| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Mallory T |
| Date Created | 5/12/2006 10:29:52 AM |
| Message | In my experience it is very expensive. It seems that they tell pretty much everyone that they tell most the people they see that they have potential and they should enroll in classes as soon as possible. And you can't take just one class, you have to sign up for a package of classes, none of which are less than $1500. So I guess it depends on the person if it is expensive to them or not. Hope this helps! **But I do have to add, they do have good classes.. at least the ones I have experience with. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Shannon McDonough |
| Date Created | 5/18/2006 3:32:38 PM |
| Message | Don't do it. It's a rip off. If you need classes, there's plenty of cheaper options out there, and most things you can learn from experience and utilize your fellow actors and models. You can ask them any questions you have (for FREE) and they'll help you out. Caryn's will tell you how much potential you have and then empty your pocket book. I agree with Mallory T that if you take the classes, they'll be helpful. But there are other ways of getting that information. My general rule: you shouldn't have to pay an agency to represent you. They're going to be making a percent of your pay already, so why should you have to give them more then that. If you're talented, apply to a real agency. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Max Rutter |
| Date Created | 5/28/2006 1:23:41 PM |
| Message | I did classes through Caryn's for acting. The teachers were great, but the people who own it (Caryn), and the administration there are not very helpful. They just want to get your money and get you out of there and have nothing to do with you afterwards. If you know absolutely nothing about acting, go there. If you know a bit, like me, its just a complete waste of time and money. go somewhere else. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Skynyrd |
| Date Created | 6/18/2006 1:38:03 AM |
| Message | Stay away from Caryns. It's a joke. I spent money there and didn't learn anything. You can market yourself better if you do it on your own. You don't have to spend big amounts of hard earned dollars!!! Research what you are interested in. Just do the right thing!!! |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Pascha Derkevics |
| Date Created | 2/25/2008 2:17:13 PM |
| Message | Here is how my meeting went.
Them "Oh you have a great look"
Me "Thanks"
Them "We want to train you to learn walking and make-up and hair"
Me "Great"
Them "It's about $1800 but we take payments of $300. How would you like to pay today?"
If an agency thinks you have potential they WILL train you because in the end they will make money off you.
Bottom line>>>>>>>>>>>SCAM! |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Jenna McGuigan |
| Date Created | 3/4/2008 1:57:26 AM |
| Message | I recently got involved with Caryn Int. and found them to be very helpful. They didn't ask me to sign up for any classes because I already had the training. The only thing they asked me to do was get new pictures through them or through an outside agency. Which I do need new photos. And the price wasn't too bad so its a good deal for me especially because Caryn Int. will be doing my makeup. After the pics they will send me out to auditions. Did anyone who posted before get any good work after promoting themselves by themselves? Just so we the viewers know the authors. I have only one gig to date. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | chris |
| Date Created | 3/9/2008 6:54:06 PM |
| Message | SCAM. About 7 years ago they called me in for an interview (after I'd submitted head shots naively to them) and then quickly escorted me off to a room where they had me do a cold read in front of a camera. The lighting in the room was the worst kind - the kind that makes you look half-dead no matter how good you actually look. Well then they show you the footage and you look awful and then feel low about yourself so as to put further trust in their abilities to make you shine. Then they took me to a catwalk and had me walk down and back - that needed work too. So then we went back to the office where she told me in order for me to get work with any reputable agencies in town I would pretty much (implied here) need these classes. The cost? 895.00 for a 3 day acting in front of the camera class. I said I could get acting classes with 9-10 weeks of training for a 3rd of that price by people known in the business and she abruptly concluded the interview there. I would counsel people to stay away from Caryn's. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Carolyn |
| Date Created | 5/12/2008 3:28:44 PM |
| Message | Years ago I went through Caryn's school of Modeling.
I was then encouraged by them to take an acting before the camera class. I did. I spent a couple thousand dollars and was not treated very well. My own mother said she had bad vibes when she walked in. I then got pictures and naievely submitted to them. I did a cold reading for someone all she did was critisize me and told me they would not represent me. I went home crying.
All that time and money wasted!! |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | leila greenberg |
| Date Created | 8/21/2008 11:48:32 PM |
| Message | I hear they are not doing well at all, they let go of a lot of people and are cutting back a lot but i think it's a shame because they do provide really good training and photos. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | kisskiss |
| Date Created | 12/16/2008 2:57:43 AM |
| Message | i hear they are not doing well at all financially and have downsized a lot. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | Lydia Christopher |
| Date Created | 1/26/2010 6:59:56 AM |
| Message | I have had contact recently with the agency. I have to say I really like Caryn & her staff, and I know they want to genuinely prepare people for this industry. I do not know if it pays off nationally for exposure to pay the money & take classes - ?? I auditioned for an iMTA rep & had 2 separate auditions - all of which went very well. The IMTA scout is encouraging potentials to spend the $4,000 to get out there & get exposure. Caryn's is interested in helping you become industry ready...then, the rest is up to you to get out there. I know in life by now (yes, I'm one of the "older" potentials here) that no matter WHAT you chose for your career that you are going to have to invest your resources in one way or another in order to become that which you are striving to be - to impact others, to do something that helps your family, to give back, etc... I am not sure if spending $3,000+ is required to break into the local market or not. I am unsure of any other agency pays you if they believe in you , or not. Any input is helpful. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | informed responder |
| Date Created | 3/16/2010 12:04:18 PM |
| Message | I would like to respond to all of the criticism sited on this board about Caryn International. I my self am one who took classes at Caryn International along with the rest of these individuals. I would like to start out by saying first and foremost, Caryn's was not the first agency I went to. When I was 11, I went to a John Casablanca casting call at a local Holiday Inn. Of course I was called the next day, but my mother being a wise women said my daughter has big dreams but she is only 11 and isn't going to go into this industry too young. Well I have since learned that John Casablanca is not very reputable, and am glad that I didn't get mixed up with them. I am not being bias, nor have I been brain washed to think other wise. When I was 17 I found about Caryn's. I went to their Audition for IMTA. I took their classes and went to NY. The classes weren't just about getting up in front of the camera and smile and everyone tells you how great you are. These are 2-3 hour long classes that actually teach you the fundamentals of acting and modeling. After having completed the IMTA courses, and attending IMTA I got 3 call backs for modeling, but I am too short. Which is fine because I am not an aspiring model anyway. I then took a year off and went back to Caryn's to attend The Academy for Film and Television, completed the program and went to LA about 5 months later to a LA talent showcase.. Which if you are serious about the industry this is a definite must. Imta is very large and it's hard to get a lot exposure if you are not in every division. Not to say you wouldn't get work from IMTA but it's much more difficult. At the LA showcase you spend the whole week auditioning for very reputable agents that come there seeking new talent. It's all one on one and after your audition you get to speak with them one on one and they tell you right then and there if they are interested.. I had an agent ready to sign with me, but I knew in my heart that I needed to get more experience under my belt in order to be LA ready. So now I am back in Minneapolis still working on my craft. Am I still in contact with Caryn's? You bet. They are there for you when you need them, there to answer questions and get you prepared for the industry. Is it going to cost you money? Of course. Could you end up with just a big hole in your wallet? Yes. But I will tell you, the head shot prices are not any more than you would pay any one else who is not affiliated with Caryn International. The classes are actually less expensive trust me I've checked. I was actually able to work full time, go to school and pay for it my self with out having to take out any student loans. Are they pushy? Maybe. But this type of industry needs people who are persistent and knowledgeable. Have they had some members of their staff who aren't so "knowledgeable"? Yes. But believe me their is a reason they are not at the top of the totem pole at Caryn's, or have since been let go. They are making budget cuts because of the economy not because they have suddenly become less reputable. Last but not least to those who think that stars are born overnight you are wrong. You can blame anyone for not being successful, but you are who is going to make the success not someone else. They can only provide guidance, and tools to help you. |
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| Topic | Re: Caryn International |
| Author | informed responder |
| Date Created | 3/16/2010 12:37:03 PM |
| Message | I would like to respond to all of the criticism sited on this board about Caryn International. I my self am one who took classes at Caryn International along with the rest of these individuals. I would like to start out by saying first and foremost, Caryn's was not the first agency I went to. When I was 11, I went to a John Casablanca casting call at a local Holiday Inn. Of course I was called the next day, but my mother being a wise women said my daughter has big dreams but she is only 11 and isn't going to go into this industry too young. Well I have since learned that John Casablanca is not very reputable, and am glad that I didn't get mixed up with them. I am not being bias, nor have I been brain washed to think other wise. When I was 17 I found about Caryn's. I went to their Audition for IMTA. I took their classes and went to NY. The classes weren't just about getting up in front of the camera and smile and everyone tells you how great you are. These are 2-3 hour long classes that actually teach you the fundamentals of acting and modeling. After having completed the IMTA courses, and attending IMTA I got 3 call backs for modeling, but I am too short. Which is fine because I am not an aspiring model anyway. I then took a year off and went back to Caryn's to attend The Academy for Film and Television, completed the program and went to LA about 5 months later to a LA talent showcase.. Which if you are serious about the industry this is a definite must. Imta is very large and it's hard to get a lot exposure if you are not in every division. Not to say you wouldn't get work from IMTA but it's much more difficult. At the LA showcase you spend the whole week auditioning for very reputable agents that come their seeking new talent. It's all one on one and after your audition you get to speak with them one on one and they tell you right then and their if they are interested.. I had an agent ready to sign with me, but I knew in my heart that I needed to get more experience under my belt in order to be LA ready. So now I am back in Minneapolis still working on my craft. Am I still in contact with Caryn's? You bet. They are their for you when you need them, their to answer questions and get you prepared for the industry. Is it going to cost you money? Of course. Could you end up with just a big hole in your wallet? Yes. But I will tell you, the head shot prices are not any more than you would pay any one else who is not affiliated with Caryn International. The classes are actually less expensive trust me I've checked. I was actually able to work full time, go to school and pay for it my self with out having to take out any student loans. Are they pushy? Maybe. But this type of industry needs people who are persistent and knowledgeable. Have they had some members of their staff who aren't so "knowledgeable"? Yes. But believe me their is a reason they are not at the top of the totem pole at Caryn's, or have since been let go. They are making budget cuts because of the economy not because they have suddenly become less reputable. Last but not least to those who think that stars are born overnight you are wrong. You can blame anyone for not being successful, but you are who is going to make the success not someone else. They can only provide guidance, and tools to help you. |
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