How to Avoid Casting Call Scams

Aspiring actors and actresses scour newspapers and the internet seeking casting calls. They are not immune from scams by people trying to capitalize on hope and the necessity of employment. Actors just like any other job seeker have the potential to fall prey to someone out to make a quick dollar. Here are a few tips to avoid casting call scams.

Instructions

1. Contact the Screen Actor's Guild to find out if the casting call is for a legitimate film. Most casting calls will require you to bring a head shot and the audition will usually be videotaped. Analyze the casting call. Although you may want to work and build your acting resume you also don't want to be taken advantage of through a scam or waste your energy chasing down something false or possibly harmful.

2. Beware of casting calls that ask you to pay them money upfront. You should not have to pay money for being an extra in a film. If the casting call claims that you will make hundreds of dollars then it is likely a scam. Extras are paid about $75 per day.

3. Familiarize yourself with the current scams in your area of interest. No matter the economy there are going to be scams that try to take advantage of the hopes of people. The casting call scam perfectly fits into this category. Legitimate calls make no guarantees about your appearance in the film as an extra. Be cautious and hold onto your dream of becoming the next actor or actress to be discovered.

Tips & Warnings

• If it sounds too good to be true don't let your desperation get in the way of sound judgment.

Resources

• How to identify a pyramid scheme.