Facebook spam claims extras wanted for Star Wars Episode IX
Spammy Facebook posts are leading to a company called Casting360 that claim to offer extra roles in the Star Wars IX movie. But it’s not as it seems.
Whether it’s to try and meet your favourite actor, kick-start your career as a famous movie star or just to say you’ve done it, there will be no shortage of people looking for the role of an extra in the latest Star Wars movie.
And while there are legitimate ways to apply for any open casting dates, be aware that a number of spammy websites and Facebook pages are looking to lure you into their traps, and they’re using the prospect of being an extra on Star Wars IX as bait.
For example, this Facebook post below from “Elite Casting” claims extras between 18-45 years old are wanted, and urges users to click a link to apply.
Extras wanted for “Star Wars: Episode IX”
Males and Females of 18-45 Y.O.
Apply here: www.castingsdaily.com/applynow
And while many Facebook users may do just that, what they may not realise is that this isn’t anything to do with the latest outing of the George Lucas franchise.
Red flags are abundant here. The Facebook page is called “Elite Casting” yet the website it links to is titled “Casting 360” but with the web address of “CastingsDaily.com.” That’s 3 different names and all we’ve done is click a link!
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Searches for any of these names don’t prove particularly fruitful. None of them are related to or involved with any of the production companies in charge of the latest Star Wars movie, and there is little feedback on any of them, meaning they’re not a recognised talent agency.
Identity crisis: Casting360, CastingsDaily.com or Elite Castings?
The aim of this site becomes a little clearer once we look at some of the small print on the website. Take for example the below –
By clicking the “Get Cast Now” button I hereby consent to receive autodialed and/or pre-recorded telemarketing calls, text messages and/or emails from or on behalf of Casting360 at the telephone number and email address provided above. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase. I certify I am at least 18 years old and have read and agree to the Casting360.com
And right at the bottom of the page is this gem –
Casting360 is not a talent agency, employer or a talent scout; the site is only a venue. Casting360 does not promise or facilitate employment. The number of casting calls available varies by location, roles available and the level of experience required. As with any business, results may vary, and will be based on individual capacity, experience, expertise, and level of desire. There are no guarantees concerning the level of income the user may experience.
A little more digging and things don’t look any better. The website we were taken to – CastingsDaily.com – was only registered in November 2016 and has next to no feedback. The Facebook page “Elite Casing” also has little feedback but is older than the website and older links show that it previously was sending followers to a site called StartEns.com, which has now been taken down.
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The name Casting 360 however has plenty of feedback on it, mostly negative. Many members claimed they were harassed by marketing calls and emails after signing up, and others claim they were tricked into paying monthly membership fees for a site that didn’t really do anything.
The reality is that this is just a site that wants your contact information, and has no relationship with casting companies whatsoever. It’s in the business of luring users into parting with their phone number and email under the illusion that they’re signing up to be an extra for a movie. In this cast Star Wars IX.
If you do want a starring role in the latest Star Wars movie, as is usual in the business casting is likely to come from recognised talent agencies in the US. If you’re looking for a role as an extra, then keep your ear to the ground for open casting calls on sites like Digital Spy and NME. Don’t sign up for dodgy websites you happen upon on Facebook.
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