How to Avoid Acting Agent Scams
Most of us are aware of new scams and tricksters trying to take advantage through email, phone, social media and more and are generally quite vigilant against them.
Unfortunately, scams are not confined to random events or situations and the acting industry is just as prone to scammers as any other.
As an aspiring actor looking to make a break, you can be even more susceptible to these unscrupulous individuals seeking to take advantage of your inexperience.
Hoping to trick you out of your hard-earned funds, these scams can look like fake casting calls, dodgy talent agencies, con artists and more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to protect yourself from being scammed, covering key watchpoints and what to do if you think you might have been caught out.
7 Steps For Avoiding Scams As An Actor
Scams are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, making them harder to spot. Most of us believe we could spot one a mile off, yet the success of scammers continues.
As an actor you may be exposed to scams that are quite involved and where the scammer is persistent and very convincing. To help you avoid becoming entangled in one of these schemes, we recommend sticking to the following.
1. Never Pay To Audition & Watch For Fees
Auditioning is equivalent to interviewing for a job. You wouldn’t pay to interview in any other industry so if someone asks you to pay to audition, that is a clear red flag that something is not right.
Equally, while paying to have a self-taped audition professionally filmed and edited is completely normal, being asked to pay to attend a virtual audition is not.
Ultimately, any agency or agent that asks you to make any kind of payment upfront or to agree to pay them more than 10% of your earnings is one to walk away from as this is not up to industry standards.
2. Solicitation Is Always Suspicious
If a talent agent or acting agent is advertising that they’re scouting for talent in your town or local shopping centre, you should absolutely avoid them like the plague.
Anyone purporting to be able to make you a star in just a few classes or for an upfront fee is almost definitely a scammer posing as an acting agent. Typically these scammers also insist that you work with their acting coach and photographer at an additional charge.
Likewise, any ‘agent’ advising you that you can make hundreds a day as an extra with no experience or insisting that you must sign up immediately is employing common scammer techniques.
3. Be Cautious Using Online Resources
The internet is a wonderful resource for an actor seeking out auditions and other industry opportunities. However, it is also a playground for scammers and would-be acting agents seeking to catch out unsuspecting hopefuls.
Remember, genuine acting agents will not resort to unsolicited approaches or coercion tactics to find talent, they conduct their business professionally through established channels.
For this reason, you should always exercise caution when engaging with agents or agencies on social media platforms, casting websites, or online forums. Carefully consider the legitimacy of anyone claiming to offer representation and be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information.
4. Read Contracts Carefully
There may be occasions when an offer appears to be legitimate, but buried within the contract there are terms that can impact you negatively for years to come.
For example, as SAG national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland indicated, AI use of an actor’s image constitutes a scam and is far from a benign contract inclusion.
This is evident in a proposal made by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) whereby they outlined that background performers were to be scanned and their company then owns that scan and may use it in perpetuity. All while paying the actor just a single day’s pay.
Contracts are legally binding and can be incredibly challenging to get out of, so always read the fine print and ask for legal guidance if unsure about anything contained therein.
5. Verify Credentials
While in Australia there is no formal licensing or education required to be an acting agent, there are regulatory bodies in each state that stipulate what is and is not acceptable in the industry.
Without evidence of proper accreditation, it can be difficult to know who you’re dealing with. As such, seeking out recommendations from trusted industry experts and asking for details about their professional background, experience and success stories is strongly recommended.
Genuine agents will be transparent about their credentials and will willingly provide references or proof of their legitimacy. If an agent avoids doing any of this, you should immediately be on your guard.
6. Do Your Research
If you are contacted by an agent or actively seeking one out to represent you, you should always research them thoroughly to verify their reputation and legitimacy.
This is the best way to keep yourself informed, aware and to avoid being scammed. The best practice is to utilise online resources such as industry directories and reputable platforms to find an agent or agency and confirm their position.
As above, look for client testimonials, reviews, and feedback from other actors to best gauge their professionalism and track record. Trustworthy agents will have a proven history of successful representation and will be affiliated with recognised industry associations.
7. Seek Legal Guidance
If in doubt at any stage, whether due to something an agent has proposed or something concerning that you read in a contract, seek professional help.
Investing in a lawyer who has experience with the industry can save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run. They are best placed to advise you on industry standards and what is wise to agree to in writing regarding your career.
What To Do If A Scam Has Caught You Out
If you suspect you’re being scammed or discover too late that you already have been, try not to panic.
There are several avenues for reporting scammers both through your local police station and via the Australian Government’s ScamWatch portal. Engaging a lawyer may also be advisable depending on your situation.
While they may not be able to retrieve your money or cancel your contract, they can provide guidance on what to do next and how to best protect yourself moving forward.
Gain Confidence & Experience With The Actors Pulse
It pays to remember that there are rarely genuine shortcuts in this industry and anyone who offers you one is more than likely trying to scam you. If you feel something isn’t right, or something sounds too good to be true, you should trust your instincts.
At The Actors Pulse, we have decades of experience in the acting industry and have seen and heard it all.
We support our students to become confident and skilled as actors, but also know what to expect regarding industry standards – helping you to recognise potential scams and pursue a genuine, rewarding career.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, our highly skilled team equips you with the tools you need to succeed long-term. Making you an appealing prospect for legitimate agents that want to see you thrive.
The leading school for the Meisner Technique, we cater to all experience levels and deliver flexible class schedules both full and part-time, online and in-person.
Get started with The Actors Pulse today at 0414 475 515 and access an untapped wealth of knowledge regarding every facet of this exciting industry.
Billy Milionis is one of the few Australians to have ever studied under the legendary master teacher, the late Sanford Meisner. Billy has also studied story structure and scene analysis techniques with John Truby and later at UCLA. He has also spent several years doing improvisation in Hollywood with the L.A. Connection. In addition, he trained in the technique of Stella Adler, Practical Aesthetics and Lee Strasberg’s method.