Are you worried that an acting audition or modeling job you are interested in or that was offered may not be real?
If so, read on to find out what the red flags are.
There are too many marketing companies that prey on a persons quest for fame. These companies and their affiliates post casting notices, auditions and ads on Craigslist, and other free classified sites that refer to fake auditions and non existent castings for jobs that sound real. Some also use ads on the radio and newspapers to entice people.
Here is why they do this. Money!
There are many different scams preying on people trying to break into the industry. Here are just a few.
There are many companies claiming to be agencies that will claim to find you work… if you pay them. They don’t just come out and ask for money, they first get your confidence and reel you in slowly. Often times they schedule a “fake” audition (they don’t ask for money here to put you at ease), then they call and tell you ‘you are great’ come in for a 2nd audition and sometimes a 3rd. Once there, they tell you “you are perfect… but…”. This is where the salesperson kicks in and tries to sell you on photos, portfolios, online portfolios, classes, conventions and anything else they can push on you. The audition was not actually for a real part in any production, it was to evaluate how much you will spend and how much they can sucker you out of.
Then there are companies that don’t sell any services themselves, they get paid to sell your information to companies that have telemarketers and salespeople.
The companies / individuals involved are paid to get “leads”. Leads are people of a certain demographic such as child, teen, man, etc. that have a interest, such as acting or modeling, that they can later exploit by way of email spam, telemarketing, etc. After you answer a “fake” casting (much of craigslist was fake when I tested it), you will begin getting offers through email and sales pitches from telemarketers, all aimed at getting you to sign up for some service.
Many times they call you and say they have an audition for you. They pose as casting directors, agents, etc. They try to get you excited and pump up your ego with flattery. Real agents and casting directors do not just pick a name ‘out of a hat’ and offer a high paying acting job to someone they never met or seen perform.
When the telemarketers are done with you, your info gets sold to the next company and the routine starts again. Some internet marketers go as far as responding to your inquiry with a message that “you are perfect” or “will send the audition details”, but first… please go here and do this.
This is a different type of scam and not that obvious to most.
Those affiliates get paid to funnel people to other sites, usually sites that deal with background checks or security of some kind. Age and citizenship verification are a common ploy. I answered one Extra casting (sounded very real) that sent me to a site that does ssl certificates. Most people would not even understand that ssl certification is for online shopping carts and has zero to to do acting or auditions. The marketer just used that because it went along the lines of “verify your identity” for the fake casting call and he gets paid 30 bucks for every FREE lead he sends to the company. He is scamming them too! I was looking for an audition, NOT a shopping cart! I am useless as a lead to them, but he still gets paid ’till caught. Then he moves on to the next company looking for leads.
Here’s how to spot the real castings from the fakes.
Remember, real casting directors will always want a headshot, resume, acting reel, and for modeling things such as height, weight, size, etc. If all they ask for is an optional photo and contact info than beware. The scammers need the photo because the sales pitch involves a lot of flattery. The sales pitch is honed to make you feel special and chosen.
- Beware of anyone looking for “new faces”. Everyone has a new face! You can walk out your door and find dozens in a minute! The word “new faces” is a red flag.
- Beware of general needs such as “any ethnicity, ages 5 to 75” that’s almost EVERYONE! Real castings have specific needs (with the exception of extras / background).
- Beware of “no experience necessary.” While some casting calls for kids and background actors do not require experience, most principal roles require both.
- Beware of ads with large pay. Ads that read like “models and actors needed for ‘put in any large brand here’ pay is $1800 daily and job is 4 to 5 days….”
- Beware of ads that quote union rates such as $752 a day without mention of union. They are just pulling union jobs knowing you have ZERO way of getting the gig or worse, making them up and quoting union rates.
- Beware of anything that asks for lingerie, topless, etc. and request pics from you to be considered. Use your imagination on what someone will do with those. Real casting directors will want head shots, full body shot(clothed) and measurements.
- Beware of webcam auditions, Skype auditions and the like from people you do not know. There are legit ones done that way with experienced actors and scammers are playing on that. There have been many scams where ladies did those and were talked out of their clothing by people saying “I need to see what you really look like” and other lines. Those videos then get sold in other countries and end up all over the internet for others enjoyment.
- Beware of Extras casting calls that are nationwide. Generally, large productions go through a casting company. Anyone posting things like “Extras needed to make scene look ‘real’, ‘Insert big movie name here’ pays $300 daily” is a scam. Non-Union extras earn about minimum wage and are ALWAYS cast locally.
- Beware of anyone asking you to follow a link to do a background check. Do not sign up for any background or age verification site. Those are 100% scam, even though it seems free for you to do it, the scammer is selling your info to an unsuspecting company and you will never hear back about the audition.
- Beware of anything that says call some number, casting agents are waiting. Casting directors look at headshots and resumes than call back who they like. They do not sit by a phone waiting for everyone and their mom to call without even knowing if they fit. Basically, they call you if they like you.
- Beware of ANYONE that approaches you at a shopping mall to sign you up to audition for Disney Channel or whatever. Those are 100% fake. Disney does not work that way nor does any casting director. Those are sales people who are trying to get you in the door so they can then sell you stuff. There is no audition!!!!! You will be wasting your time going and many meetings later they will ask for payment for some inferior service. It takes many meeting because they attempt to gain your trust and have you invest your time. They try to make it look like they are doing auditions, then callbacks, etc. Not for a real role. It is for the opportunity to work with them and they make people feel special for being selected to come back so much. Fact is, they do that with everyone and the only thing they are evaluating is your ability to pay up.
And lastly, beware of anyone selling anything. Remember, you applied for a JOB! Means, they pay YOU!
How to protect yourself:
Get an email, an anonymous one for casting calls that you respond to. That way if it gets spammed, you can change it easily.
NEVER, follow a link to another site asking you to enter private information that has zero to do with what you are applying for.
Do your homework – Google company names. If you want to see any bad press you can Google ‘company name scam’ or things along that line. Check consumer report sites. Many try to hide the bad press and small operations change names often. If you can’t find anything about them, that’s a red flag.
You can check how long their website has been around by doing a ‘who is’ search. I just ran into a agency that looked fishy the other day. They claimed tons of credits and offered promises of fame. I checked them out. Their company website was created a few days back, hosted in the Ukraine and registered anonymously. Unless the Ukraine is the new Hollywood, I’m thinking, this may be a scam.
Remember, if it sounds like a dream, it most likely is just some low life trying to pay his bills off yours. Real jobs take commitment, training and diligence. You begin at the bottom with low paying jobs and castings in small productions, then work your way up as it is in any industry. Once you get some training, a resume and experience, then you get an agent to go after the larger jobs.
With all the above said, there are great opportunities available. You just need to learn how to stay away from the scammers. With practice, you will learn to spot the real from the fake. Even I still get fooled by some. Luckily, the readers normally catch those and leave me a comment to remove the spam.
Also, comments are taken and will be posted on this page. Add your own tips to avoid modeling and acting scams. I will moderate and post.
You can also read child acting scams for more info.
- NBA Open Auditions for The Memphis Grizzlies Seniors Cheer Team – Ages 50+
- CBS Series “FBI: Most Wanted” Casting Kids in NYC
- Actor Auditions in Atlanta for Coming Out Season 2
- Featured Extra Cast Call in Santa Fe, New Mexico for Disney Movie “Jiminy”
- Netflix Award Winning Show, Love on The Spectrum Casting in Boston, MA
I’ve received two of these scam auditions, but, I’ve been around long enough, in age, to know when something sounds like a LIE!
My question is, why isn’t there an avenue for Legal Action, against these CROOKS? It appears to me that, the INDUSTRY, in 2015, is way behind the curve, in developing a Legal Avenue, for holding these Bastards Accountable, in a Court of Law! Why Isn’t The Innocent Being Protected? That’s My Damn Question!
It is not illegal to sell things to people. Lots of salespeople use high pressure sales tactics, promise things they really can’t do and say whatever it takes to earn their commission. This is no different. This industry is actually above the curve with many states passing laws to protect consumers against predatory sales tactics. They are just using the word audition to entice people. If you read any of the contracts, in fine print, they will mention that they are NOT agents, not affiliated with any agencies and cannot get you work. They will also state that you are buying a service such as conventions, extremely expensive classes, a photo shoot, etc. The sales people just use high pressure tactics to get people to sign before reading it all through, usually by saying they are in a hurry, leaving on a plane to Hollywood in an hour, etc. It is difficult to bring legal action against them when people sign the contract acknowledging they know what they are doing. But, courts have taken action when enough people complain. These companies also know that most people will not complain because they are embarrassed, finally read the contract and realize they made a mistake.
What about SMASH talent? I have had to pay to go to a showcase before but they are sending me to classes to prepare. I have been scammed before and would like it not to happen again. Please tell me if this is a scam. *I did not pay to audition*
Does anyone know anything about SIR models out of New York? They seem legitimate but I’d like some outside opinions.
Do you know anything about this Agency. I can see they were licensed in 2012 formerly known as Visions Entertainment. I can’t find any reviews good or bad. They seem ok but I see red flags. They showed us a portfolio of one of their clients who did commercials for Embassy Suites, Jello, and have some bookings this december. All commercials. He is Greyson Foster. Maybe they can book some commercials but hook everyone in for the training fees. 20 weeks is around 1500. We are scheduled to go there today and I am curious. I don’t know what to think. I don’t have good or bad. Just nervous to make a mistake. They supposedly had a Boot Camp with MTV and some Agent there but I can’t see proof they attended. It was called Actors Boot Camp 2014 in Las Vegas. Please let me know asap
The main job of a talent agent is to book work for actors which they take a commission from. Any company whose main focus is training, workshops, portfolios is NOT making money from commissions on jobs, they make money from charging the talent for services. Good agents are selective because they ONLY make money if YOU make money, not from stuff they sell you on. The test would be if they are still willing to find you work and send you on auditions if you DO NOT take or pay for the classes, workshops, etc. Casting directors / agents that do workshops are getting paid to attend. In California, there is a law against such practices, but I don’t think Nevada has one. If they are selling Hollywood, please note the part of the law below that prohibits mixing workshops with casting for CA based agents / casting directors….
Casting directors cannot accept headshots and resumes from actors at a workshop (or seminar, class, etc.). Even if part of the class involves having the casting directors review and offer feedback on actors’ resumes, the resumes must be returned to the actors by the end of the class.
here is part of the CA law
An ‘Advance Fee Talent Representation Service’ is illegal. California Labor Code 1702 states: ‘No person shall own, operate, act in the capacity of, advertise, solicit for, or knowingly refer a person to an advanced-fee representation service’.” Including, any “individual, company, society, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other organization,” requesting advanced fees for representation. In simpler terms: No person or business (including agents, agencies, managers, casting directors, schools, workshops, etc.) can charge upfront fees in exchange for representation or promises of work.
On a side note…
their online audition form asks (what it doesn’t ask for is a headshot and resume)
Has anyone ever told you that you should be an actor, model or singer?
Best time to contact parents?
Thank you for your information. It is very hard to figure out since there is nothing good or bad and they do have a license in Nevada and nice offices. Which could be paid by their classes. They seem to have kids doing commericals but that could be very far and few. I would like to get training for my daughter but am trying to figure out how to do it. I am not paying them anything tonight and will see how they react. If it is for training they would be fine with waiting some time. If not then that says a lot also…
OH they also have a facebook page
Well like I thought. They didn’t lie, and don’t promise jobs just training and they will get you opportunities in front of casting directors that come to town etc. You need to pay right away. Red Flag. There are some real nice kids taking classes there, and I am sure they get some opportunities since I saw at least 2 that were doing commercials. But how many students do they have and how many get commercials Etc. There has to be a better way for training. I can’t find and derogatory information on them, however, one of the partners worked with John Robert Powers who appears to be a huge fraud and the same tactics are being used at this agency. Why hasn’t anyone spoken up?
Maybe you can contact the casting directors they are trying to hook you up with and get their take on it… as to what they will be there to do, as well as research them. Many casting directors do workshops where I am in L.A. Those classes are not thousands of dollars though and the CD’s are there to speak, not cast normally. There are lots of classes offered at most community colleges, theaters and by many CD’s for a reasonable price as well. Those are always called what they are… classes, workshops, etc. and never an audition. You don’t audition for those, just pay a fee and attend. Companies that use the word “audition” to entice people into taking classes are operating in the gray and use the word audition as a “bait and switch” sales tactic.
I was given a link to this URL for nextauditions.com. Has anyone heard of these people? Is this a scam for money?
Never heard of them but would watch out for anyone who promises to “get you discovered” or the like. Accredited talent agents do not use that language… ever.
Casting directors hold auditions for specific projects and roles, not for ‘undiscovered talent’, in California, talent agents need to be licensed, so when in doubt, ask for licence information and check it against the States database of licensed talent agents.
I have received email from Erica Arvold casting to signup with AgencyProTalent.com. They said for $9.95 per month I would instantly get all the things that make clients stop and check me out. That which is, displayed below:
* Display up to 20 photos and your full resume.
* Be seen first through instant online submissions.
* Get a FREE website at AgencyProTalent.com to support your personal marketing efforts.
* Track your online submissions and personal website hits.
I basically would like to know if this site is legitimate, I search the the site and found no negative information. Is it worth a try?
This is the page for Erica Arvold https://ericaarvoldcasting.agencyprosoftware.com/talent/application.php
They use the software but what you listed above is a different link / site than the one they are using. To apply with Arvold in VA, use the link in this comment or on their website.
I would like to just make everyone aware of our recent experience with a “so-called” talent agency that has proved to be a scam. First things first, both of my sons, who of course, I think are the most talented, beautiful and amazing kids are 6 and 8 years old.
Recently a friend contacted me and told me about an audition that she heard about on the radio out of Kansas City. She said that is was a chance to audition for shows on the Disney Channel. I was immediately excited and thought, wow, this could be our chance to stardom!!! Ok, so anyway, she had already called the number and gotten her daughter an audition and wanted me to call and get my boys an audition, too. I called the number and they wanted simple information, like my name, the kids’ names, their birthdays and my email address.
I gave them this information and, BAM, they got an audition! The lady on the phone said this was only open to 200 kids and we were one of the first callers! WOW, I thought, this is going to be awesome. My first mistake was then asking my boys if they would be interested in auditioning. They of course were immediately excited and, being 8 and 6 years old, thought this was an instant ticket to be on a show like, Jessie, Lab Rats, etc. I explained that they have to audition first and then we’ll see where that goes.
This “agency”, then emailed me a very generic email stating our date and time for the audition, place and a 3 line script that they needed to practice and know by heart at audition time. My first impression of this “agency” was that the email was very generic. There was no contact information, no address or phone number, NOTHING about the company. Red flags were going off like crazy, but I just thought, maybe it is a private agency that only seeks talent first and then gives you all their info if they become interested in you. Ok, so anyway, all week long, my boys practiced to their little hearts content their lines. I mean they MASTERED these lines! I went out and bought new outfits, because the email said to have your child dress in upscale casual clothing.
So, the day of the audition comes and we all get up early and head to Kansas City. The audition was going to be held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel (by the airport). I later figured these con-artists just picked this place because it was convenient for them to hop off the plane from their scamming city to city and go across the street to a hotel with an open ballroom. Now, they told me when I made the audition appointment to be there at 11:30 am, my friend and her daughter had their audition at 9:00 am, so I thought we would have to wait our turn. When we went inside the hotel, we got in the line and stopped at a table, they did not asked who I was, just had me put my child’s name on the sign in paper, sign my name and put his age. Then you were directed to a woman who was taking a group picture of you and your child with her iPad. This woman then “checked” my driver’s license.
I have absolutely no idea what the hell she was “checking”. I mean, how did she know I was these kids’ mom? I could have been anyone, she didn’t ask me for my audition time or in that matter if I even had an appointment. We were then led into the ball room where all kids and parents were being seated and started filling out a 1 page “application” for your child. They gave us a booklet, it was good quality, had several pages, but it did not really validate who this company was, where they are located, etc. I couldn’t help but scurry to fill out the application. This application asked things like child’s name, parent’s names, our phone numbers, address, height, weight, eye color, hair color, child’s interests, hobbies, how we heard about the audition, parent’s occupations, how committed we are, child’s talents and why we think our child is “the one”.
When the room was full, the doors were closed and then it felt like a seminar was starting. The director, who had a very thick European accent, stood up and started telling us about how the next hour would go. She even said there was a real celebrity who flew in for this event that would be there! Talk about sucking your kids right in, my kids were thinking, wow, this is so exciting, we are going to get famous and get on TV! They introduced the “scouts” who would be auditioning your child. These “scouts” were the same ones who checked us in, took our picture and were walking around the room before they got started.
This was a large room with probably 12 rows of chairs. There were probably 125 kids in the room along with parents. They then start to tell us about the process, that each child will only get about 3 minutes with the scout to show them what they got. They introduced the “scouts” who were very dressed up. These people looked the part. They looked like they were models and or actors themselves. Who knows if they were even legit or not, this is just what they were up there telling us. Anyway, they introduced the “celebrity”. It was a guy who supposedly played the red power ranger on Nickelodeon. I had no idea who this guy was, he was a pretty boy, he talked about his acting career and how he “made it to the top”. They then went over some skits with the audience to show them how the audition was going to go. Then it was time to audition. We were broken up into groups based on a number on our application. We actually were third in line. When we got to the table, he took our application, asked for his picture and asked my son about his interests and hobbies and then asked him to say his lines.
He flawlessly performed, I of course thought he did great and thought he deserved a ticket straight to Hollywood. The “scout” then asked if we were serious about pursuing this and if we had a “flexible” schedule to accommodate my son if he was chosen. Then the audition was over. We were of course excited, kids were pumped up and all the false hope started again. They told us that we would get a text message that evening if he made the cut. They told us only 5% of the kids auditioned would get a call back. Later that evening, we got the text! I was excited at first and then my husband and his friends were like what’s the catch? The catch was, you had to come up with a financial plan and had to be able to “secure” this at the second audition which followed the next day. The prices in their booklet were outrageous. The cheapest one was $1,900. The most expensive package was $7,900. These prices did not guarantee anything except “access” to more auditions and jobs. What a rip off. It was then confirmed in my mind this was a rip-off scam. My friend, who went with us that morning, also got the magical text saying her daughter had been picked for a call-back. That confirmed it even more that this was bogus. I mean what are the chances that both of our kids were part of the 5% that they were supposedly calling back. I just want to make everyone out there aware that this, in fact, is a SCAM!!! The biggest red flag for me was that I couldn’t find anything about this agency on the internet. Their name was so generic, “Model and Talent”, that when you google them, their particular company does not come up but every business in the world that contains the words, model and talent does. I then found a blog where this company changed their name recently from “Casting Hub” to “Model and Talent”. So needless to say, we are staying undiscovered and fortunate we didn’t get reeled into this any further.
Please beware that most of these scams have these seminar like events in hotels. They recruit via the radio or newspaper and lead you to believe that your child is the “chosen” one. BEWARE!!! This made me want to go down there and stand in front of the hotel lobby on the second day and tell these parents who thought their child was headed to stardom, the truth. I hope this helps you for any questions you may have if you get jipped into one of these ads. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then IT IS!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Hope it helps other families.
I recently responded to an ad, it was very specific about what they were looking for. They first asked for 4 photos, a cover letter, resume, and in the cover letter there has to be a statement that I was comfortable with an NR-17 or R rating. They were very descriptive in the ad, and I was one of the people who received a response. They put off auditions for 2 weeks due to a death on the staff, but have decided to continue. They asked for one more photo (in a two piece outfit), and then sent me a slide to record an audition and post to youtube. They saw the name of my college (an Ivy) and said for that reason, even if I am not chosen to act, they have a producer trainee position available that they would discuss with me at the in person interview if I made it that far. I did all of this, and it seemed legit, but here is what has me off guard. With the exception of the first e-mail, I don’t have any contact info on them. I have an email address that goes to a craigslist ad, and only after I submitted my audition tape did I receive thier address. I don’t have anyone’s name, or phone number, nor do I know the name of this ‘agency’. The thing that most has me concerned is that I finished my audition tape late at night, submitted it at 11:40pm, and received a response with the location of the in person interview about 15 minutes later. What kind of company has employees doing this at midnight? And if it is a legit company, would they really function this way? I’ve looked up the address they gave me and I know is that its in an office building, but I can’t find any company name in the suite that they are in. I’m tempted to ask for more info (ie a company name, contact number, something). After all of the steps I had to take to get to this point, I’m feeling very confused at thier lack of information. I have less than a week before the interview, any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Oh, and I am planning to bring a male, very muscular friend of mine just in case).
Sounds really really wrong. There is zero reason to not give out company or contact info. The producer thing, or asking if you would like to be one, makes it very suspicious since producers often time oversee budgets and find funding for productions. No, this seems far from legit and personally seems like they are trying to gain your confidence through all the correspondence. Not a single legit company would ever withhold their identity unless they were hiding something for sure.
On a side note… the rated R reference is completely off the wall. No one would even think about mentioning that and projects don’t get rated before they are produced. It sounds like it may be a Nigerian confidence scam where they actually have no idea what they are taking about but are trying real hard to sound like they do. Uhh, be really careful, if you decide to move forward, go back through their correspondence to see if the grammar and language sounds like a native English speaker wrote it. And, if you even have to wonder, its probably wrong. No harm in asking for references, projects they have done in the past, etc.
I have been cast for a reality show. The producer told us we would have to sell tickets for a benefit dinner. There is 2 concerts scheduled as benefit concerts to help out with the production cost. There is a actor who has played in some movies backing this up and makes appearances at the office. Is this common?
It’s common for music groups and comics, never heard of that for reality TV since shows like to get the funding before moving forward with casting. Not sure if that’s a scam, just sounds like a production in need of money to move forward and trying some crowd funding techniques.
Hello, I was wondering if its possible that there are scam casting calls on this website? Has anyone ever been scammed from this site alone? If all are legit that would put my conscious at ease before i send $360 to a traveling agent I’ve never met before.
Thank in advance!!
While we try to be as thorough as possible with the listings, they are posted by various production companies and 3rd parties. No site can ever guarantee a listing due to the anonymous nature of the internet. If anyone asks for money, EVER, it is a 100% scam. A real production company would never send a check to some stranger, ask them to cash it and forward money to them. They DO NOT ask for travel agent fees, etc.
it seems legit to here is the posting https://www.auditionsfree.com/2014/auditions-principal-roles-romantic-comedy-california/ (if it does turn out to be a scam can i sue them? they made me send them a video after i did a monologue for them getting my hopes up and giving something to cling to in my time of need. Any advice would be appreciated.
If anyone asks for money to cover YOUR travel costs, it is NOT legit. Do not send them money, if you do, you will never hear from them again. Scammers who ask for money to be sent are not in the US, so no, you will never be able to sue them and you would never be able to even find out their real names to even try.
they were also using a pretty known casting directors name isn’t that grounds for suing? gary zudeborg
Thanks for helping me out!!!
It is hard to catch scammers because they lie. I don’t believe there is any way to find out who they are and most likely they are not even in the US. That notice was posted on many casting sites including the ones people need to pay for. I don’t believe there is anything that can be done about it. Unfortunately, it happens and everyone needs to be aware of it and never, ever send a stranger money for any reason. Gary Zudeborg had nothing to do with it, they simply created an email account in his name.
We were suckered out of $3000 dollars. Yes, that’s right. $3000 dollars. Model and Talent goers, beware. The ad on the radio makes it sound like you are auditioning for a Pepsi Commercial. You go in the first day and complete these forms, listen to a bunch of people lift you up and you think you are wonderful and have potential. You read your script and you leave praying you get a call back. Well, guess what? You get a call back (which I think everyone did) and you read your script again in this big room with no one in there but you, your parent, and the talent representative. Oh yes my son was wonderful. Then out comes the price list for their services. You’re not given any time to really think objectively because your kid is sitting there thinking they are going to be star! She answered all the questions about as vague as she could. I look over and my son is crying because he is so thrilled that his dreams are coming true. I as a parent of course do not want to shatter his dreams, so I’m pulling out charge cards and every resource I have to pay for this service that is only internet marketing of my child. No face to face guidance whatsoever. After realizing we had been had because we found a reputable agency, I had to call the credit card agency and cancel all other scheduled payments to this agency so I could cut my losses. My source of anger though is not the money. I don’t see how these people can sleep at night knowing how they have lied and manipulated these young people for money. Karma is a bitch!
A company calling themselves Model and Talent is having auditions at the Hyatt in Boston this weekend. Scam. They took my licence snd signature as a security measure…..great. they called my child back despite fumbling lines. They had Dan Benson, zeke from Wizards of Waverly place hyping thier enterprise. Disney and all that. I’ve founded other scam reports using him and his name as a front man. Hyatt Boston August 23, 2014 and August 24, 2014. Thier literature has nothing as far as names and contact info beyond a now dead email address at auditions@modelandtalent.tv. sorry I went. Off to lockup my credit report!
I just got scammed by the same company yesterday here at the Mariott in Ottawa, Canada. Here they used the ugly nanny from the show Jessie, Jennifer Veal, for their big hype. It wasn’t until I got home, read their pamphlet, and started to put 2 and 2 together and saw the scam. At that point I predicted to my daughter and her mother that we would make the “call list” and be asked to come back today, Sunday, to a “2nd audition”. This would be followed by financial commitment, between $2000-8000 (that is, if my daughter succeeds in the second audition, which I am sure that everyone does). This is pathetic for the kids, fortunately my daughter took it quite well. Once again, the company is called Model and Talent and you cannot find them on the Internet, only complaints about the scam. The URL is ModelandTalent.tv and what I found out after is that “tv” stands for: ” It’s technically from the country of Tuvalu. However some guy paid the country a flat fee (of somewhere between $15 to $20 Million or so) to have exclusive rights to market it and sell domains with the .tv extension. He thought it would be a good idea since .tv can be construed as an abbreviation for “television”.” SCAM, please beware.
Is backstage a legit website for auditions? What are real websites for casting calls in films and tv?
Yes, Backstage is legit
Anyone ever heard of Smash Talent? I want to know if they are legit. They “chose” my daughter to be in their “Launch Showcase” in Chicago which will introduce her to 70+ agents. Costs start at $1995 up to $3945.
Sounds like a convention. Not sure what you mean by legit. Sounds like they want you to pay for a service. If you are asking if they are an agency, I would doubt they are since agencies are not allowed to charge upfront fees for representation. There are companies that sell conventions and talent shows. You can usually just google those, use “review” after company name to see what others who attended thought of the service.
Sofia,
What did you find out about this showcase in Chicago? It’s severll years later and they are still at it?
Does anyone know if Explore Talent in itself is scam, or just some of the so called producers casting directors are? they have an address in Las Vegas which of course I was just there and I am NOT allowed to go check the place out come on my assumption is it is a call center.
And if you call then you most likely will be routed to the Philippines.
I got a hit for my child from new casting producer from email michaels2casting@gmail for commercials, pilots, movie and modeling ( first red flag should have been he was casting for so many different types of cast not just a movie or a commercial).
Once I searched more by cross checking the casting director, I FINALLY found producer name. Turned out very below B rated commercial in Canada( I cannot even describe how low budget this way, it was a commercial on a cereal but more like the old kid showed the line and the dot) 1st phase turns out screening..( which was it couple hundred person cattle call although we were told that she had been pre-screened and selected) everyone auditioned went through.
I was told she would be perfect for commercials, my daughter who did not even say one word they looked at her and said modeling and that was it. I could not ask any questions.. willing to do very low budget even know wanting to get her three points with SAG, we continue.
Everyone that showed up for the next training, also went through, but I know there’s less people because most people saw the red flags we’re having a blast in Hollywood so I figured what the heck? No money. No harm, she’s getting her feet wet although it was for modeling she still is having to memorize Scripts. something I just noticed this last visit which is a separate question to you is this is a separate ways of HOOK LINE sinker..
When we went into the office this time it was filled with 6 other individuals usually it is just one three of which I recognize from cattle call. I call them our on it. They said they got hired in the office ( yet they are helping conduct interview) they asked young lady if she got the part, she said yes for the candy commercial, but she stuttered her way through that I asked if I could please see it because everyone was getting the part to the candy commercial..they did not know how to handle my questions which were quite correct, is that a separate form of skin having the people that are scamming us in line or did they just actually truly get hired?
Should we be able to ask them at any point at an audition, to view something that they have filmed or made? So that’s a two part question one is Explore Talent are they legit? Not all of the clients but go through them? Thank you for any help
Explore Talent is not an agency, they are a site that syndicates casting information from all over the internet. They have no way to tell if the casting is real or a scam. They do NO hiring for any projects and basically charge a monthly fee to see the contact info for the casting calls they find. The office is a call center with sales people, not, casting directors or agents.
They sell website subscriptions and others mentioned their sales people may be aggressive in selling those subscriptions.
Their website tells you to watch out for scams because they may be listing those. This sounds like the usual bait and switch. You come in for an audition and the people try to sell lessons instead.
Reply to Lann: Was this located at 1335 La Brea in Hollywood? If so, I came to the same place. And yes, I’m convinced it’s a scam. re: my comment below.
Just got ripped off by a Las Vegas Acting Scam Sharry Flaherty Thief lying scammer. Casting Call entertainment liars and thiefs and scumbags . Fake celeb pictures in studio and classes taught by no body’s and high school theater kids. Not Professional, just Liars, Casting Call Entertainment liar,s las vegas and Sharry Flaherty lying thief, Sharry Flaherty FAKE CASTING DIRECTOR. Sharry Flaherty the Fake Casting Director from las vegas.
I found this acting place on craigslist to be in a Russell Crowe movie.
but then when I went there they wanted about $3.50 for a headshot, which I already got.
It was a total scam, learned that if they ask you for money its a scam.
My 2 cousins, one girl 16 and the other a boy 11, were recently “accepted” into an agency called “Seattle Talent.” They heard about it through an ad on the radio to come in for a free audition. Well the girl, I believe could be a model if she wanted to. But the boy, I do not feel like he has real talent to be an actor and that’s what he is thinking is going to happen. They have already made a payment of $3,000 to them that I know of, and possibly much more.
They are supposedly taking classes right now to improve their skills? This whole thing has just sounded fishy to me from the beginning. My aunt and uncle are both very naive as well as the kids, and could get scammed very easily. They are hurting financially with a failing restaurant and I feel that they are desperate and jumping on this thinking they are going to make a bunch of money with their kids turning into famous actors.
I can’t seem to find too much on this company, but I have seen that they are linked to another company called “John Robert Powers,” or JRP, and this company has lots of bad things being said about it. They have supposedly scammed a lot of people out of a lot of money. I’m just wondering if they are indeed linked together somehow, and if they should be trusted with huge sums of money right from the get go, just to take classes.
They are a charm school NOT casting directors or agents. ONLY casting directors can book talent and the audition is to see if you already have the skills not to sell services. Casting directors do not sell classes. The sales people are commissioned so they sell the “dream” to kids and parents because that is their paycheck. Their contracts however always state that they have about as much ability to get anyone acting work as your auto mechanic… none. They need to fully read the contract to find out exactly what they paid for which is most likely classes.
But, yes, they may be linked and if not, they are using the same practices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCrsTTfIK7I#t=51
I want to do this auditions so bad. I want to play on disney channel, call me, thanks have a nice day.
call today or anytime
Please take Craig’s list for what it is, you would never get proper acting jobs on Craig’s list, the moment I read violet as the name of the person, African scam straight to mind came to me. It is a scam regardless of what they say. They will promise you the world and it’s all about how good they can act and thread you a story. These scammers disgust me and if caught should do 3 years community work from prison, they are scum who prey on the innocent and naive. Don’t be taken in trust me, I have over 20 in acting, auditions and other areas. Take care
Paul
Unfortunately, the Nigerian (or other) scammers are not in the US. The money will eventually go to another country through Western Union and there is nothing anyone in the US can do to get them. They will never do jail time for any of the scams they pull or lives they ruin.
So, I have a question and I need a QUICK answer. I replied to an ad on Craigslist saying that they were looking for new talent and to provide one picture (doesn’t have to be a professional photo). I thought, “Well, I have nothing to lose.” and I sent a photo to them. About two weeks later, a lady named Violet emails me telling me that as a committee they decided to offer me a 2 hour fashion shoot for HELLO Magazine in my state. It’s $2000 for the 2 hours of work and there’s no nudity, fetish, or any adult content. She told me to send me my measurements and 3 pictures of myself and the address that my check can be mailed to.
I gave her my measurements and everything and she said that on Saturday there would be a check coming for $2000. So on Saturday, I checked the mail and there was a check from Toyota in Texas for $1950. She said to keep $400 for the upfront pay and wire the rest using a MoneyGram to a store manager in Houston, Texas so they can get my outfit for the photo shoot ready. Violet also said that the flying cost and all the expenses will be paid for and I can bring one person with me, but I am responsible for their well being. She said that the $2000 will be given to me after the photo shoot is over.
I am little nervous and I have no idea how these things work because this is my first time with any exposure to the modeling world. I wanted some advice on whether or not this is legit because I don’t want to be wasting my time. ANY ADVICE IS APPRECIATED!
That is the Nigerian check cashing scam (also known as 419) that is all over Craigslist. The check is a fake, you cash it, send the money to another country and 2 days later the bank holds you responsible for cashing a check that was forged from someone you do not know. Oldest scam on the internet and before the internet. It is a confidence scam, someone convinces you to give them money and by cashing a check which is just a piece of paper backed up by your word… you would be doing it.
A check is not real money unless it’s cleared and it can take 2 to 7 days to clear a check. The banks usually front the money to account holders as a courtesy for accounts in good standing and the scammers rely on that. Ultimately when days later it bounces, its your credit and you responsible because you took the chance on it being a good check and took the money before it actually cleared. Think about it… why do they need you, or trust you to send THEIR people money…. Nobody works this way. Would you send a stranger from Craigslist real money and ask they forward it?
Nobody but a scammer will pay someone sight unseen and ask for you to cash a check then mail them money. Take it to the cops. People have been killed over this scam!
look up Nigerian 419 scams http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/419_scams
Anything involving western union or moneygram is a scam, ALWAYS! The banks also hold the victims completely responsible and on the hook for all the money!
I covered that scam here https://www.auditionsfree.com/about/child-acting-scams/
A friend fell for this scam, it is almost a full time job advising people on how to detect and be aware of scams. I feel like a scam doctor without a ozo to blast these filth away.
It’s convincing but nothing is for free.
Ok so, I went through almost all the comments and it seems that everyone is asking whether “this or that” is legit… and a lot of the replies are partially true. I’ve been working as an actor for a couple of years now, and was training in a local acting ‘camp’ so I met a bunch of actors off of Broadway and video games and such..
2. I saw people pointing and asking about John Casablancas, Seattle Talent, and John Robert Powers…. these three are schools.. nothing more than schools. Yes its true they give opportunities of auditioning for scouts, but you do have to pay. every actor trains, I train, I’m sure Robert Downey Jr went to training, Gregg Sulkin often he goes to training sessions, so yeah its a thing we do. I have 3 different friend with 3 different stories…
Shaundi- She is an actress that I’ve personally worked with since we were in 6th grade being in plays together. She attended John Casablancas and did pay, but the good thing is that she became a model, she does runways and is also acting, she gets to act along Alex Vincent the guy who played Andy in Child’s Play. So I can say it worked for her.
Isaias- He is also a close friend since the 9th grade, he too joined John Casablancas but it didn’t work for him. He said he was getting tired of not getting work.. OK that’s a problem you must be patient! it obviously didn’t work for him.
Liz- Surprise surprise, also have worked together since the 7th grade, we both went together to a Seattle Talent audition here locally, we both went through the process which was read a short commercial and if you could sing, sing. She got called back and I didn’t 🙁 but I now find that as a blessing. Later she told me, what everyone says when you here you have to pay, she said it was probably a scam. She went on to tell me that she went to the callback and they told her that she had to take classes and that she was going to end up paying. She told them that she couldn’t, they just get to the part where she’d audition for casting directors, the lady told her no because at this point she wasn’t good enough and she needed training to be able to make it. So I don’t know where it leaves me.
Ok, so also a lot of you said they were asking you to pay for pictures.. yes agents sometimes do so, they aren’t charging you, the photographer is charging you. Your headshot is your calling card. it is an 8″ x 10″, color picture with your resume attached to the back. YOU NEED THESE PICTURES.
3. It’s good to be out there and searching for auditions, but just by going on Google and typing “auditions” or “movie auditions” will only lead you to a bunch of scams. So if you want to audition for TV, go to their websites like ABC, CBS, etc and usually if you are on their websites they have a tab for auditions and it takes you to legit casting calls by that channel. also you could go to (redacted) posts casting calls from the US to the UK. and steps to submit yourself.. that’s how I got to be an extra on the film “Laggies” filmed in Seattle.
talking about being extras…
1. If you see a casting call for extras, make sure its local, for example don’t submit if you live in Texas and the project is in LA. Extras need to be local because you do not get paid for hotels like the leads do. Also because sometimes the call times are early in the morning or they get canceled or you get called an hour before.. so yeah that would be a problem.
2. there are rules to live by when on set as an extra, don’t go up to the actors and ask for autographs and pictures, you are all on set together as a team to create art, so don’t be the starstruck making everyone mad.
If you have a facebook join an actor support group, lol sounds funny but you wont believe how much info you can get from other people who have been acting for a long time… a good one to join is ‘Actors Supporting Actors’ ask questions on there and someone will answer you.
So I’m kinda done here… unless you have any more questions.. you can reach me at eydrianneruiz@yahoo.com
I don’t think the question of whether training is necessary or not is at issue, the issue is how some programs attempt to HIDE the fact that they are schools and not agents. The franchises use commissioned sales people who really push the envelope to get that sale. They entice people with ads for auditions then use a ‘bait and switch’ tactic to get the money…. i.e. you come in thinking you have an audition for a paying job and leave having bought classes you did not expect to.
There are lots of acting schools for those actively searching for them, most of the very good ones have waiting lists and do not advertise auditions for some non-existent acting gig just to get you in the door, they don’t have to, their classes are already in high demand with long waiting lists.
Robert Downey JR. did not go to Casablancas, etc. He began at the age of 5 because his father is Robert Downey SR., director, producer, writer, actor. But, yes, he did go to a pretty elite acting school when he was young.
Bottom line, if you are going to pay for classes, make sure it’s with a reputable school and USABLE on your resume. Do not just take some classes because someone at some audition for ummm…. nothing, told you to because you have ‘star potential’….
Hello,
I hear on the radio an ad for iPOP Audition, I took my daughter after calling, signing her up, and getting an e-mail with the part she had to recite. She memorized the part, I dressed her nicely (upper scale) as they requested on the e-mail I received, and took pictures with me. They chose a “headshot”, and had a form. They presented the company as the founder of Zac Efron, a girl from “Switched At Birth”, the boy/star from “Once Upon A Time” (which their picture is in their website), and a entire bla about good GPA and family union. They presented a show about their company. They also said that they would help the kids to find agents around the country to work with other companies as: Guess, GAP, Disney (TV Shows), and several others. They were saying they would lead the kids for the right path. Right away they came with the “form of payment and different choices”. They chose my daughter and I noticed they were choosing a lot of people. As soon as I said “I spoke to her father and he will not pay any money up front, since you say she is so talented and beautiful…” the woman told me there was no reason for us to finish the conversation and she asked me if I had family to support her (meaning money) I said no, and she continued to say it was a shame her father doesn’t want to invest in her talent. I send her a text asking when would be their next audition and then I could be more prepared. She did not respond. I have seen their site, but there are so many red flags. Do you know anything about iPOP?
I saw an ad on craiglist saying they were in need of amateur models. This girl Amber Storse who claims to be an independent casting agent and model coach. She says I cannot be paid until she is paid and that would be whenever I am booked or etc. She asked for a headshot first and my age, weight, height, size then is now asking for a picture in a swim suit facing front, back, and both sides that can be self taken. Is this girl legit or not? Shes replying through a models6000 gmail account.. Seems rather fishy to me.
Just don’t give them any money. If they ask for money for ‘model coaching services’ then you can just say sorry, but no. Scammers use fake names so really hard to tell by a name or email. Pictures in swim suits are pretty routine. If you are worried about sending in the pictures ask for more info such as company name, address, references, etc. Legit companies will always provide you their company name, phone, address, etc.
Makaylia – I was just emailing with that Amber Storse (she is a total fake!). She’s on craigslist here:
http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/tfr/4771882368.html
It’s a total scam!
As others were saying earlier, the person or company hiring should meet you in person, not ever ask for money up front, set up a meeting and go from there with photo shoots.
I shot independent photo work before and took a guy friend with me for safety. I was paid well! But we spoke on the phone, I sent a couple clothes photos and he was building his portfolio.
DON’T TRUST AMBER STORSE!!
Hi, I was wondering about something I found recently. The website is called castingcallhub. To try to get a role, you have to post a comment saying why you want the role and you give your email address. I wanted to submit my comment for a role on Jessie, but was concerned if it was a fake. Please help!!!!
That is not the way it works. You cannot post a comment to get a role…. EVER!!!!! Jessie is an old show with a full cast. The only roles you could hope for are as an extra which is cast through central casting in Los Angeles. No comments, just go there and give them your info, you must live in L.A. Casting directors do not troll 1000’s of comments from anonymous profiles and pick people to star in a multi million dollar venture that way…. would you? That is what agents are for. All lead, supporting and guest spots are done through agents. Extras go through Central Casting.
help me be a star.
Do you know if PRO Castings USA is a scam?
What do you think about castinghub. my son had audition with them and payed $ 6000.00, cancelled the next day but refuse to cancel stating that we signed a waiver for cancellation. Auditions were very similar to what you described. any suggestions. Big mistake! Be careful with these scammers. Thanks
There are actually a good amount of user comments regarding Casting Hub. I know there are lots and lots of comments, but there is input from other people who have had the same experiences.
I auditioned with Break into Hollywood Studios in NYC. They want $2150 for a 5 month actor training program which includes resume build, photos, acting lessons, learning the business and a showcase that shows the actors talents to numerous casting directors, potential agencies etc. is the company legit?
If yes, is this the best way for an aspiring actor with no experience to start in this business? If not, what is the best way to break into this business?
Will casting directors audition me if I don’t have any experience? Thank you!
I got offered a photo shoot in London by DIESEL MODELS, the studio is called THE BLUE ROOMS.. DO NOT go there!!
I was 17 and got stitched up big time!
They made me a website which doesn’t exists anymore and lead me on to believe I’d get somewhere.. I gave them my life savings for this opportunity, Don’t be a mug like me 🙁