Cautions and Guidelines for Talent
For Talent, Models, And Extras
A majority of producers and production companies use industry standards but, as in any business, there are some that employ unsavory practices. Stay safe with this red flag checklist:
- Be suspicious. There are no guarantees or guaranteed jobs in the entertainment industry.
- Listen to your instincts; they could save your life.
- Know the talent agency laws in your area (city, county, state).
- Use a licensed talent agency.
- Stay away from talent agents who want up-front employment fees. (This is against the law in most states.)
- Check everything out before you go to the interview.
- Have at least two reputable consumer sources of information.
- Do not assume want ads for actors or models are legitimate simply because they appear in a newspaper.
- Beware of opportunities sounding too good to be true (once in a lifetime, no experience required). They usually are.
- Never send or give money to anyone who promises membership in a performer’s union. Always check with the union first.
- Never pay money in advance for postage, advertising, registration, categorization or filing fees (an illegal practice in some states).
- If you are unfamiliar with the agent, producer, or photographer–do not go to the interview alone.
- Do not interview in apartments or weekly rentals.
- If you are uncomfortable with an interview FOR ANY REASON, leave! There will be other interviews, other jobs.
- Read all releases and contracts carefully before signing them.
- This information is a guideline only. Please do your homework. Ask questions and clearly understand what is expected of you. We are not in a position to endorse.
