Auditions
Always be careful in working with talent and casting agencies that require fees and/or up-front money. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front. Do not pay to meet, read, or audition. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission. The State Attorney General should also be notified. Texas complaints will go to the Attorney General's office under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. Watchdog groups also keep track of illegal money-making schemes.
The Better Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies. Texas has online databases for tracking businesses with legitimate licenses. You can see other online resources to get information about legitimate businesses and about modeling and talent scams. Since Sept. 1, 2011, Texas talent agencies have been deregulated; but deceptive practices can be reported to the Attorney General Office. In Texas there are many watchdogs to keep artistic and business standards high in the performance, film/moving images, and entertainment industries.
From Ken Farmer's PAG Notes, 2/07- ...When you go in for an audition, there is usually a slot on the sign-in sheet asking for your social security number. Do not, I repeat, do not, that's NOT, N-O-T, write down your social security number on that sheet!!! By law, only your employer or a governmental agency has the right to see your SS# and you aren't hired yet...
Warning from Dan Eggleston- If you come across something like this, the odds are likely 100% that it's a scam. Here's their "pitch." You will have instant access to amazing casting calls with parts that are right for you - parts you can apply to right away so you can get started immediately. You will get your own unique Talent Profile, including photo, so I can find parts that are right for you, and others can spot your star potential. You will be eligible to participate in our Superstar Talent Search, where you can win incredible prizes like a personal consultation with a Casting Director. You can access this all on the Web any time you like or you can even choose to have parts sent to you! If you are ready to be discovered, there is simply no easier way to get started. And it is absolutely free. A credit card is required to ascertain your interest, and will never be charged unless you choose to continue the service beyond the Absolutely Free period. You have my Iron-Clad 100% Guarantee. As your virtual casting agent, I am in a fantastic position to help you launch a career in show business. What's better, I can do it right now, Absolutely Free, if you respond immediately by accepting my invitation here. 10/03/07
Agents and casting directors are paid from work they arrange for talent. Talent does not pay up-front fees. However, talent has responsibility to represent their agencies well with updated headshots and appropriate resumes (onsite and online), to continue training, to use appropriate etiquette (onsite and online)…
It is unethical and even illegal in some states for a talent agencies to provide other services for which they require their talent to pay fees.
My understanding concerning Texas is the following:
Concerning California, 14 casting companies have been sent letters in the summer of 2011 concerning inappropriate practices of charging fees to background talent:
I suggest the following tips for auditioning for the camera:
Read the audition materials, posting, sides, instructions...carefully
Do your homework: Study the client (find information, photos online), study the characters for whom you are auditioning, prepare to give the general appearance and impression of the character, learn your lines and those of the other characters, prepare the character (develop a back story, secret, motivations...)
Fully prepare the required number of size sheets and headshots /resumes
Do not wear cologne to the audition
Arrive on time but no earlier than 15 minutes
Sign-in with an energetic smile
Look for sides/copies, if you have not received them in advance
Look for extra instructions, descriptions, storyboards for the project
Be quiet and pleasant in the waiting area
Walk confidently into the audition in character and stand behind the mark on the floor
Confidently and positively slate/give your name (and agent if asked and you have one) to the camera
In camera-interviews, answer questions to the camera with enthusiasm but to the point
If the interviewer or reader is standing at eye-level next to the camera, you can speak to him or her
It is best if someone is standing by the camera at the right height to whom you can relate as you perform
"Raise the stakes" by thinking of the most important reasons and people in your life for whom this work or the subjects you are presenting could be important
Smile broadly so that you are avoiding half-smiles
Fully commit to every aspect of your interviews and auditions with the most sincere, intense passion that you can deliver
If you are being filmed with close-ups or medium shots, if you can put your hands on the top of the back of a chair, it will help you lean in a little toward the camera to appear less stiff
Best Wishes,
Dr. Diane Howard
Actor's Access
Free Registration- Audition Postings
(Reputable source-nationally by talent, agents, casting directors)
Actor's Bill of Rights
Actor Tips- Casting Works, L.A.
Austin Actors
Austin Developments in the Film, Visual Media
Austin Film Forum
Beth Sepko Casting & Third Coast Extras
Free Registration- Casting Extras & Principals
(Reputable online source casting for many Texas projects )
Casting Calls, Lists
Casting Networks
Dallas/Forth Worth/TX Auditions
DFWAuditions-subscribe@egroups.com
E-Portfolios, Headshots, Resumes
Now Casting
Free Registration- Audition Postings
(Reputable source used nationally by talent, agents, casting )
On Location Casting
Free Registration- Audition Postings (Extra services available for fees/ Reputable source casting many TX projects)
Personal Marketing
Slatecast.com
Free Registration- Audition Postings
Talent Agencies
Teatro Humanidad, Austin, TX
Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals
Texas Film Commission
Texas Short Film Casting/Crew/Film Submissions...
On Twitter- http://twitter.com/ATX_TVFilmJobs , http://twitter.com/FilmCastTexas,
http://twitter.com/shortfilmtexas, http://twitter.com/ActorsAccess,
http://twitter.com/filmsanantonio, http://twitter.com/DALLASFilm ...
Can use Twitter search engines to find actor information.
Texas Resources for Employment
in Arts and Entertainment Industries
Texas Shakespearean Festival Auditions
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