I saw an ad for ECM&T last summer and thought I would ""just check it out"". They called all anxious to meet a woman in my age group. They asked me to bring several different pictures of myself showing different styles. Then they asked me to bring different outfits, dressy, casual, office attire, etc. so that they could take a few photos. OK, so far. I arrive at this 'strip mall' on time and am told to have a seat and someone would be with me shortly. Half an hour later a woman takes me into an office where she starts her spiel. Of course the walls are covered with 'talent' pictures as well as very old photos of celebrities autographed to the owner, a burned up Sly Stallone look alike. Then the owner comes in, gives me his pitch about how perfect I am because they have so few women in my age group (over 60) and how they can get me work. After a quick glance at my pictures, he asks me to go to the dressing room and change into one of my outfits. I should have left after one look at the so called dressing room - more like a closet with a curtain. On the table was a used hairbrush, some cheap hairspray, dirty rug. I step out in front of a white background that I don't think has been cleaned in years. Everywhere I looked was worn and cheap. He takes maybe 30 pictures in different outfits and I was kept waiting between each shoot. Then I t was told to come back in a week to go over my pictures. That's when I find out that without buying the poorly taken pictures I won't be put in their system. Then they tell me I'll have the opportunity to take ""acting lessons"" and other opportunites to learn. I found out these will all cost extra money. Long story short, yes I paid and YES I was stupid. I've called them several times and they were rude and said they don't control what the casting directors want. In other words, we have your money now leave us alone. I'm so embarrassed for getting into this. I've kissed my money goodbye.
Pros: Very good con artists
Cons: Very good con artists
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