PB Film

Film Florida Releases Tips On How To Avoid "Glam Scam"

Film Florida recently released recommendations that educate and empower crew to recognize red flags and possible scams.

Glam Scam: Promises of advancement in the film and entertainment industry by those posing to be industry professionals (agencies, acting schools, photographers, etc.) without the intention of following through.

Best Practices:

? Agents should ask for professional headshots and/or lifestyle photos
? Agents should ask for actors to be signed up for third-party casting sites to submit actors (Actors Access, Casting Networks, etc.)
? Agents should receive a commission from actors with every job booked (unless the project is union and the client has agreed to pay the agency fee)
? Agents should ask actors for participation in continued training
? SAG Franchised Agencies are generally recommended, SAG requires their members to work with franchised agents
? Know the difference between a SAG Franchised Agency and Non-Union Agency
? Agents should have a referral list with recommendations for industry-standard photographers and workshops
? Agents should be reachable and have a relationship with their talent roster Industry Red Flags
? Agencies who promise to make you famous and require their own ‘training agenda’
? Acting schools that promise to help brand you for large, additional fees by
working with you on your social media, resume, headshots, etc.
? Agencies that sell master programs for participation in web streaming shows in exchange for IMDB credit
? Acting schools that sell you one-on-one coaching for the purpose of participating in their showcase
? Acting schools that also “manage” your career
? Agency asking for a monthly hosting fee to represent and list on Agency's website
? Agents should not have in-house photographers with financial profit to the agency
? Agents should not be photographers
? Agents should not host paid workshops with financial profit to the agency
? Agents should not change talent rates
? Agents should not compete with their talent for jobs by submitting/booking
themselves as talent.

Helpful Hints:

? Do a basic Google search for the name, phone number, company name, etc. of the agency, acting school, photographer, etc. that you are considering working with
? If the program advertises any shortcut to fame, it is probably best to decline participation
? Do not meet with anyone in a private hotel room
? If you are looking at an agency, are they on the list of Franchised SAG Agents?
? Review SAG Agency Guidelines: https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts-industryresources/agents-managers/frequently-asked-questions
? Is the agency, acting school, photographer, etc. licensed with the State on https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/search/?
? When considering a pricey, packaged deal with photos for the purpose of finding an agent, call your local agencies first to see if they recommend these packages.
? Check to make sure the agency, acting school, photographer, etc are licensed with the State on Sunbiz.org

Bottom Line: Safety is a Top Priority

Do your research and reach out to verified resources when considering your representation options. You are not alone in trying to figure out if a job offer is real. Contact your local film commission and/or a trusted agent to see if they are aware of the person, company, project, etc. or contact Film Florida at [email protected] and we will connect you with your local film commission.