Hollywood’s Most Important Red Flag Rules and Scams. Yuck
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Hollywood’s Most Important Red Flag Rules and Scams. Yuck

Caslin Rose Comments Off on Hollywood’s Most Important Red Flag Rules and Scams. Yuck

Audition Scams, Agency Fees, Pay to Play, Sketchy Ass People and Trusting Your Gut

I feel like words such as “red flags” and “scams” are way too common in the entertainment industry aka Hollywood. It’s really unfortunate, but shady mofo’s and sketchy ass people are more and more common these days, especially now that almost everything is digital. Well, I have some red flag rules for ya.

If you’re unsure of how to begin your journey in the industry, make sure to watch the video tutorial titled “10 Tips on How to Start an Acting Career” included in this article HERE.

Recently, I had the opportunity to write an article on red flag rules and warnings for the online publication, Performing Arts Magazine, the August 2021 edition. It’s free to sign up and you can get access to a whole bunch of other wonderful features.

*This blog will be featuring the major red flag rules to follow and warnings you need to be paying attention to.

It’s like money, you either have it or you want it. How far will you go to get it OR how far will someone else go to get it from you?


Caslin Rose

TRUSTING YOUR GUT

Did you read that quote above? I want to emphasize this part…”how far will someone else go to get it from you?”.

Ew. Yuck. Gross, but it’s true. We as artists and individuals are incredibly valuable. We have a certain skill set that not everyone has or is willing to work for. There are a lot of crazy’s and lazy’s out there who are ready to scam you and take advantage of you and your talents, your vulnerability, your dreams, your time, and ultimately your wallet.

Ya know those feelings that you get when you know something isn’t quite right or if something just feels off. These are your red flag warnings. This is your gut instincts telling you this is a bad situation that you need to avoid ASAP.

Stop. Go home. Avoid. Leave Now!

Consequently, I would be lying if I said I never got lured into a sketchy situation. #InstantRegret. Sometimes that golden carrot can be dangled a little too close in front of my face, especially when I am HUNGRY.

Fortunately, AND unfortunately, I’ve made many mistakes over the years, so I know firsthand the many things to avoid.

Some things to pay attention to with your agents and Actors Access

List of Red Flag Rules and Scams to Avoid

This list of rubbish is in no particular order.

I divided them into 3 different categories which I think are important:

  • Safety
  • Money
  • Time

I will be adding as much as I can think of right now and if I missed something or you’re not sure if it’s a red flag, feel free to leave a comment below.

I encourage you to do as much research as possible on anything you’re uncomfortable with. But seriously, trust your gut.

Make sure to head over and subscribe to the August 2021 edition of Performing Arts Magazine to check out Pt 1 of the article I wrote on Industry red flags.

Article for Actors on Industry Red Flags
“Industry Red Flags” Article Pt. 2

Red Flag Rules for Safety

This one is definitely the most important red flag warnings, therefore, I’ve chosen to list it first.

  1. Research the audition location before you go. Auditions should NOT be in private residences
  2. NEVER email photos other than a head 8×10 headshot or a body shot. A bathing suit is ok for modeling, a form-fitting outfit should be plenty. NO NUDES. Remember, once it’s on the internet, it’s on the internet.
  3. Don’t trust those random DM’s inviting you to audition for summertime blockbuster hits.
  4. If you don’t see other actors present “on set” or at your casting call, think twice.
  5. Do NOT go in a car or home for “private lessons”, unless you 1000% know and trust this person
  6. Producers/directors/movie execs are busy. They’re NOT calling you.
  7. Being “nice” is cool and all, but if mofo’s look sketchy, trust that gut of yours! Something is off. It’s ok to be judgmental when your safety is on the line

…it’s ok to be judgmental when your safety is on the line

Red Flag Rules for Keeping Your Money

  1. NEVER pay for representation. Your agents make money when YOU make money.
  2. Your representation can make suggestions for headshot photographers, but if they insist you use one of their photogs, it’s possible they may receive a kickback of some sorts
  3. Auditions are free.
  4. Those big talent conventions that travel the country are some major bs. SCAM
  5. Be wary of “talent scouts”
  6. Casting websites do charge a fee, so make sure to do your research on the most popular ones for your region….call SAG-AFTRA for further assistance
    • Casting Networks/ LACasting (same company, but 2 different markets), Actors Access, Backstage, Casting Frontier are the main ones for the west coast market
  7. Pay-to-play workshops are illegal. Classes cannot guarantee a job or audition.
  8. Ain’t nobody needs your bank account or social security # for an audition. You will need to your SS # on your W9 ONCE you’ve booked the job.
Actress holding up money in cash
Invest in your career wisely

Red Flag Rules for Saving Time

  1. Anybody who says you can be famous by next year is pulling your leg and you need to avoid them. This is a marathon and not a sprint
  2. Classes CAN be several hours long, but if you’re going into the early hours of the morning…..hmmm make sure you’re not alone.
  3. Shortcuts don’t exist. Do the work. Pace yourself.

Conclusion

These are some of my best tips for avoiding scams and industry red flag rules and what to avoid. You’re smart so remember to trust your gut, ask a bajillion questions and do your research.

We want to make sure that you can pursue a safe and successful career while staying safe, saving your money, and being protective of your time.

Did I miss anything? Still have some questions? Leave a message in the comments and I will add it to the appropriate list!