003 ACTORS TALK PODCAST – SEND ME YOUR MONEY AND I’LL MAKE YOU A STAR – ACTOR SCAMS RIPOFFS & FRAUDS

Summary: Actor Scams, Frauds and Ripoffs In Episode 003 I discuss a blatant example of a scam designed to separate a young actor's parents from their money. Then I go on to discuss several other types of fraud perpetrated against actors with regard to talent competitions, headshots and demo reels. New toll free feedback number is announced: 877-518-2530 Talent Competitions These are probably as old as the acting profession itself. You may see a large ad in your local newspaper about a talent competiton where the prize is access to a big Hollywood name casting director, director or producer. You have legitimate competitons like American Idol and then you have almost everything else. If you're tempted to enter one of these competitions be on alert when the competition starts offering ways to separate you from your money: headshot packages, singing / dancing lessons; acting classes at a particular modeling school or 'academy'. Will some of these operations actually offer classes and provide headshots and all the rest for your dollars spent? They may, and so they may not be a total SCAM. But they also are unlikely to produce the results you the talent, or the parent of a young talent, are anticipating. Your time, efforts and money are better spent elsewhere. Don't be blinded by the quality of the advertisement. Did it cost them money? Yes. Does that mean they've bee successful in 'making a star' out of some lucky person...well they may have some kind of success to point to...but it will be the rare exception and not rule. Bypass national 'talent competitons' and the like and get involved in your local acting community, with local agents, local casting directors, etc. That's where you build a network that will hopefully result in employment in the industry...and isn't that the goal, to be a working actor? There may be 'traveling' actor's conventions or events that MAY be legitimate. The test is once again to check the local resources. Are local agents and/or casting directors involved. Are the agents or casting offices involved known to be reputable? Are they new to your area? Do your homework and make sure any 'convention', 'school', 'festival' or the like has a legitimate operation. A simple Google search may be all you need to be able to make an informed decision. Agents And Acting Schools Be wary of agents who also are affiliated with an acting school or academy. This is just another reason to deal, if at all possible, with a SAG or AFTRA franchised agent. That's not to say an agent CAN'T start an acting school and that it won't be legitimate...but you need to beware of such affiliations. The agent should never make taking classes at their 'school' a requirement for representation. Do agencies sometimes offer classes or workshops? Yes. Years ago when I started one of my first agents held regular classes at the agency several nights a week. New talent with the agency were more or less required to attend some of the classes, conducted by the agent, so the agent could make sure that the talent she was sending out were properly prepared to compete in the market. Here's the thing: the classes were FREE. This was part of the agent making sure her talent were representing the agency in the best light when they went out on auditions. That's good for the agent and good for the talent. HEADSHOTS Access to headshot photographers has never been easier. Google search is your friend. Most reputable headshot photographers now have web sites where you can view galleries of their work. Use this tool to narrow your search for a photographer. ALWAYS be wary of an agent who steers you to a PARTICULAR photographer. If they INSIST on talent using a particular photographer, it's quite possible that the agent, or manager or whomever is getting a kickback from the photographer. Again, this is a reason to make sure you're dealing with a legitimate agent,