Hollywood may not be as nefarious as it used it be for young aspiring actors, but it’s still a place that you need to be cautious about. One reason for that is because of casting call scams.
This article will tell you all about casting scams and how to avoid them.
What Is A Casting Call Scam?
A casting scam is a ruse that criminals use to trick actors into auditioning or showing up for fake casting calls. Unfortunately, this is something that is prevalent today with the increase in online casting calls.
Many such scams take advantage of people who don’t pay attention to details like misspellings, bad grammar and lack of information. We’ll discuss some of this later on.
How Legit Are Casting Call Websites?
Casting call websites are only as good as the listings they have. Some of the ones we know are legit include Backstage.com, AtlantaFi.com/casting-calls, Project Casting, That Southern Casting Call and a few others.
At the same time, you should always know what to look for to spot casting call websites that may not nothing more than scams.
What Are The Signs Of A Casting Call Scam?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell a casting call scam because the production company or director – for security reasons – may have requested that as little information as possible be revealed. But here are some signs that a casting call may not be legit.
- Casting Couch
- Very Few Details Listed
- Prepayment Required
- No Location Listed
What Are Some Casting Scams You Should Avoid?
The Casting Couch
The casting couch is a very real scenario that became popular in the 1970s with the explosion of the drug culture in Hollywood. Unfortunately, many young starlets have fallen victim.
An example of a casting couch is when a person or group of people create a fake casting company to audition young women in the hopes of taking advantage of them either sexually or financially.
Vague Casting Calls
If you run across a casting call that is vague about details, specifically the time/place and what the production is, you should do your due diligence to find out more information before applying for it.
One example of this is a Guardians of the Galaxy casting call that went out more than a month after the Marvel Studios movie had wrapped. The scam was pointed out by Guardians director James Gunn himself.
Prepayment Required
Another casting call scam is one that calls for you to apply by submitting a payment. Legitimate casting companies don’t charge actors or extras to apply for roles.
If you run across a casting call asking you to pay a fee for placement, do not pay and do not apply for the role. It’s a scam.
No Location Listed
If you see a casting call and there’s no information on where the audition is taking place, that’s another bad sign.
Casting calls are legitimate business operations that are essential to the TV, movie and theater business. Without locations, the casting calls would not be able to operate. That’s why it’s important to see a location before you apply.
How Do I Find Atlanta Casting Calls?
In Atlanta, you can find legit casting calls at AtlantaFi.com/casting-calls, which is a resource page with especially vetted casting calls vetted for authenticity.
Some other ways to find local casting calls:
- Search social media for casting-related hashtags like #castingcalls, #opencalls, and #nowcasting.
- Follow productions you want to get cast in on social media.
- Follow actors and directors that you want to work with.
- If you can attend actors workshops in the area.
Final Word
Casting calls have become technological processes just like many others in the modern world. Do yourself a favor and do your research before giving up your personal information to work on set.
Remember, that casting call is likely a scam if it has:
- A Casting Couch
- Very Few Details Listed
- A Prepayment Requirement
- No Location Listed
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
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