scams! unfortunately, they will always be with us!

every year...did i say year? every month…umm…month? okay…every DAY thousands of people descend upon los angeles believing that they will be the next tom cruise, hilary duff or dakota fanning…and most believe that they or their child actor is the best thing since sliced bread (oh boy…showing my age with that saying!)…

there are a great many opportunities both in nyc and los angeles, and as time passes, in many other cities in this country and in canada…problem is, along with the opportunities that your child actor has, there are also many opportunists out there who are lurking; waiting to prey upon you…their ultimate goal? to separate you from your money…

okay, so now you know that i’m going to rant here a bit…and no, we’ve not been “taken” by these scam artists, but my niece is in the process of throwing away her money (which she doesn’t have a lot of) to one of these shysters…and her daughter is only 4! she spends $700 every other month on new pics and learning how to walk like a model…at 4 years old mind you…and i’ve tried to speak to her…but to no avail…so i have to bite my tongue and be quiet at this point…

and i’m not going to name these companies…most of us know them…but just be aware of this…if someone thinks your child is amazing…one of a kind…best thing they’ve seen in a long time…cutest, best, greatest, most beautiful, next academy award winner...turn around and walk out the door…they have a hook in your wallet and are playing on the love you have for your child…scumbags…

anyway, just know this…go to reputable acting sites on the web…many i have listed on this blog…and ask questions…DON’T sign anything until you’ve spoken to someone who can direct you to legitimate agencies, acting schools, photographers, etc. AND beware of the companies that allow you “one stop shopping”…what i mean by that is that they will supply you with a headshot photographer, online exposure for your child, acting classes, etc…more times than not, they are again, just cloaked scam artists…

lastly, NEVER pay to get your child signed with an agent or manager…that’s just totally absurd…the money that they make comes out of the funds that your child earns if and when he/she books something…also, some people have issues with paid casting director workshops…in l.a., they seem to be not as needed…in nyc, they’ve always worked well for us with an out of state casting director…other than that, in time, your child will meet the right people at the right time…last thing you want to do is to spend all your money on cd workshops thinking that it will help your child book something…more times than not, it doesn’t…but hey, if you’ve got the funds, knock yourself out…just make sure you know if it’s the casting director, associate or assistant…imho, only go to casting director workshops…

moral of this blog – keep your money in your pocket and question anyone who’s hand is reaching in there…more likely than not, they are professional scammers who will tell you anything to bilk you out of your hard earned money…buyer beware…

have an incredible week…
hugs and out~