KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Excitement is growing, and so are submissions, for the casting of "Ted Lasso" season 4.
Filming is set to take place later this month in the Kansas City-metro area.
You may have noticed a particular casting agency popping up on social media. It's on Facebook, by a company called Nine9, saying it's seeking extras and stand-ins.
Curious how it all works, FOX4 clicked on the ad to learn more, filled out basic information and attended a virtual open call. In it, the company claims to be working on Season 4 of "Ted Lasso."
"Nine9 itself has been around since 2003. We help actors and models get started and to be seen in the industry," the speaker said on the call.
Halfway through what seemed to be a pre-recorded and virtual open call, money and subscription services were brought up, including a $99 fee to get started—then a monthly reoccurring fee.
The virtual call also walked you through how to pay and what services, like workshops, you get when payment is collected.
The payment, Nine9 said, is to help promote and train clients for various submissions.
Questions were encouraged in the call, but all of ours about the filming of Ted Lasso, went unanswered.
"You don't pay to play," Kathy Hanis, Kansas City native and talent agent shared with FOX4. "When I heard it was asking for payment... well, that's the first clue."
Hanis has more than 40 years of experience working in the sports and entertainment industry.
"My uncle was a...legendary Hollywood publicist. I've worked with everyone from Mickey Mouse to Michael Jackson," she told FOX4.
Once she heard what the business was doing online, including asking people to pay fees up front, she said she couldn't stay silent.
"My role as an agent, I had to speak out," Hanis said. "They do this on hot movies…and Ted Lasso…it's hot."
Hanis said an agent isn't required to be an extra, but if you do want to get into acting, one is recommended. She said it should be someone you trust.
"You can feel it; the excitement is happening. With that, brings more," Hanis said. "We've been waiting for this chance. Jason (Sudeikis) with 'Ted Lasso' coming to Blue Springs is great. It brings money to Kansas City."
Hanis said Kansas City has its own film scene full of experience and talent.
"Kansas City has an A-list group of people that have worked in Los Angeles and returned here because they love to live here, because it's their home," she said.
We asked Nine9 for an official statement on their services and mentioned how some would question their process. As of Monday evening, FOX4 has not heard back on it.
An agency, who is casting for a returning TV series in the area, is Alessi Hartigan Casting Los Angeles.
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