OK, you may not know this, but I would LOVE to get on Survivor or another game show

[Disney1fan2002]

I am losing weight, so I wanted to apply to Survivor this season or next. I found a talent agency online that specializes in reality tv shows. I filled out the application and sent in a couple of photos. This was a few weeks ago. I didn't think I would hear from them. (I am over weight and middle aged)

Guess what??? I got a phone call from them today! They want me as a client. They can't guarantee Survivor, but they will put me out there.

There is a fee. I cringed at that, because I know talent agents don't charge a fee. I am considering it ONLY because of what the fee covers.....


an e-mail after our phone conversation:

Just to recap, I have reviewed your photos and information and I believe you are a great candidate to join our roster.

In order for me to take you on as a client, we need to become a team. It's my job to find you the best opportunities in the world of Reality TV and it's your job to be ready to go and cash in on the big money that's out there on Reality TV.

That's why I've put together this special package of services for you.

For just $275 all of the following costs are completely covered for an entire year.

* Preparation of your Talent Cards including: picture selection, full bio writing targeted to your choice of shows, printing, collating and delivery to my office in California

* All courier costs of sending your talent cards to the various producers, directors and casting directors. This will be followed up by a direct phone call to the decision makers to push you to the front of the line

* All auditiion fees (some shows charge as much as $50 per audition)

* Weekly email blast to producers and directors of your chosen shows

* Special VIP treatment at auditions

* Weekly updates from my desk outlining shows casting in your area, new shows just breaking and tips and tricks to nailing the audition

* Monthly newsletter from Hollywood North Entertainment to keep you up-to-date on industry trends

* A full year of management in order to keep your face in front of the most important casting agents in Reality TV

* My personal guarantee: If after one year you have not gotten on to a show, I will personally pick up all of the expenses
to extend your contract another year for FREE

* All pre-screening costs
So what do you all think? I was going to pay a video producer around $200 to film and edit me so I could send in a professional tape when I applied. That would be for ONE show. This agency will put out to all kind of shows. I like that if I don't get picked in the 1st year, I get a 2nd year free.

I am super excited, so I may not be thinking straight. If there are level headed people out there that see this may be a scam, please point it out to me.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Pasadena it.

The fee is the give-away. Plus, you can do all that by yourself.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Casting Scams

Beware!
There are many unscrupulous companies trying to take advantage of actors. Don’t believe it if it’s...too good to be true.
You’ve seen them: those ads stapled onto telephone poles and plastered all over the pages of those throwaway neighborhood newspapers. They promise the moon, the stars and a shot at the big time, but rarely deliver even a pinch of stardust. “Audition for Bob! casting director of the hit TV show…” “Read for Bill, superstar talent agent at…” “Jim, personal manager of top actors, such as Steve and Susan, will be looking for new talent…” For those struggling to get a break, these meetings may seem to be the way to get that long-sought meeting with the big guys, the chance to be seen by casting agents, to work with directors, to be spotted by managers and agents. Sadly, most of them turn out to be a waste of time and money, if not an outright scam calculated to separate you from your hard-earned money.

There are certainly many legit companies that offer a chance to meet and read for casting agents and directors in a classroom setting; but be aware that if any fee is charged for these sessions, your participation may be in violation of SAG Rule 11 or California Labor Laws.

SAG Rule 11
Section 11 of the SAG Rules and Regulations states, in part: It shall likewise be deemed conduct unbecoming a member for any member of the Guild, directly or indirectly, to give or offer to give any money, gift, gratuity or other thing of value to an employer, or prospective employer, to any officer, agent, representative or employee of such employer or prospective employer, or to any employment or casting agency representing an employer, or prospective employer, or to any of their officers, agents, representatives or employees as an inducement to secure employment. This rule shall not apply to prohibit the payment of lawful commissions to motion picture agents holding franchises from the Guild.

If you are asked to pay a fee or give any form of compensation to audition for a casting director, producer, agent, manager, or anyone else that has any input into the hiring process, please contact Gavin Troster of the Hollywood office at 323/549-6809 to report the incident. This includes workshop-style situations where a casting director watches your scene or monologue, offers no meaningful critique or feedback, and is presented as someone looking for actors for “current and upcoming projects.” This becomes a paid audition, which is against SAG rules.

California State Labor Code prohibits employers or potential employers from demanding payment for employment opportunities; you should contact your state labor board to inquire whether they have similar laws. The Hollywood office has notified the California Labor Department about violations of this section, and Guild members should likewise not hesitate to contact their state or their SAG branch regarding violations. The more people that stand up and protest these practices, the more likely it is that action will be taken.

Now, there are certainly legitimate classes offered by casting directors and producers. The difference is that these classes are in fact ongoing, “traditional” acting classes, during which acting instruction is offered rather than being simply a one-time paid audition. California recently set guidelines for casting director workshops to distinguish the legit ones from those that, for a fee, offer only a vague hope of being remembered for some future role. California members can get a copy of the guidelines by contacting the California Labor Department, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Department of Industrial Relations.

Here are a few examples of what SAG considers to be paid auditions:

Don't Pay Reality Shows

Reality shows have taken over the television airwaves and with them yet another twist on the This-Is-Your-Big-Break-If-You-Have-$50 theme. Typical of these new schemes is a company that faxed the Guild recently asking staff to contact our members to urge them to audition for a talent-search program geared towards actors. The come-on was that those chosen would be seen by millions, including, it would seem, casting directors, producers, agents, and managers. And all for a small fee that is refunded should the actor make it past the first cut. A good deal, right? When the Guild attempted to contact this company to clarify the set up, we did not get a response: no call, no email, and no letter. We can only conclude that this was an attempt to get money from actors—one that may have netted the company a hefty amount of money from those who sent in their application fee. Also, be aware that some of these reality shows are made under AFTRA contracts for which you may or may not have to become an AFTRA member. Check with SAG and AFTRA membership departments before accepting work.
Don't Pay Fees

Another example of questionable practices are seemingly legit background casting companies that advertise for inclusion in a national database of pictures to be used in future projects that film in various parts of the country, generally where SAG has no background jurisdiction and where filming is rare. These companies charge a fee to be listed in their databank, and tell you that they will let you know when filming is coming to your area. SAG has been notified about such companies putting ads in papers in places like Montana and Virginia. Some of these companies will tell you that you must send in money to “hold your place” in the film. Some of these companies may even hold interviews and auditions for films, but you have to pay an up-front fee to register for the interview. One company recently solicited headshots from actors in Atlanta and Minneapolis – the pitch was that they were going to cast in both cities for a Hollywood film. For a $25 fee, actors were given an appointment date and time to try out for the movie. Problem was that the Atlanta auditions were canceled and the Minneapolis auditions turned out to be a total sham. Those who went not only did not get seen for a part, but they lost $25. Again, some of these are in fact legitimate auditions for films, but it is always a good idea to contact your local SAG office to find out.
Don't Pay Producers

Every so often we hear of a producer that offers a role in a film to anyone who will contribute money towards the financing, anywhere from the starring role if you finance the whole thing to bit parts for those who do not have lots to give. If you see ads for such projects, please contact Gavin Troster of the Hollywood office at 323/549-6809 to report such a practice.
Don't Pay Casting Agencies

We all know that casting online is the wave of the future. Pictures and resumes posted on-line. Casting submissions entered with a keystroke. Resumes revised with just a few clicks. No more messengers. No more cutting and stapling. No more running all over town. Can’t be bad, can it? Well, actually, yes it can. Certain casting agencies are charging agents, managers or talent fees to post headshots and resumes online. Or worse yet, they are charging for every revision to a resume or photo. Some even go so far as to electively make their services available to a selective group, thus limiting performers’ access to casting sessions. Screen Actors Guild is fully aware of these abusive trends and is taking action with state labor commissions to examine these business practices. However, changes take time. In the meantime, be very careful about illegal fee practices. Know all the facts before parting with your money.
If you have any questions regaring the legitimacy of workshops or auditions, contact your local SAG branch or Hollywood Production Services at 323/549-6809.

 

[Jennasis]

A casting agency for Reality television?? That seems...I dunno...odd. It does smack of scam to me. No agency worth their salt would/should ask for any money from you up front.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I feel like we should guide the OP to the right place.

Read the Hollywood Reporter and Variety online (i.e. the trades). Even just the free parts. They usually list try-outs for any and all reality shows there for FREE.

You are very smart to beware and to ask around. For fun, you should call the agency back and find out if they'v ever placed an actor...I'm guessing no. Or they will say yes but not tell you WHICH actor.

Also, the trades will list in any given article that XXX show is shooting XXX date and will list the producers. With some gumption, you seriously can do everything this agency claims to do for free.

 

[mikess]

Scam.... A real talent agency does not charge fees. They work for you and make a percentage after they find you a job.

These people are the same guys that blows through town looking for models, musicians and idols out of hotel rooms.

Your best bet is apply to all of them yourself. Start a website, myspace, twitter and facebook page promoting yourself as an inspiring reality star.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just saw an ad the other day for Survivor auditions coming up locally. I wouldn't pay for somebody to represent me. If I wanted to be on a show I would just go audition. If you are internet savvy you can find all of the info you need for free.

 

[gometros]

PT Barnum said it best.

OP - This is not directed at you but at the people who these agencies target

Pasadena it.

I never heard that expression before.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I never heard that expression before.

I learned it from on old-school mentor of mine. It is slang for pass. I loved it and kept it in my volcabulary all these years. Technically, I should have just said, "Pasadena" but then no one would understand me at all!

 

[Derald]

I am losing weight, so I wanted to apply to Survivor this season or next. I found a talent agency online that specializes in reality tv shows. I filled out the application and sent in a couple of photos. This was a few weeks ago. I didn't think I would hear from them. (I am over weight and middle aged)

Guess what??? I got a phone call from them today! They want me as a client. They can't guarantee Survivor, but they will put me out there.

There is a fee. I cringed at that, because I know talent agents don't charge a fee. I am considering it ONLY because of what the fee covers.....


an e-mail after our phone conversation:

Just to recap, I have reviewed your photos and information and I believe you are a great candidate to join our roster.

In order for me to take you on as a client, we need to become a team. It's my job to find you the best opportunities in the world of Reality TV and it's your job to be ready to go and cash in on the big money that's out there on Reality TV.

That's why I've put together this special package of services for you.

For just $275 all of the following costs are completely covered for an entire year.

* Preparation of your Talent Cards including: picture selection, full bio writing targeted to your choice of shows, printing, collating and delivery to my office in California

* All courier costs of sending your talent cards to the various producers, directors and casting directors. This will be followed up by a direct phone call to the decision makers to push you to the front of the line

* All auditiion fees (some shows charge as much as $50 per audition)

* Weekly email blast to producers and directors of your chosen shows

* Special VIP treatment at auditions

* Weekly updates from my desk outlining shows casting in your area, new shows just breaking and tips and tricks to nailing the audition

* Monthly newsletter from Hollywood North Entertainment to keep you up-to-date on industry trends

* A full year of management in order to keep your face in front of the most important casting agents in Reality TV

* My personal guarantee: If after one year you have not gotten on to a show, I will personally pick up all of the expenses
to extend your contract another year for FREE

* All pre-screening costs
So what do you all think? I was going to pay a video producer around $200 to film and edit me so I could send in a professional tape when I applied. That would be for ONE show. This agency will put out to all kind of shows. I like that if I don't get picked in the 1st year, I get a 2nd year free.

I am super excited, so I may not be thinking straight. If there are level headed people out there that see this may be a scam, please point it out to me.

 

[Derald]

Survivor has there own site to submit your pic and video. Go back to survivor sign up and find the real site. They do not use talent agency. Your being scammed.

 

[Derald]

But now since your looking so good you can send me your pic.

 

[Allison]

Well, first of all, this is 8 years old.

 

[Derald]

Well, first of all, this is 8 years old.[/QUOTE

Well, first of all, this is 8 years old.[/QUOTE. Don't recall seeing a date. Why would 8 yearold post still be here. Must not get many replies. Sorry for trying to help

 

[chiisai]

Ok, now we must know. Did op ever get on survivor or another reality show??

 

[Squirlz]

Why did the noob bump this up without a comment?

I have a feeling everyone was a "great candidate".

 

[rastahomie]

I would love to be on Jeopardy! some day. I've applied several times, once even getting so far as in-person testing in Chicago for the College Tournament and meeting Alex Trebek! I've taken the online test so many times I can't see straight.

Unfortunately I haven't heard back, which is their loss. I would smoke Ken Jennings!

 

[Squirlz]

I would love to be on Jeopardy! some day. I've applied several times, once even getting so far as in-person testing in Chicago for the College Tournament and meeting Alex Trebek! I've taken the online test so many times I can't see straight.

Unfortunately I haven't heard back, which is their loss. I would smoke Ken Jennings!

You would smoke anything.