SCAMS.. A LOT IN THIS BUSINESS..

AGENCIES, PHOTOGRAPHERS, COACHES,  and any other way of making money in this industry can open you up to a possible scam.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

AGENCY-
They should never require you to have to purchase classes from them or the person they recommend.  You should not have to use only their photographers for headshots.  The agency can recommend and/or give you lists of people they recommend, but never force you to use anyone specific.  They can require that you stay in classes; but you should do your own homework, and find the right class for you.  Any acting class you sign up for, should allow you to come audit or observe the class and meet the coach before you pay for anything.  Also, check the market price for acting coaches and/or photographers and headshots.

If an agency doesn't ask you to audition or get to see your resume or reel, then they may be ... well, to put it nice ... FULL OF SHIT.

If an agency plays on hopes and dreams and tells you about your potential and then tries to make you purchase any classes from them, then they are ... FULL OF SHIT.

No agency should require you to buy or pay anything to them or from them.  The only time you are required to pay your agency is when you book a job that you booked from them.  They receive a percentage of your check after you receive the check.  Agents should only be taking 10% from a SAG actor.  Some agents may take 15% if you are not SAG (screen actors guild - actors union).

Please do your home work and keep an eye on your checks.  Some agents do what we call double dipping.  That is when they take their 10% and then figure out a way to tell you that the check that you received also has their 10% from the client (the company who booked you for the job).  They should receive that separately - it should not be included in YOUR check.

For acting coaches, agencies, and photographers, you should do your own homework..  Check IMDB.com, google search the name of the owners, the agency, the coach, the photographer.   Make sure they don't have any scam warnings.  Ask other actors, snopes.com is also a site that lists scams.

As usual, any questions feel free to post them.  Anyone you have been scammed by, feel free to leave a warning on this site...