Expert: Jim Boyd - 2/3/2008

Question
Hi Jim,

My question is in regards to people first getting into the adult business. If at the casting audition the agency or producers asks the performer for a fee of $100 or whatever to cover photo expenses and such, should the performer do this? This is if the performer is female or male.

Answer
Hi Tony,

I’m glad you asked this question. However, I am about to give you way more information than you requested because this is the perfect opportunity to address several “safety” issues encountered by many new-comers to this industry. But, I will address your question first...

Auditions are often a waste of time, money and effort as they are an extremely ineffective method for "testing" talent. Because of this, Auditions are very rarely used by real Industry professionals as a means of finding talent. I would dare say that 95% of the so called “auditions” advertised in various locations on the internet are, in fact, scams perpetrated for a variety of perverse reasons….most often to lure attractive young women into potentially dangerous situations.

Legitimate Agencies and Producers NEVER require potential performers to pay Up-Front fees of any kind. Performers may be required to pay for their own STD testing, or their own travel expenses, but never for picture processing done by the Agency or Producer. If some one who claims to be an Agent or Producer asks you to pay any kind of “up-front” fees…..they are probably fraudulent.

Because it is so difficult for men to get started in this Industry as performers....they are very often the victim of the "fee" scams. They are promised or guaranteed work in films immediately...or at least once the fee is paid. Unfortunately, there is NEVER a way to guarantee a male work in this business. It has always been a tough business for men to get into...always will be...and paying a fee will NOT change that.

Also beware of so-called “Talent Scouts”. Scouts are used by some Agencies and Producers to help locate new talent. However, there are also a vast number of fakes out there as well. If some one claiming to be a Talent Scout approaches you...make sure to grill them about the company they work for and then CONTACT that company to verify their claim. If they will not provide you with the name and contact information for the company they claim to represent…they are fraudulent.

Women should NEVER go to meet anyone you have not absolutely identified as being a legitimate Industry Professional...and even if you have checked them out and are convinced they are legit...NEVER go to a first meeting alone. Legitimate Industry Professionals understand your safety concerns and will NOT object to your bringing a friend along.

Legitimate Industry Professionals DO NOT use sites like craigslist.com, backpage.com, xpeeps.com, or similar sites as a means of locating talent. The vast MAJORITY of the ads placed on those sites are put there by fraudulent companies and individuals. The vast MAJORITY of responses to any ads you place there trying to find work, will be from all manner of twisted sicko simply wanting to trick you into having sex…or worse. Please DO NOT advertises yourself on these sites and DO NOT respond to the ads on those sites. Advertising or responding to ads on those sites can place you in VERY DANGEROUS situations…..


If you read this and it helps you to avoid a bad situation, then be sure drop Tony a line and thank him for bringing the subject to the table...

Thanks for your question Tony

Jim Boyd