Under Investigation: The inside story of the Florida Attorney General’s investigation of Wilhelmina Scouting Network, the largest model and talent scam in America.

ISBN-0968713335 Paperback 512 pages $29.95

Easy Background Check

Barbizon School Of Modeling aka Barbizon Modeling Agency of San Francisco aka International Performing Arts Academy (Larry Lionetti, Lena Lionetti)

The BBB file (http://www.goldengatebbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=11960) has contradictory information. First it says one of its dba names is "Barbizon Modeling Agency of San Francisco"; then it says, "The school is not, nor does it hold itself forth as, a licensed talent agency or modeling agency."

See also: Barbizon Modeling School (aka Barbizon School of Modeling)

Update/Rebuttal

Nov. 15, 2006

REQUEST TO UPDATE CORRECT INFORMATION ABOUT BARBIZON OF SAN FRANCISCO

Hi, My name is Larry Lionetti and along with my wife Lena own and manage the Barbizon school of San Francisco.

Some ten years ago, California law changed and would not allow Barbizon to have a placement service to assist graduates secure work. Since 1939 Barbizon operated a placement service for graduates. When we learned of the new law from the BBB we eliminated all placement and agency services. To comply with the new law we make it possible for our graduates to interview 50-70 agents and managers at one time in Hollywood.

We worked very hard with the president of the talent and mangers association Mr. Steven Nash to ensure that our students only met registered and licensed Industry professionals. This change to comply with California law took much time and work.

At this time the documented outcomes have increased substantially and we now serve our graduates in a ethical and affective manner while complying to s[t]ate law. Our student body has grown by 100% while having no unresolved complaints allowing us to fall into a BB rating at the BBB.

Now that we have fully implemented this new system we are members of the BBB in other states and will seek membership in California this year. Times have changed and so has Barbizon. We offer a community service with lectures and over $500,000 college scholarships to promote education along with performing arts. www.barbizonscholarship.com and  www.barbizonlectures.com.

BBB along with other school watch groups have played a instrumental role in these new changes. We would request that ratings would accurately reflect these new changes and that we not be lumped in with schools and agents that have not and will not ever make needed changes? If I can supply additional information please do not hesitate to contact me Larry Lionetti.

Question

Changes may be helpful, but fundamentally, is Barbizon San Francisco still leading its potential clients to believe attendance at your school is likely to lead to substantial paid modeling jobs or significantly increase their chances or being picked up by (licensed) model or talent agents? Even if you made structural changes for legal compliance, but maintained the same type of advertising, it would only be a cosmetic change, and not address the most important reason why people sign up and pay Barbizon.