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Are you interested in working in Hollywood? If you are, you may have your hopes set high. Of course, this is good, but it is also important to “keep your feet on the ground.” If you don’t, you may find it easier to be taken advantage of. There are several common Hollywood scams you will want to avoid.
One scam that you do not want to fall victim to is that of overpriced headshots. Headshots, as you likely already know, are important when wanting to work in front of the camera. With that said, you do not have to select a photographer that labels him or herself as a Hollywood photographer. A standard professional photographer is usually cheaper and should produce the same results. To ensure quality results, ask to see sample shots to verify.
In keeping with overpriced headshots, be on the lookout for extra, unnecessary fees. A photographer generally will not submit your headshots to agents or for casting calls. Rarely do some have the time or the connections needed to do so. For that reason, don’t pay any extra fees. Instead, just pay to have your photographs taken. Submit your own headshots to talent agencies or bring them to open casting calls yourself.
The next type of Hollywood scam, you will want to avoid involves agents. Just because someone calls themselves an agent, it doesn’t mean that they are or that they are well performing. Save your time and your money. Do the proper amount of research first.
As for how you can find a good agent, make connections. Speak to those who you have met in passing. Who are they represented by? Do they have any suggestions for you? Also, use the internet to your advantage, but remember to use your best judgment. Just because an “agent,” has a website, it does not mean that they are good or even legitimate. Use business directories where reviews are welcomed or examine consumer reporting websites, where scams are reported.
While many Hollywood scams are associated with hopeful actors, those who work behind the camera can also fall victim to these scams. Are you a hopeful writer who wants to write the next best Hollywood movie or television show? If so, use your best judgment. Do not submit your screenplay to just anyone. Why? Because you may find yourself taken advantage of. Use an agent or rely on your own research to make sure that your work only falls in the hands of legitimate Hollywood professionals, who will not later claim your great work of art as their own.
All hopeful Hollywood workers, including actors, directors, and writers, are encouraged to be on the lookout for common Hollywood scams. With that said, parents of children who want to break into acting need to be the most cautious. This is important, as this group tends to be targeted the most for Hollywood scams. So, as a parent, what can you do?
Use your best judgment. Do not decide on a whim that you want to break your child into acting or modeling. This is often due in part to being approached by someone at a shopping mall. We have all heard the stories about how famous actors and actresses were discovered at the beach or at the mall. Yes, this does happen, but it is rare. Often, that person is spotted by a casting agent or director by chance, not by walking by a booth setup by a talent agency.
As outlined above, there are several Hollywood scams you will want to be on the lookout for. With that said, remember that it is more than possible to legitimately work in Hollywood as a writer, behind the camera, or in front of it. In most cases, using your best judgment will keep you safe and help you avoid common Hollywood scams, such as the ones outlined above.
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