Casting Scams - warnings from the Screen Actors Guild

 

The Screen Actors Guild is very clear in its warnings to NEVER pay to fees to submit for a film role or an audition.  Actors should never pay to get an agent or manager, and these representatives should only get paid when the actor they represent gets a paying job. 

 

There is also never a situation when an actor should give somone money in hopes of being considered for a film role.  If that happens, it's a scam.  Check out the SAG website, and conatct their office if you have any questions or concerns.  Here is a portion of their warnings that are posted on  their site:

 

Don't Pay Producers

• Every so often we hear of a producer that offers a role in a film to anyone who will contribute money towards the financing, anywhere from the starring role if you finance the whole thing to bit parts for those who do not have lots to give. If you see ads for such projects, please contact Gavin Troster of the Hollywood office at (323) 549-6809 to report such a practice.

Don't Pay Casting Agencies

• We all know that casting online is the wave of the future. Pictures and resumes posted on-line. Casting submissions entered with a keystroke. Resumes revised with just a few clicks. No more messengers. No more cutting and stapling. No more running all over town. Can’t be bad, can it? Well, actually, yes it can. Certain casting agencies are charging agents, managers or talent fees to post headshots and resumes online. Or worse yet, they are charging for every revision to a resume or photo. Some even go so far as to electively make their services available to a selective group, thus limiting performers’ access to casting sessions. Screen Actors Guild is fully aware of these abusive trends and is taking action with state labor commissions to examine these business practices. However, changes take time. In the meantime, be very careful about illegal fee practices. Know all the facts before parting with your money.

Don't Pay Fees

• Another example of questionable practices are seemingly legit background casting companies that advertise for inclusion in a national database of pictures to be used in future projects that film in various parts of the country, generally where SAG has no background jurisdiction and where filming is rare. These companies charge a fee to be listed in their databank, and tell you that they will let you know when filming is coming to your area. SAG has been notified about such companies putting ads in papers in places like Montana and Virginia. Some of these companies will tell you that you must send in money to “hold your place” in the film. Some of these companies may even hold interviews and auditions for films, but you have to pay an up-front fee to register for the interview. One company recently solicited headshots from actors in Atlanta and Minneapolis – the pitch was that they were going to cast in both cities for a Hollywood film. For a $25 fee, actors were given an appointment date and time to try out for the movie. Problem was that the Atlanta auditions were canceled and the Minneapolis auditions turned out to be a total sham. Those who went not only did not get seen for a part, but they lost $25. Again, some of these are in fact legitimate auditions for films, but it is always a good idea to contact your local SAG office to find out.