Don't Be Scammed!

Different people have different experiences, and it's true that some people have had success by working with organizations like those mentioned below. Nevertheless, it's important for you to know the facts, and the fact is that if anyone tells you that you can pay thousands of dollars and get discovered, it simply isn't true.

Some things to keep in mind when you're getting into this business:

 

  • While some talent agencies and casting agencies offer acting classes, you should not be required to take their classes in order to be represented by them... though it might be a good idea to take one or two 6-week classes to get your face in front of the casting director. Classes typically cost between $150.00 and $500.00 for a six to eight week class. Beware of companies who try to get you to commit to $1500 or more for three to six months of classes.

 

  • While you will need to have headshots done by a professional headshot photographer, you should not be required to use a photographer that works for your "talent agency". Headshots typically cost between $150.00 and $500.00 depending on how long the session is and whether or not a hair and make-up stylist is provided. You should be skeptical of anything over $500.00.

 

  • Your talent or casting agency can be a great resource for finding a coach or a headshot photographer, but if they only recommend one or two choices, then you should be skeptical. They might be making those recommendations for one of the following reasons...   

    • they have a personal friendship with those people, which means that they might not really be the best,

    • they are benefiting financially by recommending those people either by directly employing them or getting kickbacks, or

    • they don't know any other coaches or headshot photographers, which implies that they are not very knowledgeable about the local acting industry.

 

If you're unsure of whether or not someone might be trying to take advantage of you, there are several things that you can do...

 

  • Look the person or agency up on the internet. Specifically look for "reviews". No review or a good review is okay, but look for bad reviews and ratings.

  • Talk to someone in the business whom you trust. There are some dishonest and unethical businesses out there, but you'll find that the majority of the people in this business are honest and ethical artists.

  • Research alternatives to the person or agency that you are considering and see if they are offering something comparable to other businesses.
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