Waiting To Be Scammed

WAITING TO BE SCAMMED
by Bill Tarling

Reprinted with permission of copyright holder

"So kid, ya say ya wanna be in show biz? Well, let's step into my office and we'll see what ya really got..."

Not the most original opening, but it's still probably the most successful con game in town. The toughest part is trying to crack down on all these scam agencies since they aren't necessarily doing anything illegal. If somebody is foolish enough to hand over their money, then wouldn't you say that person deserves to be taken for a ride? I wouldn't...

TREADING A THIN LINE

If your mechanic starts charging you for shoddy work which was never needed in the first place, you can fight back. If a con artist bilks the little old couple down the street, they still have a chance, albeit slim, of charging the crook. If Joe and Mary Public sign up for ridiculously expensive acting courses, paying assorted "fees", with the local "Talent Agent"... well, they're likely on their own. It's hard to keep a bad agency down!

Governments rarely address concerns for the well being of performers. Instead, they tend to view the arts community as a bunch of whiners who should just stop complaining: "if they don't like it, why are they in the business?" Of course they're more than happy to collect all the revenue and benefits the entertainment industry brings in, but just don't seem to regard acting as "a real job." In other words, don't expect much support from them.

It could be worse though... various governments have considered taking control of certain aspects within the industry. Irregardless of their lack of understanding of our industry's special requirements, they presume to know what's best for us. So far, fortunately for us, they have failed to seize control of our most vital operations. They still, however, tend to disregard our needs for protection.

SO HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES?

Knowledge is the key to our survival against these scams. Understanding the real way our industry works, and watching for danger signs, we can provides ourselves with at least some moderate protection.

	Never sign anything (including contracts or simple application and information forms) during your first visit to any agency; Principal or Background. Our excitement during the initial interview tends to cloud our judgement. Simply take home any material for closer review under calmer conditions. If the agent insists or demands that the pages be signed then and there: thank them for there time, leave the unsigned material behind (except any which might contain your personal information) and exit immediately. Anyone who will not allow you the time to review and scrutinize the contracts [and believe me, those application forms could very well be contracts] should send warning flags buzzing your way. Ask yourself why they're so concerned that you might actually read what they have in print.
	Refrain from exhuming your brilliance in the field. Real agents have heard it all before and are leery of those who are amateurish in their understanding of their unproven track record. Scam agents will thrive on using your own enthusiasm against you. The scams prey on the hopes and dreams of those who walk in the door. They manipulate their victims through practiced praise: tell the target what they want to hear, admonish them as "not really being serious about their career" if they fail to sign. Take any and all praise with a grain of salt... they could be talking to your wallet, not you.
	Listen and observe. When you first arrive in the reception area, take the time to listen to the conversations in the room. Are the phones busy? Are casting calls coming in? Are talent being called for work? Or are the staff concentrating on signing up new people? In the actual interview, listen closely to what's being said. Are they asking you qualifying questions, or is the agent merely spieling a sales pitch.
	Always ask questions (even if you already know the answers). Ask about their current talent roster size [400 people is way too few for an Extra's agent and far too many for a Principal agent]. What type of projects do they concentrate on? How can your character types best fit in with their operation? In what direction (genres) do they see the industry moving? You're not always looking for specific answers, but rather the way in which the agent responds. You want to ensure that the agent is approachable and clear with their information. Listen to whether they're willing to answer your queries, or if they're reluctant. How well do they communicate?
	Find out about any and all fees you might be responsible for. Beware of the usual scams where you're charged for photos demanded through "their" photographer, or for "necessary courses and classes" through their studios.
	Read all the forms [at home] and check for exclusivity clauses. Principal agents should demand exclusivity, Extra's agents should not. If you find an inappropriate clause in a form or contract, negotiate to have it struck out [and initialed]. Don't fall for the line "oh, don't worry, we don't really insist on that." If they don't insist on the clause, then it has no place in the contract. Once again, ask to have it removed or struck out. Make sure you both initial the changes: and be sure to keep a copy for yourself.
	Trust your gut feelings... If you feel on edge for no apparent reason, then there's probably something you're missing. Trust the feeling and pass on the agent for now. There will always be others. Having a good rapport with your agent (which is quite different than just sucking up to each other) is critical for your future. You should both instill mutual respect and confidence in the other.

TOO LATE, I'VE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN

Sorry to hear that... I know it's little consolation to you now, but you can gain from the experience of having been conned. It's hard to rebuild your trust of those "in the industry" once you've already been bilked, but please don't give up on us yet. The people you dealt with weren't really "in the business" to begin with.

People have a very sad, natural, habit of blaming themselves when they've been scammed: "I feel so stupid, how could I have fallen for [that]?" What you have to remember is that you are not stupid. These people who robbed you of your money are professional con artists.

They already knew what you hoped to hear, and preyed on your dreams to sell you a bill of goods. Following our dreams and aspirations leaves us in a very vulnerable emotional state. Praise and acknowledgment of our talents, by supposed experts, raises our hopes that we might actually succeed afterall.

We're so eager to be told that we really do have what it takes to make it in this industry, we tend to ignore anything that deviates from the true hard work required. Granted, you may really have the actual talent. Even if you don't, these phonies will still insist they know what they're talking about. Their goal is in the final sale, not in what's best for you.

Don't feel ashamed for being conned. It's happened to even the biggest of stars at one point or another. Instead, show that you're brave enough to handle it. Share the information with others. You might just save somebody else about to be burned. Instead of worrying about looking foolish, show you're simply wiser. You've grown a lot since then.

You may not get a response, but write a short letter detailing the incident. Mail off copies to the Better Business Bureau, newspapers, local performers union, and any other talent organizations in your area. Inform them you're not looking for them to help you fight and get your money back: rather, just say you wanted to FYI them the information for their own records.

Why not commit the letter to a short article and have it posted online. When we get conned, we feel we are the only ones ever taken in by the scam. Nothing can be further from the truth. You are not alone: thousands of others have been swindled in the same way. Sadly enough, even more will be defrauded in the future.

It's time to be aware and level headed. A little knowledge can arm you a long way, and it's time to fight back. You're only a victim as long as you remain silent...

Bill Tarling is an experienced Extra and Principal performer working primarily out of Canada.
He has also authored "In The Background... An Extra's Handbook" (ISBN 0-88924-267-4),
edited and with additional material by Peter Messaline,
released through Simon & Pierre Publishing.
Available throughout Canada, US, and UK
Also alvailable: Online Orders!