Popular South African drama Skeem Saam warns South Africans against fake auditions being circulated on social media under the guise of legitimate opportunities.
The production does not hold open auditions and warns aspiring actors to beware of scams and fraudulent claims on social platforms.
Casting scams are an unfortunate but very real aspects of the industry. They have been around for as long as people have wanted to be actors. They tap into your hopes and dreams, and they largely work because acting and modeling are highly sought after careers.
In fact, all casting is now done online, making it easier and cheaper (like, free!) for scammers to get the attention of potential victims. Most legitimate casting sites have editors trained to be on the lookout for potential scams and fraudulent claims from actors, but as scammers try a variety of tactics, it’s vital that models and actors remain vigilant and pay close attention to detail.
How do you tell if an acting company is legitimate? By far the quickest and easiest way to find out if a casting company or “casting agency” is legitimate is to visit their IMDB profile. Be sure to take the time to check out their website and social media. What you are looking for is the office address, contact details and evidence of their previous employment and any possible industry connections. It’s really not a problem for anyone who works.
Created by Winnie Serite and the Department of Education, Skeem Saam changes the lives of Turfloop residents as they face daily challenges on their way to success. The plot also explores the challenges facing the wealthy community of Johannesburg and how they navigate the challenges of business. It also depicts the lives of the wealthy and less privileged residents of Turfloop.
The immense popularity of the show apparently reached a milestone in April this year. Skeem Saam has overtaken Descendants to become South Africa’s most watched soap opera after Uzalo. The drama, which posted its highest ratings in April, pulled in 4.3 million viewers, surpassing Generations’ 4.1 million viewers in the same month.