get paying work, not to mentioned I had already payed to shoot a portfolio with a very very well known photographer from new York so the quality of my images is indisputable. It's sad but you have to be a super model ... And have a spare $2500 to get into this agency : (

AnchorMan is a stooge and shill for the criminals at Wilhelmina of PA.

If you have real model potential, then a real model agency will invest their resources in you. After the model earns money from modeling assignments the agency takes a commission. If you are charged for anything upfront then it is most likely a fraud. Don't pay money to anyone. Call your States Attorney General's office or local Better Business Bureau and check out any model management company or agency that asks you to pay money upfront for any reason.

I will be very CLEAR. I am an expert at only a few things, this business being one of them. Every side of the camera, with a special attention to NEW models helping them AVOID scams. I have and still do model for a LIVING. I am also a beauty/commercial photographer. I work with legit agencies only. That includes(I will not drop names) The very top, to the smaller but still legit agencies in the U.S. There are SO many scams though. This is a business where people THINK they can model because the "really try" or "don't give up on a dream". This is a BUSINESS... NOT a DREAM...the sooner you treat it like one, the sooner it becomes one for you. Models are 5 ft 7-8 on the short side and few exceptions are made. (that's model(adults not juniors)..ANY model, dnt start with "runway""fashion", it doesn't matter the minimum is the minimum..PERIOD. 5 ft 10 is ideal ht. then there is sizing, other then plus models, fashion models are super skinny period(no hips, no muffin tops, not my opinion it is what it is), commercial models can be more "normal", but I assure you normal is not overweight the slightest. (again plus, big and tall add's some variable's but not much)
"scam", "con" etc to me also includes any false advertising, name dropping, or expenses simply not needed, and advice given from "experts" who are just intern or people you would generally find throwing up on spring break.
If there is ANY parent of a model, or a new model who honestly wants the truth send me a message. I do not have a vested interest in anyone or anything regarding agencies. I only charge models a FAIR testing rate and more important DELIVER IMAGES NEEDED to get you REAL work. Testing rates vary anywhere from 300-800. But this is with AGENCY APPROVED photographers! Not REQUIRED, we are on a "list" given to models, its a list ONLY photographers who have and continue to deliver are on, and if we don't we RESHOOT no cost. Girls over 12 NEED a GOOD hair and makeup artist..this ranges from 100-300$. Money is PAID DIRECTLY TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND MAKEUP ARTIST...NEVER TO AGENCY.(this is an UNBREAKABLE RULE). VERY IMPORTANT UNBREAKABLE RULE: A LEGIT AGENCY WILL NEVER CHARGE YOU FOR COURSES IDC HOW THEY JUSTIFY IT. THIS IS A SCHOOL, SOMETHING ZERO AGENCIES HAVE ATTACHED TO THEMSELVES. Call ANY TOP AGENCY.. ask them" do you have a ford school? click model school? **If ANYONE would like to challenge me on this feel free. You don't learn to model at a school you idiot. You gain experience from a GOOD photographer, you learn to "move" well. You wanna REALLY learn..ASK A WORKING MODEL HOW! WhAT AN IDEA?:} Runway? ASK someone who actually knows how! It takes about 15 minutes for each to learn how, the rest you tweak and master when your working because your LOOKS are the key here, you can "work" all you want, if you don't have the right look, well you know this answer. We will be posting videos on how to model...FREE! Working TOP models showing catalog, fashion, editorial, everything. Just watching someone means everything. A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER WHO IS TESTING YOU KNOWS YOUR NEW. THEY ARE PRO'S IN HELPING YOU LEARN TO MOVE AND UNDERSTAND WHATS NEEDED. YOUR FIRST SHOOT IS SO CRUCIAL, IF THE PHOTOGRAPHER HELPS YOU WHICH THEY SHOULD, YOUR GOLDEN:}
ABOUT SCAMS...DONT BREAK THOSE 2 RULES THAT ALONE KEEPS YOU FROM MOST OF THEM. WHEN CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER...DIG DEEP. LOOK AT THE WORK, WEBSITE, THEN ASK QUESTIONS, DO IT IN EMAILS ONLY DONT JUST PHONE CALL SO PEOPLE CAN TALK CRAP THEN CHANGE IT UP. SHOULD BE SUPER LAID BACK, NICE, FRIENDLY, EASY GOING. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! do not be FOOLED BY CELEBRITY PICS WHO MAY HAVE WENT TO THIS PLACE OR SCHOOL...TRUTH IS IT HAD ZERO TO DO WITH ANY OF THEIR SUCCESS. I WILL BE STARTING SOMETHING OT HELP PEOPLE CLUELESS ABOUT MODELING, WITH LEGIT NAMES OF PEOPLE. IF YOU NEED HELP ASK ME! I WONT TALK YOU INTO WORKING WITH ME, I WILL GET YOU TO SOMEONE IN YOUR AREA WHO IS LEGIT, AS A FAVOR. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR PEOPLE TO STOP GOING TO THIS PLACE? Nobody is perfect but CLEARLY THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. READ MY FIRST 2 RULES...I PROMISE YOU THEY BREAK BOTH. *Challengers are welcome:} However I will warn you...I know what I'm talking about with credentials to prove it. I will always do whats best for the model, and people will be treated with respect, when you con honest people your a ###..period. So lets all get this madness to stop?

I'm so sorry I did not realize my quotations would make large typos lol

* also I'm so sorry, when I called someone an idiot, it was NOT directed at new model or parents, that was directed at the salesperson attempting to justify how much you NEED these courses. Sorry :}

Jay Thomas. Your wrong. I'm not the photographer your refering to. .. this is me ...Joekellyphoto.com .

Once you realize your wrong. Apologize for calling me names intended for someone else.

Please do. In attempt to find your website, I came across this link, just looked quickly, but basically say's everything I mentioned, seems to be great. Parents, new models, please read this site also.
http://www.modelingscams.org/modelingphotographyscams.html

Thanks please repost or remove things once you did your homework. Thanks

I am a former model with Wilhelmina in NYC and LA. They never charged me any fees at all. If I needed business cards, I paid for them. Otherwise, they paid to put my image in all their marketing tools. I never paid a photographer for images. The agency sent me out for what was called 'Testing'. They would contract with aspiring photographers who would work with aspiring models. The photographers would give the models a few photos as a barter arrangement. It was in this way new models built up experience and a portfolio. There were never classes or fees. While not illegal, I do not think that a truly legitimate talent agency ever charges upfront fees. My guess is that Wilhelmina of PA is not garnering many legitimate paying jobs from their clients so they are making money by charging their own talent base. If you want to be a model, you have to go to NYC. There really isn't any work in Harrisburg.

I'm not sure how to feel right about now.. I was signed to Wilhelmina 3 months ago, been though the classes, long drives and tolls, test shoots all within a month and a half.. I haven't seen anything or heard anything since... I met up with Will Ball to recite my monologue again, thinking oh this must be the last step, since he is apparently our lead bookers for jobs.. I killed the monologue as usual getting positive feedback.. I was told to send my head-shot and resume again to agency.. Why the hell am I sending it again!? Anyhoo, haven't heard back from that Anita chick who is suppose to put me on website.. What? I gotta pay for that too... I spend 3k on my 'investment', have been very active in this industry since I could walk and feel like this is my time.. Again, disappointment at this time in the game is starting to piss me off since its coming from a so called affiliate of Wilhelmina, the most recognized agency in the world.. I want to work, I would like a follow up of my progression and tips I may need to move forward, I would like to not have to sign up for these websites- create a repetitive profile then freaking have to pay a dollar every time I need to submit myself.. That's when I recently started to feel, this may just be ###.. Aren't YOU, Wilhelmina suppose to submit me.. Aren't you my agent, aren't u the ppl with the connections we models and actors need?! I'm tired of my undiscovered talent not being recognized especially in ur hands.. ### better pick up and I will be glad to express my change in opinion about Wihelmina of PA, positive thoughts and determination is what keeps me going, but trust and believe right at this moment it's not looking too good for Mr. Louis, Kelly, Anita and Will Ball.

Wilhelmina of PA is NOT the real Wilhelmina Model Management with headquarters in New York City. They are two completely different companies Any money you paid to Wilhelmina of PA is 100% lost forever. Wilhelmina of PA is a criminal enterprise operated by thieves and confidence artists who use double talk and lies to steal money from aspiring models and actors. If a real model and talent management company believes that you have potential to be very successful in show business, then they will invest their money in you. The reality is that modeling and acting is a difficult business to break into, you must have great looks and/or talent. (most people don't have what it takes and that's when they get ripped-off by scammers). If you have been cheated by Wilhelmina of PA go back to their offices with your relatives or friends and demand your money back. Don't leave until you get a refund. If need be make big signs and picket in front of their offices until they return your money. Those thieves will be happy to return your money because they won't be able to steal from others while you're outside picketing.

CLAYTON NELSON IS INDEED A COCKROACH!
TRACY GRAY IS USING A PICTURE FROM 1987 ON HER FACE BOOK PAGE, A HOMAGE TO HER LOVER BOY, CLAYTON NELSON.
HEARD SHE'S PUT ON A FEW LBS.THAT'S JUST SAD.
SUCKS TO BE HER, AND HE'S THE ONE GETTING SUCKED!
WOW!

I've been a modeling booker in NYC for over 10 years and as a marketing creative I hire models from the top agencies in NYC. I know for a fact that Wilhemina PA is indeed a scam. Legit agencies DO NOT make you pay for test shoots or portfolios shot by an in house photographer. in fact you would not want a portfolio shot all by the same photographer because there would be no versatility in the pictures and clients need to see you in varying shots from DIFFERENT photographers. Legit agencies DO NOT offer, nor make you pay for modeling classes. So All the people who work for Wilhemina PA in this thread declaring legitimacy should be locked up for fraud.

Legit agencies will provide you with photographers who do test shoots for the agency and the agency will make your comp cards, any costs associated with this or messengering your book to clients across town are all backed out of future earnings. That said in this electronic age, most clients review model portfolios on line so no one is really even sending or feeding books anymore.

Be warned, if a modeling agency approaches you and asks for money RUN LIKE THE WIND!

As a model agent who has booked talent and represented models for years in New York City, please be aware that Wilhelmina PA is not what we would in anyway consider a legit agency. They are perpetrating to be an agency while they are no more than a business with a licensing agreement to use the Wilhelmina name for their own purposes - which seems to be getting money for bogus services. To the people above stating that you need a portfolio before an agency signs you, that is FALSE. Most models are signed around the age of 15, usually without ever having done major photoshoots at all. They are signed after sending in snap shots or polaroid shots, that have peaked the agency's interest. If you have the look, you have the look - believe me if you have it, an agency will sign you and develop you, knowing they will be recouping costs after you book jobs.

Wilhelmina PA is just like John Robert Powers, John Casablancas and Barbizon modeling "agencies"; agencies that will take anyone with a check book who is willing to pay. They take advantage of the dreamers who want to believe their big break has finally come. Well you know what? Here's how you can really tell if that big break has finally come or not.- NYC is the fashion capital of the world. Arrange to come to New York City to Wilhelmina's open casting they hold once a week. If they pass on you, don't even consider Wilhelmina PA. Save your money and go into acting or find a more commercial people agency.

And they are still in business as of today with weekly "appointments", what ya gonna do...

They really are a scam. They have no clients, because no one wants to work with them. How do I know?
I fell prey to them.
Legitimate agencies take the photography fees out of your paychecks when they get you work. This agency takes money up front, so there is no incentive to get work for you. They give you access to two websites where you constantly must submit yourself to try and get work. They do not have access to the websites, and never check in with you. They do, however, take credit on their Twitter page and Facebook when you get an audition. They force you to take classes (modeling does NOT require classes) and made me go to a horribly untalented photographer in a pathetic small town in PA. I had to get photos re-taken and literally beg them to use the better photos on the comp cards I had to pay for myself. Do NOT go to this agency if looking for a serious career. Big mistake.

A COMPLETE SCAM. IN EVERY SINGLE SENSE OF THE WORD. I PERSONALLY KNOW THE OWNER, KELLI HARMAN. SHE ACTUALLY HOLDS LOGISTICAL MEETINGS, AS SHE CALLS THEM, WITH HER STAFF, SO THAT POEWR SALES APPROACHES CAN BE REFINED, AND INITIATED. WILHELMINA OF PA. IS NOT THE LEAST BIT INTERESTED IN THE BUSINESS OG LEGITAMATELY BOOKING MODELS FOR GENUINE WORK, BUT RATHER, GETTING THEIR HANDS ON MONEY, IN ANY WAY THAT THEY CAN. KELLI HARMAN COMES FROM A CHARM SCHOOL BACKROUND, THIS IS WHAT SHE DOES, AS IT IS ALL THAT SHE KNOWS. THE CONCEPT OF LEGITIMATELY BOOKING FASHION MODELS FOR WORK IN THE ADVERTISING COMMUNITY IS UTTERLY FOREIGN TO KELLY. SO, SHE DOES WAHT SHE KNOWS BEST, AND THAT IS TO SCAM THE UNSUSPECTING. SHE WILL TAKE THE UNSUSPECTING FOR AS MUCH AS SHE CAN, WHENEVER SHE CAN. I WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE THAT YOU CONTACT ONE OF THE LEGITAMATE MODEL AGENCIES IN PENNSYLVANIA, SUCH AS CLICK, MMA, OR RINEHARD. THEY WILL NEVER ASK FOR UP FRONT CASH, AS THESE SCAMMERS DO.

Whilamina PA in Harrisburg is a huge SCAM. I wish this post was around when I had to deal with them. Would have saved time, gas and money. She will take your money and run.

I am scheduled to attend the open call this saturday, after reading all of this I do not know what to do! I feel like no one can be trusted, I do not want to pay an upfront fee because I believe that if an agency truly wants you, they would not ask for money. On the other hand, it seems that they are selective with who they book, meaning that if I do not give them the impression that I have $ and do not seem gullible they make take me more seriously, since there is evidence that people have gotten work I am still considering attending...any thoughts?

Also, under the FAQ it states that you do not have to pay a fee for the agency... Is this a false statement? do they treat each individual differently? I am so confused.

So Im a freshman in college who wanted a little side job that would be fun as some what profitable. As a kid I had always wanted to be a model, learning about the legends like Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford an how Tyra Banks and any others like her help change the face of modeling for colored girls, so I thought I could turn to modeling.

After doing a bit of research I found Whilemina Philly. It seemed like a perfect match, close to my home and school. Excited I sent in the few photos I had and my measurements and that was that.

Weeks later I recieved an email asking me to attended an open call! Now while I had waited for a reply to my submission I had had my ex-model aunt check out the agency for me as well as two of my model friends, on who is currently in the business and one who had left a few years prior, and the responses I got from them where a little disconcerting but none the less I carried on.

Showing up for this "open call" was a bit if a nightmare. First there was literally no parking, which ok fine I could walk a bit to get to the agency. And thank god I go there early because I had to fill out papers and decide which ONE photo I would be sending with my SECOND application. By this point I'm a little suspicious but step inside the very nice lobby to be measured. I was old i was 5'9...no big deal really except my current drivers license and physical both state me at 5'10 1/2...

I was then ushered into a room where I had to wait a good hour for everyone file in. Once seated we "meet" Ms. Harrman who told us a success story of Albert O... The entire time she is giving the pitch to us using the words like starting your own business and private contractor I'm staring in horror at the large number on the back page. They wanted $1936 for certain fees.

Now I KNOW that agencies all take out fees but some of them were nonsensical. I was required to take an acting class, but I wasn't looking to be an actress. And also a web designing fee, my uncle is a web designer and had laughed very hard at their web site an fee they are charging for slapping a pic on their page. Before I could actually ask questions I was asked to walk the runway then was dismissed. I left feeling a little disoriented and disheartened after all of it.

Now looking back I see many red flags!

1. The call back email states clearly that aspiring talent is to wear a skirt and heels. I say boots, flats, and pants. In NYC a talent would have been dismissed for not following dress code.

2. When I called the office to ask about heel height, since some agencies demand a certain height or type, I was told whatever I could walk in. Well that's different for anyone. I can walk in 8inchs with no issue but someone else may only be able to handle 3inches.

3. I recieved a call about being represented and they said my name wrong repeatedly. Yes my name is hard to pronounce but I had corrected them six times during the call. I had also asked them if I could call them back because I work to other jobs and needed to see if I could get a day off to meet with the booker. I was given a number and when I called back it was disconnected...I had called the office and they basically told I was SOL.

Now my model friend and I currently live in New York where I'm waiting to hear back from Ford and IMG...now I understand that these also cost me money however I can SEE the proof of work and success. I wish everyone the best of luck out there. My advice is do your research carefully and thoroughly before you sign that paycheck.

Please stay away from Wilhelmina P.A or Any other talent agencies, these Talent agencies are not looking for your talent but your blood, body and soul for there wealth. They love the blood of young kids, because they are innocent and naive. It's not for any reason there open call is full with people, its to make things unnoticed, it's not for any reason they look creepy, they are search for pure blood especially kids and babies. Some people go there they don't even make it back home. The world its coming to an end it's time to look for salvation. Money is not everything, they use MONEY because they know everybody wants to be RICH and everybody wants to be FAMOUS. Give your life to CHRIST THE ALMIGHTY, JEHOVAH SHALOM. Take a look at Justin Bieber and Miley Cirys they don't owe themselves.

Did anyone actually got paid from them?

Did anyone got paid yet?

I found them on Backstage (silly me thought that everything on Backstage was legit). I got an email saying I was being considered to be represented by them and it was my last chance since they were not going to be considering people until the next season or whatever so I attended the casting call in Conshohocken, PA. The office seemed kinda shady at first but I went along with it. They pretty much let anyone go to the casting call which was sorta shocking because why would WILHELMINA waste their time with people who are not model/actor material. Anyways, I got an email about 2 days later saying "Congratulations!" and that only 7% of the people at the casting call were chosen. I got super excited and called them for an appt. That's when they said that in the booklet they gave me there was an "Investment Sheet" which stated that for my division I had to pay $2020 when I met with the booker. I looked into it more and never showed up to my appt since I wasn't going to fall for another scam. I'm pretty successful freelancing so until I can find a REAL agency that's what I'll continue to do.

Kelli Walters is a con artist and this company is a scam. Do not give her one red cent. She changed her name from Kelli Harman in 2005 to Kelli Walters because she was being prosecuted by the attorney general for fraud. Google Kelli Harman. This woman and her phony modeling agency are a fraud.

Willy Licensing, I don't buy anything you're saying. Whether you think you're right or you're blatantly lying, no reputable agency charges these fees. That is fraudulent information. I am in contact with veterans in the business, luckily, who told me to stay away from your money grubbing hands. All of those supposed necessary costs are not at all necessary. I'll just do myself a favor and sign with reputable agencies who follow professional code. This is just me doing my part to disparage with this heresy so maybe another newcomer isn't scammed. TaTa, and have a nice Wilhelmina day.

Wilhelmina- Philadelphia is a 100% legit, there is no scam or anything underhanded going on. They are completely upfront about the costs and you have to spend those at other agencies to get legit photos and etc. I have gotten several auditions and booked jobs through them. I am very happy with them and they have treated me and every other model under them with incredible respect and honesty.