Beware of Fake Castings: Spotting the Red Flags

In the world of modeling and acting, opportunities can pop up seemingly out of nowhere that can seem too good to be true, especially when you see a big brand name behind it. However, not every casting call is legitimate. One recent example below shows some common red flags to watch for. New models take note!

The “Casting Call” That Raised Eyebrows

Recently, a model shared a supposed casting opportunity from a company claiming to be Under Armour. The email was enticing, claiming that they were looking for fresh faces for their upcoming ad campaign. Excited by the prospect, the model opened the email, only to find several glaring issues that raised immediate suspicion.

1. The Email Address

First and foremost, the email address itself was a huge red flag: it came from a generic Gmail account, something that would never be used by a major corporation like Under Armour. Established brands typically communicate through company-specific domains (like @underarmour.com). If a company is reaching out via a personal email service, it’s often a sign that something is off.

2. Direct Outreach to Talent

Additionally, established brands usually work through casting agencies rather than contacting models or actors directly. In this case, a reputable company like Under Armour would enlist the help of professional casting directors to scout talent. This ensures a level of professionalism and scrutiny that a direct email simply cannot provide. If you receive a casting call directly from a brand, especially one of this caliber, it’s worth taking a closer look.

3. The Offer Sounded Too Good to Be True

The email promised high pay and immediate placement in a major campaign. While it’s natural to be excited about lucrative offers, if something seems too good to be true, it often is. Legitimate casting calls will provide clear details about the project, compensation, and the audition process, often with more professional language and structure and are usually done through legitimate platforms and/ or casting agencies.

Protect Yourself

So, what can you do to protect yourself from falling prey to these scams?

• Verify the Source: Always check the email address and research the sender. If it doesn’t match the company’s official domain, proceed with caution.
• Research the Opportunity: Look up the casting call or reach out to established casting agencies to see if the opportunity is legitimate.
• Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uneasy about an offer, don’t hesitate to ask for more information or seek advice from industry professionals.
• Consult Industry Resources: Websites like Latitude Talent often list great casting calls. Use other resources to cross-check any opportunities.

Be Careful:

By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can navigate the industry more safely and focus on what really matters: honing your craft and pursuing your dreams.