How to spot and separate a child acting / modeling scam from real opportunities.
The showbiz industry is filled with unscrupulous companies that pray on unsuspecting parents. The scammers know their targets well. They know that ALL parents think their children are talented, beautiful and smart. They know that proud parents want their children to be happy and succeed. They also know that all parents think their child has that “something special” quality to be the next big child star.
The truth is… we all have kids. They are all great and cute. There are millions of them and millions of parents who can be taken by sales pitches that feed the need to hear “Your kid should be a star”.
Here is how the scam works…
You answer a casting notice, get approached in a mall, or even get a phone call after filling something out online. The sales person pretending to be in the industry and posing as a casting director, agent or some other title tells you your child is “perfect” and would like you to audition for some part.
Excited you go to the audition with your kid in tow. Once there you realize that there are 100’s of others there and that it is not a “real” audition. There is no part to fill, script to memorize or production company there. It is a sales meeting and you are in the audience. Someone goes up and reads a pitch to all the excited kids and parents. They tell you your kids were chosen to be a part of the showbiz industry. They go into how much fame and fortune the kids will achieve. Every word spoken is meant to excite your child to a point where it would break their heart if you said “no” at the end.
Sometimes, they pull you and your child into a room and make your child read a couple lines for them. They do this to make the entire experience seem more legit. The reading is meaningless because there is no real part you are reading for…. it’s all an act.
Now comes the end… What do you need to do to make your child’s dreams come true? Pay up. What else. This entire sales session was meant to pump you guys up to pay for expensive, inferior classes, worthless acting workshops and poor quality portfolios. They have now convinced your child that “if only” their parents would cough up the 1000’s, they would be stars. They tell you that there are tons of companies who need “new faces”… and miraculously, can’t find them in the sea of over population outside. “New faces” and cute kids are hard to come by and companies will pay fortunes, they stop short of trying to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. You and your child MUST buy their services or their dreams of stardom can never be.
At this point, the scammers expect proud parents to fold into the pressures of “mom, please” and pay the cash. And, luckily for them, many do.
How to protect yourself and your child
Do not believe anyone who approaches you out of the blue. The scammers pay people to hang out at malls and shopping centers to sign up kids for these things… It’s all fake.
Be very careful when answering open call and auditions. When a real production company needs someone, they need someone specific, as in 8-9 year old Indian girl who can ride a horse. If you go to a casting and see tons of kids with nothing in common of different age groups, then it’s most likely a scam and be very skeptical.
If it turns out to be a sales meeting, run. DO NOT allow your child to sit in.
NEVER pay up front fees for anything. This is supposed to be a job — meaning YOU get paid.
ALWAYS do your research. Google company names, agent names, etc. If you find nothing at all then it may be fake. Legit companies have tons of info available about them and their employees. Many companies that operate in the gray change names and locations often. Finding very little or no information at all should be a red flag.
Learn to read between the lines.
Their commissions depend on making you feel special and selected for something special. They have honed their sales pitch and know how to pull heart strings.
this is from the ftc
Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down. Take a look at what is said and what it means.
“We’re scouting for people with your ‘look’ to model and act.” – I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.
“Your deposit is totally refundable.” – Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.
“You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program.” – We take everyone with money.
“There’s a guaranteed refund if you’re not accepted into the program.” – Everyone’s accepted so you can forget the refund.
“You can’t afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we’ll get you.” – We demand payment, whether or not you get work.
“Commissions from our clients are our major source of income.” – Our income comes from the fees we charge suckers like you.
“I saw your child’s photo and think she is perfect for ‘fill in blank’ , the job pays $800 a day, I would like to submit her to the job “ – for a fee I will forward her info to the other scammer I found in a free CraigsList ad for kid auditions.
It is up to you to protect your child! All the above is unethical but NOT illegal. Authorities will not help you when you lose your money and your child gets no work.
These days there is little work for kids with years of training living in large markets whose families are in the business. The last thing a legit casting director for an ad campaign will do is travel small town malls seeking talent. Stay grounded in reality and never allow high pressure sales tactics to sway your judgement.
The Nigerian 419 scam and the acting twist.
If you think it’s unscrupulous sales people praying on dreams of fame and fortune, think again. The Nigerians entered the act as well. They are posting fake casting calls, trolling online profiles and contacting wanna bees with checks in hand.
How it works is they contact you through a submission through CraigsList, any online casting call, an email or a contact on a acting profile. They tell you they are casting directors and have cast you for a high paying role in your city. They love you so much from your pic that they will pre-pay you for the shoot… COOL! right? ahhh, wrong!
They send you a fake cashier’s check from an international bank. You are requested to keep your pay and forward the remainder to their crew for the shoot via western union. Your bank cashes the check and you forward the rest as told. 2 days later your bank holds you accountable for the thousands of dollars you withdrew against a fake check.
Authorities can not help you and you are left holding the bag. You cashed a check from a bad source against your account! These people are in Africa, US authorities can not touch them and they know it!
How to Get your child into Acting for “real”
Forget about fame and fortune and concentrate on your kid having fun with it and improving their skills.
Get your child involved in school plays, local theater groups and local student film projects. None of these will pay a dime but will give your child the experience needed to get an agent. In small markets, agents may not always be required.
Find out what is being filmed in your area and contact the legit casting companies. Join their lists. Most cities have a few background agencies that allow anyone to register for a small fee and many casting directors hold monthly open auditions for new talent.
Many states have websites dedicated to the film industry and production in the state. They are a good source of local info for small markets.
Check with Union sites. SAG, AFTRA, Actors Equity, all have lists of licensed agents and other valuable information.
The only real way into the industry is with a resume, training, hard work and an agent. An agent will not see your child unless they have some experience and training. Send your child to community acting classes and local workshops. Network with other families that are involved within your community.
Once you get an agent, it will be up to you to get your child to the auditions your agent sends you on. Be ready for lots of disappointment. This is not easy work. For every small gig your child lands there will be dozens he didn’t. If your child enjoys it and has a true passion for the art, he will succeed.
Does anyone know anything about Celebrity Star Events?
Please don’t fall for casting hub scam. My daughter got a call back for today but I will NOT be taking her. I didn’t give them a heads up she won’t be coming back so they don’t have an opportunity to scam someone else. I hope the other call backs do the same. It’s a shame because the kids really want a chance and its hard to trust anyone out here.
I took my daughter to the casting hub audition yesterday. Once they handed us a paper with all these fees (not cheap) we were about to walk out of the door. I decided to stay just to see what they had to say. It all just didn’t sound right and they were just eyeing the crowd for their possible payday. When thy brought “Zeek” from Wizards of Waverly Place out I was shocked that he would be involved in such a scam. I let my daughter go and do her thing to the judge that looked like she had way too much Botox. My daughter was a little shy and didn’t do too great. She kept saying “when we call you between 5-11 tonight, will you be able to come back and make a payment?” She kept staring at my fiancé invicta watch so it was obvious they wanted people that looked like they can cough up the money. I am just glad I have some friends and family in the industry that told me not to do it. You NEVER pay anything up front!!!
Anyone please help me with info about interfaCE TALENT. THANK YOU
read this http://www.ripoffreport.com/modeling-talent-agencies/interface-talent-net/interface-talent-network-aft-1b041.htm
Casting Hub is a total scam. Broke my 8 year old daughters heart. Slimy skeevy people from start to finish. Really made me lose my faith in people. After 5 days without power because of the Sandy storm, this was supposed to be a reward. Instead we got botox man and his crew of ‘judges’ one of whom never smiled. Not most disappointing was the appearance of a minor actor from Wizards of Waverley Place. STAY AWAY!
I’m 19, fell for casting hubs scam, and gladly froze my account and disputed it today. Anybody want to join me in a lawsuit? Just because I fell for this does not mean im not intelligent. Let’s figure out how to take these pricks to the cleaners.
we did the same thing for my daughter and I am going to freeze my credit card account, did they try to resubmit for payment or did they try to sue you for the payment? They talk a big talk and get the children excited. Just curious how your deal ended
Hi I want to get started on my acting career and i have no idea how to find an agent. Please help!! I live in Miami,FL
Wow! Casting Hub was in Miami today 9/29/12, and they did the exact same thing, 7 people, the audition started in the hallway, that kid form Wizards of Waverly (I wonder how he got caught up in this crap), my daughter was 1 in 5 that was selected for a call back, and the package is at least $2300. When my daughter did the commercial, the “judge” read the application and saw our occupations asked me if I read the packet because it does cost money this is a business. At the time I just answered her that it wasn’t a problem, but as soon as I walked out I couldn’t believe she had the nerve to ask me if I could afford her ripoff! From what I’ve read on plenty of websites you shouldn’t have to pay for anything unless you’ve been paid.This was a learning experience for me, the extent that people will go nowadays to steal your hard earned money. PLEASE google these places and do your homework before you give anyone your money.
Today we went to a Casting Hub audition where we were given a very professional-sounding song and dance, complete with a surprise appearance from an actor from Wizards of Waverly Place. Imagine my embarrassment when I read someone had the exact same experience, right down to Casting Hub telling us that they would only be in town for 1 more day and if they chose our daughter for their agency that the cheapest package was $2,000 and they needed the money then and there tomorrow. I didn’t even wonder why the application asked for mom and dad’s job occupation, I think the previous poster is right about them only calling back the ones they think can afford 2K. Also, the same 7 people who lined us up and checked us in were also the judges. At the time it seemed reasonable when the main guy explained that the audition started in the hallway of the hotel to see how we would act/behave, but now I feel stupid. I have to break my little girl’s heart now. Beware everybody.
I’m 17 years old and I went to audition for BARBIZON, out of 600 girls they chose 89 and I was one of them. I start my classes tomorrow but they are charging me over 2000 dollars. I can make payments and they said but I’ve been hearing all of this! I’m doubting now, I dont want my mom to pay for something that isn’t even going to help. I want to get into the showbiz and they sound so convincing! They said once I go to my classes I will start getting calls for castings and stuff…. HELP??! 🙁
Is Barbizon really a scam?
Ahhh I’m glad I saw the post for Casting Hub, I heard them on the radio an I called immediately to make an appointment for today. They were going to be here in Houston,tx in a conference room at the Holiday Inn. I had a feeling it was going to be a scam!!! I’m glad I didn’t fall for it!!!
I took my daughter to a Casting Hub audition today. She got a call back for tomorrow. They said she was one of 5 in her age group (9-12 I think) to be asked back. They wanted me to confirm by phone that I was financially able to register if she was selected at the call back. I felt put on the spot, so I said yes. Now I can find no information online to see if it is a legit agency, or what that $2000 (for the smallest package) actually pays for. Kayla, after reading your post, we had the same experience. Now I’m afraid to show up with questions tomorrow. I don’t know if we should just blow it off or go to find out more info. Has anyone heard of any success stories involving Casting Hub?
Thank you to Kala as we got our 2nd call back from Casting Hub as well in Austin. I was up front with Cindy from Chicago who used to be on Telemundo, on the phone and told her I saw her prices but didn’t have the $$ to pay. I may just opt out of going as I would hate for my 10 year old son to be heartbroken..now I wish I never go the call….”she will be calling me tomorrow” and cancelling (she just doesn’t know it yet). There are plenty of auditions to go to in Austin..if this is his passion, they we can start at the ground up…Thanks for all the info everyone!
Casting Hub was in San Antonio TX July 28, 2012. My son called in on a radio station
Ad to get his invite. The “Talent Advisors” were very professional and attractive. And an actor from Wizards of Waverly Place was at this thing. It seemed legitimate. My son got a call back, but you had to return the next day and pay them at least $2000 for their services. When I appeared unsure about doing this, the Talent Advisor pretty much kicked us out of the room. We left. My son was heart broken because they had gotten his hopes so high. To their credit, they give you a handout up front stating their fees for services. So if you are not willing to put up $2000 and give it to a company you know little about, then DO NOT attend anything for Casting Hub. I wish I hadn’t. I have a feeling they call everyone back or
Perhaps call back only the ones they think can pay up.
I heard a message on the radio for casting hub and called the 800- number. They asked for me and my daughters’ name and sent me a confirmation email for the place and time, July 21st at 11:30 am Crowne Plaza Hotel Boston. It just says a non-returnable photo and upscale casual attire. I cannot find any information about this company. Please help…is this a scam???
OK-I just signed my 6 year old up for an open audition at the meadowlands with the casting hub headquarters. Do you have any insight on this company? Am I wasting my time?
Don’t know who they are but scams always have the same pitch. They bring you into some fake audition. By fake, I mean you are not auditioning for a role or job. You read some lines, have a meeting. They call you back and tell you how great you are and they want to sign you. They flatter you and tell you everything you want to hear like “you have star quality”. Then they pitch some paid service you must have to become a star like a portfolio that THEY create and YOU pay for, a monthly fee for some online profile, THEIR classes you must take, Their convention you must attend or whatever.
Just know the warning signs and always remember an audition is a job interview. If you get the job, you get paid. Nobody pays the employer or pays money to get the job. Real casting directors are paid by the production company, NOT you.
If anyone tells you you need services first like classes or headshots. Say, no problem, you will call some local photographers or schools of your choosing. If that’s a deal breaker, then all they want is your money for services. An agents primary business is finding work for their talent not pushing sub-par services. A casting directors business is casting productions, not selling sub-par services. A scammer’s primary business is getting money from YOU.
Does any one know anything about the I got talent company? My daughter has been accepted into their talent show case in our local area. The fee is quite high
Agents do not have high upfront fees. If you are doing this to get work, you will be disappointed. If you are just entering a talent show for the pleasure of doing it, then that is what you will get. If they are giving you promises of fame and fortune, then yes, they may be playing you.
Does any one know or have been contacted by Contour Management/N-Focus Studio (SCAM) they wanted money for headshots/Zed Cards and when I did, I only got 50 of the 700 they promised and they were bad quality they have changed thier #
BTW….Like I said in my previous post, my daughter currently attends Barbizon and my fee is no where near 20 thousand dollars!! 15 years ago when my son attended Barbizon, I still was not quoted a fee of 20k!! It was, in fact, cheaper back then, then it is today, but again no where near 20k!! That’s preposterous!!!
My daughter currently attends Barbizon, as did my oldest son. It’s a modeling school, not an agency. I have NEVER been told other wise. I am, however, sorry that some folks are being misinformed regarding them. They did get us in touch with very reputable agencies for my son (many years ago) and he did a few print ads, made a little money and lost interest pretty quickly. My daughter is currently going there and loves everything about it! As of now, her interest in “making the bigtime” is still very evident. I also have several friends who are/were models and went there too. What I have learned about them, is that, they are basically a finishing school. They REALLY do get you ready for the acting/modeling industries and also teach young people proper behaviors, speech, poise, presentation and manners. Anyway, that’s our experience with them, and we’re happy.
I believe it is a franchise, not completely sure. But I would imagine each location may do different things.
Looking for information on Casting Hub.
Has anyone dealt with Casting Hub and could provide information if they are a legit company.
there is a comment about casting hub at https://www.auditionsfree.com/about/how-to-spot-a-modeling-acting-scam/
I was just reading your post online about your daughter working with Kidz to Fame. I just had a couple of questions because Im reading alot of negative post about all of these agencies or schools. My son was accepted to Barbizon modeling and I have read alot of bad reviews. I cant differenate whats the truth because the bad review could possibly be people not recieving any jobs. I think that very understandable but Im so confused at this point. Have you heard any thing about Baribzon modeling?
Barbizon is a school, not an agency. Only Agencies can find you work. Schools can offer classes and give you a list of agencies to apply to. However, you can apply to those agencies directly without having to take expensive classes. Only a licensed agent can tell you if your son has potential or not and there is no charge for that.
MAN HOW TO GET ON DISNEY CHANNEL PLEASEE TELL ME
I have tried to talk parents out of being ripped off by these types of scams through the years, always to no avail. They are told their daughter IS the next “Shirley Temple” or “Mccauley Caulkin & they get so excited, they immediately get out their checkbook. I neve had said “I told you so” but try to be sympathetic. Sad how the call of fame & fortune blines people, large & small, from the reality that in show business, many are called, few are chosen. Very few. Very, very few.
Actress Sweety,
lets go through these
I Got Talent / gottalentnow – have you read the disclaimer on their site – ‘Submitting an application to GotTalentNow does NOT guarantee that you will be contacted. Applicant understands that GotTalentNow is not a modeling, talent, or employment agency or modeling school.’ – That tells you all you need to know.
InterFace or inter face talent group, – wow, same disclaimer to the letter…. may be the same scam -“Submitting an application to InterFACE does NOT guarantee that you will be contacted. Applicant understands that InterFACE is not a modeling, talent, or employment agency or modeling school.”
Acting Careers now, actingcareersnow.com looks like a lead gen. Meaning they are just taking your personal info so that they can sell it or use it for telemarketing.
The other which I will not even mention, just look up their reputation on Ripoffreport.com.
Angela, sorry, just noticed the comment – please read the ‘hollywood mom’ comment above. In California it is not legal for an ‘agency’ to charge upfront fees or make money off classes like Barbizon. Barbizon is a modeling / charm school, Not an agency. I would imagine that the contract does not say they are an agent and most likely deals with their classes. With that said, your best bet is contacting the BBB because Barbizon may negotiate with you to avoid another public BBB complaint. Many times, the business will negotiate a refund or partial refund when the BBB gets involved. BTW, Barbizon is listed as a school, not agency. If the sales person promised work or to act as an agent to make the sale, you may have to go above your commissioned salesperson’s head to their supervisor with your complaints. With operations like this that use commissioned sales people, the sales people will say many things they are not supposed to just to get the sale and their money. If the money paid gets refunded, the salesperson will lose their commission, so talking to the same person who signed you up is useless.
I love this post!! My name is Christine Williams-Reed, I am a former SAG licensed Los Angeles talent agent, the mom of a working child actor and the author of “Mom I Want to be on TV” A Parents Guide to the Entertainment Industry. I have to say I couldn’t have said it better! Anyone reading this needs to understand that what she says is 100% accurate. I have been in the entertainment industry for over a decade and I can tell you that legit talent agents and casting directors NEVER prowl the mall looking for new talent, nor do they place radio ads! There is no reason for them to do so…every day I would walk into my office at the agency and I had a pile of new headshot submissions on my desk. I never had time to sort through all of the submissions sent to the agency so the thought of going to the mall to search out new talent is absolutely insane! I now own Peak Talent School of Acting in Colorado and it amazes me how many parents come to me for advise about the so called “opportunities” they come across for their child. Please be careful.
hey i go to a school in LA and its called baribizon they told my mom to pay 20000$ and she signed a contract about a month ago and we wanna get out of it but they wont let us becuse of the contract give me your opinion on how to get out of it because we are not so sure about this agency !!
Guys please help. I am a freshman and I have taken a few acting classes and I’m in my high school’s drama club, however my parents do not want to get me an agent. Instead I decided to sign up to one of these sites. Are they scams and have you heard of any of these? I haven’t signed up yet please HELP!
igottalentnow.com
onesourcetalent.com
interfacetalentgroup.com
actingcareersnow.com
igottalentnow.com