LOS ANGELES–California Senator Kevin Murray, D-Los Angeles, has introduced a bill in the state legislature designed to protect aspiring artists from financial fraud.
SB 1687 follows on the heels of 1999’s Advance Fee Talent Service Act (AFTS), which prevents entertainment representation from asking for upfront payments for job applications or placement.
“Once you have a list of things you can’t do, people always find their way around it,” Murray, who is co-sponsoring the bill with Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, tells Entertainment Law Weekly. “[SB 1687] is supposed to close those loopholes.”
Certain casting directors and agents have found their way around AFTS by instead charging upfront for things like pictures, make-up and talent lessons.
“It’s not that they shouldn’t charge you,” says Murray. “It’s just that they shouldn’t charge you in advance in order to represent you.”
SB 1687 will amend the AFTS by specifying that the term “advance fee” includes any charges for a service in order to obtain representation, counseling or promotion.
“Money shouldn’t be made on people’s dreams and hopes,” says Murray.
