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.
I recently got a long detailed email about an interest for me modeling for Bershka through an agency called Ace Model Management. They said I would be paid $7500 for 11 days, and would get the designer to send the clothing to me along with 500 to act as a retainer. I was literally going to fly out in 5 days… We looked online and couldn’t find the address on Google Earth. This is a scam right????
Yes! This sounds like the Nigerian scam which sends money up front, asks victims to cash the check, keep their “pay” and send them back the rest. It is 100% a talent scam. No REAL company pays people they have never met up front… EVER!!! The checks they send are fake and they hope that people will put it in the ATM so the fake is not spotted right away. Real casting directors and agents do not email people out of the blue and send them money.
Should I trust the ones on Instagram. When I got there it’s a building and on the phone they put me on hold, it went on and said the things they did and that when I get there is should be dress to impress and I should have a picture of myself only face. That they work whit people from new York and LA should I even go?
You should always be concerned when they give you a sales pitch and are trying to sell themselves to you. Real agents do not work that way, normally it is the talent who needs to sell themselves to the agent. Dress to impress? what is the audition for? You may want to ask for specifics.
Is Genesis Blessing LA a legitimate company? My daughter responded via email for a Samsung commercial, sent pics & a letter about herself. She received an email today (less than 5 days later) requesting a Skype audition this afternoon. I can’t find the company on Google, but do find the ad when I search on this site.
The casting notices are posted by third parties such as production companies and casting directors. For any casting notice, talent must ultimately decide how to proceed. If you have reservations about the audition, you may want to ask them for more information about the project, company, etc. Of course, if anyone asks for any money, you run the other way!
RE Jeanette White: I did the same thing, I did research, its probably a good scam for pedos to find “desperate” actors/actresses, there is nothing about this email, it’s a fraud.
Hi, This popped up on my fb the other day, I figured it was a scam, but decided to check it out. It was a short registration form, I filled it out, 5he did not ask for any kind of payment. The audition is for today at the New York Hilton at 3pm. I already know if they ask for money it is a scam. They emailed me the appointment time and an application that needs to be filled out, I am to attach a photo and there were lines to learn. I have tried to find some more info, but can’t seem to find anything helpful. Could you please let me know what you think before I take my child out to this? Thanks!
They will not ask for money until they have sized you up and you have met with them several times (with your child) so that you feel committed. Again, this is not the way the industry works! They will ask you for money sometime down the line. Most of these schemes realize that they cannot just ask right up front or you will bolt out the door. They want you to first invest your time. This is not a legit audition for any project. If you do not believe me, ask them. Ask the question… “what show are you casting for specifically?” That is the one they cannot answer since there is no show. They will tell you it is for many shows and new talent or something along that line. Again, not how casting works. Casting directors do not make up roles or create roles for people! Casting directors are handed a script, specs, age range, etc. for the role they need talent for. There are a few castings for kids on this site. See those to see how very specific the requirements are. If you are still unsure, ask more questions… “what production company specifically are you working for” (remember, casting directors are paid by the production, NOT TALENT). Ask “what production specifically has this person cast?” and “what is the link to your IMDB credits page?” Casting directors for large production are in a union and franchised, ask them to show you their listing on the SAG site. REAL casting directors are proud of the shows they cast and should have no problem talking about it or answering specific questions (specific as in who did you personally cast in what and can I look it up on an industry site). The scammers are sales people with no connection to the industry… who most sold used cars in the past. They would have a hard time answering any questions about credentials.
These companies work on the assumption that most parents have no idea as to how the industry works. I get countless messages from kids who blame their parents for them losing their big break and not getting a Disney role. Those kids actually believed that for the right amount of money, they could be Disney stars and their parents blew it by not paying. If you do go, be careful because the sales people are commissioned and HARD, their pitch will put the guilt trip on the parent.
I don’t know if this is a scam. It is a movie being shot this summer called gravity four it seems real legit they don’t ask to pay for anything and it says they will pay for my trip to Los Angles if i get in it. I got it from a sight called (removed) is it a real scam or not?
I would be very skeptical because the industry does not work that way. Most indie films hire local talent and big budget productions go through well known agents. Nobody hires unknown actors from an emailed photo that may or may not be what they even look like, then offer to fly them cross country. There are many scams that work that way though. There is a twist on the Nigerian 419 scam which targets people wanting to act or model. They will post fake castings anywhere they can. They will then tell people they will pay for travel and send a fake cashier’s check asking talent to cash it, then send them money so they can pay for whatever through western union. They know that most people now bank at ATM’s and the person cashing the check will put it in the machine, the bank will then give the person credit towards the deposit and it will be days, until the bank returns the check as fake. Once the check is returned, the person who cashed it is responsible for giving the bank the money they fronted them on good faith. Many people fall for it and it’s not the banks fault for cashing the bad check, it’s the persons.
Many people get scammed because they so hope something is real that they dismiss their gut feeling. If you are asking if it’s fake, you probably know the answer already. If it’s too good to be true, it most likely is.
Does anyone know anything about TCAUDITIONS.com or TalentConsulting? My daughters went to an audition recently and worked with a,guy named Steve Roberts from Innate talent services. My daughters were chosen to go to the IPOP showcase in Los Angeles in December with a cost of almost $10,000. Is this legit or a scam? We walked away when we saw the cost.
Is explore talent a scam? They are telling me that I can get auditions after paying and uploading pictures of myself to make myself get discovered by casting directors.
Two of my models have been approached now with what I believe is a scam. “Fabio” is looking to recruit lingerie models in NYC. He feels out the interest and then tells you to email someone in Milan to tell them you’re interested in more information.
100% sure this turns into a scam because the models he’s preying on have only a couple of shoots in their portfolio, and his profile is always empty.
Hi Erica. I recently allowed my daughter to go through one of those mall, “talent scout” auditions. They did a photo shoot and it was up to us if what type of package we wanted to purchase (yep Sucker here). They also video taped my daughter singing and walking the runway. The purpose was to be the “overall winner” who would win a one year professional modeling contract. We were told by the talent scout that they would be sending photos and a copy of the videos out to Florida talent agencies. We Thought is was a fun experience and didn’t think it would go further than that.
Yesterday, we received a package from Model and Talent Inc in Ft. Lauderdale. They are offering my daughter a one year “amateur” contract. No up front fees. They say once they receive the signed contract, she (my daughter is 12) will have access to an amateur casting board to see what castings/auditions are happening in Florida. If she accepts the contract, they require her to submit to them 20 professional casting cards & 20 B&W Resume cards. They have recommended a printer but it is not a requirement. They have sent samples of what they expect in case we chose to have printed elsewhere.
According to the is contract, which is not very formal but basic, anything booked through the casting board and pays less than $500 is not subject to any agency fees. They receive 20% for Any professional booking made through the agency that is over $700. Also, according to the talent scout, she will receive 5% of the agency’s 20 on any professional booking. Finally, for any prof booking, the contract is extended for 3 months.
I am torn on this. My RED flag warning is up for a number of reasons. 1-the website of the talent scout and one of the modeling contract handbook both have the same cover photo. 2-I have read a number of comments in this article about companies called Model and Talent being scams. However, if we sign, it is not an exclusive contract so can’t we also explore other avenues in the meantime? I see no complaints with the FL BBB about this agency. I also checked the FL dept of Business Rgulation and see they have a business license since 2012 with no complaints.
I would truly appreciate your advice!!
There are definitely many red flags here. I have never heard of them and looks like their website was registered in 2014. There is close to nothing about them and one of those reasons is the very vague business name. There are dozens of companies whose names are something followed by models and talent. If you actually check out their site, you will notice that their address is that of a law office building with many floors. They do not have a suite number, which is very suspicious as you need a suite number to find an office or mail anything. Their site has a link to see their models and talent. It is behind a password box which you can type anything into for access. The pictures of their models have no identifying information. Model agencies will list the models name, age, height, measurements, shoe size, clothing size, etc. So they are not expecting to book these people if they even exist. One of the images is actually named “Beauty_scarves” another called “cute_boy”… huh? descriptive names are used in stock photos you buy, not models you book. A lookup of the phone number listed comes back to a different address and a company called Audition America… which has many reviews, most not too good.
The other huge red flag, if you need any more, is that agencies do not work this way at all. Agents do not tell you to go to a job board, they send you to the job, that is how they earn a commission. Also if you check the Florida Department of State for the corporate filing… it does say inc. in the name, you will find none exists. The last company with that name dissolved in 2004. http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=MODELTALENT%20P030000863430&aggregateId=domp-p03000086343-f67a7951-e780-4fab-9448-5d18a0a8a89e&searchTerm=model%20and%20talent%20inc&listNameOrder=MODELTALENT%20P030000863430
I did not find them in the BBB, but if they are listed there, it’s quite sad since they don’t even seem to be a real company in Florida… as per the State Department. After this I stopped looking… I didn’t bother checking the licenced agents database as I am pretty sure I will not find it listed.
So yeah, proceed with caution. The name related to the phone number is a talent convention thing.
As for access to a job board, you do not need an agent to look at online casting boards, No agent works this way. They make money by finding their talent work. They do not sit around hoping their talent finds their own work and pays them just because.
I was approached by someone who asked for my email and name. He took a shot of me and I got an email saying I need to respond by the next day. The purpose is to get a model for Samsung print ad. I haven’t been able to spot conclusive evidence but based on what little I know and googling, It seems like a scam to me, but what do you think?
scam! That is not how the industry works. Casting directors do not hang at the malls waiting to discover people walking by.
Is Gage Models & talent agency from Knoxville, TN a scam ? I went there January 10, 2016, Sunday.
I had an appointment at 5:30 pm, there were about 50 or more or less in the same place as myself, sign up forms, and then we all went into a big room, the women spoke to us, gave us info, and then we got a paper asking why we were interested in Gage models& talent. Then we all waited while we were called up to the model and walk with music going down the strip back and forth. Then they filmed us on camera speaking (acting) what we wrote down on paper about why we were interested. They gave me a booklet in acting classes which I looked at, $1,999 dollars is the cost. The office woman told me I was a (b). It means WE SEE GREAT POTENTIAL AND WANT TO DEVELOP A MARKETABLE LOOK FOR MODELING AND ACTING. AS A RESULT, YOU MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, PREPARATION, SELF-CONFIDENCE, OR TEACHING SKILLS PRIOR TO LISTING WITH THE AGENCY. (YOU INVEST IN YOURSELF AND WE WILL THEN INVEST IN YOU.) DEVELOPMENT MAY BE REQUIRED IN AREAS SUCH AS: ATTITUDE AND PERSONALITY, POISE AND POSTURE, RUNWAY TECHNIQUES, PHOTO-MOVEMENT, ON CAMERA AUDITIONING TECHNIQUES,OVERALL IMAGE UPDATE. (UPON COMPLETION OF THE NECESSARY WORKSHOPS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A HEADSHOT AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN WITH GAGE. SCAM OR LEGIT?
My granddaughter has an audition on Wednesday. Is this legitimate? I believe it’s Nextstar productions.
Just Google the name to see reviews from other parents.
I had a call from MCP models international and they said everything to make it sound legit and ask for my height and etc but says I have to pay $100 in a credit card like a debit but I said do I had to pay and she said yes I have to because I have to do like photo shoots and ppl will be flying in and for make ups artist and to start my career to book jobs for me and say they was gonna pay me for my job and things it’s sound legit but before I pay them they gonna call me on Monday so if this company legit? The money wasn’t for photo shoot it’s for make up artist and other things they said then I don’t have to worry about paying them.
I found slu agency online and I read all the requirements and not sure if it’s a scam or not. It says experience is not required but is a major advantage. I can’t figure it out.
I am not sure why you think they are a scam. They seem to specialize in athletes and fitness models. They are in Los Angeles, are licensed and seem to be part of the ATA (Association of Talent Agents). Modeling rarely requires experience since it is based on looks, so most modeling agencies will not require experience in modeling. They do specialize in athletics and their submission form does inquire about athletic experience. Not sure if that is what you meant.
Anyone ever heard of NEXT, an audition company that pours you in contact with agents?
I realize that no one has been on this thread for some months now, but I’m hoping that if this pops up in anyone’s inbox, I can get a little guidance. I am friends with a photographer whose daughter started modeling last year (age 6). She encouraged me to take my daughter to the same modeling coach for a headshot session she was shooting. Since I am friends with her and wanted current photos anyway, we went along. We paid the HMU person there and also the photographer (my friend), got some great editorial-type shots as well as headshots and my daughter (age 8) had an absolute blast. The coach was in contact with us soon after and we signed up for one month of classes (the coach did not push these, they were by our choice) which my daughter did enjoy. The coach set up a meeting and I was fed the “I really think she has IT” speech. This was expected and I was totally prepared for it being a marketing tactic for the coach (how many others have heard this?!). My daughter, ever the skeptic, was not easily sold (thank goodness). We posted some photos from the shoot on a child model FB page and was contacted by a designer asking if we would like to walk in a show in Paris in March of next year. Oh…we have to pay $1200 to cover HMU, attire, photos, press, etc., but get to keep the attire. I researched the show (seems small), and the company (meh) but I cannot find anything anywhere about whether or not these pay-to-play events are legit! Please help! I’m not opposed to traveling to Paris, but then also having to pay to walk? Hmmm…. I asked the coach for advice, and she was so excited (who isn’t excited to have their marketing tactic backed up) and said we should definitely do it. Side note: the coach is all about some kiddy pageants and kid model competitions. Part of me feels like we should totally do it, even if we do have to pay–I mean, come on…and excuse to go to Paris? Count me in! But then the other part says–Wait just a minute. If my child is working, shouldn’t she be paid? Sure, it would be a fun experience, but I love my job–it’s fun–but I still expect to be paid. So I guess my overall question is this: Do we go to Paris just to say she walked in a show in Paris and get the photos (they are ‘included’ in the fee) to build her portfolio and resume or do we take a step back and only accept paying gigs? This is just a hobby at this point (hobby being defined as something one spends money to do, not something one is paid to do), so it might be fun–expensive, sure–but fun. Thoughts?
Seems very expensive for HMU and also sounds risky. There is no guarantee that if you do this they will not tack on additional fees…. once in Paris. Once there, if they ask for more money, what is one to do? Eat the travel costs and money already paid, breaking the kids heart? I know for a fact that Nigerian scammers troll FB profiles for victims. Is the $1200 paid upfront or on-site? If up front, you risk getting there and finding nothing. If your child just wants to have some fun, there are plenty of local pay to play events as well as plenty of volunteer events for charities and such where they require ticket sales.
And yes, if it is a legitimate modeling job, your child should be getting paid. For the most part, strangers contacting anyone through a profile on the internet is usually a scam. Casting directors and folks that book legit shows do not troll internet profiles to find talent. Get your child an agent.
An event overseas is way to sketchy. If you pay to play at an event here and the event never happens after the payment, you have some recourse. In another country you have none. If you decide to do it, make sure you call the actual event to find out what the deal is. There are countless scammers that pretend to be someone else. There are many stories about folks paying money to be cast in something and after paying, they contact the REAL casting directors who tells them someone has been impersonating them. Asking talent to pay for HMU only, is a huge red flag. The scammers know that most people understand that if they ask for payment to be represented, most people will think “scam.” since that practice is illegal in many states. Tell them you will hire your own Hair and makeup people and see what they say. If they say, no way, ask more questions. Ask for references, ask for the name of this very expensive hair stylist. Say you would like call them directly and see samples of their work. If you are paying $1200 to do your child’s hair and makeup, you should have references and photos of their work. If they can’t provide any info… it’s a scam. Professionals are proud of their work and should have a portfolio of their work to send clients as well as references. If this was HMU for your wedding, would you hire anyone without seeing what they can do?
If all you want is to say your child walked a runway, you can find some local events. As for a portfolio, kids are not expected to have huge portfolios. An 8 year old grows quickly, those images would be useless very soon and you have no guarantee they will even be any good, a runway is not a studio with perfect lighting. When your child is 10, no one wants to see pics at age 8, it’s irrelevant. A pay to play event that no one has ever heard of probably will not carry much weight on a resume anyway.
I have a few friends that are what you would call “Hollywood moms.” The kids got lots of paid work, not because they had a huge, professional portfolio, but because the parents were on a mission. They spent all day calling agents, sending out headshots, making appointments. Getting work for the kids was their full time job.
also see https://www.auditionsfree.com/about/child-acting-scams/ there are discussions on that page as well.
This page has tons of comments, actually many are current, just hard to find on the page as they are responses to older comments.
Yesterday I went to an interview with a modelling company called The Casting City in Central London. Although they didn’t make any outlandish promises or claim I was “perfect” or anything, they told me I need a professional portfolio. That’s AFTER I showed them my pictures on Casting Call Pro & Star Now.
I paid £90 deposit to secure a photo shoot and the balance of £300 is to be paid on the day (this Saturday). It all felt really rushed, and they didn’t give me time to read the contract. Is The Casting City legit?
Hey M. I was thinking the same thing about “the casting city”. How did it work out?
Hey M,
This exact same company “Casting City” did the same to me last week. How did it work out? Did they get you work? Are they legit?
I’m really anxious about this! Please get back to me!
x
Hello,
I just moved to California in November. I was leaving registration for a legitimate extras casting agency. I see an ad on the train looking for models for bride&groom magazine. I call, make an appointment. I went in on Tuesday Monday the 24th. It was a bar ebony office, no waiting area. Told me that I would make 500 a shoot with no fee taken out. Then said I have to pay 95 for administrative fees which will include photo shoot in dresses with hair and make up. I’m feeling like it’s a scam but not sure. I tried google to see if she has been reported before. All I keep finding is articles like yours, advertising for wedding companies, and casting calls for wedding reality shows. Help!
The link the lady gave me was Salinaj@barbizonusa.com with the title national talent director barbizon modeling and acting should i still take my daughter to this interview please help
I don’t know what your expectations are. It all depends on what you think they will do for you. Keep in mind it is a charm school / modeling school. They charge parents money for lessons. If you are looking for lessons, that is what you will most likely get. Barbizon is not a casting director or production company. Their website is quite clear on what they offer, lessons is posture, poise, nutrition, walking, etc.
I got a call Monday for a interview for barbrazion for my daughter who filled out a card at the mall for acting or modeling. The lady said her name and gave a number to call back if I needed to cancel. The lady said she is coming from florida and to meet at the Hilton in Tennessee should I go or is this a scam?
Not sure what you are asking, Barbizon is a school. As a rule, agents and casting directors do not approach people at a mall, salespeople do. If you want to buy what they are selling then no. They are not free though. Depends on what your expectations are.
I got a call on monday asking for my daughter to come to the hilton in my area for a interview for barbrazion. my daughter had filled out a card at the mall saying she was interested in modeling and acting. They wanted us to come in on Saturday should I go or is this a scam. The name and the number the women called from is the same number she gave to call and cancel but she was coming from Miami to Tennessee. Should I worry.
Is “The Industry Network” a scam? My kids received a call back from them to join they gave me 2 scholarships but still needed to charge me 495 for my other one
Just curious as to if Mike lemon casting is legit? they make you pay to have a profile that is available to seeking casting directors.
Don’t know about them, not sure what you mean by paying money to show profile to seeking casting directors… aren’t they casting directors?
Is The Industry Network fake? My daughter did an audition for them and we’re having another tomorrow, help me!
Pretty sure I just experienced a scam. Today was my third time going in to “Hollywood Productions” or their other name “Contact Casting” for yet another callback audition. The address of this place is 1335 La Brea, Los Angeles (right near Hollywood and Highland). They found me through Explore Talent. I was confused as to why they asked me to come back a third time, and today I saw yet ANOTHER different director for “supposedly” the same energy drink commercial. However after I said my lines, he said he wanted to give me a different script? Not even related to an energy drink commercial. If this was a REAL and professional performance, then why did I see a different “casting director” every time I came into audition? And if they knew you were/ were not the person for the role wouldn’t they have known by the second audition? I even got suspicious and asked who the casting director was of this so-called commercial but was told that they could not give me that information. YEAH, OKAY. Overall, there have been just too many red flags about this place…another being that there were always different people in the waiting room (of all ages and backgrounds…apparently all auditioning for the “SAME” role), not one person did I recognize from my previous audition. The sad part about all this is that they’re giving false hope to people that truly want to have a start in the entertainment world- even kids who come with their parents!
Is Hair Model Express (HME) a scam? They say they only charge you 20% fee for your first audition and never again after that. Then I heard that they take really long to pay people, or never do.
All agencies take a percentage. That is how they make money. If you get paid, they get paid… nothing wrong with that.
Is Barbizon a scam?
Barbizon is a modeling / charm school business. They do charge for classes.
Hi, i want to know if “New faces Talent agency” is a scam I can’t find any single scam about them on google. They have a website and there auditions held at a hotel. They have a Facebook page as well but not much information is given.
Pleaseee reply to this……..
when I google them I get lots of reviews, here is one http://www.consumeraffairs.com/modeling/new_faces.html. I don’t know if this is the same place since there are a few in different places called that. The easiest way to find out is to ask if they are casting directors and what project(specifically), are the auditions for, what is the rate talent will be paid, etc. If they are agents, get the license information. Scams can’t give you details about specific jobs since no real job exists. Agents have offices, they do not rent out banquet rooms.
Hello,
Did you find out if NFTA is a scam or not? Our daughter is starting with them soon.
Thanks
I googled them and seems they are a training program of somekind, but not an agency. Whether something is a scam depends on what you are expecting to get. If you are looking for modeling classes or charm school, I guess that is what they provide. However, they are not a modeling agency. If they promise work… I would be suspicious. Best bet is to always Google the company name + the word reviews, scam or legit. That will bring up consumer reviews, complaints and other information.
New Faces Talent Academy is holding auditions that have been advertised on Facebook this is the link to sign up do you think it is legit or a scam were they will make you pay heaps?
Don’t know, but they say on their home page that they are not agents and offer services. They are quite clear about selling something so I assume there would be a fee.
I have an audition from Next Auditions on April 1st. So far they say there is no upfront payment to audition. I noticed one error in the script, where they accidentally added a “T” to the word, however, the word was said three times and the last time it was misspelled. The application asks for address which I am concerned about. It asks me about my parents occupations and I don’t know why. They have a spot for professional notes and it includes if I got a callback or not. I need to bring one photo with me and it is for modeling and acting. You can also audition for dancing and singing but, since I can’t do any of those, I am not trying out for those. I was tagged in a post on Facebook by a friend of mine. Some of these scams that I have read haven’t been used for this audition. No payment first, no “First 200 callers” or anything. When I tried saving the application it wanted to immediately save it as “aplication” instead of “application.” For the most part, grammar seems great. I haven’t had to talk to anybody yet, but it gave me my audition date without me even selecting which one was most convenient. It also asks what I am wanting with this audition and lists a variety of things like “Representation by agent” “travel” etc which makes me think that they will tell me what I want to hear and offer me those things.
Can anybody give me advice before Wednesday, April 1st? It would be greatly appreciated.
Their website is geared towards kids trying to get on Disney. Filled with Disney show logos and they travel city to city. Disney has made numerous statements that they are not affiliated with any of these companies, see http://disneychannel.disney.com/open-call. Most of these companies do not tell you about payment until they have hooked you in a sales meeting because nobody would attend if they came out and said payment required.
please, I’m asking about if there are a lot of agencies online that require you just to create a portfolio. What’s your opinion about this? also are there online casting agencies that require me to fill out my travel and passport data? When I try to leave this blank, the application didn’t submit. The passport details are a must to complete the application. I’m afraid, what’s your opinion? Whats your opinion about international casting calls that require new faces for instance. I apply for auditions in another country? please recommend a legal online international casting agent? Can you do auditions online?
thanks and best regards
US companies can not cast people that are not US citizens / legal residents. In the US, we have employment laws (many other countries do as well). You must have a US social security number or come here on a work visa which are difficult to get and take lots of time. No legit casting director will waste time doing international online auditions knowing that the person may not be able to just fly here to work or even be able to due to visa restrictions. There is no such animal as a “legal online international casting agency”, it’s just not how it works and makes no sense monetarily since flying to another country would cost more than you would be paid.
I would not recommend giving out any sensitive info on a web form and I have never heard of anyone asking for your passport information on an online form. You have no idea who put up the form and what they will do with the info. The internet is anonymous in nature. Anyone can put up a website. Scammers put up fake banking sites, fake paypal, fake shopping sites, fake everything… including castings, all in an effort to get enough info to hack your accounts, steal identities, etc.
Auditions for any principal roles are done in person. The word “new faces” for anything other than extras is a huge red flag. Extras casting is by photo submissions but local only… by local I mean within an hours drive.
I had a really horrible thing happen to me. I was contacted by someone who claimed to be one of the owners of a modeling management agency in Milan. I researched the name, very fantastic reputation and known all over Europe as a top model manager. I researched the agency, as they had provided a link, and it all checked out. They are ranked as one of the top agencies in the world. The link was real and when I called they were real. They will clearly state the only people that will be contacting you from the agency will be one of the three given names, one of which he claimed to be. All checked out. Looked the people up and all are real. I emailed the individual back and he said ALL the right things. He even emailed me a contract from THAT AGENCY and wanted me to have it looked over by my attorney, etc… He was going to fly me there all expenses paid. He asked to have a Skype interview, which I also checked out and it does happen being that they are from another country. So a meeting was scheduled. The Skype interview took place, everything appeared to be professional and on the up and up. He told me that he would email some details and that we would again Skype the next day. The information he sent me was flight information and such…including what types of brands in Milan I was going to shoot for so I could also check them out.
They checked out too, one of the major brands was for lingerie. So the next Skype meeting starts to take place. Suddenly there is something wrong with his microphone on his computer, then he proceeds to ask me if I could take off my clothing so he can gauge how I look in my lingerie. Making some sense in my mind I say…ok….so what, its just bra and thong. So he has me stand back and do a circle, walk etc. Then he says…. perfect, you are perfect. Then suddenly his light goes out, so he is sitting in the dark and I cant see him. Now I’m a little weirded out. He says that he can still see me so its ok. He starts to says there is one last thing I need to do before I fly over there. He wants me to strip and pleasure myself so he can see my face and how I react.
Now I’m completely freaked out and tell him NO. He proceeds to tell me that it is very common in Milan to have models do this. I completely freak out and tell him that we do not do business like this in the USA. So he concludes the Skype interview and tells me to check my email for further information. Well…….I receive an email that basically tells me that I need to complete this last item before he will sign me. I politely refuse and he pressures me HARD. Email after email. More and more pressure. I start to get mad and tell him that I will let him know the next day. I tell my parents who are outraged with this man, as they too researched the crap out of all his information. My Mom decides to have me respond to him via email saying that I will call him at his place of business in the morning to discuss. Immediately he says that he is not at his place of business, that he is in Berlin signing a couple of models. Makes sense, but my Mom decided to call his office anyway. When she asked if the person he said he was, was in the office the receptionist said “yes”. BIG ALARMS GO OFF!
So my Mom tells her what had happened. The receptionist says…. email all this information immediately. So we do. Not long after that the REAL person (owner of the agency) sends and email and is very apologetic. He goes on to say that many people impersonate him for horrible things. He asks that we send him all the information we have on this person so he can do something about it. We send him everything with a huge thank you. BUT………. this person continues to send me emails asking what time we can Skype and finish the interview process.
so I compose an email stating that we have spoken to the REAL person that he is a complete fake and that we are going to report him. He sends me email after email threatening me saying he knows where I live, then he attaches a ton of pictures that he took of me in my bra and thong threatening to post them everywhere, etc….. I was horrified. Thank heaven my parents took control and have many connections with the US Govt including Interpol. We had to delete the Skype account, block him in email, block him everywhere. Before everything was completely blocked he was sending me a Whatsapp calling me horrible names and saying he is going to ruin me, etc…etc.
I feel comfortable now being that my parents took control, but it was HORRIBLE. Some scams are so elaborate that it is difficult to determine if they are scams. My piece of advice for any model being contacted, verify the agency is real, then verify the person is who they say they are. A simple phone call to the verified agency asking to speak to the person will prove A LOT. Be very careful, these people are clever and cunning. Never believe anything unless you verify EVERYTHING.