Description

Many people who aspire to have careers in entertainment industry will always look for ways to find casting calls and auditions. As of such, they too are prone to scams because many unscrupulous people are trying to capitalise on their need to find jobs or even to steal their identity. These scammers are almost everywhere, hiding behind legitimate looking websites, advertisements, flyers and business cards. The following will highlight some signs of audition or casting call scams as well as how to avoid them.

No resume or CV needed:

You want to work and build-up your dance resume, but you should do this carefully to avoid wasting time on false or quite possibly harmful scams. Most casting calls and auditions require people to have a resume and head shot submitted prior the audition or casting date. If no resume or CV is asked in the job post, do research whether that job poster is legit or scam!

Can turn you into a star:

Even though legitimate companies might see potential and promise in clients, they don’t make a habit of making grand promises for stardom. Too good to be true is another tip that the act is a scam. Be aware of any such promise, especially on the first two meetings. Real agencies are aware that the entertainment business is challenging and tough and there are absolutely no guarantees for success even with great looks and talent.

Hasty casting calls and auditions:

It’s never a good sign when people are rushing to close deals because poor decisions are made under pressure. You are more likely to fall for a scam this way and even make payments for a project that sounds real. There are times when legitimate agencies do last minute casting, but they generally ask people to submit a resume and headshot before an invitation is sent for an audition, casting or interview.

No experience needed, be an extra or commercial dancer and earn up to $300 daily:

$300 daily earning! Yes $300, you read it right! Great figures huh? Whenever something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. You need to be aware of promises for high pay and upfront payment. You shouldn’t have to spend money to be an extra in a movie or a dancer in a commercial and it’s likely to be a scam if you are promised hundreds of dollars in earnings in just a day.

No specific location:

Most casting scams have no specific location for the project and will often state that shooting will be done nearby. A legit casting or audition provides information particularly location and date details. You won’t go on a casting where you don’t know where on earth the location is, it’s a headache, isn’t it?

Important Note

You should know that it’s not a scam if you are asked to an audition and have to sign a non-disclosure agreement beforehand. This agreement helps to protect the production creative rights from everyone involved in the project. It basically means that you are not allowed to disclose or share any confidential information with anyone after auditioning for the project. However, you have the right to get a lawyer to check the agreement.

It can be extremely rewarding and exciting for you to have a career in the entertainment industry, but getting scammed can be very stressful. Please be aware at all times. Be sure to follow the above mentioned tips and do your research to find legitimate agencies with legitimate websites as well as to familiarise yourself with the existing scams and to avoid being scammed and losing such huge amount of penny. Be wiser each and every day!

Stay blessed
From Natricia aka the Performance Mentor