| Country | United States |
| State | Cape Verde |
| City | Las Vegas |
| Address | 9500 West Flamingo |
| Phone | 7024297847 |
| Website | www.Hollywoodaccessinc.com |
Hollywood Access Inc., is all in what you make it out to be. Just as with anything else in life, you've got to work hard and train in your profession or education in order to accomplish your goals of becoming a success. Hollywood Access Inc., provides quality education and training for its students and parents alike. The one thing I love about them is that they tell you up front, "We make no promises!" They keep it REAL and TRANSPARENT about the industry of film, acting, commercial/print work. Being a new comer to the west coast, I have formed an extended family through my interactions with other parents, students, and the instructors at Hollywood Access Inc. I have watched not only my child, but her peers as well in various classes, articulate their words; show various emotions while reading monologues/scripts/sides; and support one another during monthly auditions and workshops with some of Hollywood's greatest agents and casting directors. I am a parent who's extremely careful about who I allow to educate/interact with my child. I always do my research on companies and schools. I would suggest that all parents do the same before they sign their child/children up for anything, and don't just got by what you hear/read! Continue to successful work you've already done Hollywood Access Inc., and "Thank you for all you've done to jump start my daughter's dream and helping to make them a reality!"
I was always taught that when you believe in something, you stand proudly behind it. With that being said, I felt it was imperative for me to speak on behalf of a company I am happy to be a part of and be represented by. I think it is necessary for me to state that I have been a long-term management client of Hollywood Access, Inc., a person who has and does use the service and not an outsider looking in. So I feel like my words and views hold validity and lends credence to how I feel about this reputable company.
I have been in the business for quite sometime and in my years with Hollywood Access, I have found them to be extremely hardworking, dedicated and passionate about helping individuals such as myself fully live out my dreams. If it wasn't for their multitude of high power relationships that this company has and their willingness to do all conceivably possible to extend this access to me, I don't know if I would be where I am today. This company is so committed to cultivating the talents of the many gifted students that walk in and out of their academy each day. They have a vested interest in each student and they make it their mission to not only give them a platform to which their dreams could possibly manifest, but they help to build character, grace, purpose and a sense of dignity in one's self. Not only have my peers grown in many ways by attending Hollywood Access, but so have I.
I was always taught that when you believe in something, you stand proudly behind it. With that being said, I felt it was imperative for me to speak on behalf of a company I am happy to be a part of and be represented by. I think it is necessary for me to state that I have been a long-term management client of Hollywood Access, Inc., a person who has and does use the service and not an outsider looking in. So I feel like my words and views hold validity and lends credence to how I feel about this reputable company.
I have been in the business for quite sometime and in my years with Hollywood Access, I have found them to be extremely hardworking, dedicated and passionate about helping individuals such as myself fully live out my dreams. If it wasn't for their multitude of high power relationships that this company has and their willingness to do all conceivably possible to extend this access to me, I don't know if I would be where I am today. This company is so committed to cultivating the talents of the many gifted students that walk in and out of their academy each day. They have a vested interest in each student and they make it their mission to not only give them a platform to which their dreams could possibly manifest, but they help to build character, grace, purpose and a sense of dignity in one's self. Not only have my peers grown in many ways by attending Hollywood Access, but so have I.
What saddens me the most and truly strikes a nerve with me is that anyone can post such defamatory and horrid information about one of the few LEGITIMATE companies of its kind. Something else that I find disturbing is that none of the comments posted were from REAL clients of the Company but rather, outsiders looking in with a distorted perception.
I have and will continue to work with this company and I have and will continue to refer those who are really interested.
Also please take a look at this complaint also.. The exact same language and converstaion is used in the new company.
located on this website
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Actors-Exchange-2705/f/acting-modeling-school-John.htm
celly1 wrote at 2008-03-20 18:21:25
JRP Parsippany, NJ
Total scam and a thoroughly berrating rude and untruthful "National Director" Jem Wiltshire. I can't stress it enough. Stay Away!!!! My child was accepted then refused because we wanted time to think about it. We were told that because we were not ready to sign that night ($2800 - $5900), Jem didn't know if she would ever have room again for him. She did this right in front of him! Not to mention the fact that she said, and I quote ,"I don't work with skeptical parents!" and she felt that we were "being ridiculous."
He's is now signed with an agent and filming a feature movie. Listen, if your filling out the a form that asks your parent's occupation, that should tell you something. All one needs is your address and where you work to search the net to see if you can pony up the $.
I can't speak for their other locations, but judging from the posts, I suggest you do your research.
Anytime someone goes to this extent to defend themselves it is quite apparant they are in the wrong. I find no reason to respond as someday it will be public as Channel 13 news contacted me. People have been complaining. Since I did receive a refund I couldn't help the report but they assured me they will be tracking them. That is all I have to say. Time will tell as it did years ago at John Robert Powers Agency.
I needed to at least address one issue with the rebuttal from Hollywood Access. If you noticed in the original review there were NO names or nasty comments made and it was a REVIEW... However, one of the owners GEM WILSHIRE decided to choose words as a personal attack rather then just refute the allegations. For example, skeptic, unbusiness minded, and others. I the most business minded person you will ever meet. However, since names are being brought into this I would like to show 1 piece of information and if I find the time in my life I may show the lies and twists of truth of her novel of a reply. I just don't want to waste anymore of my life on this ridiculous company... My intention is to give valid information to others who can make their own decisions ultimately.
One point that was made by this company in their response was that an EMPLOYEE was associated with John Robert Powers in the past and that the company was the issue NOT the employee who moved on to a more reputable company.. They failed to mention that this so called EMPLOYEE, GEM WILTSHIRE.... was an OWNER of the JOHN ROBERT POWERS agency.... She has reviews personally about her and her franchise... The link to the review is attached
http://john-robert-powers.pissedconsumer.com/john-robert-powers-chesapeake-virginia-beach-is-a-scam-20080918135983.html
Well this just proves everthing I have said about this company. Instead of defending themselves with facts they decided to defame the character of people that review them. The use an article on another website that is lies. The person that wrote the review is a known criminal who was arrested from a warrant in 2005. My roommate was dating him and I had to ask her to leave because I found out about him as a con and drug addict. Then he was arrested and he is taking his revenge out on me and other women in his past. His name is David Harkai and if you search his name you will see the truth. So HOLLYWOOD ACCESS OWNER GEM WILTSHIRE, can't defend the company on its own merit but uses reviews from a known con man and criminal to discredit someone who puts in an accurate review of their company...What does this tell you..... By doing what she did she has put a single mother and minors at risk. This was a review that is under review and is legally being taken care of... I guess I should add Hollywood Access to the suit. This so called post she is linking to was being left as is so that it is kept low on searches due to the fact that it is degrading slander and lists minors. This man has been out for revenge since he was arrested.....
POINT BEING.... THEY CAN'T REPRESENT THEIR COMPANIES ON ITS OWN MERITS WITH FACTS AND LINK TO A REVIEW BY A CON MAN AND CRIMINAL THAT ALSO LISTS NAMES OF CHILDREN. Would you want your children represented by such a company??? Just defend yourself with your facts and leave it be. They know that I have the truth on my side so resort to low down dirty tactics. Do you research Miss Wiltshire before you do something so stupid next time. I guess that sweet woman of faith is just smoke and mirrors???
ALL MY INFORMATION CAN BE PROVEN FALSE THROUGH COURT RECORDS IN CLARK COUNTY and information on David Harkai is all over the internet with the harrassment he has done to women all over and scams he has done.... I guess this company just likes to play dirty.. Just like the way they handle their business. Underhanded and sneaky.... Don't fall prey to them... I hate to say such nasty things but the truth needs to get out of what they just did. Plus they KNOW that the article they linked to is false because they could easily have looked that information up on Clark County public records. I have had background checks done with my career so it is apparently false. Lets dig deeper into Miss Wiltshires past... I have a few more reviews on her that I didn't post about her dealings with John Robet Powers....
It is hard to describe this company as it appears they are acting as Talent Agents up front, but this is the description from their own website.
"Hollywood Access, Inc. is an exclusive entertainment company with a three -fold purpose. We are in the business of developing talent, in the form of acting, modeling and singing classes, and marketing actors, models and singers to top Hollywood and New York Agents, Casting Directors, Entertainment Managers, and Producers and Directors. Hollywood Access, Inc. also serves as a personal management company to a select group of talent including actors, models and singers."
This company hands out brochures at places like the Circus and Disney on Ice stating that shows on Disney are looking for fresh new faces. First two red flags. Disney does not work that way and a great company would not need to hand out cards like that. After they have you fill out your info they call you a few months later for an "audition" as they only take select few. You spend over 2hrs in a small room with parents and children that are getting uncomfortable and tired since you arrive at 6:30pm, fill out papers, sit in a room with a music video until a partner comes in to give you their long drawn out explanation of who they are. The explanations draw you in with the expectation of your child being a "star". Then they show you check stubs and videos of some students that have booked commercials and small roles. That is fantastic for them. However, the time spent to "prove themselves" via check stubs and paperwork is grueling. They state they have "connections" and "access" to top Hollywood Agents and Casting Directors. These big directors and agents come to their office once a month. However, what everyone does not know is that companies like these pay big bucks for those people to give seminars and workshops. You don't have to have connections. Plus directors and not allowed to hire you at those places and must return any headshots they see at the end of the session. Then she spends a large amount of time discussing her daughter who is doing well in the industry and sang for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Great.... This part is so drawn out you start to wonder about it.
After this, (which is shortened for this review), they call the children in to a camera audition that includes 2-3 lines on some commercial product. Parents do not go in the camera room. Everyone will meet in the other office to discuss the next step and take all your forms including two pictures of your child. They have your child so excited that you as a parent want to do anything you can for them. They tell you they only take a select few so you need to call at a specified time in the morning with your child on the phone also. They will tell you if you made the cut and have you come back the next day for a 2nd audition. They want your child on the phone to hear what is next and expected. (Why would a child have to be on the phone? So they can get the child all excited again to push the parents emotions)
At that time you get the real way they make money. A sheet with a price for their classes. 10, 20, and 30 week sessions ranging in price from 1275-2900. The kicker is that if you are chosen you must be ready to pay the money right then and there. (Big Red Flag). Well the 2nd audition consists of your child reading again a 2 line script and then another couple of lines with a specific emotion. They say they want to see how your child takes to couching and direction. After that is done they yell "YEAH you are great and I want you". Your child is so excited and they almost look down on you if you question paying then and say your are skeptical and don't have faith in your child. That is so wrong to do in front of a parent and child. They do state "We don't work with a skeptical parent" but in a way that goes along with you don't believe in your child. They also give you a "scholarship" but have to whisper in the office so no one else hears. If a scholarship is legit then why whisper.
I must say the company is not doing anything illegal. Well at least I don't think so. They say they do not guarantee work and they just offer training and opportunities to audition for casting directions. Well anyone can send in video auditions. However, the checks they show you are also made to Hollywood Access, plus there are videos of auditions on You Tube with children stating they are represented by Hollywood Access or Vision Entertainment which is their older company that was closed. So it appears they are towing the line in the legalities and making the majority of money on their training. Again they have some kids working but that is not where they make the money.
Preying on the emotions of parents and children is disgraceful and expecting immediate payment the night they say they want you is a complete red flag. Not many people can just come up with that kind of money. However, if you do, they know they can make money on you.
Other points to note is that the former company Visions Entertainment was closed and evicted from their former place of business. (Can be seen on Clark County court website). After that was closed they opened it up under the new name. One of the partners formerly worked for John Robert Powers which has very bad reviews and scammed people out of money by one day closing their doors on one of their franchises in Virginia. Many people losing their money. After that scandal the partner opened up Hollywood Access and it is being run the same way with the exact same statements used back in 2008 under the JRP franchise.
You will not find any bad reviews on this new company yet. Plus they really don't lie but use a bait and switch sales tactic. However, reviews on the above relationship can be found and the former business was closed and they were evicted. When will that happen again. It is fine to have classes and send in audition tapes for clients but don't suck people in with these tactics. I was ready to do it full well knowing that it was classes (after a 2+ grueling hour presentation) but having to pay someone immediately or nothing and finding out all the other information was not very comforting. Plus children should NOT be in the decision making part. They are so excited to do it that a parent feels obligated to do it for their child even though you feel in the pit of your stomach it is wrong. My child is taking classes at a reputable place and is meeting with an Agent once the head shots are completed. That is all you need to do.. Her agent will send her to the same auditions just like Hollywood Access but it won't cost almost $3,000. The classes here don't offer anything better then other reputable acting classes and experience.
“The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion.” - Arnold H. Glasow
The following comments are written on behalf of Hollywood Access, Inc. in response to the complaint posted by DIANE IULIUCCI on December 13, 2014. Given that Ms. Iuliucci posted her unsubstantiated opinion online, it is vital and necessary that Hollywood Access, Inc. provides the FACTS to Ms. Iuliucci’s gross allegations, which are rife with contradictions.
First and foremost, let it be known that Hollywood Access, Inc. owes Ms. Iuliucci absolutely no money or service. Ms. Iuliucci brought her daughter in for an audition on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, which included an overview, camera work and an interview. She enrolled her daughter in the Hollywood Access, Inc. training program on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 and on Thursday, December 11, 2014 decided that she did not want the service. As a result, without hesitation, Hollywood Access, Inc. refunded Ms. Iuliucci the deposit she made towards her daughter’s programming. So, where is the rip-off?
The following point-by-point comments reveal the untruths presented in Ms. Iuliucci’s complaint.
DEFINITION OF THE COMPANY. Ms. Iuliucci posted the following definition for the entity, Hollywood Access, Inc., as taken from the company’s website at www.hollywoodaccessinc.com:
"Hollywood Access, Inc. is an exclusive entertainment company with a three -fold purpose. We are in the business of developing talent, in the form of acting, modeling and singing classes, and marketing actors, models and singers to top Hollywood and New York Agents, Casting Directors, Entertainment Managers, and Producers and Directors. Hollywood Access, Inc. also serves as a personal management company to a select group of talent including actors, models and singers."
Nowhere in the company’s definition does it state that Hollywood Access, Inc. is an agency or that its directors are talent agents. Insofar as Ms. Iuliucci was NEVER told that the company was an agency, it is apparent, through her lack of industry knowledge, that Ms. Iuliucci made her own erroneous conclusions about the company and the services it provides.
ADVERTISEMENT. Ms. Iuliucci speaks to brochures that are handed out at community events like the Circus and Disney on Ice. Hollywood Access, Inc. has postcards, not brochures, that it makes available to its clients and to those interested in the services that the company offers. First, what company doesn’t advertise its services? Advertisements can be found on television, in magazines, on billboards, online, in newspapers, and in your mailbox. Hollywood Access, Inc. attends community events in search of talent who may be interested in the opportunities that it offers. Quite naturally, it would attend events where its target market is, like Disney on Ice and the Circus. And like any other company, Hollywood Access, Inc. obtains information at these events so as to follow-up with such individuals. However, if one does not understand the basic fundamentals of business, advertising to one’s target market and appropriate follow up would seem suspect.
THE PROCESS. Hollywood Access, Inc. is an audition and acceptance-based company. As such, it facilitates an overview and audition process for potential customers. What Ms. Iuliucci failed to mention is that when Hollywood Access, Inc. calls to schedule persons for the overview/audition process, they inform auditioners that the process will take at least 2 hours.
Overview. During the overview portion of the process, parents and their children are introduced to who Hollywood Access, Inc. is and who it is not. This occurs by providing facts and documentation. While children are most often excited about the process, the company provides the facts to parents so as to remove any doubt or speculation about what the company has done and continues to do for families similar to theirs. Again, because Hollywood Access, Inc. is a firm believer that documentation beats conversation, parents are provided with visual proof in the form of head shots, checks and footage of some of the talent it has been directly responsible for getting on TV and in film. The checks shown are disbursed to the talent and Hollywood Access, Inc. as the management entity. While Ms. Iuliucci’s opinion that this information is “long and drawn out,” others find the FACTS to be beneficial and necessary to their overall understanding of Hollywood Access, Inc. and the industry, and welcome the next steps. Wherein skeptics find fault in the facts, business minded individuals seem to appreciate when a company can prove who and what they are and are clear about what the next steps are, should they be interested.
Connections and Access. Ms. Iuliucci’s allegations that the access and connections that Hollywood Access, Inc. has is because they paid for it is again, grossly wrong. First, why would a high powered industry individual spend one of the only two days they have off from work to scout talent in another state? Couldn’t they just stay in their home state and be able to have lunch with their families and run errands? Certainly the high powered individuals, like the ones that come to Hollywood Access, Inc., do not NEED money. In addition, out of respect for their time and because the company values the relationships that it has with such individuals, it provides breakfast and/or lunch and a small token of appreciation at the company’s expense. Again, business minded people understand the value of fostering relationships. Ms. Iuliucci said, “You don’t have to have connections.” Wow! She then goes on to say, “Directors are not allowed to hire you at those places and must return any headshots they see at the end of the session?” What does this even mean? Anyone knows that scouting does not mean hiring. Athletic scouts, for example, don’t hire athletes; they go to events to see if there is any talent they may be interested in. Such interest oftentimes results in representation and work opportunities. Similarly, talent agents/casting directors/directors/producers don’t come to Hollywood Access, Inc. to “hire” talent; they come to see if there is any talent they may be interested in. Again, this point of contention is evidence of Ms. Iuliucci’s misunderstanding of how the industry works.
Camerawork. After the overview portion of the process, auditioners are put on camera to see what they will innately do. What better way to see if someone has potential for the film/TV industry than to put them on camera? If Ms. Iuliucci understood how the industry works, she would know that Hollywood commercial auditions are usually improv-based or just a few lines and parents do not go into the audition room with their children. Again, this is confirmation that Ms. Iuliucci truly doesn’t understand how the industry works.
Interview. Hollywood Access, Inc. is truly interested in identifying families who are committed to helping their kids live their dreams and take the time to talk to parents and children about why they are interested in film/TV opportunities. During this time, parents are also given the cost of the training program should, their child be moved forward in the process. There is no hidden agenda. It is hard to believe that Ms. Iuliucci would take issue with full transparency and disclosure. There is no “bait and switch” as Ms. Iuliucci states; the Hollywood Access, Inc. process is factual and direct with clearly stated expectations.
Cost of Training. Ms. Iuliucci makes mention of 10, 20, 30 week sessions only because her daughter was not being considered for a long-term program. She also mentioned a price range of $1275 - $2900. What she failed to mention, however, is the term. Let’s take the highest price point she mentioned. Nine months of training at a cost of $2900, which is approx. $322 per month or $40.25 per hour, which is quite affordable. Where can Ms. Iuliucci go where they would train her daughter, in any discipline, for free? Academic tutoring is not free. If she has her daughter take dance, piano, karate or guitar lessons, there is some cost attached to training. Furthermore, Hollywood Access, Inc. hires professional actors, models and singers to teach its classes so, what professional would be willing to take the discipline he or she has spent years to learn and master and give it to her daughter for free? In addition, the training at Hollywood Access, Inc. is coupled with real film and television work opportunities. Most other disciplines provide skill development void of paid opportunities.
Furthermore, Hollywood Access, Inc., through its philanthropic efforts, maintains means to provide merit based and need based scholarships. In addition to extending Ms. Iuliucci’s daughter a scholarship, Hollywood Access, Inc. also offered Ms. Iuliucci a payment plan option to make training more affordable for her, as a single mom, which she so conveniently failed to mention in her complaint.
Because Hollywood Access, Inc. is serious about its mission to help parents help their kids live their dreams as well as help adults live their dreams, they believe the best time to start preparation is now. This point is made very clear during the overview. As such, enrollment occurs immediately after a talent is accepted into the Hollywood Access, Inc. program. Such training is either classroom training, one-on-one coaching for the next opportunity with a Hollywood industry professional, or preparing the entertainment resume.
Unfortunately, this process is not for those who are indecisive or skeptical about whether they are willing and ready to support their child (or themselves) in this process, like Ms. Iuliucci. Hollywood Access, Inc. is very clear and upfront about expressing its opinion that it does not work with skeptics. Sensing Ms. Iuliucci’s skepticism upon enrollment, Hollywood Access, Inc. reiterated to Ms. Iuliucci on several occasions that the company didn’t work with skeptics and emphasized numerous times that maybe it was not the best fit for she and her daughter. Ms. Iuliucci insisted, however, that she wanted to move forward.
Emile Cioran said it best when he said, “Skepticism is the sadism of embittered souls.”
NO GUARANTEES. Ms. Iuliucci is correct in her statements, “…the company is not doing anything illegal,” and “…they say they do not guarantee work.” Yet, over and over again it is resoundingly clear that she does not understand how the industry works. She makes mention of YouTube videos of auditions. What she fails to realize is that each and every audition video on the Hollywood Access, Inc. YouTube channel is a result of an audition that was extended to the talent. Some auditions are in the casting room and others are through video submissions. These are not unsolicited auditions. Furthermore, when a talent states his or her name and representation, it is because Casting has requested them to slate before starting their lines. This is a no brainer for industry informed individuals.
HOLLYWOOD ACCESS, INC. vs. VISION ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Hollywood Access, Inc. was formerly Vision Entertainment, Inc. and still owns the Vision Entertainment name and does some business in that name. The company felt that the Hollywood Access, Inc. name spoke more to what the company did than its former name. The FACT is, the company carried both names for a year before dropping the Vision Entertainment, Inc. name for the majority of its business. This is customary in the business world with mergers and acquisitions and companies who find better ways to identify more with their core business.
Remember when FedEX Office purchased Kinko’s and was called FedEx Kinko’s before becoming FedEx Office?, or the McDonald’s tagline, “I’m Lovin’ It” which replaced the “Two all-beef patties…” jingle? How about Kentucky Fried Chicken shortening its name to KFC when people became healthier and sought healthier options for their meals. It’s just business. Speaking of business, it is also quite alarming that Ms. Iuliucci would take issue with a company providing a service and earning money for the service they provide. All companies, from churches to social networking services, like Facebook, provide a service or product to earn money. Earning money is what keeps the doors of businesses open so they can continue to meet the needs of their customers. Furthermore, money generating businesses stimulate the economy. Yet, these Business 101 principles are only understood by business minded individuals.
EVICITION. Ms. Iuliucci speaks to Vision Entertainment, Inc. being evicted. What she failed to do, however, is to research that the location which the company operated out of had recently been victim to a foreclosure. The FACTS are, Vision Entertainment, Inc. entered into a lease agreement with a landlord who failed to disclose that the property was near foreclosure status at the time of signing the lease. As a result of the recession that plagued many between the years of 2006 and 2010, the landlord lost the property to the bank. Once sold to a new owner, Vision Entertainment, Inc. took up issues with the new landlord that were not handled by the previous owner. Instead of resolving the issues, the new landlord filed an eviction. The case, however, was settled out of court with Vision Entertainment, Inc. removing its items and relocating its business.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS and CUSTOMERS. Like most adults with families, the Directors of Hollywood Access, Inc. have and continue to work to provide for their families. Past work has included the company, John Robert Powers (JRP). However, an employee of a company cannot be held to pay for the sins of the company. Much like the innocent individuals who worked for Enron, before its bankruptcy in 2001, can’t be held accountable for the ways of its owners neither can the Directors of Hollywood Access, Inc. The important thing is that they moved on to work with and for reputable companies with the same integrity and high moral values they’ve always had despite their previous place of employment.
What is unfortunate is that Ms. Iuliucci failed to separate the employee from the company. In addition, she utilized the opinions she read online to formulate the opinion she posted online. Opinions, however, can never stand up to facts.
What is also ironic is that Ms. Iuliucci had that opportunity to talk to Hollywood Access, Inc. customers while waiting to be seen on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 but she didn’t. Instead, she went home and posted an anonymous, unsubstantiated complaint. Business minded individuals, however, know that the best opinion is always the opinion of someone who is currently receiving the service.
MS. IULLICCI’S AGENT. Ms. Iuliucci again demonstrates her lack of industry knowledge when she says, “Her agent will send her to the same auditions just like Hollywood Access but it won’t cost almost $3,000.” While training costs, industry auditions do not cost money. All auditions in the film/TV industry are free. If Ms. Iuliucci would have listened during the 2-hour overview, she would have learned this. In addition, she says, “My child is taking classes at a reputable place and is meeting with an Agent once the head shots are completed.” At Hollywood Access, Inc., talent meet with agents even before they have professional head shots. At the end of the day, the industry is looking for talent who have been skillfully trained to work. Hollywood Access, Inc. has a PROVEN TRACK RECORD of taking non-trained talent from such events as Disney on Ice and the Circus, training them, and helping them to gain agent representation in Hollywood and ultimately getting speaking roles in commercials, on TV and in film.
SUMMARY. In their history of doing business, Hollywood Access, Inc. has found that skeptical individuals blame legitimate companies when either there is a cost assessed to a service (much like the cost to be trained in any other discipline --- e.g. gymnastics, vocals, piano, guitar, dance, etc.) that they may or may not be able to afford, or when there is a misunderstanding of how an industry TRULY works.
Hollywood Access, Inc. is audition and acceptance based, and is very upfront with potential customers in that they clearly express they do not work with everyone and continue to reserve that right. Toxicity is just something the company is not willing to embrace. Furthermore, Hollywood Access, Inc. is looking for individuals who are committed to working hard to live their dreams and parents who are equally committed to helping their kids through the process by means of encouragement, financial support, and oftentimes a sacrifice of time. Being open to gaining the FREE information provided during the Hollywood Access, Inc. overview, moreover, would have afforded Ms. Iuliucci the opportunity to gain an understanding of an industry that does indeed pay kids/teens/adults well for their work, and how regular parents are helping their kids live their dreams now. Needless to say, the company doesn’t have to just talk about it, they have a proven track record of talent signed by some of the industry's top Hollywood agencies and who currently appear on TV shows, in commercials and in the movies. You can visit their website to see their most recent success stories at www.hollywoodaccessinc.com.
Lastly, let it be known, HOLLYWOOD ACCESS INC. DOES NOT OWE MS. ILLUICCI ANYTHING. While Ms. Iuliucci had the option to talk to the Directors about her concerns, she chose to ignore their phone calls and emails and post unsubstantiated and false information online instead.
ONLINE REVIEW ABOUT DIANE IULIUCCI:
Learn more about Diane Iuliucci at the following URLs:
http://www.scamorg.com/diane-iuliucci-3b
Holllywood Access should defend themselves based on reputation and track record. It seems very shady that they need to write a short story about each and every comment. If they were so good they wouldn't need this. It appears to me that they sell classes and training but based on information and videos they portray themselves as representing actors when in fact they are not an agency...Many people don't understand that an agent does not take money from someone unless they get a job. If they believe in you they put you in for auditions and take a cut if you get selected for the job. It is funny how the checks they show you at the presentation are made out to Hollywood Access for their client. I thought they weren't an agency???? That would be illegal. Hopefully people are smart enough to figure this out for themselves. I also spoke to channel 13 and I am hoping that this information comes out before some family who doesn't have much invests their hopes and dreams in this company. If you are lucky you may get a job, but that is far and few. Your best bet is taking your child to drama classes, lessons, community theaters and their school drama. Then get an agent who believes in you.. There are audition postings all over the internet.. The auditions are open to the public and you or your agent can get you there. Hollywood Access uses Disney shows in all their advertising, when in fact Disney DOES NOT work through them. All Disneys auditions are open to all. You don't need Hollywood Access as they do not have any type of relationship with anyone from those Disney shows. If you want to take classes there and hope for a job that is great...However make sure you have all the facts about how things work. You don't need to spend that much money to make it in the industry. Don't let them make you feel like you don't have faith in your child. You know you do and so does your child. Make the right decisions with all the facts and good luck. I think it is disgusting how they would attack someone with lies instead of just explaining who they are, what they do and explain it the right way and not with all the smokes and mirrors. Good Luck to all!!!!
Additional Info on Gem Wiltshire
Also please take a look at this complaint also.. The exact same language and converstaion is used in the new company.
located on this website
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Actors-Exchange-2705/f/acting-modeling-school-John.htm
celly1 wrote at 2008-03-20 18:21:25
JRP Parsippany, NJ
Total scam and a thoroughly berrating rude and untruthful "National Director" Jem Wiltshire. I can't stress it enough. Stay Away!!!! My child was accepted then refused because we wanted time to think about it. We were told that because we were not ready to sign that night ($2800 - $5900), Jem didn't know if she would ever have room again for him. She did this right in front of him! Not to mention the fact that she said, and I quote ,"I don't work with skeptical parents!" and she felt that we were "being ridiculous."
He's is now signed with an agent and filming a feature movie. Listen, if your filling out the a form that asks your parent's occupation, that should tell you something. All one needs is your address and where you work to search the net to see if you can pony up the $.
I can't speak for their other locations, but judging from the posts, I suggest you do your research.