You moved to a big city to start your career, but the biz isn’t as easy as you’d hoped. Scams run wild in this industry, and you need to know who to trust. For actors, the worst scammers are disguised as legitimate talent agencies. Phony agents will go as far as promising stardom if it means taking your hard-earned money. Have no fear, though; the list below will help you separate money-hungry scammers from reputable acting agencies.
They ask for money before you owe them.
This is first on the list because it’s the biggest red flag. Do not pay an agency to represent you. Real agencies only ask for a commission. That means they get paid when you get paid, period. If an agent asks for a fee to represent you, run as fast as you can.
They dictate which photographers you can use.
Actors are always expected to pay for their own headshots, and agents usually have a list of preferred photographers they recommend to clients. However, if an agency insists or requires that you use an in-house photographer (or makeup artist or web designer), then their interest is in helping themselves, not you. Reputable agencies leave creative decisions to the actor and do not operate as their own private photo studio.
They advertise online, in newspapers, on TV, etc.
This is a big one, too. Real agencies have actors lined up asking for representation. Any agency that relies on advertising to seek out fresh talent is probably a scam. These “agencies” actually seek unsuspecting or desperate actors they can con into paying for representation and additional services, which leads us to…
They offer additional services like classes or workshops for a price.
Agents may recommend classes or workshops that have helped other clients, but that’s where the line is drawn. Scam agencies may ask clients to pay for a class they offer themselves or pay for advice on classes. Your agent represents you; he or she does not train you. Money intended for an acting class should never land in the hands of your agent.
They falsely claim to represent high-profile actors.
If you have any suspicion that an agency is a scam even though they represent a huge star, use IMDB.com to see who really represents that actor. If it’s the same agency, great! If not, your future is probably brighter than the agency’s.
They promise over $300 per day for first-time extras.
The average pay for background actors (or “extras”) in Los Angeles is $148 a day. If an agency claims that their clients earn over $200 per day as background actors, they could be over-selling. If they claim their clients earn over $300 per day, the agency is likely a scam.
They use inspirational messages to appeal to the less confident / successful.
Scammers will try to appeal to your emotions to convince you that they’re your ticket to success. According to former talent manager and now acting coach Denise Simon, “Chase your dreams, follow your heart, and other inspirational messages are meant to lure in people who are desperate for success and have little experience in the acting industry.” Real agencies look for confident and hardworking talent.
They guarantee you’ll be a star.
Believe it or not, no one can snap their fingers to produce fame and fortune. Acting is and has always been a tough business, and agents know they can’t guarantee even the smallest roles for their clients. If an agency promises stardom or a glamorous life, your instincts are correct: it’s too good to be true.
Real agencies accept new actors on a daily basis, just like scammers, so you may find it difficult to know for sure if the agency you’re contacting is legitimate. Before throwing your cash at a guy in a suit with a fancy business card, review this list and do your research. You’ll thank us later.
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