Southwest Model and Talent Agency - Phoenix, Arizona

M. G.

I graduated from SWMT and I will say, it will seem like it’s not working out and it’s not going great and you’re paying so much money for what, but I promise you, you will make your money’s worth. I graduated and audition for IMTA July 2024 and I got two SCHOLERSHIPS to acting schools in NY/ LA. I really wanted to pursue my acting and singing career and I never really had that chance but now that I went with SWMT to IMTA, I finally have that chance to pursue a childhood dream of mine. It of course isn’t going to be easy, it’ll be hard work and time but it is worth it. I’m so grateful to Tyrell and Amanda! They literally encourage all of their team to continue on!!

sky

* review reposted *
This is a very committed schooling establishment that works with you on payment plans and photoshoots! I started with SWMT/Barbizon a while ago and still go to some classes for refreshers for me now. They also helped work with and train many Models &Actors/Actresses for IMTA. I went to more than one IMTA and made many memories, while also even winning a scholarship for Performing Arts College!! I love that they also try and make real relationships with you! 🙏🏼

Trinity K.

Seems more like a modeling class for fun, no promises and no guarantee that you will "graduate" or get jobs from this. It's costs about $1500 with the first payment as $300. You cannot Cancel after 3 days, and it has to be written, sent it, and actually received by them. I got hit with some hard financial issues and decided to opt out but I cannot get that $300 back and I didn't even get to attend any class. Pretty much a big scam. They never called or notified me of anything or even try to contact me to keep in touch. After I was excepted , I had also received another email asking if I was interested in auditioning as if I was not already enrolled. So they probably just accept everyone and make money off them. Wouldn't recommend at all.

I am also quoting this from someone who reviewed this place 1 year ago and it also fit the exact thing that still happens.
“First they’ll contact you stating that they would like to “interview” with you via zoom. What they don’t tell you is that there will be 40+ other individuals attending the meeting with you. They will also have some energetic women talking about the agency and the process if you are “picked”. This company wants over $1700 just for you to attend training classes with them, and you won’t even have a contract!!”

Tiffanie

I’ve never even attended any of the classes. I did go to the audition. And now they are still trying to push a bill on me from 2019 for things I never got nor wanted. Changed my mind after the audition and meeting like 5 of the head blondes.
10/20/2023
I called and spoke with Brian the head of the collections dept. and he could not tell me what course I was enrolled in. Therefore, basically telling me the payments I have made and are “required” to finish paying are going towards absolutely nothing. Why? Because I never once attended classes!!! This is a stupid company by stupid people.

Lina H.

I went here.. and it was so unorganized.. We pay for a specific teaching and though my trainer was sweet, the school was not focused on talent. I dropped out because they told me I can't speak to IMTA until after graduating..Well, IMTA CALLED ME and told me they have no affiliation with SWMT Agency, then offered me something!! And I recorded the conversation because I KNEW they were not being honest.. I didn't get a make-up kit(everything was used and cross contamination)... There was no compassion for the art of everything. Today a bill collector called me about SWMT/Barbizon.. I told him, "You all aren't getting another dime out of me because of the false advertising you all display!" He told me it's going in my credit.. Brian was his name I believe.. Either way, DONT GO HERE. There's no REAL inspiration.. You're better off going to Hollyweird and taking a chance.. All best

Ari B.

I signed up with the agency back in the summer. I only went to 4 classes. I couldn't afford to drive a total of 4 hours every Saturday in order to go to the classes and pay the additional fee biweekly. I lost my job after a bit so I couldn't pay for the classes anymore. They called me when a payment failed and I told them specifically that I couldn't pay them back because of said situation. The woman on the phone gave me attitude and pretty much hung up on me after that so I couldn't even ask if I could just stop the payments. They've called me 3 times about this and I've said the same thing. No one tells me anything about if I can cancel or not. They instantly hang up once I even start talking about it. I want a refund for everything that I've been charged. It's unprofessional and it's honestly ridiculous for how they acted with that situation.

Mae

This agency functions in conjunction with a school, Barbizon Modeling and Acting School. So really you have to look at it as more of a school, that you pay for ($1500), to receive training in modeling and acting. I calculated, the cost came out to about $70 per class, each class anywhere from 1-4 hours long, which is reasonably priced. This is a great option for beginners who are new to the industry, and looking to have the resume items of 1) training, and 2) a signing with an agency, since you are offered a contract upon completion of the training. Personally, I found it more than worth it, for the fun experience, knowledge, vast improvement in my skills, and valuable connections/friendships.

Vermont A.

Well here goes another negative review update 2022. So I just attended the first class and let me tell you! I got there and right away it seemed super cheap and sketchy from the girls receiving you at the door to the teacher herself. HONESTLY DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR TIME HOW I DID. The class has nothing to offer you NO PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT TO WORK WITH AT ALL. They had us taking pictures with our phones… I payed for the first class 290$ So they can let me in the doors.. But I’m more upset that I wasted my time. There’s better agencies out there that will actually have professional equipment and actual models and actors to help you and teach you. Honestly southwest your a JOKE like that’s the best way to describe it.