Avoiding Scams in the Acting Industry
Actors, especially beginners, are an easy target for crooks and scam artists.
In school, you spent years learning to create a character, make interesting choices in an acting audition, sing an F sharp, and find the correct eyeline. A little time was devoted to "the business" of the entertainment industry - maybe a week or two.
Fresh off the bus in NYC or Los Angeles, all you can think about is the fastest way to get on that Broadway stage, in that Spielberg movie, or into your own NBC sitcom. And you're willing to pay any price - in time or money - to get an edge, something that makes you stand out from everyone else. To achieve your dream.
Then, in an ad, someone promises you access to that NBC casting director. Or that he will take headshots guaranteed to wow Spielberg's people. Or teach you to sing in a way that assures you a spot at the Biltmore Theatre. Sounds so easy. That's when your red alert should start flashing.
Scammers prey on your most vulnerable point: your passion. Scammers' greatest asset is their ability to surprise you, playing on your ignorance of how the entertainment industry works in order to take advantage of you and steal your money.
Keeping informed with our actors' resources is the best way to prevent being fleeced by unscrupulous scammers.
ENTERTIANMENT INDUSTRY LINKS
Don't Be a Pigeon! Tips on How to Avoid Scams
Perhaps theatre con artists don't use the word "pigeon" to describe a target who's ripe for a scam. But the concept is alive and well.
How To Protect Yourself From Scams
Old scams never die, and new scams are forever being created.
Protecting Your Child
Understanding the laws and requirements related to child performers is every parent's job.
Protect Yourself and Your Image
Awhile back I received a strange phone call on a Sunday afternoon from a man claiming to be a manager who was interested in representing me.
Welcome to the Jungle
L.A. may be the City of Angels, but actors too often fall prey to the unholiest of scams.
Pay-to-Play Scams in L.A.
Some 99-Seat Plan Theatres Trying to Hoodwink Actors
L.A. Man Convicted in SAG Voucher Scam
A Los Angeles man accused of offering fraudulent Screen Actors Guild vouchers to actors was convicted last week after a two-week jury trial.
Casting Notice Crackdown
Today I received a letter offering to make me the cover model of a new magazine for the low price of $35...
Counterfeit Creep, Casting Calls
I am a young female actor looking for a theatrical agent.
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