Unfortunately, many aspiring actors have fallen for the lies of the infamous con artists in show business. These people promise you fame, take your money, and then disappear into the night before you even realize it's gone. Here are some helpful tips to avoid getting ripped off, so you can continue to pursue your dreams with less risk!
1. Any screen test that requires money up front is a scam. This may be a con artists plot to build you up, flatter you, and then open you up to more pricey, but low quality opportunities, with fake photographers and agents!
2. Any agent that requires a monthly fee, or any money other than a portion of money you make is a scam. Agents are only supposed to make money off each acting job you get. In order to protect your rights, make sure the agent that you choose to be represented by is registered with one or more unions, like SAG or Equity. To learn more about finding a good, reliable agent, read the Actors Nook article on Agents. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Agents
3. Any upfront fee from an agent is a scam. Beware of classified ads in the newspaper looking for new talent and promising great amounts of fame and wealth. These con artists try to make fame look easy and attainable so you get sucked in, and they get your money.
4. If an agent calls you, similar to a telemarketer, to have you "come in for an audition," chances are it’s a scam. In this particular scam, the agents entice you to come to them where they charge an upfront fee to "get you started in show business." However, reputable agents don’t chase actors. Actors chase agents, so make sure you don’t fall for this one!
5. When an agent promises that a fee you pay will get you additional exposure, for example, your headshot included in his or her book, it’s a scam. Even if they were to include your head shot in their books, the chances of it giving you more exposure and work with casting directors, is a lie. The only prominent place for your head shot to exist in, which casting directors will view, is in the Academy of Players Directory.
6. Headshots are a con artists playground! Before hiring a photographer, ask to see his past work to make sure he is legit, or ask friends for their recommendations. If a photographer urges or pushes you to use him or her right away, stay cautious. Real photographers understand how pricy headshots can be, and professional ones do not force themselves on you. If a photographer pushes to get and spend more than what you want, this can also be a problem. You only need one headshot unless you want to take more for different fields, (one for commercial, theater, etc.) To learn more about great headshots, go to the Actors Nook article on headshots. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Headshots
7. False acting teachers can also scam aspiring actors. Before you commit to taking lessons from an acting teacher, make sure you ask and investigate their credentials to make sure they are legit. Try to sit in on one free session. Find out how many students they teach per class. An effective class should have a few students to work with, as oppose to a crammed room where no personal help is given. Ask if any actors succeeded after taking the class and check out their refund policy. If there is no refund policy, chances are the class is only for the money.
8. Any casting director requesting an upfront fee is a scam. To learn more about casting directors go to the Actors Nook article on Casting Directors. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-casting-directors-want.html
9. Casting hotlines are often scams to get money out of actors.
10. Empty residuals are an unfortunate scam that results in you getting work that is aired in certain locations without you knowing it, and not getting paid! In order to avoid these scams when you get work, tell lots of people so if you’re commercial does air, and someone sees you, you can make sure you get paid for it!
Don’t fall for the lies of the con artists in show business! If you can avoid becoming a desperate actor, and remember the above tips, you can make the choices necessary to unveil scams. Stay confident, avoid scams, and know your worth more than paying a desperate fee! Hold on, work hard, and your time will come!-Actors Nook
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