Lindsey H Mjf
map-marker Palmdale, California

May 2018 Production - Parents perspective

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Hello, My name is Lindsey. Our 16 year old daughter, Ciena, had the absolute best experience with the Preview Models team.

Every member of the team is approachable, knowledgeable, and very nice. They get to know each model and their families. The team is very organized, the itinerary was perfect, and the communication was great. We found out about the show through a friend that saw an advertisement on Facebook.

When I showed my daughter she said that she was interested in doing it. She is interested in acting but has never modeled before and for her first experience to be with the Preview Models team was amazing and we couldn't have asked for anything better.

Thank you so much for all that you guys do. The whole experience was wonderful.

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Pros:
  • What they do
  • Production
  • Runway modeling
Reason of review:
EVERYTHING
1 comment
Guest

How does one get paid from being with preview models?

Anonymous

Don’t give them your money

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These people are getting incredibly rich after tricking thousands of girls.. it is sad. They like to make you think you’re going to meet all these agencies and get an opportunity. You might get one or two little ones but you definitely don’t need to give these clowns 2.5k in order to do it. They will accept ANY girl who is willing to give them money even though they know won’t make it as a model. Send in applications to real agencies. They like to act some sort of middle man while getting such high profits. Lol. I think a lot of the people who had a great experience with them were just brainwashed by them. They literally make you pay 2.5k to attend a fashion show and get your hair and make up done! All while after the fashion show these people go on fancy *** vacations and blow your money away. They are not worth it. And if you don’t have money they won’t give a *** about you. They try to make you feel all special saying you were the top choices but they say that to every girl.. it’s just a sales pitch.
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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
1 comment
Guest

I was thinking the same thing!! Thanks so much guys for confirming this for me. Now I can sleep better knowing I made the right choice : )

Anonymous

I did not make it with preview models because of my blindnes

My name is Sierra Burgess last year I went in just for fun to an addition for preview models in Portland Oregon. They were going to be holding a production that following summer in California.

I never thought I would get in I was just doing the audition for fun like I have previously stated above, I never thought that with my blindness I could be a model or an actress, but when the dream was presented I followed it. My fiancé and I went to the audition, he was there for emotional support. When I got there I was required to do the model walk for one of their models, they said that she was one of America’s next top model winners. She said I did the walk better than most cited people.

Next I met with the Director for preview models. I told him the extent of my visual impairment, that I could see but not read small print and depending on how far an object was the last detail I could see. I told him that I once was on the TV show playing with a purpose. After speaking with him he got up and shook my hand and said he would love the opportunity to work with me.

I never thought I would get a call back but that night I did from him. I was called in the next day to meet at the same place in Portland he said I was one of his top picks. Let me clarify that I knew I would have to pay money but it’s stated in the pamphlet they gave us That we could make payments. The next day when I was called and they said I had to have the money in for this was after I did the model walk for them again and he was making plans for me possibly to bring my fiancé with me to be my guide and telling him to work with me and for us to watch modeling shows.

He seemed like he had everything figured out, he kept telling me and that he was concerned with my visual impairment and walking the runway, I assured him that with my amount of sight all I would need to do was walk it once or twice figure out the links of it, and then I would be fine. When he told me we needed the money in full it was a Sunday my fiancé and I ran all around Portland but no thanks for open, at one point I texted him and asked him if we could have half that they paid to him and half the next day. He agreed that this was acceptable. When we got back I was talking with a guy who was also called back he had no idea that we needed to have the money in full.

This was strange to me, at this point it seems like I was the only one that they were requiring to have the money in full that day. When he saw us he called me back and told me that he needed to speak with me my fiancé came with me. At that point he was telling me in the nicest way he could but if he was going to work with me and we were going to make this work that he would need to make some adjustments on his end and he would get back to us. This was him telling me that they would not be able to work with me.

Given all of the stress about me on the runway, needing to have the money in for that day, and then being turned down after he already told me he had a contract for me if I can get the money in for that day and then telling me I could have it paid the next day, this seemed like it was discrimination for my visual impairment. I never got a call back, and the show went on without me that following summer. It would’ve been almost better if I had never got a call back at all. What bothers me the most is they knew from the very beginning about my visual impairment and still give me a call back, only to turn me down in the end.

This is very heartbreaking and lately I have been thinking about it a lot.

It should’ve been mine, I should’ve had a place. I was willing to work extremely hard and they turned me down.

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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
3 comments
Guest

Yes I'd like to know also and just put it out there that when a modeling agency really wants you they don't ask for money for nothing, they should be able to carry their own expenses throughout seeking talent. They'll get paid once you get signed so beware of the scammers lying to you telling you have what it takes to model meanwhile preying on you and your wallet.

Guest

How much was it?! If you don't mind me asking, they're coming to my area, this Saturday!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1416110

1500$

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Jamisen Khz

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Preview Models October Fashion 17

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Preview Models October Fashion 17

At first, I thought I made a mistake! But after getting to know the staff and how this business works I was really impressed!

Although a sacrifice of some time and money we really did see how much this event will make a big difference and jump start our model's career. Every thing was top notch from the classes with seasoned professionals to the meetings with designers and of course the agent meetings. Well worth every penny invested and at the end seeming very inexpensive for what we got.

Every staff member was professional, knowledgeable and caring about each model. I would highly recommend Preview Models!!!

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Reason of review:
Good customer service
Anonymous

Selling false hopes

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Went just to see the first audition is like a real audition you wait for a minute fill out a application sign in and give a headshot and walk in a room and walk for them you and another girl at the same time after that is a table interview saying we give you a call . I received a call back went in today just to find out it is 3k-5k just for the production and you have to pay in full by April after hearing that I left I rather take my chances and go to agency audition
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Reason of review:
Pricing issue
Whyatt Rwa

Preview Models - A Complete and Honest Review

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Preview Models - A Complete and Honest Review
Preview Models - A Complete and Honest Review - Image 2

Before I get into my review of my experience with Preview Models, I would first like to be one of the first to step out from behind the veil of this online message board and come forward to you the reader as myself so that you may know the truth about Preview Models. My name is Nick Rains and I have been an employee of Preview Models since April of 2016.

I was originally hired to assist with the castings and have since moved up to become the International Director for our Los Angeles based PRODUCTION Company. First and foremost I would like to emphasize that Preview Models is not an Agency, we are a company that produces 5 international runway events a year in both Los Angeles, California and Milan, Italy. For those of you who do not know the difference between the two let me explain... An agency is a company that represents talent whether that be a model, actor, or other type of talent.

Legitimate agencies will represent multiple talent at any given time and should have a website and current board where anyone at any given time may see the agency current roster of talent. The job of the agency is to receive casting information and submit talent that fit the casting type required for the audition. A Model/Actor/Talent etc. should never pay money to acquire an agency.

The way an agency works is when a model books a job, the prearranged percentage the talent and agency have previously agreed upon will be taken out and given to the agency. With that being said lets discuss what a production company is... A production company is responsible for the development of a specific production. There are many different types of production companies, and this is truly an umbrella term for quite an expansive space of the industry, that most ordinary people don't know much about.

Preview Models is not an agency, what they do is produce runway events for the exposure of the talent. Yes there are costs associated with preview models, however I know that when I am even thinking about casting someone I let them know ahead of time about the financial commitment of this program, and that a portion of what they are paying is non-refundable, HOWEVER Preview Models is a production company and the reason part of the cost is non-refundable is because once a talent buys out their contract they are registered for a Life-Time! Once a models registration is payed they can come back and do as many productions as they wish, and they will no longer have to pay the 1000$ non-refundable registration fee. The model only has pay (as of this moment 1/21/17) a 500$ production fee and will be able to participate in the production of their choosing.

With that being said a lot of the reviews posted on here are over the financial commitment of this program. For those of you who are registered I urge you to communicate with the administration department. With that being said everyones situation is different, and situations change and i understand that. I am from a broken home as well as many people in this country, I grew up below the poverty line as many people in this country, I understand your frustrations as you are INVESTING quite a bit of money into your dream.

All I ask of you is this... 1. If this is your dream, fight for it. Don't let anyone stand in your way.

Yes, this program does cost money but they do exactly as they promise. They give you the tools to succeed, you work with celebrities from top model and legitimate professionals in the industry. As far as the agents at the event go, not everyone is looking for new talent at a given time and those who are at our productions are invited because they have the room on their roster or are actively looking for new faces. We personally INVITE these agents out, the list on the back of the informational booklet is a rolodex of Preview Models contacts.

At no point was any agency promised to be there. 2. If you are currently a model you are locked into a binding contract now... I know after reading all of these reviews from "Professional A" & "Ex-Preview Model B" that you may be feeling shocked, hurt, & confused.

If you have any questions about this program or the industry or just want to reach out to a real human being who genuinely cares for you or your success here is my information. Nicholas A. Rains Phone: 225-454-**** Instagram: @Nick_Rains Email: Nick@***.info It is to be noted that if you would like to reach me a text message with a photo of yourself, an Instagram DM, or email with an image will work best. This is not a submission line, this is my personal contact information.

The only reason I ask that you would include an image is so that I may better know who I am speaking to... I am a very forgetful person but if we have met i will never forget a face. With that being said i would also like to say that this company is not my passion, HOWEVER the reason I work here is because I love watching you guys from day 1 to seeing you walk down the runway and the realization that "oh ***" this is a real thing and its really happening exactly like how they said. I love hearing back from you and implementing your feedback into making what we do at our productions better and better.

I do this because I alike all of you have a dream that was placed in my heart, I aspire to make music on a commercial level and I know I will make it, because there is nothing and no-one who will stand in my way. I travel every weekend and work my *** off at all hours of the night making these shows happen for you guys and still put in the time to make my goals and aspirations come to fruition. There are no excuses when it comes to your dream and whats been placed in your heart. Follow the path and success will come.

With much love, Nicholas A. Rains International Director Preview Models

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Pros:
  • Production
  • What they do
  • Working with industry professionals
Cons:
  • Ignorant point of views on this message board
Reason of review:
Happy for another reason
6 comments
Guest

They are scammers it makes no sense why they would ask for money upfront when your not even 100% sure if you want to sign a contract without having enough time to think about the decision keep in Mind the interview is rushed because they bring a fake model that's not apart of there company as a excuse for why they can only have a 5 minute interview with you Trust and believe that if you think I'm going to give you 1,500 dollars in less than 5 minutes your crazy and they don't tell you much just sell you a dream and tell you to sign on the dotted line the lady didn't even bring up money until I read it also she failed to mention that I could cancel

My contract within 48 hours that's what's even more crazy they try to trick you and make you feel like oh well you signed it so now you have to pay false make sure read that contract I also gave them a old credit card number so that I could stay and see if it was legit if you don't have the money they will tell you to leave when you already signed to contract it's *** they will try to charge you even if you don't go through with it if you sign it's so much money they are asking for that by the time the fashion comes you have lost motivation and money some people are college students and have family's but they don't take that into consideration

Nick C Ibg
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1337814

I have no clue how Preview Models makes any money at all... I have heard that the 4 day production costs over $120,000 to produce.

Must be why they had to raise their prices. There was 80 models in my production ... 80 models @ $1500 = $120,000.

So they were definitely LOSING money to help all of our dreams come true and put on a truly AMAZING, FUN & PROFESSIONAL event in Hollywood. THANKS AGAIN

Guest

Yes, you are a production company. Just like a lot of pyramid schemes are "marketing firms".

The thing is, you make these aspiring models think that for some reason it is necessary to pay your ridiculous $1000 NONREFUNDABLE "registration fee" to get their name out there. And then an extra $500 "production fee"? Really? If I want to be a model, I can email my stats to an agent for free.

Even IF the agents that you claim come to your runway shows contact your victims (which from what I hear, they don't), it is seriously unnecessary to pay a FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLAR fee to get in touch with these agents.

I'm curious, what sort of agents would come to these things? The runway shows are an absolute unprofessional mess, and most agents have no problem getting clients because they know how to market themselves.

I think you hire a bunch of people to pose as agentsso that it looks like these poor aspiring models are getting their name out there, when in reality they're not.

To those of you who don't know, this is called a Bait and Switch company. They bait you with your dreams of becoming a model, and switch it up with "you have to pay 1500 to be a part of what we do" and "we're not an agency" and "if you don't make it it's not our fault".

Why else would they make you pay THE DAY AFTER the first audition? They make you make your decision so fast that you're still enamoured by your own dreams of becoming a model that they hyped you up with, and more often than not people make an irrational decision.

Whyatt Rwa
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1274238

Hey this is Nick here, I just wanted to first let you know that I hear what you are saying and I wanted to personally let you know that you are absolutely right in the fact that you can submit yourself to agencies on your own!

You should also know that these agencies receive thousands of submissions from dreamers like yourself, so it is not always as easy as you make it seem to get signed, let alone even receive a response.

I understand how upset you are, however I would also like to say that no one forced you to pay any money to Preview Models.

You attended the casting by a choice of your own free will, and you also made the decision to sign a contract and make a payment towards your show.

If you would like I can have a few of our models who I have personally casted, seen on our runway, and watched interact with the agents reach out to you and tell you about their actual experience with preview models :)

I cannot however give you the direct contacts of the agents I have seen at the previous events I have helped to produce. I feel as if I don't have to go into detail as of why I cannot do this, but I can state that I have consistently seen agencies such as LA Models, Public, MSA-LA, Aston Models, Luber Rocklin Entertainment and many more.

If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to contact me anytime! (I listed my personal information in the review I left below)

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Whyatt Rwa

Nick, thanks for being so concerned with having people reach out to me.

First I would like you to know that in no way was I interested in being a model.

I don't believe myself to be "model material" and I am okay with that. The way I found out about this program was off Facebook. I have an extreme hatred for any type of scam and I like calling them out for what they are.

So I did my research and actually did get in touch with a few of the people who have paid and gone through the company. What I found was extremely sad.

I would just like you to know that I have never had any interest in being a part of this company, It just made me mad that you do this to other people.

Stop trying to play me and anyone else who calls you guys out as people who are "just upset that they didn't get selected". That would be immature and you have absolutely no base for that argument.

Whyatt Rwa
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1274261

First off I am much like you in the fact that I cannot stand people getting taken advantage of, I am not trying to sway you to think a certain way of Preview Models I am just trying to quell the confusion and angry reviews about this company.

I am sure that you understand how expansive this industry is and how many niche markets there are.

Preview Models does not only work with models but the agents who attend our events represent both actors and models, the agencies who attend our events can be broken down into two basic categories:

1. Modeling Agencies: represent clients who are strictly interested in representation for their modeling career.

2. Talent Management Companies: these types of agents look for talent (i.e. People with multiple talents) whether that be modeling, acting, dancing, singing, or even voice-over work.

Therefore Preview Models main priority is to cast for those who aspire to hold a career in the entertainment industry.

We cast all types of talent and work with those from ages 14 to 35!

As far as your direct quotation from a previous quote I can say that every thing I have posted or will continue to post will be public. There is no reason for the Preview brand to mask themselves behind anonymous comments because there is nothing to hide.

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Jeriyah Bzj

Total Scam

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My review is 100% honest. I went to my audition, was told they were only taking 25 people out of 500.

I was super excited when i recieved a call that they chose me! I went up today to get more information. A man in the hallway who had just got out of the interview told us he was skeptical and he thought it was totally suspicious. Joshua Weinstien was very vague about the information.

He got irritated with my family when they asked about the financial aspects. Told us we could do a payment plan with financing from an APP IN THE APP STORE ON OUR PHONES and gave no further information. He was also irritated about all the questions we had to see if this was legit. I then went to the parking lot to discuss with my family and i decided that it was a joke.

I told him i felt that $3000 plus another $1000 for my exposure was ridiculous. I told him im talent and i shouldnt have to pay for a trip to LA. He then told me id have to invest in myself and got super frustrated with me. I then left.

This is a scam.

Do not do this please from the bottom of my heart start small. Do not trust Joshua Weinstien or Preview Models.

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Reason of review:
Bad quality
Erastus Lob
map-marker Los Angeles, California

Model - SF

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Overall, this was an incredible experience. I not only had the chance to meet new people but I was also able to make friends. Walking down the runway made me feel like the only person in the show. I would love to do this again and relive this moment. Thank you so much for giving me a chance and seeing something in me other may not have seen. Meet with the agents went really smooth after all the training and advice that was given the first two days. I now feel ready to move forward and take this to another level. See you again soon!
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Reason of review:
Good customer service
Nasya Taz

Preview Models Oct Fashion 17

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As a parent of a Preview Model, From day one all the way to show day, the professionalism and communication has been everything and more, on point. The models chosen to mentor the preview models, through inspiration and education in all aspects of industry, went above and beyond with truth, answers, and high energy.

Not fully knowing what to expect for your child with this new experience, Preview models have made this an extreamly comfortable journey. The runway show weekend was very intense. A test for these inspiring models to digest the reality of what is/may be the future for them. Show night by far has been one of the most awesome experiences I have ever been a part of.

The high energy mixed with atmosphere, mixed with artistry, and of course nerves was of upmost intensity!!!! The drive, game face and performance by Preview models along side with the designers by far has been the most exilerating experience.

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Reason of review:
Good customer service
Tyna Syb

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Preview models oct fashion 17

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I attended Preview Models Oct fashion 17 this weekend. The experience gained from this event was very valuable to me. I learne about the fashion industry's inner workings, trained with professional models in the modeling classes and gained so much knowledge from the Acting classes. Made a lot of contacts with fashion designers, agents, managers and great people that i now call friends. I believe Its a valuable experience i would recommend going through the program to anyone interested in the fashion or entertainment industry and making their carrier grow.
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Reason of review:
Good quality
Anonymous

High pressured Sales Tactics

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After the recruiter was unable to close the "sale". Josh Weinstein came to speak with us.

As any good investments, my mom asked very good questions, their success rate and names of models placed as they claim 80% placement of 120 models after each production. Josh unable to provide any factual info to help us make an informed decision became very agitated and annoyed with the questions probed of him.

"This isnt for everyone, and we can be friends after." -Josh Weinstein Yes, you are absolutely correct. Good luck to everyone, do your research before paying 3k to be part of their production.

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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Jalicia Xdt

Preview Models Fall 2017

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I attended the casting call for preview models in Minneapolis, MN. I had no idea what to expect passed what was advertised on Instagram. Though I didn't know what to expect I am glad I attended because it turned out to be a unbelievable experience. To be selected and then attending the whole preview program and rehearsals right in Hollywood was amazing. Not only was it a business investment it was a prime place to enjoy as a tourist. Within the rehearsals, coaching and training before the actual show day you are taught a lot of helpful tips and keys to be successful in the industry. The staff has so much knowledge in what goes on in this industry and assisted also by many models. It was such a great fun experience to work first hand with them. The show was absolutely amazing and everything I expected it to be. Seeing different designers creativity and products and then ripping a run way was such an amazing way to show all the top agencies what you had to offer. On the final day, meeting with the agencies one by one was such a cool, intense interview experience. Overall, I am completely happy with how everything turned out and I would recommend it to anyone and tell them don't allow the price to shy you away, it's an investment in yourself and Preview does everything needed to give you what you paid for.
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Reason of review:
Good quality
Martiza Hyx

Preview Models

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As an aspiring model, this has been one of thee greatest opportunities that I've ever been given. The Preview Models Team took their time to give us very valuable training, as well as priceless advice! In addition, they set us up with one-on-one meetings with some of thee top modeling agencies out there. These are all things I'd can't say I would have been able to achieve on my own, especially within a week. I would honestly recommend going through Preview Models to anyone aspiring to be a model or actor. They maybe strangers at first, but by the end you are practically family.
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Reason of review:
Good quality
Glema Nqf

Life changing

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I had the time of my life with preview models. From beginning to end professional and knowledgeable. They gave me the knowledge to feel confident and settle my nerves. That I'm confident that I'm going to be able to get myself out in the business and grow as a actor and model. Thank you so much. I would deffently say that every one here are so passionate about what do meet along of great contacts and friends that I know will last a life time that I will take along with my on my new journey growing my brand and build my portfolio that will wow everyone
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Pros:
  • Show and all the help they provided
  • Production
  • Opportunity
Reason of review:
Good customer service
Anonymous

Sara's Modeling Event

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The last few days have been an awesome experience, not only for my daughter, but for me as well. Preview Models is very well organized. Yes, there were unexpected changes, but they handled them very well and always prepared us and kept us informed. The fashion show was amazing, the models were prepared and were taught well by Preview Models. I am extremely impressed with Josh, Sarah , Dirk and the rest of the staff. Always so encouraging and knew exactly what each model needed. I am looking forward to see what the future is for my daughter and will always be thankful to Preview Models. Thanks to you all! Terri Brown
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Pros:
  • Wonderful treatment by the staff
Reason of review:
Good customer service
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