Anyone heard of Studio 64?

china-doll_2

I entered a modeling competition through StarNow (which is a modeling website I use to get work) I was called by a guy who explained I have got through to the final 20 and would need to show up for a photo shoot but had to pay a deposit to guarantee that I show up for the appointment, I was reluctant to pay, but he promised I would get my deposit back and I was under no pressure to purchase any images. I had to get the images done to enter the competition. I paid but the next day I had second thoughts and wanted to cancel so emailed the customer service, they said I would still have to do the whole photo shoot to get my refund, even though I didn’t want to purchase any photos.

On the day I had my hair and make up done, the make up brushes hadn’t been cleaned and the mascara wand was not a disposable one so I asked the make up artist to clean them and use my own mascara. It’s disgusting that a “professional” MUA can’t even be bothered to do that, its just hygienic! The photo shoot was really quick, the photographer made me do some really cheesy poses, we did 3 outfit changes and then I had to wait for the images. I asked the receptionist if I could leave as I wouldn’t be purchasing any photos.

She gave me the nastiest look and asked why I even bothered showing up. I explained the competition and I was told that I had to sit through the session in order to enter and get my money back. She said I had wasted everyone’s time and chucked a form in my hand. She then made a call and a lady, the photographer and another guy came down to speak to me and asked me why I did the photo shoot in the first place. I explained the competition, and told that I work as a model and don’t need any more images as I can get them done free through friends ad my agency. I really felt like I was being bullied/intimidated with all 4 staring at me in front of a room of other customers watching. They asked to see my portfolio and so I showed them, after 3 pages they rubbished my images and said I wouldn’t be able to get any work with them or an agent as I need proper photos like the ones I had just taken. I was getting angry as I just wanted my money and to leave, I actually laughed in their face and said, "I won’t get any work?? Have a look at these" and flicked to the back where my published work was and said "you have to be crazy to pay £45 a photo and if you think can get into a modeling agency which the images we just took, the only reason I am here is to get my money back as you wouldn’t let me cancel before even though I explained I wouldn’t want the photos, now give me a refund as you are wasting my time and my time is expensive" The lady said it would be back in my account in 3 days and told me to leave. As I walked away I heard one of the guys say I was a complete idiot...how nice!!

I don’t think the competition was even real, I’m sure it was just a way to lure in more clients, this has been the worst experience ever and I can see how young girls can be pushed into buying images and hope it will lead to a modeling career!

discobaby

I had a similar thing about 5 yrs ago but it was Covergirls in Weymouth! Only it was on the street and the pictures they shouw you look fab! so we paid £40 for me and my friend to go for the makeover/photo session...as soon as I got there I could see how unprofessional it was the make up and hair stylist was the best bit she did a great job, but the photos were so unprofessional and the guy trying to sell them to us for an extortionate amount was trying to convince us and he didn't like that I kept saying how hideous they were lol, we left with our free photo on disc! The salesman was a bit assy with us because we wouldn't pay hundreds...no way!

discobaby

china-doll wrote: »

I entered a modeling competition through StarNow (which is a modeling website I use to get work) I was called by a guy who explained I have got through to the final 20 and would need to show up for a photo shoot but had to pay a deposit to guarantee that I show up for the appointment, I was reluctant to pay, but he promised I would get my deposit back and I was under no pressure to purchase any images. I had to get the images done to enter the competition. I paid but the next day I had second thoughts and wanted to cancel so emailed the customer service, they said I would still have to do the whole photo shoot to get my refund, even though I didn’t want to purchase any photos.

On the day I had my hair and make up done, the make up brushes hadn’t been cleaned and the mascara wand was not a disposable one so I asked the make up artist to clean them and use my own mascara. It’s disgusting that a “professional” MUA can’t even be bothered to do that, its just hygienic! The photo shoot was really quick, the photographer made me do some really cheesy poses, we did 3 outfit changes and then I had to wait for the images. I asked the receptionist if I could leave as I wouldn’t be purchasing any photos.

She gave me the nastiest look and asked why I even bothered showing up. I explained the competition and I was told that I had to sit through the session in order to enter and get my money back. She said I had wasted everyone’s time and chucked a form in my hand. She then made a call and a lady, the photographer and another guy came down to speak to me and asked me why I did the photo shoot in the first place. I explained the competition, and told that I work as a model and don’t need any more images as I can get them done free through friends ad my agency. I really felt like I was being bullied/intimidated with all 4 staring at me in front of a room of other customers watching. They asked to see my portfolio and so I showed them, after 3 pages they rubbished my images and said I wouldn’t be able to get any work with them or an agent as I need proper photos like the ones I had just taken. I was getting angry as I just wanted my money and to leave, I actually laughed in their face and said, "I won’t get any work?? Have a look at these" and flicked to the back where my published work was and said "you have to be crazy to pay £45 a photo and if you think can get into a modeling agency which the images we just took, the only reason I am here is to get my money back as you wouldn’t let me cancel before even though I explained I wouldn’t want the photos, now give me a refund as you are wasting my time and my time is expensive" The lady said it would be back in my account in 3 days and told me to leave. As I walked away I heard one of the guys say I was a complete idiot...how nice!!

I don’t think the competition was even real, I’m sure it was just a way to lure in more clients, this has been the worst experience ever and I can see how young girls can be pushed into buying images and hope it will lead to a modeling career!

haha would love to have been in the room, they sound like a bunch of idiots!!

dogcat_2

Personally I've never had any of these phone calls (relieved)!! But I think If I'd have 'won' anything where I have to pay, then I would def. not be interested. I would make that quite certain on the phone!!

marikere

I was called out of the blue by Studio 64, and after half an hour of talking to me like I was an imbecile she asked me for my bank details for a 'fully refundable deposit'. I thought she said I'd WON a makeover!!! Needless to say I hung up.

barnabasnagy

AnnieH wrote: »

I've just had a phonecall from someone at Studio 64 saying I've won a free makeover and photo shoot.

Is this for real, cos it sounded like a scam to me, or just not very "free" at the least.
She was trying to bully me into making an appointment, when i said I didn't want to book straiht away, as I needed to check with OH when he would be able to look after the kids, she got a bit shirty with me.

The solution for sapphire studios is ISP and Consumer direct. They are scam people.

Missa_2

Studio64 / Sapphire are the same company. If you do a WHOIS search their domain name changed in Dec 2008. I booked with them in Sept 2008 for May 2009. I then rescheduled for this weekend. I go to check the details for my trip and find the website is gone. After some hunting I find out they are now Sapphire and Covent Garden studio has closed. I then spend ages tracking down emails and phone numbers and eventually get a response telling me I must attend or lose the deposit. So I must now rebook a date and get to Farringdon – miles from me. I will attend, get the shots, and leave with my deposit. I have done these shoots several times and none of the studios are brilliant – all conveyor belts and they double book cos people don’t turn up. DO NOT use Cover Girl in Oxford Circus, they are the worst. This is a rip off, though I have had 40-50 shots on CD, prints, and an album out of them for less than £500 – not the £45 per shot they demand. Fight for your rights!