We are fortunate in Texas to have many work opportunities for film, visual media, and audio talent. Increasingly, more and more legitimate casting is happening online through reliable sources such as Facebook, Casting Networks, Actor's Access, Now Casting, Beth Sepko Casting, Casting Works L.A., and Johnson Casting. With legitimate, reputable casting services such as these, talent does not pay for auditions or bookings. They can freely post profiles, resumes, and headshots on these sites. (In some cases extra services are offered for fees, but talent can use the free services to post their resumes, headshots, and profiles.)
On my Cru Film '12 Facebook site, I post information that is freely available through social networks for many jobs for professional talent and crew. On this site I am careful to post jobs by ethical producers.
Remember not to pay for auditions or bookings for talent work. For more detailed warnings, see http://dianehoward.com/auditions.htm.On this page you will find reputable sources for auditions and agents. If you do not yet have an agent, find a legitimate, licensed or franschised agent on this page and those to which it is linked. Look at the talent on the agent's site to see if the agent needs talent like you. Ask if the agency requires you to use, and worse to pay for, extra services. Shop around and ask questions. Learn what is legal and ethical (not necessarily what is common practice).
Always be careful in working with talent and casting agencies. 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. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. Watchdog groups at 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 agencies with legitimate licenses or franschises (SAG, AFTRA...). You can see other online resources to get information about legitimate businesses and about modeling and talent scams. You can search online for the license of a Texas Talent &/or Modeling Agency.
Remember that talent also has professional and ethical responsibilities to: use updated headshots, continue training, use professional etiquette, and represent their agency and entertainment industry well.
For further information, contact me, Dr. Diane Howard, at UMHB or visit my Web site at http://www.dianehoward.com.
See specific performance communication/film job postings on Cru Film '12 Facebook site.
See recent film reviews, developments, and publications .
I am on IMDb as Dr. Diane Howard. You can support good film work with Like buttons on IMDb (Internet Movie Database) by Liking the following: films, filmmakers, actors, crew, casting directors, agents... (including UMHB Cru Film associates).
