Update - AVOIDING SCAMS

A friend went to one of the agency sites that I mentioned in yesterday's blog.  The agency was mentioned on page 61 of the May 2012 issue of New Mexico Magazine.  In that article about getting work as a movie/tv extra, they clearly say "There is no charge".


But,   WWW.ONLOCATIONCASTING.US  told our friend that she needed to sign up with agency pro talent website (and pay a yearly fee to be seen by talent agencies).  People are apparently submitting all of their info and photos to On Location Casting and are NOT being told they have to pay a yearly fee until AFTER they complete the web registration process.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs on this subject,  go to this site -
http://www.modelingscams.org/upfrontfees.html
and read and learn about how legitimate agencies operate.  They make their money by finding work for YOU...  not by having you write them a check. 

UPDATE - On Location Casting sent the following reply to my friend when she asked WHY they were requiring money.  Apparently from their reply,  they claimed that THEY aren't asking for clients to pay, it's their SOFTWARE company who stipulates you'll have a better chance of getting hired IF you pay THEM money.

 This was their reply - You be the judge.
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If you read the disclaimers on both our website FAQ and our Facebook page it will explain very clearly that it is absolutely FREE to register with OLC and to be included in our database as eligible for work & bookings and to access/update your profile 24/7. It outlines that all accounts are listed as 'not-active' (which is all that is required to be booked) however due to our contract with our software provider, Agency Pro, you will be sent bi-monthly marketing emails suggesting that you pay for the OPTIONAL (NOT required) 'active' Agency Pro upgrades. If you would like the added marketing benefits that a paid Agency Pro account offers (listed in their marketing material) you are welcome to sign up for the 'active' account. If you don't feel you need them, we don't require them and don't book talent based on what type of account they have. 

On another note, we are not a Talent Agency which represents Clients. We are a Casting Company and Casting Directors. We are paid directly by the productions that we are hired to cast so do not take a percentage of talent earnings, however we also do not represent you by going out and finding you work on projects that are not cast by our company.

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Steve Snowden
Route 66 Photography
www.Route66Photography.com

How to Be a Movie Extra - AMENDED (see 5/10/2012 blog)

Most New Mexico casting for movie and television extras is handled by just a few Albuquerque companies.  And, small background parts do not require SAG membership.  But being timely and dependable is required!

There aren't any "Talent Scouts" roaming the streets of Albuquerque and Santa Fe looking for you. To get started and to be considered for roles, you'll need to take the first step.  You'll need a high quality headshot to upload to the various extras casting company's websites.  Then visit their websites and fill out their personal information forms.

Be truthful and complete the information forms accurately.  If you list your waist size as 28" when you're actually a 34", you probably won't be called or considered if they happen to be looking for people with 34" waists.

Think about your talents and experiences when completing the forms.  If you horseback ride, own and/or ride a motorcycle, do yoga, or own an unusual vehicle, put that on the form.  If you have long hair and are willing to cut or color your hair, let them know.  The more varied and flexible you are, the more likely you'll get called.

You should also dedicate some time and effort to studying and taking acting classes and training to help get you to that next level and out of the 'background' in movies and television.  As with any learned skill, expert instruction and practice is what separates those who 'want' and those who 'get' what they want.

Many of the students at Ovations Film Actors Studio have appeared in national television and movie roles as well as national advertising campaigns.  You can give Director Steve Willmon a call at 505.319.7780 and read more about his classes by visiting www.OvationsFilm.com .

Some of the area companies specializing in casting movie and television extras are...

www.EGCasting.com
www.OnLocationCasting.us
www.A1StarCasting.com

There is no charge.  NEVER pay to be listed or represented by any agent or to be listed on any casting or modeling site.  No legitimate company charges or demands money up front to represent you.  They earn their money by being paid by the movie and television companies and/or a small percentage of the money you earn from jobs they get for you.

If they make their money by having you write them a check to have "their" photographer take your headshots or for a promise of future work.... that is unethical and in some places illegal. 

For examples of the kinds of head shots that get noticed, remembered, and can help get you hired, visit our website at www.Route66Photography.com .  Give us a call at 505.401.6358 to schedule your own headshot session. We will work weekends and holidays to fit your school and work schedules.

We are now using the very latest release and highest resolution Nikon professional DSLR, the brand new D800.  And beginning in late June, we will also be offering High Definition video test reels.  Email us for details.

Get new head shots or update the old ones you have and have some fun this Summer!

Steve Snowden
owner / www.Route66Photography.com
www.SteveSnowden.com