ToddJones

Sorry G Douglas, I have to go with Lyndsey on this one. Because of NYCastings I am now cast as a principal in a TV series being produced by Screen Gems. I've never subscribed to Backstage but I've heard good things about it. And the never work for free thing, dude, it sucks but sometimes that's the way it is in the beginning. I got my first stunt job in a big budget movie because I worked with a guy in a short film that I did for no pay and he got a job on the big budget movie and remembered me when they needed stunt guys so he called me in and I got the job. And honestly man, I would not go bragging about your 30 years in the business. If that resume of yours is all you have done in 30 years I would really consider changing careers,it is terrible.

dborah777

Hi Ya'll:

I'm probably the oldest person in this conversation. I have only been in the business for 6 months. I have done 3 jobs, maybe 5 auditions, and was blessed to get all 3 jobs. I was selected to participate in the other 2 auditions, but did not make the final cut. I just received my FIRST paying job. I got it off of a "free" site.

My first 3 jobs were done for free! If I were the people that gave me a chance, I would not have paid me either. Some people have "natural" talent, and others have to work at it! I HAVE TO WORK AT IT. It was the blessing of the Lord that allowed me to get a PAYING role. I am taking all of that "free" work with me. I thank the Lord for all of those experiences, and I wouldn't take any of them back, especially the people I met, for anything in the world.

I LOVE THIS SITE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE FACT, SINCE I JOINED, THAT PEOPLE DID NOT SEEM TO GET UGLY WITH ONE ANOTHER ON THIS BOARD. I didn't post this to argue or take sides with anyone. While I speak for myself, let me tell you out front that I don't KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT ANYTHING TO DO THAT! The more I think I know, the more I find out I don't know! Life is a journey -- a journey not only of SELF-DISCOVERY, but a journey of discoverying the wealth of relationships with others along the way -- and hopefully, a journey of discovering and having a relationship with the Lord. If you worship buddha or the sidewalk, my purpose is not to offend you. If that's what you choose, have at it! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is my choice, and for that I am not ashamed to own Him.

Finally, I just went on "mandy.com". I am SURE it is a great site, but right now, all of the jobs that are listed there are "lo/no" pay! In all fairness to them, I don't think it is always that way; I have seen jobs posted there that pay.

I didn't/don't mean to preach to anyone, but that's what I am and I make no apologies for it. I hate to see people argue, and call one another names... life is wayyyyyyyyyy, wayyyyyyyyyy too short! The keyboard does not have emotions, and often that is the source of more discontentment and misunderstandings that anything. However, if you are sweet or mean, it IS what it is, you ARE what you ARE until you decide to change! :cry:

The bottomline is simple, we are all meant to get what we get! What is meant for you, is obviously not the same thing that is meant for me. I am going to applaud your success whether you find a job on NY, Backstage, Mandy or yada-yada.com! WHO REALLY CARES! HOORAYYYYYYY FOR YOUR SUCCESS WHETHER YOU CAME BY IT FOR FREE OR WHETHER IT COST YOU!

...And is there really anything such as a "free ride" anyway? Is there really any such thing as "success" that doesn't cost you in some way, shape, form or fashion...

May God shine His richest blessings on each and every last one of you, and I promise I will try my level best NEVER to send a reply this long again...

That wasn't very nice. Conctructive critisicms makes friends. Regardless whether a person has your "skill level" or not they may be a benefit to you later. Maybe try being more diplomatic. Just my thoughts...

GDouglas

Wasn't very nice ecuse me this person was calling me a lier... and saying that what I said was untrue...I have been it the business for over 30 years and I know for a fact it is true and I have been told by people who are paid SAG Actors and Also Very high paid Models. And no I am not going to explain or name drop But they told me and others Never take unpaying jobs and never pay anything out of pocket because and it has nothing to do with Skill Level!

#1 You do not pay to work for people.

#2 You can find the same information they give on a free site or a news paper .

#3 It is taking money out working actors mouths who are making money if you work for free and it is very disrepected it is also saying your talent is not worth paying for... Also they make money off you and you get nothing think about that! And your using your gas money and food money for them.....While they rake in the money And think about this one... You might not be getting paid but some of the people you are with are....

#4 A real Agent or Agency takes a % of the money you make on the job they get you you never pay out of pocket.

This Person objecting to what I said is a Scam artist and probably works for the company charging for the information you can get for free.....

And Ask yourself this would you work for free does that person work for free??

Even when others are getting paid?? And pretty much be black balled because your doing something that a paid actor or model would do taking the job from them...

If you are paid for it its understandable and no harm done.....
if you think about that they are the only ones who would aout it they would be the only ones objecting because I am nailing them on the scam..

And

My question to you would be who are you are you their partener in crime being you seem to agree with them do you work with them as well? Makes you wonder..

gypsylittledove

We live in the subburbs of Detroit where there is no work. My kid is an 11 year old model, and has an agent in Grand Rapids where she gets a job every 6 months or so. All I have is Craigslist and Mandy and most are non paid. But I still check as we did get lucky and got a video off of Craigslist. So, I say it depends where you live. If anyone has any better suggestions for me, I am all ears!