The Business
Cracking down on pay-to-play auditions & a bonus Oscars banter
After an investigation by reporter Gary Baum, the LA city attorney has filed charges against more than two dozen people involved with casting workshops that are allegedly paid auditions for minor roles. Baum tells us how these workshops became so prevalent, and casting director Billy DaMota explains his longstanding opposition to the practice. Plus, one last look at the major Oscar races.
By Kim Masters • • 28m ListenIf you're an aspiring actor, you may have paid to attend casting workshops that were supposed to be educational, but really just offered very quick auditions for very minor roles. The casting workshop business has made millions of dollars, but it turns out that paying for an audition is illegal and now the LA city attorney is cracking down on the practice. Reporter Gary Baum talks about his investigation that recently led to the filing of criminal charges, and veteran casting director Billy DaMota explains his longstanding opposition to these pay-to-play auditions. Then the Hollywood Reporter's awards analyst Scott Feinberg tells us how likely it is that La La Land will sweep the Oscars.
Photo: lincolnblues
