MMT_Castings

You should be aware of what you're getting into with AB Casting Inc. and Joseph Guinan Entertainment.

AB Casting is a perfectly legal but shabby company that makes its money from charging upfront fees to cast actors and background actors in porn films and low-budget extreme fighter films. The Los Angeles Better Business Bureau rates the company with an F.joe

Now, there's nothing wrong with paying a $25 to $40 onetime photo fee when you register with a casting company, most all the competent casting firms charge such fees. These legitimate firms are casting major motion pictures and television shows.

However, AB Casting charges an up-front $150 fee to "represent" you and add you to their database, from which they claim to exclusively choose actors and extras for their productions.

First, legitimate agents, managers and casting directors do not charge a fee to cast you. (The photo fees at casting companies are exactly that; for taking your photo and posting it on their website and in their files.)

Secondly, the productions for which Guinan casts are mostly porn and low-budget cage-fighting films.
Guinan's IMDB page lists a Cinemax series, Zane's Sex Chronicles (2008), and such productions as: King of the Cage, Cage Free, Devil Dogs, Duel of Legends, Vampiro, Death of Evil, Hell's Chain, Death Calls and Death Warrior and a dozen porn films; most with a budget of $1-million or less and starring Hector Echavarria or Damian Chapa.

If you're thinking, "Well, I can't be too proud to work in porn or straight-to-video productions," consider this testimony of a working actor, we'll call "Chuck:"

"I was a member of AB Casting. I joined them seeking more avenues for work. I was already registered with Central Casting and Jeff Olan. In the four months I was signed with AP, I never got a call for work, even though I worked constantly for Central and Olan. I made a real effort, submitting myself for every project AB Casting had. I finally called to find out why I'd never been cast. I was told I had to attend his seminar to "learn the ropes"! Learn the ropes? I'd been acting since 1980.
I took his seminar. All Mr. Guinan talked about was himself.
I was finally called to be a "featured extra" in what Guinan called a "major film" being directed by Damian Chapa.
I drove up into the hills of Hollywood to the "Mansion" where the filming was to take place. A large RV housed the crew, makup and wardrobe. A one-story house with a fenced back yard was the mansion. Turned out the entire "major film" was being shot on a small handheld video camera. No 35mm cameras or Redcam, just one guy holding a camcorder, a couple grips, and that was it. They didn't feed us after a full eight hours and then paid us only fifty bucks for our time."

While Guinan and his people are not actually breaking the law and there is a demonstrated audience for the films they make, I suggest you think it over before joining "AB Casting." At least be aware of what you are getting into. BTW, if you choose to audition for a role in a Guinan film and you are not a member of AB Casting, in his own words, "We will see that you never become a member of AB Casting."

If you really want to work - as an extra - featured extra and possibly get more exciting work - go with Central Casting, Jeff Olan or Bill Dance; all reputable agencies.

View the full version of this California Craigslist casting here...