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Is StarNow a scam?

Is this acting agency a scam?

  • Hello everyone, I really appreciate the yahoo answers community and I would like to ask this question. Recently I have come across an agency ad on Starnow (please do not lecture me on that, yes I do sometimes check Starnow). I have applied, they got back to me after some days because as they said they wanted to shortlist the apllications. They have sent me an extensive application form to fill out in order to be accepted for an interview in London. But something inside me tells me yes and an other part of my instinct says no. The reasons are the following: -First of all their website is so basic. Yes they are starting now as they state but there is absolutely nothing in there to make me feel 100% certain that I wont be scammed. http://www.tischartsasia--ukeurope.com/ -Secondly, they ask for a 10 pounds joining fee (for office administration as they state). Although it is a very small amount compared to what other "agencies" ask for, but still I know that a joining fee is an alarming sign. -Lastly, I do not know if I am allowed to post people's Starnow profiles here, but the man who organises that has almost a "blank" CV. no professional photos just holiday ones, and just minor extra work and reality shows or quiz games. What do you think? Its a scam? Should I listen to my instinct or go to London for an interview?(I live close to London so I would have to make some expenses for that) Thank you in advance and I am so sorry for the long message!!

  • Answer:

    Any "agency" that requires a "joining fee" is a scam. A legitimate agency will be earning their income from the 10% (or whatever is allowed in UK) that their clients get from their bookings. They probably have a HUGE "client list" = they accept anyone who has the money to pay. Besides, you haven't said anything about your acting resume. If you don't HAVE an acting resume and these people have promised you your "big break" because they believe in you, feel that you have something special to offer, you are an undiscovered talent, etc.etc.etc., they are just feeding you what you WANT to hear. YOU ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION. :)

Helen at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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i applied for an audition on starnow, and they told me i had been shortlisted and i got really excited, but then i googled the project and they had a facebook page and on the page it was just telling everyone that it was an open audition blah blah, where it is and the times.... n i was like wow, they made me feel all special n **** :| you can trust it, go to the interview with your mum or something, n do your research. im just saying, the shortlisted thing is just something they send to everyone unfortunately

Faye Royale

Ask them which professional bodies they are a member of. If they are a good agency, they would normally be a member of the Agents' Association http://www.agents-uk.com/Find_An_Agent.aspx or Equity http://www.equity.org.uk/directory-of-members/

Kittysue

Scam scam scam scam scam.

Good luck

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