I just got an audition for one of the leads in a short film. But when I checked the CD/Producer's info (Eric Ricart), it turns out he's in a website's "blacklist" for not paying the crew/actors. I also checked out their audition location and it's located next to a dead end road, within an autobody shop? I don't know, but I'm getting all these red flags going up. My audition is tomorrow morning, should I cancel or just go with it?

The location is LENZ Production Offices.

Hmm. Generally, I say go with your gut. If you're not feeling comfortable about it, then hold off.

Are you being told you'll get paid? If you're just getting "copy/credit/meals" or the like, then you don't have to worry about getting paid (but you may have trouble getting a copy, if they aren't good about getting stuff to crew/actors).

Doing just a quick Google search, I found nothing about LENZ. And searching for Eric just leads to that blacklist (and there's a LOT of complaints on that list)... There is an EricRicart.com, but it's just a blank page. That'd be another red flag for me.

I dunno; if I were in your shoes, I'd probably not do it. But I don't know anything about either the company or the guy.

Anyone else have any info on LENZ or Eric?

The pay is $100 a day. The full address is
LENZ Production Offices
18401 Eddy Street, #2
Northridge, CA 91325
But if you type it in on Google map, it shows only autobody shops and a dead end street. Also their website listed is a dead link as well. Was wondering if anyone had an audition here before?

Hmm.

Googling the address brings up "Jab Fitness", so it looks like the audition will be held in a gym?

The first link (that isn't google maps) had a description of the place, the last sentence being (verbatim): "Jab Fitness is a Location site for movie, commercial and video production"

So it seems the place may be legit for auditions, but I dunno.

My main concern is that blacklist. Lots of people seem to think he's a scam artist.

There's always the option of auditioning and getting a feel for how they run the thing, how sketch the place is or not... if it just feels scammy, you can back out then (using some acceptable excuse; perhaps people can suggest the best ways, if any, to get out of situations like this?).

How did you sign up for the audition? Was this something on Actors Access? Something thru an agent?

I found it through actorsaccess. I think I'll go ahead with your advice and go to the audition to get the feel of the whole thing. Thanks pat.

EDIT: sorry it's not a short film, but a Pilot

I'll have my fingers crossed for ya that it's something legit, but don't be afraid to say no if they seem really pushy or -too- eager to get you to commit to the project.

But regardless, break legs and knock 'em dead! Keep us updated on what you find out or do!

I went to the audition, it was legit...but just a bit wierd. The place was small, barely any lights, an old desk, and no camera. Regardless, I went in and did my stuff. They seemed very interested in me, asking questions and such, but then they asked if I would be alright with wearing a small speedo - because in a future episode, there's a scene where the character wears one. I had so say no, because of some reasons. I think that costed me the job. Oh well.

Bottom line, LENZ = one of the wierdest places I auditioned, so far. Eric = still a mystery.

Oh wow. After all that, you've deduced that "it was legit"? First, if they plan for the character to be wearing a small Speedo, they should let you know that before the audition. But, let's review... an audition for a (presumably non-union) pilot, in a small room in a place called "Jab Fitness" in Northridge (the movie capital of the world), "barely any lights", no camera, and a producer whose name pops up on a blacklist for not paying crew/actors. Sounds sceezy to me! Are you sure there weren't any cameras? I'm surprised they didn't ask you to take off your shirt and drop your pants. Red flag, you ask? Flags of all colors should have been waving in your head, as far as I'm concerned.

I'd recommend you be more discerning in the future. There are some creepy crawlers out there, and sounds like you met up with one.

Also, the fact that he was blacklisted should have been a HUGE RED FLAG to begin with. If he has a crappy reputation and people see his name on your resume, it hurts you more than helps you.

Good to know, especially AFTER I went, haha, I'm kidding. But really, thanks for the advice, now I know to filter these out.

P.S. I meant legit regarding LENZ being an audition site, not the audition itself.