Veteran singer, dancer and business owner is claiming to be owed big bucks after shooting an advert with an alcohol brand through casting agency, Sync Model Management. Amstel says it has been over a year of demanding payment for the job and he has been denied entry into the offices and ignored by the agency director and founder.

PAY UP!

According to Amstel, he was meant to be paid R50 000 for the job. But he received only R29 000. Amstel says having to chase after the agency is frustrating as he completed the job over a year and three months ago. "This has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing. I have had issues regarding payments by Sync Model Management." Amstel says. Sync Model Management was contracted by an alcoholic brand in January 2023 for the Best Nights TV advert. "Sync Model Management reached out to me to go for auditions and I did and got the job. The whole production was completed in Jan 2023 and agencies were paid in full and received proof from the agency to prove that the client was paid already for the gig." He says he reached out to some people whom he was shooting the advert with and he was informed everyone got paid. "Whilst other agencies promptly compensated their talent, I have yet to receive payment for my services."

INSTALMENTS

Amstel says that since last year, he has tirelessly communicated with both the owner of Sync Models, Alessandro Bergman, and the accounts department at modelling agency in an attempt to resolve this matter. "Despite numerous promises and assurances, there has been a severe lack of commitment and transparency regarding payment timelines," he says. "I was informed that my payment would be distributed in three instalments of which I was not happy with because that was not the agreement from the on go well, however, no specific dates were provided for these payments."

DISRESPECT

The Butterfly singer feels disrespected. "This lack of clarity has only exacerbated the situation, leaving me in a state of financial uncertainty. Yesterday, I made a physical attempt to address this issue by visiting their office in Northcliff, however, I was met with a refusal of entry and was instructed to schedule an appointment first," Amstel adds. "The accounts representative communicated with me from a balcony, citing instructions from higher authorities. I have never felt so disrespected in my entire life. This blatant disregard for my rightful compensation and the unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the matter has left me with no choice but to pursue legal action against Sync Model Management." Efforts to reach Alessandrio Bergman were unsuccessful.