Hi!!
I will try to make this as short and easy to understand as possible.

I went on an audition for a paid feature film (independent), advertised as filming in another country. The story was based on a true story and I was actually very familiar with the girl's story.

Audition is packed with the most amount of young, "hot" type girls I've ever seen in one audition space. We auditioned in an open room, in front of everyone. The CD (turns out was the producer) displayed many of the very stereotypical, most feared CD behaviors: picking up his cell mid-monologue, never looking up, interrupting, and my favorite: leaving as you walk in to audition so that you are then auditioning for an empty table………… this happened to me, the girl in charge told me to continue anyways WITHOUT slating myself, and I still think it was extremely strange.

The audition itself felt a little weird to me but I walked out and let it go, as I've learned to do.

I then begin communication with the production office, they want to schedule a meeting - I'm asked to bring several outfits and a bathing suit.
Confused me again - never had a callback ask for outfit options and a bathing suit. (nor did the role specify bathing suit attire)
Meetings were scheduled and then canceled same day, as the producer would have a last minute meeting…

I'm then emailed by the assistant and asked to sign up on their website, somewhat like the actors page on IMDBPro, where I can upload all my stuff and they can communicate with me on there instead? And it's with a "free promo code", and I'm asked to send 10 friends the "free promo code" so they too can sign up using their actors page-thing. Oh, and the link is a dud - website says domain was "suspended".

I am then asked to come in again and I am finally sent sides- I'll be reading with the same guy who auditioned us and the audition sides jump QUICKLY to a heavy make-out scene that then jump to a heavy sex scene, and nudity.
WTF???

What confuses me, is that I've looked up this company (and they're multiple side companies) and they are all ran by someone who has worked along side a VERY legitimate producers.
This man himself has produced VERY legitimate, albeit small, feature films with VERY VERY well-known actors. (all information found via IMDB Pro)

Am I being paranoid by thinking this entire process I've been going through with them is completely shady? Bathing suit, nudity, sex scene- all at a call back when NONE of that was mentioned in the breakdowns (auditioned for a NURSE).

My way of dealing with it now is to just stop communication with them, but then the business side of me comes out and says NEVER BURN BRIDGES. I am ALWAYS professional and have never just stopped replying mid-audition scheduling but this to me is just not feeling right.

Suggestions, putting me in my place, revelations?? Any help appreciated, thank you!

You are not being paranoid - it seems that you are following your gut (good!). If nudity or sexual content is required for a role, it is standard industry practice for that to be noted in the breakdown. Period. Also, having auditioning actors "sign up" for a website and invite their friends to do the same is a major red flag.

Don't be drawn into what you know to be an uncomfortable situation just because a legitimate production team is attached. They above all others should know better. I recommend simply replying to further inquiries with a polite, "thank you for considering me, but I am no longer available for this project."

I agree with Tara's Mom. It's highly unprofessional behavior. Also, the fact that they are asking you to sign up on a website is really suspicious. It sounds like they are making a soft porn film at the least. Regardless of what kind of film it is, they obviously have no respect for the talent, and, be aware, the treatment won't improve in another country.

Excuse yourself politely.

quote:

Originally posted by Tara's Mom:
You are not being paranoid - it seems that you are following your gut (good!). If nudity or sexual content is required for a role, it is standard industry practice for that to be noted in the breakdown. Period. Also, having auditioning actors "sign up" for a website and invite their friends to do the same is a major red flag.

Don't be drawn into what you know to be an uncomfortable situation just because a legitimate production team is attached. They above all others should know better. I recommend simply replying to further inquiries with a polite, "thank you for considering me, but I am no longer available for this project."

Thank you so much for your input! Neither sexual content nor nudity were mentioned in the breakdown, otherwise I would not have submitted myself. Just needed to make sure I was not being overly paranoid or prudish

quote:

Originally posted by mom2music:
I agree with Tara's Mom. It's highly unprofessional behavior. Also, the fact that they are asking you to sign up on a website is really suspicious. It sounds like they are making a soft porn film at the least. Regardless of what kind of film it is, they obviously have no respect for the talent, and, be aware, the treatment won't improve in another country.

Excuse yourself politely.

Thank you for your input!

Not being upfront about a role requiring nudity is definitely a deal-breaker.

If there is no mention in the full break down for nudity, or anything of the such and I find out later, if this is a self submit, I excuse myself, state I was unaware as it was not indicated on the breakdown and leave. If it was an agency submission, I contact my agent and inform them of this information. I have only encountered this once, where I had to contact my agent and my agent was even unaware of the nudity, which immediately my agent contacted them (the casting?) and while I dont know what was said, I left.

Just be aware of any red flags and if it is something you are not comfortable with, dont feel like you HAVE to be there. Excuse yourself and leave. If they cant provide all the details, what makes you think production will be better?