Avoiding the Casting Couch

Models are gorgeous. Although this allows them to get into bars easier, not to have to pay for some things, and in general making life simpler, there are some areas where all of that can get you into some dangerous areas, both physically and career-wise. The most dreaded and well-known of these is the casting couch.

Although it can also refer to generally sleazy behavior as well, the “casting couch” generally refers to where an agent or casting director will only give someone a job in exchange for sexual favors of some sort. Although the stereotype is the young, vulnerable model almost fresh in town, or at least at the beginning of her career being seduced by a seedy agent, it's hardly the only case. Obviously it's less likely to happen to more experienced models, but that's about the only real exception; it's just as likely to happen to male models as female, and the sexual preferences of the target don't matter.

There are some basic safeguards that you can use to protect yourself from this behavior. Obviously, never go alone to an agent you've never met or until you trust the agent; if you just don't see yourself as ever trusting that agent then just don't sign anything with that agent (there are always other agents in the sea). If the agent states that he doesn't like you to bring anyone else with you, that should be the last communication you ever have with them. This applies double for children whose agent doesn't deal with parents; if the parents trust him, they can leave the child with him at their discretion, but if it's stated that the agent would prefer to deal with just the child and not the parents, then that agent probably shouldn't be dealing with kids (there are sometimes other legitimate concerns, such as an agent that doesn't like stage moms, so keep that in mind before you write him off as a total sleaze).

Also, be wary of any agent that requires you to change in front of him; you may have no problem with doing so, but it is nonetheless generally illegal behavior (if changing is required, even for auditions requiring nudity, a changing room of some sort is generally required). Even if the part requires nudity, you shouldn't need to strip anyway until at least the second or third audition. Also, be wary if any kind of sex act is part of the audition. Obviously you are own when it comes to music videos, but try to avoid anything that you feel uncomfortable with.

The bottom line is that this ultimately illegal. If you are even asked, it can lead to the agent losing his license at a minimum; there is also the possibility of fines. As this deteriorates the trust between agents and talent, which is vital for the relationship to work, it is something that needs to be dealt with whenever possible, and at least with you walking out the door. It's just something that casts a shadow over the entire industry, and that's not something it needs.