Expert: Phil Nemy - 1/5/2009

Question
Hi im Justin from Connecticut,Im having a hardish time getting myself out there in the world of acting,I am in a school Drama club and im learning about acting and actually doing acting on stage. I am 18 years of age and is extremely passionate about acting some day actually wanting to be on television and or a movie but just need some advice. I want to know about if there is any good acting agents that would probably be interested in me and also would like to know if i would be getting scammed from some so called "agency" that want me to pay 600$ right then and there.

thanks a lot for your time,
                          Justin

Answer
Justin,

Thanks for writing. Since I don't know your look or your talent, I cannot honestly say if there are any agents that would be interested in you.

I can tell you that anyone who tells you they will represent you if you pay them $600 upfront is NOT a legitimate agent but a scam artist, a crook, and you should run from them as fast as you can. BY LAW, no legitimate talent agent can ask you for any money up front. BY LAW, talent agents take a MAXIMUM of 10% of the income you earn from acting. They don't get paid until YOU get paid. Any agent who is working outside of what I have described is breaking the law.

Talent Managers, however, are a different story. They are not governed by any such laws. They can ask you to pay them up front, and when you earn income from acting, they can take as much of a percentage as you're willing to give them. Most take between 15% and 20%.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil