Actors warned of rise in fake casting notices on social media

Actors have been warned about an increase in fake casting notices on social media, which has prompted Equity to release new guidance on vetting audition opportunities.

It follows an incident in which a member of the union was sexually assaulted after pursuing a fake casting call. 

Equity said while members frequently report casting breakdowns containing "red flags" – such as asking for nudity – an increased tendency among casting directors to post job adverts across social media, away from established platforms such as Spotlight, has enabled perpetrators to publish fraudulent casting briefs.

This is the first time Equity’s guidance on vetting casting notices has been pulled together into one resource, with previous information having been spread across a range of documents.

The guidance states: "In general, professional auditions and casting meetings pose no risk of harm to Equity members. However, there are occasions where casting opportunities are fake and may lead to a member of the union being exposed to abusive behaviour and conduct.

"Equity has zero tolerance of those who seek to intimidate, manipulate or harm members of the union through the use of fake casting opportunities. You should never be expected to compromise your emotional or physical well-being for an audition."

It advises how to check the status of casting notices published outside of mainstream platforms, including verifying the background of the person who has published the notice.

Other areas covered include auditions for students, films and ensuring auditions are in a safe location. 

The guidelines state performers should never be expected to undertake any scene involving nudity, intimacy or sexual activity, or to provide any images or video footage in which they are partially dressed or nude, and that any such requests should be reported to the union. 

Equity said it is meeting regularly with the Casting Directors’ Guild, Spotlight, the Personal Managers’ Association and the Co-operative Personal Management Association to discuss how to combat the issue. 

The union’s equality and diversity organiser Ian Manborde warned the increased use of social media platforms to advertise casting briefs "enables those who seek to harm members through the publication of fake casting notices". 

Manborde added: "While members regularly report to Equity fake casting notices, recent incidents have led the union to refresh its guidance to members on good practice in vetting casting notices. 

"We welcome the support of Spotlight and the Casting Directors Guild (CDG) to support our work in enabling Equity members to identify verified, authentic casting briefs."

A spokesman for Spotlight said: "Such is the nature of casting that it is sometimes necessary for casting directors to search outside of Spotlight to fulfil more nuanced or complex briefs and we support them in doing so. 

"What we aim to do at Spotlight is lend our resources in educating all performers, including those aspiring to enter the industry on how to spot genuine opportunities when they are posted on the likes of Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. We all have a duty to demystify our industry and help share best practice for all regardless of experience."

The Casting Directors’ Guild confirmed it is in ongoing talks with Equity and Spotlight regarding the spread of fake casting notices.

A spokeswoman said: "Actors should only respond to breakdowns from a reputable source, a known casting director and, ideally a secure platform, such as Spotlight.

"All members of the Casting Directors’ Guild are held to high standards and, should they fall below these standards, can be investigated and sanctioned by the Guild itself. Therefore, breakdowns by CDG members should always be safe."