The Hollywood Scam Artists Are Just Waiting To Destroy Your Dream Of Becoming An Actor

Watch Out! The Audition You Are Reading For Could Be A Hollywood Scam

A Few Very Common Hollywood Scams to Avoid

Are you interested in working in Hollywood? If you are, you may have your hopes and dreams set high. Of course, this is not a bad thing, but it is also imperative to keep your feet on solid ground when it comes to agents and auditions for acting parts. If you don’t, you might find that you are an easy target There are a number of Hollywood scams you want to avoid.

Overpriced Photography

One scam that you do not want to fall victim to is that of overpriced headshots. Headshots, as you likely already know, are important when wanting to work in front of the camera. With that said, you do not have to select a photographer that labels him or herself as a Hollywood photographer.

A standard professional photographer is usually cheaper and should produce the same results. To ensure quality results, ask to see sample shots to verify.

In keeping with overpriced headshots, be on the lookout for extra, unnecessary fees. A photographer generally will not submit your headshots to agents or for casting calls. Rarely do some have the time or the connections needed to do so. For that reason, don’t pay any extra fees. Instead, just pay to have your photographs taken. Submit your own headshots to talent agencies or bring them to open casting calls yourself.

Booking Agents And Hollywood Scams   The next type of Hollywood scam, you will want to avoid involves agents.   Just because someone calls themselves an agent, it doesn’t mean that they are or that they are well performing.

Save your time and your money. Do the proper amount of research first.

How To Find A Hollywood Talent Agent

As for how you can find a good agent, make connections. Speak to those actors and actresses you have met at auditions and other areas of the entertainment industry. Who are they represented by? Do they have any suggestions for you?

Also, use the Internet to your advantage, but remember to use your best judgment. Just because an “agent,” has a website, it does not mean that they are good or even legitimate. Use business directories where reviews are welcomed or examine consumer reporting websites, where scams are reported.

Not Just Actors Fall Prey To The Hollywood Scam

While many Hollywood scams are associated with hopeful actors, those who work behind the camera can also fall victim to these scams. Are you a hopeful writer who wants to write the next best Hollywood movie or television show? If so, use your best judgment.

Do not submit your screenplay to just anyone. Why? Because you may find yourself taken advantage of. Use an agent or rely on your own research to make sure that your work only falls in the hands of legitimate Hollywood professionals, who will not later claim your great work of art as their own.

Take Care And Use Common Sense When Applying For Hollywood Jobs

All hopeful Hollywood workers, including actors, directors, and writers, are encouraged to be on the lookout for common Hollywood scams. With that said, parents of children who want to break into acting need to be the most cautious. This is important, as this group tends to be targeted the most for Hollywood scams. So, as a parent, what can you do?

The Old Shopping Mall Hollywood Scams - The Dream Chasers

Use your best judgment. Do not decide on a whim that you want to break your child into acting or modeling. This is often due in part to being approached by someone at a shopping mall. We have all heard the stories about how famous actors and actresses were discovered at the beach or at the mall.

Yes, this does happen, but it is rare. More times than not, that person is spotted by a Hollywood casting agent or director by chance, not by walking by a booth setup by a talent agency.

As outlined above, there are a number of Hollywood scams you will want to watch for. With that said, remember that it is more than possible to legitimately work in Hollywood as a writer, behind the camera, or in front of it.

A Quick Question To Ask Yourself - Am I Really Auditioning For A Hollywood Part?

A final word to remember about Hollywood scams and auditions for movie parts. It is imperative to verify the authenticity of your audition invitation. Does a Hollywood agent represent you? If so, you should be good to go. Agents have experience and connections that prevent them from sending their clients on a wild goose chase.

If you were contacted for an audition, did you submit your resume, professional acting portfolio, or headshot? If not, you may be the victim of a scam.

If The Deal Sounds Too Good To Be True ...

Someone calling you unexpectedly is rare, especially if you haven’t marketed yourself. So, use your best judgment and the Internet to research the studio or casting agency in question.

Bob Pardue Photography