Scams...

This may sound like I'm paranoid. It may have happened before.
I found out about this audition for a feature film. It was reported on in a local rag, giving a phone number to call for more information about getting a part. I rang the number, the bloke that's directing the film said that I had to send a letter to a certain address requesting a copy of the script and my documenting previous experience... as well as $20 for the cost of the script.
It's not a nice thought that in today's society that we are sometimes a little hasty in our judgements, but the people I have spoken to about this have given me a piece of their mind... and they are, needless to say, a little sceptic. I'd prefer to give the benefit of the doubt, though...

Comments?

Cheers
Alan Gill

"Credit cards are the best way to spend someone else's money"

[%sig%]

Hmm... frankly, I'd be tempted to run screaming in the opposite direction of anything that asked me to fork out $20 for a copy of a script for an audition I might not be cast in.

Mind you, it's an interesting idea for future fundraising activities for local clubs... :-p

El

Let me put it this way - if it were a legitimate paid feature film - they would be going through the Agents to find actors. Even if it isn't paid, in many cases, they go through the agents or a casting director or even this site! Sounds dodgy to me - they could email you the script and thus leave the printing costs to you. (I'm assuming this is in WA?)

The director wasn't a member of the Nigerian Royal family, was he? Offering you part share in squillians if you gave him your credit card number?

8-)

Thou errant milk-livered wagtail! Good heavens!

[%sig%]

A feature film script should be around 120 pages so, presuming 10c per sheet, a cost in the vicinity of $12/script would be expected. If nothing else it seems they're exploting a small profit from their applicants.

Are you prepared to name names, Alan?

[%sig%]

Name name's? Nooooo, I was trying not to mention any names actually, not in the public eye anyway; I believe people are innocent until proven guilty. I was thinking about whether or not the director visits this site; I sent a letter of today saying I'd pay for a script if and when I get a part. Maybe I shouldn't have used MY name...

One shall see what happens...

Alan Gill

"I believe that we have a finite number of heartbeats. I'm not going to waste mine excercising"
- Niel Armstrong

This is definately a scam. If the Director himself is answering the phone, and not using (his) address to get you to send your money to and it involves a feature film, it's probably a bit Arthur Daly.
If you are auditionaing for a part... it's unlikely you would be given the complete screenplay in the first place.

But then this could be a completly honest and upfront and I have discredited this person...har har.

Phone number was a mobile... as far as I know he is independant... what was also strange was he was asking for crew as well and said that "You don't have to be experienced, just keen to do films". Unusual? Probably.

Alan Gill

"At night I stare at the sky and wonder where the heck is the ceiling?!"
- Unknown

Ohhh dear...after reading the post I am left wondering with the mind spinnng as to "What type of Movie" he has in mind....tounge in cheek.

An art film ;).

[%sig%]

This sounds oddly like something I was "Involved" in. A very unusual Korean man (Nothing racist here, he just was) treid vry hard to get myself and others to belive that he would create this TV series. All very eager we put a little effort in and NOTHING! It was a scam (luckily one that only cost us time) and I was informed of this thing THROUGH an agency as well.

In all honesty, it is either a scam or an overly enthusiastic inexperienced director who's imagination overwhelms his ability for rational thought. If he thinks that he can cast a film BEFORE organising a crew (and very likely funding) then it ain't gonna happen. Before a cast is even required these things like location, set design (if required) and other factors to organise.

This is however based upon the small amount of information the you have been given. I personally think it is very sus that you are being asked to pay $20 UPFRONT for a script without the promise of an actual audition itself let alone have any idea what it is about. The usual method (correct me if I'm wrong) is to provide a Summary of the plot, a sample portion of the script (usually through and agent) at no cost with the understansing that scripts will be returned and is the agents responsibility, etc. Then depending on arrangments between Producer, Directer, Casting Consultant and Agent, you would take further steps to either audition or run the other way.

Just idle thoughts.

Jeff Watkins