Expert: Peter Messaline - 9/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is it normal procedure for a casting agency to ask you to pay $35 to take a screen test? I've never heard of this. Please advise, and I will be glad to give you the name of the agency.

ANSWER: I should say that I know of nowhere where this is normal and accepted.

However, who knows what is the custom in places like LA or NYC, where it seems impossible to get any sort of foothold at all. Wherever, I feel that the odds are against getting casting from a screen test that you've used a shortcut to get into.

People will often ignore their gut feeling and believe the 'your big opportunity' lies told them, when it looks like a chance at realising their dream.

I should follow your instincts and stay away from anything that charges a fee upfront.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This agency is in Bethlehem, PA, so I am not trusting the fee requirement.. especially because I'm an experienced film actress (independent films.. I have 35 credits to date), and was just considering some work in TV. You've confirmed what I was thinking. Thank you.

ANSWER: I compliment you on your courtesy.
35 independent film credits!
Perhaps you should go the directorial route and self-produce video.
Do you find Bethlehem is too close to NYC to fully develop itself? I knew Allentown some years ago, and it was a commuter town even then.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You're too kind. However, I have had some good acting opportunities in Bethlehem & Allentown. I branched out to that area, for it's a shorter commute for me from northern NJ than going to NY, where I was auditioning before. This is the first time that I have come across something questionable in that area.

Answer
Good choice, I'd say. Better to have a ten percent chance of something that's all right, than to have a one-millionth chance of something earth-shattering.
Keep those résumés going out, and search your contacts for anyone remotely involved with the business. Even a faint rumour from a housewife contact's cleaning lady could open a door.

On with it.