I just copy the following from my mailbox: (Thank you Linda)---message---
Parents of babies, kids and teens in the ‘biz’ are, always have, and always will be targeted by scammers, and other unmentionable humans – predators.
A member parent with no experience in the ‘biz’ and anxious to get her toddlers started, contacted an industry pro through a reputable audition/casting call site. She sent photos as requested in the ‘call’.
She contacted us after her and the ‘pro’ had exchanged several E-mails, and she finally realized something wasn’t right. She had already given him the information he wanted -- WHERE SHE LIVED.
I cannot stress Strongly enough the following when corresponding with someone you don’t know, but believe this person can help make your child ‘a star’.
Even the most credible and ethical site can not guarantee that auditions and casting calls are what they claim, and
They can not guarantee that the person contacting you is who ‘they say they are’.
You, as the parent, MUST use common sense, do your homework, and become ‘educated’ about the ‘biz’. This takes time, and a lot of it. If you don’t have the time, don’t pursue a career for your kids in the biz.
DON’T EVER give out your Last Name, residence or phone number, under any circumstances or promises - until you are sure of the person you are dealing with. If you have a cell phone, use that number. If you don’t already have a ‘hotmail’ account, set one up to use when you correspond with people that you do not know. Give your location as the State only. Don’t give them the town or city where you live in, or your home phone number.
If someone asks for this information – discontinue any and all further contact. If you are asked to pay any money for anything, discontinue any and all further contact. Please report it to the site that originated the contact immediately. They do want to know, and will remove the posting immediately.
If you are ever told that your child is at the ‘top of the list’ and the person that you are corresponding with wants to see your child in his everyday surroundings – RUN!!! This is a sure sign that something is ‘fishy’.
More Common Safety Tips
· Always accompany your child (especially if your child is a teen) on all casting calls and auditions.
Use first name only on headshots, resume, and especially anything that appears on the internet. Don’t list your residence address or home phone number. List the State you live in, and a cell phone or pager number.
Don’t have anything on your resume or internet portfolio that refers to the geographic area where you live.
Don’t go to ‘open’ casting calls until you find out more about who is holding the call.
There is so much more, but I will stop here. Knowledge and common sense are your best tools for success. If you don’t know where to start, go to the Cool Links section of ShowBizKid.com. Click the links, read, print the articles that you want to keep.
When it comes to the safety of your kids, and you have any questions at all, ask them. Even if you think it is a ‘dumb question’.
Just do it!
Linda
Linda@ShowBizKid.comwww.ShowBizKid.com----end of message---
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