At Project Casting, we prioritize the safety and trust of our talent community. Unfortunately, there are individuals and companies who attempt to take advantage of actors and creators through misleading or illegitimate casting calls. This article outlines how to identify red flags, stay protected, and make informed decisions when applying to casting opportunities.
Warning Signs of a Scam Casting Call
Be cautious of the following indicators when reviewing casting opportunities:
1. Requests for Payment Upfront
Legitimate casting calls do not require you to pay to audition or secure a role. Be wary of anyone asking for:
Application or submission fees
Charges to “unlock” exclusive castings
Mandatory training or headshot packages
Note: Some legitimate talent services offer optional paid add-ons, but they should not be required to participate in castings.
2. Unprofessional Communication
Pay attention to how you're contacted. Red flags include:
Poor spelling or grammar
No identifiable contact name
Use of generic free email accounts instead of official domains
Vague or unrealistic offers (e.g., high pay for little to no work or experience)
3. No Online Presence or Credentials
Always verify that the production company or casting director exists. A quick search should provide:
A website or social media presence
Professional credits or previous work
Contact information you can independently verify
If no trace of the company can be found online, proceed with caution.
4. Requests for Personal or Financial Information
Never send sensitive information such as:
Social Security numbers
Bank account details
Passport photos
until a verified contract is in place and you are sure of the company’s legitimacy.
How to Stay Safe When Responding to Castings
Do Your Research
Before submitting, research the production or company. Confirm:
Where the project will be distributed
Who the casting director is
Any prior productions they’ve worked on
That the company has a professional web or social presence
Ask Questions
A legitimate production should be able to answer:
What is the project title and platform?
Who is the client or brand?
What is the compensation structure?
Who owns the content being created?
Do not feel pressured to accept unclear or incomplete offers.
Use Verified Casting Platforms
Apply through trusted sources like Project Casting, where listings are moderated and reviewed. This helps reduce the likelihood of encountering fraudulent opportunities.
What to Do If You Encounter a Suspicious Casting
If you come across a suspicious listing, email our support team at:
support@projectcasting.com
Include as many details as possible, such as screenshots, email addresses, or URLs used by the poster. Our team will investigate the matter to ensure community safety.
Final Thoughts
Scam castings can be difficult to spot at first, especially if you are new to the industry. When in doubt, take a moment to research, ask questions, and trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it often is. Your safety and career are worth protecting.
If you need assistance or want to verify a listing, don’t hesitate to contact us.
– The Project Casting Team