Acting : Beware of This Horribly Disgusting Acting Scam by Aaron Marcus

Thank you for sharing this Aaron Marcus Great tips as always!

Thanks for warning everyone about that kind of scam, Aaron Marcus.

I got scammed a few times (maybe more than a few) when I started screenwriting. One scam involved a woman who said she was a producer. She said she was interested in my script, so I sent it to her. I found out later that her company was known for stealing scripts. This was before I knew about registering scripts with the U.S. Copyright Office, and I didn't do my due diligence before sending her my script.

Great video!

Thank you all very much. Maurice, that is a horrible story. Do you or anyone here know if sending a script to yourself through the U.S. mail, not opening it so the date clearly shows when it was sent, show ownership of the script?

Thank you all again for your kind comments.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. Sending a script to yourself through the U.S. mail and not opening it won't hold up in court. I've heard industry pros say that over and over.

That is great to know. Thank you. So, I guess it it off to the Library of Congress?

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. The U.S. Copyright Office (a part of the the Library of Congress). Here's the Copyright Office website: www.copyright.gov

Thank you so much for sharing this great and important link.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus.

@Aaron Thanks for the share. It’s good for the community to get these reminders. Personally I’ve never been scammed LOL probably cos I don’t trust anybody. It is truly astounding what goes on and when I entered the film world was baffled to learn not to accept drinks in trade fairs & similar events. I know someone who blacked out for one day & someone else got some deal. As merely an artist I have to constantly remind myself it’s not all about my art but the world of money. The danger is not just from outside crooks but an inner circle of piranha fish. But we have to keep faith as you say in the positive. Some things just don’t bear thinking about.

Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts here. We all have to be very careful. Unfortunately, many charlatans know what we want to hear and we buy it. Some folks can be so cruel. That is why I love surrounding myself with other like minded people who truly care and want to help others.

What types of projects do you find yourself mostly working on?

Thanks again,

Aaron

I mainly work on budget horror cos it sells most in Indie but aside that I have my passion projects. I’m doing a Transmedia Vintage Noir 1946 Thriller which is of course a “Niche” market. An authentic Irish late 80’s Rom Com. A 90’s pulp road thriller set in USA. They are my main ones but have numerous other scripts too. Like you I try to surround myself with people who mean well but we have to do leg work such as pitching/auditioning/location hunting etc in often nefarious would be traps. Nothing is what it seems often no matter how good our initial intent but as the saying goes “What don’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Hi Debbie, thank you. You can disregard the question I asked on your profile page. Sounds like you are doing some really interesting things. One of the many good things about being a SAG-AFTRA member is that many of the scammy folks have been filtered out. And, if something does happen, I have the Union to go after people.

Maybe we will get a chance to work together at some point in the future.

Thanks @Aaron It would be a joy to work with you! I’m in UK and not in SAG but never say never!

You are right, you never know when you might need that American actor.

In my experience a lot of modelling scams are going on in Canada particularly.

I know they happen in Canada as well. But, this is one category that I think the U.S. wins in. I really love Canada. Last Fall, my family hiked and spent time in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. We really have enjoyed both coasts. Thanks for sharing.

No different than the modeling agencies preying on hopefuls at hotels to be in a Disney movie.

Hi Stephen, those who promise "you can be a star," is really horrible.

Thank you for sharing this Aaron Marcus

You are very welcome Pat. Hope you have never experienced this type of thing.