• Starnow.com.au

Starnow.com.au

Overview

Starnow.com.au has a rating of 1.82 stars from 33 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Starnow.com.au ranks 30th among Acting sites.

  • Service
    9
  • Value
    10
  • Quality
    10

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
1
See all photos
How would you rate Starnow.com.au?
Top Positive Review

“I get jobs that agencies don't get me”

Grace P.
6/24/20

Since 2017 I have gone back into modelling and acting. I found StarNow and have had at least 20 jobs through them. I have also been signed up with an agency (tried 4 different ones) but keep getting jobs through StarNow. Okay, they may not as highly paid but... it's better than having nothing. For me, it's fun and I enjoy the variety of assignments.

Top Critical Review

“Rude staff, unreliable talents”

Ali S.
6/28/20

Talents on starnow are very unreliable as starnow doesn't do anything to protect casting professionals, directors, there isn't any review system so we can't recognize unreliable talents, ppl who cancels on the project a few hrs before shooting day, also staff are so bad at communicating and solving issues with your casting calls! I give two starts because I like the concept of the website but for now it has a lot room to improve.

Reviews (33)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Thumbnail of user lesleyn70
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 6th, 2023
Verified purchase

Until about an hour ago I had never heard of these people. However on checking my bank account I find they have taken my money. They are in America and I'm am not. I have totally no interest in having anything to do with them, but here I am out of pocket and I can't contact them to get my money back. Scam scam scam

Tip for consumers:
I have been scammed

Products used:
None

Thumbnail of user michaelm6299
1 review
2 helpful votes
February 2nd, 2021

I created my profile last month, and was asked to pay monies to Starnow.com.au and I did pay a hefty
Amount of monies to be able to apply for jobs from Starnow, just two days ago, then Starnow suspended my account with letting me know that they are doing that or giving a reason, I have done nothing wrong and no complaints was lodged against me, so I am taking Starnow to the courts, I am suing them for damages, losses and more...!

Tip for consumers:
Please ask for refund policey in writing
Talk to Starnow when they suspended your account
Resort to a lawyer
Take Starnow to courts and sue for damages

Products used:
1 listing only!!
Ruby Productions

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Michael,

Thanks for placing this review. I have located your StarNow account and as members of our Customer Success Team have explained, we have exercised our right to remove your profile as per our terms and conditions (http://www.starnow.com/help/terms.aspx), as your use of the StarNow service is not in line with our terms and conditions/community guidelines.

I trust this clears things up.

All the best,
Bella

Thumbnail of user bridgetl71
1 review
8 helpful votes
September 20th, 2021

I had recently gotten StarNow for my acting auditions and other hobbies that I enjoy. I read through all of their terms and conditions which stated very clearly that I could cancel my subscription at any time by emailing them. I had sent multiple emails about cancelling my subscription yet none have been replied to. I am freaking out as they Take $50.04 from my bank account every 6 months and I am desperate on cancelling. I need them to respond to my emails ASAP otherwise I will have to get my bank and the Police involved as this is considered fraud.

Thumbnail of user dg388
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 1st, 2020

Star Now has not issued me with a refund after requesting it a day after being charged for my resubscription. It's a appalling under the current circumstances. I will never use their service again and everyone should be aware of their principles which is purely about greedat this time. Would you support this business if you were treated this way. Don't. Don't let this continue as it may happens to you. Terms and conditions should not apply at this time. Take a look at what the AFL are doing today. If you can't afford your membership if you have lost your job you can get a refund.

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi there,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review, we are sorry to hear you are frustrated.

The COVID-19 outbreak is an unprecedented situation, but we are committed to providing you with the same level of support as always. If you’re struggling with how to make use of your membership, to make a subscription payment or are looking for remote working opportunities, we will help as best we can.

In regards to our refund policy, this is clearly outlined in our Terms and Conditions. While I completely understand your position, we are unfortunately unable to make exceptions to our policies to ensure fairness across the board.

Thanks,
Bella

Thumbnail of user dimid1
1 review
0 helpful votes
June 21st, 2022

Incredibly frustrating that you must contact them in order to cancel your subscription. Totally unnecessary as all reputable websites allow you to cancel whenever you please. Definitely feels like a money grab. Hoping they will respond to me before my billing period renews and I get charged again.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user poppya17
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 25th, 2022

I am holding out for another person to start a site like this because people will leave StarNow in Droves!
It's great to be able to access roles but unfortunately if something goes wrong you spend days trying to sort a problem out, which this site/ customer service creates.
My subscription was automatically deducted and asked if they could cancel the "auto-renew" but DO NOT CANCEL my subscription. They cancelled my subscription, and I have spent today, so far, trying to sort this out with infrequent replies to my emails.
They recently joined with Backstage, without informing Anyone this union was occurring, and shut the site down for days. I had jobs I was attending; I just didn't show as I was unable to contact the crew.
I have found writing a bad review gets these sites actually sorting out the problem. I've paid, too overpriced for his kind of rubbish service, for a product I'm not receiving.

Tip for consumers:
Start another site so StarNow finally has some competition and improves the service.

Products used:
Online advertising

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user gracep137
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
June 24th, 2020

Since 2017 I have gone back into modelling and acting. I found StarNow and have had at least 20 jobs through them. I have also been signed up with an agency (tried 4 different ones) but keep getting jobs through StarNow. Okay, they may not as highly paid but... it's better than having nothing. For me, it's fun and I enjoy the variety of assignments.

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Grace,

Thanks for taking the time to write this lovely review, and for all the support you have shown us over the last few years!

It's so great to hear that you have gained valuable experience through StarNow, keep up the fantastic work.

Thanks,
Bella

Thumbnail of user jamesj1378
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
April 28th, 2020

Bad Web site scammer s Never use this website they lie after they have taken your money you have to pay to find a job what don't exist most of them fake adverts some mite be real the rest don't think so my girlfriend joined got con d she's not happy one bit membership

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi James,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review - we are sorry to hear about you and your Partner's experience.

I would like to first clarify that StarNow is most definitely not a scam. If you need some reassurance that we're a legitimate business, please read the following link about how StarNow works, some of the amazing opportunities we offer, and how we manage the castings on the site: https://www.starnow.com/help/9/is-starnow-a-scam

In regards to castings on site, non-paying, trial members are able to to apply to casting calls on site that have a green 'Apply Free' badge across the top. If you are taken to the payments page when applying to a casting, this means that the particular casting is only available to paying members.

I hope that this has cleared things up.

Thanks,
Bella

Thumbnail of user olgan37
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 23rd, 2021

I had standart membership of Starnow for a while. In summer 2020 I've got notification for automatic payment for the subscription. I decided that it will be the last payment because Starnow didn't give me anything. I cancelled my subscription on the website because they don't even have that option in their app. But fter 6 months they withdraw money from my bank account again which I didn't want to. I contacted to Starnow for refund. They didn't give me refund and they said they only see my cancellation right now which I cancelled 6 month ago. I am disappointed with their service also scam like subscription trick.

Tip for consumers:
Don't use this website

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Olga,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review, I'm sorry to hear you feel upset.

I would like to clarify that in order to cancel a subscription, members need to contact our Customer Success Team directly via email with a cancellation request. I have located your StarNow account and can see that you sent our team a cancellation request on January 13th, 2021. Our team processed your cancellation that same day.

As our Customer Success Team explained, we’re only able to refund the first payment of your subscription, and only if contacted within 30 days of that first payment. Please view our terms & conditions for more information: http://www.starnow.com/help/terms.aspx

All the best,

Bella

Thumbnail of user mattheww1064
1 review
0 helpful votes
May 13th, 2022

They took our work and just got rid of it don't join these when I complained they banned me 15 years worth of work gone join stars in there eyes far better costomer services etc

Thumbnail of user aaronm589
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 19th, 2021

3 weeks and over 10 emails just to approve your post and then ask you the same 4 questions over and over. I gave up. I found 30+ people on Casting Networks, just use that and avoid the headache that is Starnow.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user non876
1 review
1 helpful vote
June 20th, 2022

Starnow use to be ok but I haven't been on a whole lot lately but as I logged on today I find out that you now have to pay has that always been a thing? Cause up until now I haven't had to pay for it and I don't think I'll be paying for it cause there are so many better sites than this one

Thumbnail of user belindak13
1 review
2 helpful votes
January 20th, 2019

As a former Yellowglen Bubbly Girl in the early 2000's, I've been cast through StarNow for various model-actor-presenter work over the years, including the Presenter for My First Home Brisbane. Thanks StarNow!

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for your feedback! It's great hearing about your successes through StarNow. All the best with your future acting, modelling and presenting work!

Thanks,

Maddy

Thumbnail of user iseeul
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
July 11th, 2020

Trust me I love to see 1 word. I know where they live and the girl. Don't worry I got post. So keep up negative 2 star prejudice starnow. I am watching how they deal with a real boss

Thumbnail of user tammyd525
1 review
1 helpful vote
May 6th, 2022

I can't apply for anything unless I pay. I can't afford to pay without work. I'm trying to get work here but must pay to apply

Tip for consumers:
That I can't apply unless I pay. Pretty prejudiced

Products used:
I read the job ads.

Thumbnail of user memol2
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 20th, 2021

For the amount of maoney we pay starnow they should provide good customer service as they are obliged by their own terms and conditions and common laws of Australia, they only serve themselves, very showdy,
Not based in Australia yet they operate under starnow.com.au, we took them to the fair trading and Incat tribunal and as such a legal case has been raised against starnow, not all filmmakers are perverts, not in sydney or any state in Australia like London and Newzealand, they have issues that is their problems they should not reflect it on Actors and serious filmmakers and they wnat to raise the amount of money subscriptions too! How Audiciuous, we make them take, we provide seriuos roles for Dram Actors, and their listings are far from Acting, nonsense jobs! See you at courts starnow!

Tip for consumers:
Get out of there starnow while you can

Products used:
actors subscriptions

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user penm4
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
July 27th, 2020

When dealing with an overseas online company with only email contact one needs to be very sure they are trustworthy ESPECIALLY when they expect you to set up a direct debit to pay for ongoing subscriptions.
But don't worry this business has terms and conditions page to keep everyone safe.
1. Do their terms and conditions state that all a consumer has to do to cancel a subscription is to notify Starnow via email? YES.
2. Do their terms and conditions state that after cancellation no further subscription fees will be taken out? Yes.

Gee that's super easy what a great trustworthy business hey?

Let's see...
3. Did I send an email request cancelling my subscription? YES.
4. Did they acknowledge receipt of my cancellation email? YES
5. Did the send me an unsolicited offer for free starnow time? YES
6. Did The terms and conditions tell me I had to reply to the offer email so that my cancellation would be actioned? NO.
7. Did the offer email state I needed to reply in order for my cancellation to be actioned? NO
8. Do I lawfully have to respond for my cancellation to be actioned? NO.
9. Did I respond? No
10. Did they direct debit a subscription fee months later (surely not)? Yes.
11. When I brought it to their attention did they apologise and refund me the money? NO
12. Did they claim that because I didn't respond to their offer email my cancellation was not actioned? YES
13. Have I subsequently needed to fight tooth and nail to have my money returned? YES

You decide whether they are trustworthy or not.

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Penny,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review. I have just replied to your other review on SiteJabber with the following:

I’m really sorry to read that you feel StarNow has not acted appropriately.

During the Global Pandemic, we revised our refund policy to make it more generous and offer members free time. I've had a look at your StarNow account and can see that in reaching out to offer you this, there was a delay in cancelling your membership while we waited to hear back from you.

I acknowledge this wasn’t your preferred outcome and I’m very pleased that we have now rectified this and provided your refund.

StarNow takes its position as a global leader in online casting, providing a safe and secure platform very seriously and I hope you are now satisfied with this outcome.

Thanks,
Bella

Thumbnail of user stevem2390
1 review
4 helpful votes
January 27th, 2022
Verified purchase

This by far has been the worst experience I've had when it comes to using a service. They charge you and then ban you based on some nonsense reason and take your money. They don't even bother telling you that you're banned so you waste time figuring out the issue. (Major red flag) I highly recommend reporting them to Fair Trading if you're in Australia via this link:

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint

It's funny how these wannabe companies are now the speech police and use this as a reason to steal and embezzle money from their users. (After a few emails I was told that I've used inappropriate language. The message they've referenced is written as professional and as official as it gets which is really funny and another major red flag)

They seem to be using one of the oldest tricks in the book which has become more and more popular among scammers recently. You lose a small amount which makes it not worth your time to follow up on, but it adds up for the scam organisation in this case StarNow. I also recommend issuing a chargeback through your bank. (It might take you a little bit of time but it'll be worth it as it can damage their merchant account reputation and hopefully stop others to fall victim in the long run.)

I spend more time writing this review and opening an account with them than the few bucks I spend on the service but I wouldn't mind spending a grand on an awareness campaign to stop them from scamming more people and ruining the image of tech companies. (For those interested, you can target their domain on most ad platforms and show your awareness campaign ad to every visitor of their website.)

The amounts they take from each person is not significant otherwise it would've been a great case for a class-action lawsuit. (Shows the scam is pretty solid and that they know what they're doing)

Tip for consumers:
DO NOT use them!

Products used:
Paid messaging service to find talent

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user tarad78
1 review
0 helpful votes
August 5th, 2019

I have been using StarNow for the last 12 months. It has been a great platform to get work and meet new producers. I have managed to get regular modelling/ acting work via this platform. I would recommend :)

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Tara,

It's awesome to hear you have found some great modelling and acting work on StarNow! Thank you for providing your feedback and recommendation.

All the best,

Maddy

Thumbnail of user antoniom163
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 4th, 2019

This company is crap, i joined up paid my money and could not apply for jobs they won't even reply, so don't join starnow

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Antonio,

So sorry to hear about your experience! Please email marketing@starnow.com so I can look into this for you:)

Cheers,

Kalista (on behalf of Maddison)

Thumbnail of user alis235
1 review
0 helpful votes
June 28th, 2020

Talents on starnow are very unreliable as starnow doesn't do anything to protect casting professionals, directors, there isn't any review system so we can't recognize unreliable talents, ppl who cancels on the project a few hrs before shooting day, also staff are so bad at communicating and solving issues with your casting calls!
I give two starts because I like the concept of the website but for now it has a lot room to improve.

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Ali,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review - I am sorry to hear you are upset.

We take all complaints very seriously and our member's safety is our number one priority. While it is often (unfortunately) the nature of the entertainment industry, I understand that it can be frustrating when talent do not show up to a previously confirmed shoot or audition.

If there is a specific member on our site that you are having trouble with, please get in touch with our Customer Success team via https://www.starnow.com/contact/ and they will be able to investigate the situation as per our Trust and Safety procedures.

Thanks,
Bella

Thumbnail of user danef4
4 reviews
8 helpful votes
July 8th, 2018

Got charged a recurring payment 6 months after I signed up and completely forgot about. They dont send reminders! I requested a refund and cancellation within an hour of the charge. Got a generic response saying it was not possible. I asked to speak to a manager and gave them my phone number (as we cant call them). Finally the CCO emailed be back. I found her response to be partly irrelevant, passive aggressive and sarcastic. She invited me to email her back if I had any further questions, which I did, requesting a refund out of courtesy and good business practice. No response. To me, this is basically theft. Dont use this company which you cannot easily contact and has zero respect for their customers.

Thumbnail of user kalistac
Kalista C. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Dane,

I've just responded to your latest private message on Facebook and other SiteJabber reviews with the below:_____________________________

I can see that you’ve made multiple posts across social media and SiteJabber – I’m sorry that you do not agree with our refund policy. As Stephanie, our Chief Customer Officer explained to you, our payment and refund process is completely within legal requirements and we will not be issuing you with a refund for your most recent payment. The information about our recurring billing is on the payment page, our site terms of use, on the account settings page and on receipts that are emailed after a payment made. Information about our refund policy is also available to view in our terms and conditions at any time http://www.starnow.com/help/terms.aspx

As the information is clearly visible both before and after subscribing with us, we will not be able to communicate any further regarding this dispute._____________________________

All the best,

Kalista

Thumbnail of user angelah143
1 review
3 helpful votes
March 1st, 2018

Starnow has failed to remove a member's profile, despite her having falsely represented herself on their website, falsely credited herself for work she never did, stolen petty cash that does not belong to her (rendering her a thief), not to mention being completely unprofessional by not doing the work she had falsely said she was doing, and pulling out of the project 12 hours before it's due to begin. Starnow has failed to protect their users from this person's unscrupulous actions via their platform by not removing her profile. A website that is not to be trusted to do the best thing by their users. Only giving them one star because I can't give them zero stars. Shame on you Starnow.

Thumbnail of user kalistac
Kalista C. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Angela,

I’m sorry to hear you feel this way. Protecting our members and creating a safe, fun, environment for them is a top priority for us.

We have a duty to protect all of our members as best we can, and we have found the most effective way to do that is to investigate all complaints, allow both parties to comment where possible, and to act on evidence, as opposed to heresy from either party. Investigating complaints such as yours can be particularly challenging when the issues have all taken place outside of our platform. To be very clear, the member you refer to did not, to the best of our knowledge make ‘unscrupulous actions via (our) website’.

As you’re aware, we were unable to immediately follow up with the other party concerned, as we were waiting from permission for you (which we requested on more than one occasion), as is our duty per the Privacy Act. Once we received your permission, we were able to complete our investigation and follow up appropriately.

I do hope that sheds some light for you, on how we work to the best of our ability to ensure fair and practical outcomes for all involved.

All the best,

Kalista

Thumbnail of user bretth139
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 30th, 2020

Starnow will pay below the award standard of the entertainment industry, even with agent.

Good for the entree worker or less experience.

The company appears to be used as a walk-around of the industry by employing workers cheap.

The general person will tend not to get picked. Top rated profiles will get the interview.

This is not for members looking for real-world paid $$$ jobs.

Producers are not interested in top profiles, they want exactly what was describe or ask for, nothing more or less.

While the account was not actively subscribed, resume was not downloaded (error).

Finally, the company has a Google page, search under Starnow Limited.

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P. – Starnow.com.au Rep

Hi Brett,

Thanks for taking the time to write this review.

Many of our members are interested in collaborating on certain projects for free to gain experience in the industry, which is why some unpaid opportunities such as ‘Time for Print’ jobs appear on site.

However, it’s also important that jobs listed on StarNow comply with current minimum wage laws.

It’s the Casting Professional's responsibility to provide details on payment available and to make sure it complies with any rules and regulations in their area. We make Casting Professionals using StarNow aware that this is their responsibility when they list with us and also provide them with resources around industry standards to help them make the right decision.

You can read our Help page to find out more: http://www.starnow.com/help/73.

Thanks again for reaching out.

All the best,
Bella

Thumbnail of user lianat1
3 reviews
40 helpful votes
March 18th, 2017

Star now is really based on free work.
When you look at a number of members and a few jobs The odds are very slim.

Service
Value
Quality

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From the business

We connect talent with casting professionals and have over five million members worldwide. StarNow is the leading website for auditions and jobs in the creative industries. Casting professionals around the world are looking for actors & extras, models, dancers, musicians, photographers, crew, stylists, and more.

Business History

London, 2004. Three Kiwi expats (handsome lads named Cameron, Jamie and Nigel) are chatting with their friend, Erica, who is struggling to find work as an actress. After bouncing around a few ideas, a lightbulb goes off: the world needs a website to help Erica, and others, get cast. Boom! StarNow is born.

The goal behind StarNow was to connect talent with casting professionals, and allow them to apply to castings. Fast forward to today, and StarNow is the leading auditions and jobs website for actors & extras, models, dancers, photographers, crew, stylists, and musicians. Pretty cool for an idea that stemmed from helping a mate land some work!

The boys brought in a team of brilliant minds (if we may say so ourselves) who have helped grow StarNow to over four million members worldwide. We work with some of the industry's top players, with dominant market positions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, together with a growing market position in the USA, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa.

We're building the best talent community on Earth, and we'd love you to join us and be a part of it!

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user maddisonb4
Bella P.
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Typically does not respond to reviews

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