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Hi,

I got a casting through KCCP the other day and I just wanted to check on here that it is legit. I think it is genuine and the script looks really really good but when a casting isn't through my agent I always like to check it out on here just in case.
I googled the director and couldn't find any other films which slightly worried me but I also think from what she said in her email that this is her first film.
The audition is being held at a prestigious London film studio where lots of big films are shot, which is obviously a good sign. Does anyone know if it is possible to book a room at one of these studios without some sort of reference or accreditation or link with the film industry or something that would mean this audition should be legitimate?

Thanks

If you are ever slightly concerned about a casting - and it sounds as if you are worried about this one - take someone with you!!! DD always does this and to be honest, I don't think it reflects badly on you to show that you are savvy about your personal safety!

About 18 months ago, DD had a first audition for a MA graduation film at a private address in London and I went with her and the director was amazed (in a positive way) that DD was the only 16/17 year old who brought someone with her. She had actually set aside room in the flat for parents/companions to wait during the audition expecting that everyone would come with someone, but everyone else just turned up alone and she did find that really rather odd (as I still do looking back).

pg ramble warning

I think there are three sorts of concerns over auditions that have't come through an agent/normal channels or are not with an established casting director.

(As you have an agent, I would be inclined to check it out to see what his/her opinion is by the way, both in terms of legitimacy and whether it is worth your while).

The first is: Is the person running it genuine? i.e. are they actually planning to make a film or are they running some kind of a scam (and that could be a financial scam or the sort of scam where they trick people into behaving in a way that they might come to regret at a casting). If you suspect this sort of scam then common sense will save you from losing money or losing anything else! I'm sure you are sensible/experienced enough to walk away from anything that turns out to be like this ruby95, and if you are worried in any way then taking someone with you is definitely the sensible thing to do.

The second is: is this something where the subject matter/style/script is something you are not sure you want to be involved in. As you have already seen the script, this isn't the case here, but again this is reasonably simple to tackle - if you find you are not comfortable with anything you just walk away.

The third sort of concern is sometimes more difficult to make a decision about:
Can you afford the time/money to go to an audition for something that might turn out to be a waste of your time in terms of the quality of the product? If you are being paid, I think this is less of a worry because even if the product isn't brilliant, you have money in your pocket and a credit on your CV. Mind you, if it has not come through an agent, you need to be careful you are not being fleeced ( I always check things out with my agent, she has sometimes managed to get me a better deal - even counting her commission) . If you are not being paid, then this is where the judgement call comes in - and sometimes you'll get it right and sometimes you'll get it wrong! Not every unpaid job is worth doing. It is very common (and understandable) that the person producing the work will be enthusiastic and optimistic. It is also very common for producers/directors to massively exaggerate the likely importance/credibility of their work - and this is where it's up to you to be the realist and understand that all the grand plans can come to nothing much in the end. If you go into it with your eyes open to this possibility and you are prepared to say no at the audition stage if it doesn't feel right, then if you can afford to go (taking someone with you if you want to) I would recommend doing so.

Told you it was a ramble...

Some film studios in London are also the home to film schools. Ealing studios is also the home of the met film school. If the director says it's her first film, it could be a student film!

Yes! Thank you francescasmum. The director said she is at the met film school and the audition is being held at Ealing. That is very reassuring.

I am not particularly worried about this casting, I just always like to check out castings that don't come through my agent - better safe than sorry.

I will also check this out with my agent too.

Thanks so much everyone for the very helpful advice

If its a first film do ask how likely this film is to be completed/finishsed and if there is a guarantee you will see footage and when. (often first year films involve a lot of young, inexperienced students who all fall out with each other when, eg, one can't get out of the bed after several days. Then the shoot can drag on an on. However, don't judge them all like that as there are some gems of young students making their first films out there and they are potentially tomorrows big directors).