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Be Afraid
BE VERY AFRAID
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of an

AGENT

WHO:

 

Not only NO, but OH, NO! Legitimate agents don't charge you anything. They work for you. They will work for a percent of what you make--which means they don't get paid till you get paid. Actors Beware of agents who say this! If you're not sure about an agent, call the Better Business Bureau and ask!

 

  • promises you steady work as an actor

NO ONE can promise you STEADY work...OK, maybe a very successful Producer or a really really rich guy -- but an agent who promises you that--you should beware of!

 

  • guarantees to make you a star

Oh, come on...surely you don't believe THAT!
"There are
NO GUARANTEES in this business!"

 

 

 

  • thinks a cattle call comes in the box with the duck and turkey call.

Yeah, right!

 

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  • insists you go to his place to pose for some pictures

I promise...I swear...I almost guarantee you (but no guarantees, right?) that if you do this, you'll be sorry!

ACTOR BEWARE, AND BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID!

 

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  • insists that you sign a blank contract and says "TRUST ME, I'll fill it in for you!"

Remember, God gave you common sense. Use it. If it smells fishy or if a bell goes off or if you see a RED FLAG waving--HOLD YOUR NOSE, DUCK, RUN FOR COVER, STAY AWAY FROM THESE GUYS!

 

 

 

  • works part time as a dentist

OK, so I'm afraid of dentists, too!

 

 

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  • ignores you when you ask for a copy of your contract

You have every right to see everything you sign and to have a copy made. You also have every right to expect a little attention from your agent...but don't be too unreasonable--they're trying to get you auditions--they can't just stop everything to make small talk with you!

 

 

 

  • won't sign you unless you take their classes and use their photographer

Agents should only RECOMMEND several different photographers and classes, NOT INSIST that you take only their classes and use only their photographer. Whatever you do, just BEWARE.

 

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  • also sells blue blockers on the corner for $5 a pair.

Just watch out for the 'street corner' agents--who set up shop one day and disappear the next. They're out there...but don't try to find them, they'll find you. Always -- BEWARE especially if an agent approaches you first! Legitimate agents are always on the lookout for new talent, but, don't get carried away just because an 'agent' likes your work! Say thank you and then, if you've never heard of them before, check them out with the Better Business Bureau, SAG, the state Film Commission and ASK. ASK everyone you know...don't ever be afraid to ASK!

 

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  • doesn't believe in telephones

 

 

  • doesn't believe in contracts

 

 

  • doesn't believe in YOU

 

there's more...there's a lot more...and if you'd like to add to what's here, email us!

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