Showcase Management Alleged Scam or Legit?

pyro love bird on 04/09/2014 - 14:47
Last edited 23/03/2015 - 11:05 by 1 other user

Hi Everyone,

I applied for a job as a background actor at a company called Showcase Management.

Got a call from them a day or so after saying that I got the job and that I need to fill out the forms emailed to me and send them back. I did so and read the T&C's for the job, they get 10% of what I make, min call out is 4 hours, min payment is $20-$25/hour. Which really didn't seem all that bad. Noticed that there was something about them being able to open a profile for me for $150 + $8/month thereafter for them to manage it. Didn't think I needed it so I contacted the guy who called me, Zed, who said that I didn't have to open one if I didn't want to.

Got a call back within two days of me sending back the forms, and I was told that I have to pay $150 to open a profile otherwise they can't give me a job. Which is bs, I don't want/need it. Was told that I needed to call a lady named Dee to organise and pay for the photo shoot.

Had a quick Google of their company and it seems that it might just be a alleged scam. I don't know how reliable the complaints on scamwatch are, considering someone said that scamwatch was a scam. So I'm looking to Ozbargain for help. If you guys know whether or not they're legit, please let me know, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks everyone, and have a nice day :)

Mod: Company has contacted us in reference to defamatory statements on this thread. We have added alleged to all references of scam in this description & comments. We have also invited the company to comment on this thread.

General Discussion

Comments

  • Moots on 04/09/2014 - 14:56
    +1

    http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2014 - 16:29

    It could be semi-legit. They may well actually cast background actors. The thing is there would be so few background actors required in Australia that they're clearly just taking you on for the $150 + $8 per month, which is a bit of a joke anyway.

    Unless you live within 15 minutes of the shooting locations of Neighbours or Home and Away, there is almost zero likelihood of actually getting a call up even once.

  • isthisreally_me on 04/09/2014 - 18:05

    Pretty much what LoopyLou said, think of how many people are likely paying them $150 dollars and none if any will ever be cast for anything I imagine.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 26/09/2014 - 21:08

    I've mistakenly applied with them on Gumtree twice already.

    In the UK I received a day rate and didn't need any of this portfolio nonsense. In Asia they take tourists walking by on the street for commercials (usually for much less than here).

    It seems everything is always harder here for skill-free positions. If you know of an agency that doesn't charge some random fee keep us posted. I only do extraing to make a few hundred in the first place. Paying for the right to do this almost makes the RSA certificate price justified.

    • pyro love bird on 01/10/2014 - 02:28

      Oh gosh, :( well that's the thing I spoke to a friend who actually got allegedly scammed, ie. paid and never heard back from them. He's with another company, and they made a portfolio for him but just gradually deduct it out of his pay, none of this upfront payment crap. I have since been quite paranoid about applying to other companies. Also with that said, how much are you paying for your RSA? You can do it online for $10

      • peterpeterpumpkin on 04/10/2014 - 21:32

        Yeah I'm paranoid as well. Like they say, it's not what you know it's who you bribe.

        Unfortunately I live in NSW and on the 5th of February this year they suspended on-line certification (http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/courses_rsa_online.asp). Would have got one last year if I knew this would happen!

  • Smelaine on 02/02/2015 - 14:48

    I paid $150 for the profile. I missed the first photo shoot, but just rang and re-scheduled for another. I will post after this appointment and let u know………

    • Corkage on 20/02/2015 - 13:45
      +1

      How did you go? I am in a similar situation.

      • summertime-aloha on 03/03/2015 - 12:47

        I am also curious! I was going to go ahead and pay the $150 now so that I could do the free photoshoot and get started. But now i'm starting to doubt it :( It seems all good, but then seeing all this feedback I'm not sure.

  • Geekomatic on 23/02/2015 - 13:59

    My 15 yr. old daughter also wants to know? She's about 80km, by train, from Perth— so I'm wondering what sort of work would ever come from this or is it, as was said, just a "gravy-train" for Showcase Management?

    What struck me most was the unprofessional contact name, "Zed"< with no surname??

    Anyone ever actually made money out of this?

    • Geekomatic on 03/03/2015 - 15:24
      +1

      We decided to pass. Too many "dodgy" reports. Funny thing is: the guy who rang, Zed, who was so smitten originally w/my daughter's photos— never even tried to get back in contact.

      So yeah, I'd say alleged scam. Sorry.

      • summertime-aloha on 04/03/2015 - 13:50

        I think I may do the same, there should be no upfront payment!
        Hopefully I can find a more legit company, and no upfront payments. Good luck everyone.

  • dontneedaname on 04/03/2015 - 20:45

    I've created an account just so I can comment on this. I applied from a job advertised on seek.com
    I didn't think much of it at first. Recieved a call the next day ( didn't catch his name) saying he has sent an email read the terms and conditions and email form back. I did. Then done some giggling and realised I obviously hadn't seen the WHOLE terms and conditions. A lady name Sonia called today straight after saying hi who she was she asked if I had read the terms and conditons I said I did but I think there just be more as it was rather short. She said oh well you don't need a photo shoot. She was happy with my one. But I needed to create a profile. I said i don't think I need that as I am only just entering the work force ( 30 yr old full time mum). She said oh maybe this isnt for you. And hung straight up. After goggling and my short talk with them I don't believe they are a legit place. Every post I see it is word for word how it went for me. For reference. The I applied 3 days ago. Heard fro. Then the next morning ( yesterday) then again today 4th march 2015

  • Cobalt_ on 04/03/2015 - 23:11
    +2

    Interesting discussion regarding this group on Whirlpool from a few years back:
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1906990

    The responses were mixed but I also suspect a fair bit of sock puppeting by the original company in question. Proceed with caution

  • Thesupergirl on 18/03/2015 - 16:42

    This happens to me as well! I just submitted my form but I'm still very unsure abt paying them to set up a profile for me.. And it seems to easy to get in.. If anyone knows any reliable company do let me knw thx

    • Geekomatic on 19/03/2015 - 00:58
      +1

      It's a scam. The guy was very "impressed" with my daughter's photos. After I read their "terms" (basically absolving them of everything, ever) I didn't call back.

      They never contacted again.

      I believe that they know they're a sham.

      Keep your money.

      Imho

  • 777Melanie777 on 01/04/2015 - 23:05

    I received a call from a guy male called "Zed" and he sounded not too legitimate …. then i also got a second call today and definatly I knew that it was not legitate a lady said over and over again that I was gorgeous and it was just too hard to believe and no talent agency asks for money upfront ….. I just knew it felt wrong and everyone else needs to WATCH OUT ! Don't fall into this TRAP! Glad I did not !

    Anyway I created a Facebook page and hope that you all join it is for everyone to have their say on Showcase Management. Because what good is it to wake up every morning and go to work and scam people …… I don't know for sure if this is the case or people do get work out of their agency …. but it all sounds not too genuine… and too good to be true.

    Their facebook page doesn't have much on there or many fans …. and i have been doing a lot of research and found out that a lot of people have backed out !

    please do yourself a favour and research before joining any agency :-)

    But please join my Facebook page ! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Showcase-Management-Scam-or-l…

    • elsathelion on 28/04/2015 - 13:36

      Your facebook page didnt seem to work. However I just recieved a call from Sonia about my daughters application and she said everything you have all mentioned about loving her application, pictures etc. She also spoke about the $150 for a profile.
      Thankfully my daughter and her friend found this page before I recieved the call and we will now know not to call Dee for headshots.
      I hope others will be able to find this and don't fall for this scam either!

  • Deauville19 on 31/05/2015 - 17:57

    Hi All. I was thinking about handing over $150 to set up a profile with them as well, until something seemed "off", so I decided to google this company and I am very very glad I did, and found this forum (and others with very similar comments).

    I had the exact same scenario as all of the above. Sonia called me immediately after I applied, and said she was "blown away" with my photo and that I didn't even need a photo shoot, just to contact Dee to set up the profile. I called and spoke to Dee but something just didn't seem right… call it "intuition" or "instinct", but I felt like it was a scam… now I'm convinced …

    Hopefully these stories can prevent others from being scammed.

  • Mixhael on 26/08/2015 - 11:23

    It's scary how word for word their script is. Can anyone confirm what actually happens when you pay?

    • Geekomatic on 26/08/2015 - 11:36
      +1

      One word: SCAM

      If they were legit, you'd hear about it. Or, they'd work to protect their reputation by visiting sites such as this & others online which all give them a "thumbs-down".

      Imho

      • Mixhael on 26/08/2015 - 12:30

        Haha, thanks. After reading online and on whirlpool I've decided this is almost certainly a scam.

        They even have removed several pages (including the whirlpool thread) from google's search results! Dodgy

  • cancerianvighio on 07/09/2015 - 04:09

    I had same situation as every one. I received a call from Sonia talking about the same crap, I told her that I would prefer to see them when paying them she said there is no need every thing is done online. I believed her which was a big mistake and paid them $150. They informed that my booking agent is Joseph and he will be submitting me for roles. I heard from Joseph few days ago and I got notices through casting networks on my email account and went for an audition which I came to know was for free and students of an academy were making short film for graduation, It is not going to be run on TV though. Recently haven't heard from them. I have done modelling overseas so it is really a waste of money and time!

    • Showcase Management on 07/10/2015 - 10:48

      "cancerianvighio" I am sorry that you have been unhappy with our representation. If you could please contact me so that I can discuss further. Joseph - Showcase Management

    • michael monroe on 15/02/2018 - 03:49

      I fell for the scam too and paid the money. I never heard back I really hate them for doing this to people.

  • xuan94 on 08/09/2015 - 16:06

    They called me yesterday and told me that I submitted my application a year ago and they have few tv extra works recently that would like to recommend me. But I forgotten have I really submitted to them as I submitted a lot application before for tv extra. The guy name Zed told me the same thing as everyone did, he sent me an email yesterday with the application form and I replied back. And today he call me again say that they are very happy with me and would like to offer me. He also say that they had a free photoshoot currently going on, and he ask me to call a girl name Dee to set up the online profile for $150. As I feel something is not right, I google and found this forum. Thanks for everyone's help.
    Btw, is there any talent casting that would you guys recommend?

  • cancerianvighio on 17/10/2015 - 01:58

    Hi guys! Just reiterating my previous post about showcase management. As I shared my experience with them. I just came to know that their job is to submit your resume and get you work which is only quite helpful by signing up for casting network where you set up a portfolio and directors make decision based on it. I did receive couple of calls for work but I couldn't make it due to short notice. It is a misunderstanding that they are a scam because they claim that their office is located in Queensland. I would advise you guys to visit their office if you are in currently in that place to ensure it. I would also suggest them to be more open about their activities and explain more to people instead of people asking them string of questions about their genuineness.

  • teagirl on 08/12/2015 - 00:26

    I recieved a call from Zed who told me that I have a great commercial look and that I would get lots of work. That was all fine and dandy until he mentioned that I'd need a photoshoot. I already have loads of professional photos, so that didn't make sense. He sensed he was losing me so he told me he would waive the fees of the photoshoot, making it free for me because he was certain he could get me work. That restored my faith for about a minute until he told me I had to set up a website and pay $150. At this point I knew something wasn't right.. A friend of mine actually paid $125 to the company they're affiliated with (Casting Network) last year, and she did not get any modelling/acting work thru them. This website was actually recommended to her thru another agency which has now closed down, so I imagine they were getting a cut of the money for directing people to the Casting Network site. I also have to wonder why this agency has since closed down. But just think for a moment… if these people can get at least 10 people a day to commit to the $150 "fee", that's $1500 for a days work of calling people. Split that between a few people and you have pretty damn good income coming in.

    Anyway, I stayed on the line to humour him because I was sure he was just trying to fleece me out of money. I have never actually paid to join an agency before. Work is never promised and it's just a gamble if you'll ever make that money back or not. Zed told me to contact a woman named Dee to arrange my photoshoot, and he also told me to mention his name when I called. Why? So he can get a cut of the money? lol Anyway, of course I had to call Dee to see what she had to say. When I called, the only thing Dee was concerned about was how to get my money off me as soon as possible..

    Dee-"Do you want to pay the $150 fee right now?"
    Me- "I can't at the moment, I'm actually walking around in a park"
    Dee- "Ok, well I will text you the account information for you to send the money, or you can pay with Visa/Master over the phone, blah blah".

    Sure enough, I immediately received a text from Dee displaying their banking details.

    Poor Zed and Dee, they won't get the chance to split my money 50/50.

  • Showcase Management on 10/02/2016 - 15:26

    To reply to Teagirls comments -

    We ask that all people carefully read the Terms and Conditions on our website, or which we provide to them with our Applications form, before sending their application to us. It states clearly there why we need a profile and the cost involved. It also states it is with Castings and Auditions, not Casting Networks, so I don't think you read that information as instructed.
    Regarding your friend and the agency she was with, I cannot comment on that as she was not with us. Your assumption that they would take a cut and make a "damn good income" but closed, is contradictory.
    You then continue your assumption, but transfer it to us, saying we must get a cut, which we do not.
    You are asked to call Dee because she assists with the set-up of peoples profiles and Zed informed you to let her know you have spoken with him, so we know who you have been dealing with. Fairly straight forward, but you assume there is something sinister.

    Basically your assumptions are all based on a friend with another agency, and your failing to read our information correctly. Unfortunately people read comments such as yours and the others in this forum, not realising that they are assumptions based on no facts.

  • michael monroe on 15/02/2018 - 03:47

    I FELL FOR THIS SCAM. I paid the $150 to that Zed and never heard back and that was over one year ago. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS!!
    What was worse is that I was only working part time and that money was my rent money. I truly hate them and would never recommend having any dealing with them. I have been a movie extra on two professional movies in Far North Queensland and this so called company is nothing but a rip off.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join