actors casting agency LLC
Unfortunately there are agencies out there who do take advantage of eager actors. Keep these things in mind when considering an agency.
How to Spot a Scam Agency
1. They ask for money up front. FOR ANYTHING. This cannot be repeated enough. No matter what reason they give you, DON’T. Even if it sounds legit, DON’T. If they won’t represent you, count your lucky stars you didn’t sign anything and walk out the door. Agents make their money by taking a commission WHEN YOU BOOK A JOB. If you don’t make money, THEY don’t make money.
2. They require you to take pictures with their in house photographer - for which the agent is probably receiving a percentage from the photographer. This is wrong. Artists are expected to pay for their own headshots, but you should never feel pressured into working with “their” photographer. Most agencies have numerous photographers they recommend but the decision is up to the actor. Your agent should certainly never be the one behind the camera. Run.
3. They require money to be listed on their website or in their “book.” This just isn’t how the industry works. Real agents and managers submit your headshot and resume through breakdown services. If they have a website or “book” it’s a supplement to that and shouldn’t cost you a penny to be included.
4. They charge you to attend a class, seminar or workshop. Your agent is not your acting coach. They can recommend classes but you shouldn’t be paying them for their advice. If they offer it for free, great, but they shouldn’t be taking your money. Some agents offer "training" for their talent costing thousands of dollars. Now, there are exceptions to this and ACA is one of them. ACA directors, Cassie Self, Mark Landon Smith and Kenn Woodard, are also working professional actors and offer free "tune ups" to ACA artists as needed or requested, and to the public for a fee in the form of a formal class. If an agent has never professionally acted, has never stepped in front of a camera, or has never set foot on stage but is offering personal training in acting...run!
5. They advertise themselves in internet ads or the newspaper classified section. Legit agents and managers rarely need to go out looking for new talent– the talent finds them. They are regularly inundated with headshots and resumes as well as professional recommendations. If they are spending money to advertise to actors they may be looking to make money off of them, rather than with them. Also beware of agents who have open calls at malls and hotels.
6. They claim to represent famous actors or models which they do not. If an agent claims to represent someone whom they do not, they are not someone you want to associate with professionally. Some agents claim to know other professionals in the industry or have connections which they do not have.
7. They guarantee you work. There are no guarantees in this business and not even the top agents or managers can promise you work. And Meryl Streep still has to audition.
8. There have been complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau or other agencies. Call your local office and see if there is any information about them. Research may also be done on sites such as Yelp and RipOff Report.
9. They say things like "You're going to be a star!", or "I can get you an audition with Mister Bigshoot Moviepants." More than likely they are unable to do either.
10. Remember not only is the agent interviewing you, but you are also interviewing the agent, and you have a great deal more leverage. If there are any hesitations or something just doesn't "feel right", move on. Ask others about the potential agent, their experience and opinions and do your research. A great deal may be found online. Ask questions of the agent at the interview especially if they make some fishy claims and do a lot of name dropping. If they claim to know Mister Big Shot Fancy Pants at Columbia Pictures, verify it. Call Columbia Pictures and ask for Mister Big Shot Fancy Pants to check the agent's claims. Sometimes Mister Big Shot Fancy Pants will have no idea who this agent is. Red flag. In the inteview if you ask questions the agent avoids answering, gets defensive or attempts to turn the tables on you (and I have seen all three happen...), politely walk away.
11. Get everything in writing. Even if your agent is your best friend. It's just smart business.
12. Review their roster of actors. If you are a 5'4" , 20 year old blonde woman and the agency already has 20 actors of that same height and look, that is a red flag which usually indicates anyone will be signed. Consider how many actors total are with the agency against the number of agents employed. If an agency boasts to represent "over 700 actors" and there are only two agents, this is something to be wary of.
13. Carefully review an agent's website. If an agency does not allow access to their talent where one can view head shots and resumes, something is fishy.
14. Research the agent credentials beyond what is posted on their bio on their website. Anybody can say anything, but legit experience can easily be verified. This may be done as simply as typing the agent's name and location into a web search. You may also contact clients who have worked previously with the agent and ask about their experience. And researching online review sites can be very insightful. Remember, some people do enjoy complaining, but others to have legitimate concerns. If an agency is receiving consistent complaints over a period of time, this is a red flag.
15. Ask others about their experience. Nothing is more revealing than talking with others who have worked with an agent with whom you may be considering. Ask the hard questions. You will find people will be very honest.
actors casting agency llc
Fayetteville, AR 479.236.6849 [email protected]