Hi we rec. a call from Barbizon and i have heard of them. I do not know much information about them. However i would love for anyone to give their professional opinion. There seems to be a Barbizon in a lot of states? I dont really know what to think? Victoria has an agent  for modeling. I was wondering what Barbizon was all about?

Thanks to all in advance

Melissa Cosner

 Hi Melissa,

 Barbizon is a modeling school that has been around since 1939.  At times, talent agents and casting directors might go to these schools to find new talent, but they are not "agencies".  You will  find a lot of difference of opinion on these types of schools. Some people see them as a "scam" others find that they are instrumental in teaching their kids confidence to attack this business head on.

 As long as you look at it as a learning opportunity for your daughter, not a guarantee that she will be discovered and be the "next big thing", you will be fine.  I find a lot of people have unrealistic expectations about what a school like this will provide.  If your daughter already has an agent and is actively modeling,  then a school like this might not be necessary.  If you see it as something fun for her that might help her fine tune her skills, and is within your budget, then go with it!

Best of luck,

Trish 

Hi Trish -

We had received a call from Barbizon this week - I had submitted my daughter via NYCasting.com for a print job for Interior Decor Packaging and she was selected by the client for the print work. The representative who contacted me stated she was from the "Barbizon Agency Division" -

I've included the signature/less contact name/personal phone number that was included with our correspondence - to show that yes, they are reputable - and offer more than schooling - at least in NYC they do :)

Thanks - 

Brenda

==============================

Agency Director
Barbizon New York - Model & Talent Management
16 Penn Plaza, Suite 1205
New York, NY 10001

Thanks for the information. I appreciate you both taking the time to respond.

Melissa cosner

In New York City modeling/talent agencies must be licensed by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), and must be bonded, as well.

Check whether an agency is licensed by calling Consumer Affairs at 212.487.4444, or contacting them in writing. An agency should have its license posted in the reception area.

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
Consumer Complaint Division
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
(212) 487-4444

 As stated on the New York Law page here on Children In Film:

"Any person who, for a fee, procures or attempts to procure employment or engagements for persons seeking employment or engagements, or employees for employers seeking the services of employees, requires an Employment Agency license. Employment agencies doing business in New York City may not be located in a residential building, and are governed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Employment agencies within the state but outside NYC limits are ruled by the New York State Department of Labor. Talent agencies in New York must post a bond with the licensing agency as part of the licensing requirement. Section 37.05 of the State of New York's Arts and Cultural Affairs Law calls for theatrical agents to investigate whether or not any employer offering employment has stranded or has defaulted in the payment of salaries, fees or other compensation to any performer or group of performers during the five years preceding the date of application (this clause does not apply to modeling engagements)" 

Hi Melissa,

Barbizon is an acting and modeling school that operates nation wide and that sells franchises to individual owner/operators.

John Robert Powers also is an acting and modeling school that sells franchises.

Sometimes the owners of these schools also open management arms, and give them different names, and that way they can offer that type of service to their students.

I have seen schools that never participate in casting and sending actors for jobs and I have seen schools that submit pictures on jobs and call for castings.

Their primary business is to sell classes.

Hope this helps!

Warmly,
Carol Lynn

I  have not heard to many good things about them here in Az. Thanks for your info as well. It helps to talk to people that are in the business and know what is going on.

Thanks again Melissa Cosner  

Barbizon is a school not an agency. They are francised, so it depends who is running the school ( the SF one is great I hear)but overall they are wonderful for training and since they are not an agency, they do not ,nor should they, ever PROMISE work. The best way to get exposed in the industry is to audition for a convention like The International Performing Arts Conference( IPAC) ,(this one is really reputable), that way you take the next step in front of the industy pros.And do it with guidance and direction

Hope that helps,

Marsha Beck

Barbizon will take anybody who is willing to pay for their classes. I took five of my kids to an "open call" and they asked me on the phone how many could you afford to pay for, when I said 1, they said well great, we picked one. My son took classes along with a few kids who could not show emotion if it was life or death and some who were naturally great and talented. They told each parent that their child was great and would make it big. It is good if you want to help your child open up a little or maybe improve self confidence, but as for taking it to become a model or actor, save your money (and you will save a lot.) Your best bet,classes and workshops by professionals on a site like this one. By the way I just got a call from them saying we think your other son would be great for our classes, looks like they are ready for more money from me. Not this time. Once you are in, they will also ask you to pay another $800 or so for a competition, then around $6000 for a big competition. The charging never stops, I'm just glad I said no before I had to take out a loan.

One more thing.... I have been told by several agents and managers to take Barbizon off my sons resume. They said I can put down he took classes in acting, modeling, and print, but to put the teachers name not Barbizon.

Well, I guess I'm a bit confused then.  I was called twice asking if we were available for the print job, given the address (which wasn't at Barbizon in NYC) where we should go for the print work, and specifications on what she should wear for the Interior Decor packaging print work. 

If they're not an agency, I'm left wondering why we were called.  One more reason why I need to get the ball rolling and seek representation!

Thank you to all who provided professional and sound advice!