It's important to highlight the fact that exchanging money for the possibility of getting a job is illegal thanks to The Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act of 2009, which outlaws workshops and casting directors from charging or attempting to charge an artist for an audition or employment opportunity. However, since the law was passed seven years ago, there have been no prosecutions, until now.
According to reports, the L.A. city attorney's office has filed criminal misdemeanor charges against the operators of five casting workshops for allegedly charging actors for auditions. If convicted the 28 defendants, including 18 casting directors, could face up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.
“As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles continues to attract thousands of aspiring performers from across the world,” City Attorney Mike Feuer said during a press conference today. “Unfortunately, pay-to-play casting schemes often exploit their dreams, purely for profit. My office will continue to crack down on those who would take advantage of performers desperate for work.”
The five casting workshops charged with criminal misdemeanor include:
- The Actors Link
- The Actor's Key
- Actors Alley
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The Casting Network LA
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Studio Productions
SAG-AFTRA's Duncan Crabtree Ireland, the union's chief operating officer and general counsel said:
“Preying on the hopes and dreams of artists is one of the oldest scams in Hollywood. We thank City Attorney Mike Feuer for enforcing the law and taking action to hold people accountable when they violate the law and take advantage of vulnerable people's dreams. We will continue to work with the City Attorney's Office to help protect our members and future members.”
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