In a little departure from TV Today’s usual area of debate, I’d like to direct you to this investigative report from BBC Look East on casting agencies that charge up-front fees with no guarantee of work. The agency involved, West 1 Casting, is also the subject of a full-length Inside Out, broadcast on BBC1 South West last week.
The Stage has reported on agencies using these tactics for some time. Last year, a survey conducted by the newspaper, quoted in the Look East report, revealed that three-quarters of people paying up-front fees receive no work, and in more than 90% of cases fail to live up to expectations. Unions Equity and Bectu, the Agents’ Association and others are campaigning to get additional protections for customers, and to ensure that it’s easier to spot and eliminate underhand tactics such as those on display in these news reports.
Reputable agencies earn their money when the people on their books get work. Thankfully, they far outnumber the shysters. If you have been tempted to enter the entertainment industry, then good luck to you — but be very, very aware. If you are asked to pay an up-front “administration” fee, walk away.
For more about this topic, visit campaigner and Equity councillor Clive Hurst’s website.
hi my name is harri burbury i am 14 and a maie can u send me auditions for my soot meny thanks from harri burbury