There is a hiring scam in the film industry aimed at production assistants. Their ideal target? Someone who is new and eager to the business, with little experience how the hiring process works.
This isn’t a new scam — it’s been going around for at least six months. The Anonymous Production Assistant mentioned it a few months ago, but the scammers haven’t stopped. It breaks my heart because their target is the kind of person who reads this blog: a hard worker with nothing but a dream and the desire to just get their one chance. And it’s disgusting.
One variation of the e-mail reads:
Company profile: Good Clean Fun’s state-of-the-art production facilities are where the magic happens. Our seasoned professionals oversee each and every part of the process. From creative development, to production and post, it all happens under one roof. Every project is driven by our vision and branded with our unique point of view.
Responsibilities include the following:
Good Clean Fun LLC, will be producing a TV commercial to promote our new show *Barely Famous* and your assistance will be needed. Below are the job duties:
Operate Studio Camera, Audio, Graphics generator or teleprompter
Organize studio sets, cameras and monitoring
Maintain studio and lighting
Use microphones, IFB receivers, and audio facilities
Setup and review graphic elements
Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Note: The production will be done in San Francisco between 10-21-2015 to 10-24-2015 in Blast Digital Studio, Toland Place, San Francisco, CA but you’ll be needed here in San Francisco from 10-19-2015. Both travel/hotel expenses will be covered by the company.
Instruction: Please respond with your contact information such as your full name, address and cell number where a check will be mailed out to, it is for your traveling and lodging expenses (more information will be provided as we progress). You will also be provided an itinerary by the designated travel agent arrangement.
How to Tell This is a Scam
Very rarely is anyone hired so quickly and impersonally with zero mention of who referred you.
When you’re at the entry level of any industry, there’s a lot of people vying for jobs because the barrier to entry isn’t very high. You’re usually hired based on (1) experience, (2) word of mouth, (3) your own persistence, or (4) applying to a job on Staff Me Up. Typically, when you get offered a job, they production coordinator or producer will make mention of how they found you.
If you get approached for a job through email, it’ll read something like this:
Hey M, so-and-so recommended you for a PA position. Can you shoot me your resume?
Thanks,
PC
Production Coordinator
No production assistant on any REAL project is expected to handle all of the responsibilities.
Unless it’s a student film or some unscrupulous producer with zero concern for doing the project properly and is stealing all the cash anyway, no one hires PAs with the expectation that they will run cameras, lighting, and sound. Those are positions filled by highly skilled and experienced people. Those are the jobs you’re aiming for when you begin as a production assistant, but you don’t start out by touching the most expensive equipment on one of your first days.
Normal PA duties are: going on runs, assisting the production coordinator or assistant director, handling extras, getting releases signed, etc. It doesn’t sound as glamorous, but these are very important tasks that no movie or television show could be made without.
“But it seems to be a real production company with a legit website?”
This is the worst and most clever part of the scam. The scammer will impersonate a real production company — Good Clean Fun, LLC was the alleged company in the example. (And yes, they are a real company.) The scammer will then purchase a domain name very similar to the real production company domain, maybe missing one letter so you will hopefully not notice — and send out the email. As is the case in the example, the domain was something like “@goodcleanfunlc.com” — while the REAL production company’s web address is actually goodcleanfunllc.com. Did you realize there’s one L missing?
The money is too good to be true.
In variations of the scam, the proposed rate is something obscene — $400 or $500 per day, plus travel expenses. Once you reach a certain level, then yes, you can make that kind of money — but let’s be real, this is not a realistic rate for a production assistant gig. The average rate for a PA ranges from $150-$250.
In most cities, production companies RARELY pay for out of town PAs.
In the example, it says the production is going to take place in San Francisco. There are dozens of qualified production assistants already living in San Francisco. Why on earth would a production pay to fly someone in and put them up, especially someone with little experience?
There’s an exception, though: Occasionally, productions from Los Angeles/New York will think the local crew couldn’t possibly have the chops and they’ll fly in everyone, including their PAs. But even then, someone on the crew will have known/recommended the PA in advance.
If you’ve never worked on a film set before, it’s highly unlikely someone would pay for your travel.
In other variations of the scam, there’s a lot more travel involved–probably to make the shoot sound more alluring and exotic.
The cost to travel a crew member isn’t cheap. It usually includes airfare, car rental, hotel, and per diem– the total is often thousands of dollars depending on the length of the shoot. For this reason, only the essential crew members are paid to travel. Everyone else is hired locally.
Sometimes, a production will travel their PA, but only if the PA has been with them for quite a while and is very experienced.
We all want to be successful and land an amazing gig right out of the gate that pays us more than we’re worth and flies us all around the world, and of course, anything is possible — but if any of these other factors I’ve described are true, then unfortunately, you are probably being scammed.
You’re NEVER given money in advance.
I’ve traveled for different shoots for five years now, for multiple production companies and networks. Never was I fronted any money to arrange my travel through a travel agent, it’s all handled by the production. At most, they’ll ask for my full name and date of birth, as that’s required when purchasing airline tickets.
This is how it works: The production coordinator or travel coordinator books ALL flights and hotels for crew. You’ll then receive an e-mail with your itinerary, flight details, and transportation information. You’ll either be given per diem on the ground as cash, OR you invoice for it after the fact. Most importantly and unlike this scam says, you’ll never be told how much your flight or hotel cost, but sometimes you can get reward points if you have an account.
Also, for the most crew and production positions, you don’t get paid in advance for work you haven’t done. There are too many variables in a freelance world to do otherwise: People get sick, cars break down, shoots get postponed or cancelled, etc. You get paid after the shoot, always.
How This Scam Works
It seems these scammers find their victims through various job boards. I’d also be wary of Craigslist postings.
How the scam actually works is tricky, but I know these companies will send fraudulent checks for you to cash to “pay for your travel”. When that check doesn’t clear, that’s where the scam comes into play and I’m not entirely sure what happens — if they ask that you cover the expense, if they steal your bank info, or what — but basically, the gig never materializes and you’re out the cash they were supposedly fronting you.
What to Do if This Happens to You
Alert the real production company that they’re being impersonated so they can take legal action. If you are listed on job boards, alert the job board of the scam. Leave a comment here or at our Facebook group with the details — it could help others figure out if they’re a target.
If you know anyone else trying to get into the film industry, share this post with them. The only way to beat these unscrupulous asses is to educate and prevent future victims — eventually they’ll stop this fiasco.
Variations of the Scam
As of January 2017, these types of scams are still going strong, albeit with a different twist. If you’ve been targeted, forward it on and I’ll add it to the list:
- Mario Kassar-Imposter Hiring Scam
- Work-From-Home Production Runner Scam
- Johann Martinez-Imposter Production Assistant and Editor Scam
Pin it: 
I'm Laryssa, and when I'm not working in film or television, I'm attempting to travel -- or I'm here, providing resources for working in film or travel. 
November 26, 2020
Got another one from Chris Keitaro from “Living Films” Wack ass number from Nevada 775-204-4609 and TEXTED ME ON THANKSGIVING
Told me they got my info from ADesk. Stated they needed a CAM OP (haven’t done that in years) so first thing was suspicious.
I pretty much said in the text, I don’t do that anymore. How convenient it was they needed a gaffer too. I told them they could email me the details of the shoot, then I was told to email them LOL SCAM!
January 8, 2021
Hello, may I have your take on something. I applied for a PA position on Production Beast and received an email. I’m sure it’s legit, but I want to get a second opinion.
I am responding to your application for the post of a Production Assistant. I will like to thank you for your interest in the job offer. After reviewing your email and resume, I am glad to inform you that I am impressed. The PA will work directly with the producer throughout the production. This is a highly professional, creative, and collaborative project and the production assistant position could lead to long-term opportunity. Your activities amongst other things will also include:
Creation and distribution of reports and schedules, booking travel arrangements for shoots, making copies of scripts and distributing them, getting approval for the utilization of any clip or music that may be copyrighted, check processing, and buying equipment that would be needed for production.
Good organizational skills, a good sense of humor, ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information, perform duties with accuracy, and integrity. You can only apply for this position if you own a personal computer. The rate is $ 300 per day.
Right now we are getting the actors ready and the manager as well. I travel a lot, hence the reason why I need an assistant to handle affairs for me on the home front when I am away on business which is usually quite often. This position is flexible you can be in any location, working with me is basically about instructions and following them, because you take care of things that needs to be taken care of. This is only an introductory e-mail, as time goes on we should be able to arrange a proper meeting to get things started officially. I do have a number of things you could help me with next week if you will be available for me. This can act as a stable foundation for our working relationship.
Please send an email with the information requested below:
First Name:
middle Name:
Last Name:
Street Address:
apartment number {if applicable},
City, State, Zip Code:
Sex: ____
Age: Nationality:
Cell Phone Number (_):
Home Phone Number (_):
Email:
Current Job:
January 17, 2021
Same here. Chris Keitaro with “Living Films”. Said found me from Reel Network. After a quick search for ‘his’ name, found this site. Same with Facebook.
Same message sent out, “How are you dealing with Covid”? Here’s how. Trying to ignore spammers and scammers like yourself and find actual paying work!
February 21, 2021
I was approached by the same person a year ago. They get your email info from Production Hub – this is not in response to an actual job you applied to. The person’s grammar and sloppy writing has improved since they first tried to recruit me for the job. But just reread it and you’ll find that something just sounds off about the whole thing. I went so far as to email her back and the second email is what made me realize right away that this was a scam. I never responded again and never heard back from her again. I wouldn’t waste my time if I were you. Good luck either way!
May 17, 2021
Thanks for posting this! I just received the same exact email but from “Helen Tash” – I googled her but couldn’t find her anywhere. Glad I looked it up. Thanks again!
February 3, 2022
Hi, I seemingly received the same exact email from a certain John Campetella. Is he the same person that emailed you? And what became of it?
January 13, 2021
I received a text from Chris Keitaro w/Living Films around 1AM. I automatically assumed this was some sort of scam. They said they got my contact off the Reel Network as a PA. Thankful for this blog and the examples posted to confirm my suspicions.
January 16, 2021
Got the same text from Chris Keitaro with Living Films.
January 18, 2021
Just got the same text from “Chris Keitaro”. Different number from the person above – this was from 775-384-0957. Message reads: “Hey [name] happy new year??. I’m so glad to reach out to you & I hope you’re staying as safe as possible. I’m Chris Keitaro with Living Films. I got your contact off the Reel Network as Production Assistant. How’re you dealing with the Covid situation.”
I haven’t been a PA in several years, and I don’t use the Reel Network. Steer clear.
February 21, 2021
I received similar scam. “ Hello (Name), how’s your weekend?? I’m glad to reach out to you & I hope you’re staying as safe as possible. I’m Chris Kamada with Samaza Production. I got your contact off the BTL Network as Production Assistant. How’re you dealing with the Covid situation.”
March 15, 2021
This scammer nearly got to me, used the ‘Chris Kurah’ identity as well as a second – ‘BJ Toland’. Thankfully, I found this post before the fraudulent check he sent arrived. I’ve informed the authorities, and I’ve also contacted the company he claimed to be working for – “Rubber Knife Productions” of Bangkok. They’ve apparently been contacted by this scam several times before, and “Kurah” has also pretended to be an employee at a DIFFERET company in Bangkok under the “Chris Keitaro” name.
March 30, 2021
I was reached out to by “rizo films”
They have a website Facebook and Instagram looks all real
But why would they send a check before I work??? And why would they ask me to email them a copy of proof i deposited the check in an ATM!!! They even text me and said u can always deposit through your banks mobile app ? SCAM
I got the check never deposited it but were so pushy about me depositing the check
June 30, 2021
I have recently been the victim of a scam, and I am none too thrilled about what happened to me. I am a composer who had scored independent films back in the mid-1970s to late 1980s, and still have the interest to compose a film score, so what happened to me is what everyone else has extolled here, the difference being that I was too naïve to these predators.
In this case the scammer used an actor’s name – Troy Clevenger – and spelled out that he was shooting a film in the Hudson Valley and was interested in hiring me to score this short film. I was ecstatic.
The problem? The money seemed too good – $1,500 per week for 4-6 weeks of composing (a dream!), but as I would be paid for my first week, “Troy” also included an extra $2K for me to purchase equipment. The equipment was cheap enough, but not available through Amazon (apparently the scammer knew this), but he said he would send me instructions once I got the check and deposited it.
I did receive such a check, but from a company dealing with apartment rentals (Interesting…), and once it cleared, “Troy” instructed me to enact a Zelle transfer to someone with an Arabic name (hmm…). Nonetheless I did as he asked, though I was having a dickens of a time doing the Zelle (new to me), but once all was said and done, he said to wait for further instructions.
About 40 minutes later I received a call from my bank, and they told me I was the victim of a scam. They immediately rejected the transfer, switched me to the fraud department and they stopped the check. They also informed me that these thieves would not only make their money disappear, but also anything else I had in my account. I transferred that money to another account asap.
At this point I have reported “Troy” to the state police, and they are now handling the matter.
Beware of “Troy Clevenger Productions” – this person has already preyed on other people in the film industry, and no doubt will do it again until they are stopped.
July 30, 2021
I received a job offer that I found quite suspicious. The initial contact email was received yesterday (July 29, 2021) and the follow-up letter this morning (July 30, 2021), from someone presenting themselves as Troy Clevenger of “Clevenger Film Production”, using email address troy.clevengerproduction@gmail.com .
The initial email said that my name had been found thru the Entertainment Industry job website Mandy.com. The sender was looking for an art director for the upcoming shoot of their short film project and was asking that I get back to him with my current resume and examples of my work. Before responding I IMDBed and Googled “Troy Clevenger” and found that he was a young local (to Los Angeles) actor with a few film role credits and a few director/producer credits on short film projects; it sounded potentially legit for a self-funded (and probably low-budget) short film project. The email explained that the sender would follow up with more details about the job/project once they had confirmed that I appeared to be a good fit for the project. I did respond as you never know what connections anyone in Hollywood, even seemingly young and inexperienced, might have…and sending a resume and work examples isn’t a commitment.
The follow-up letter immediately raised doubts as to the validity of the sender’s intents as well as experience and qualifications within the film making world. First off, the sender’s proficiency in English was quite evidently lacking. The sender presented the position needing to be filled as that of art director and proceeded to list off the expected responsibilities for such position; it was quite evident that what was listed was a mash-up of rather generalized phrases that had been copied and pasted from elsewhere by someone who was not at all familiar with film production. The responsibilities that were listed where those of an add agency art director who conceptualizes and leads advertisement campaigns than those of an art director/production designer for film or TV, or even the actual filming of ad content. Contrary to the initial contact letter, there was no mention in the follow-up letter that this was for a short film. In film, the art director’s work is intricately linked to the story/script and the locations and characters described in the script; absolutely none of this information was provided as “info” except for an attached PDF document with the name “The Darkness”. The initial email had described the position as being conducted “remotely” – for an art director/production designer I can see this being applicable to the initial preliminary work but definitely not once one gets into the actual physical production aspects of a project. The work would be scheduled to start the following week and last for a month and 3 weeks (strange way of phrasing it) and would require three 3-hour days a week of input (9 hours a week – also strange/impossible for even a short film shoot) to be paid at a rate of $1503.00 per week + “bonuses” which would all be discussed in a one on one meeting to be held once he finished his current project and arrived in town. He stated that he would be sending the first week’s wages in advance as well as money for the purchase of “gears” by cashier’s check. MAJOR RED FLAGS!!!
The follow-up letter included the IMDB link to an actor/director/producer named Troy Clevenger which seems legit and the info from which also corresponds to that I found in other Industry-related websites and postings. I have the impression that someone is impersonating the real Troy Clevenger; I plan to contact the real actor’s agent (as listed with Backstage.com) to make them aware of the impersonation and the apparent industry scam that’s going on and which potentially might ruin their client’s name and reputation.
I’ve seen and heard of other scams targeting the entertainment industry where potential victims were fished from the job site Mandy.com and that followed the “script” outlined in the emails I received. I don’t intend to follow this “gig” any further but I do intend to at least report it to my email provider’s scam alert division and warn members of my FaceBook Industry-based work groups about this scammer.
Be warned!
July 30, 2021
Kevin Scott, contact me if the investigators of your police case would like copies of the emails that I received.
Marcel
October 9, 2021
I’m glad you posted this! I got a job offer from “Troy Clevenger” as well. Lots of red flags but the biggest was that he needed a Photo Retoucher for an indie film. I responded that I work as a video editor but sent my portfolio anyway. Well I got the offer! Money up front! So I did some search engine sleuthing and found this page before I gave out all my info!
October 14, 2021
Thank you for posting that, I appreciate it. He’s still at it, (Oct 2021) using the same name (luckily), so I was able to Google and find your post. I was about to email him back and say I was too busy, but thanks (and then I imagine he would have tried to entice me with too much money), but, before that even happened I became a little suspicious and looked him up – thanks for the post.
November 12, 2021
Just got an email from him today, Nov. 2021, still at it. Seemed fishy right off the bat but luckily I found this this article & all this info on him.. thanks everyone for raising the red flag!
October 8, 2021
Just got the scam email from troy.clevengerproduction@gmail.com.
As Marcel said, I am available to provide it if someone has an open police case about this.
October 8, 2021
Just got the same email from troy.clevengerproduction@gmail.com
Glad I googled and found this page! Thanks for the heads up. I hope this is a fake name or the real Troy knows this person is ruining their reputation.
October 10, 2021
I got the EXACT same set of e-mails from this Troy person, for a Photo Retoucher. The job title was even very clearly inserted into the e-mail via an auto-fill program or cut and paste. Was 99% sure it was a scam, but glad to have found this thread as well.
October 11, 2021
I too got the job offer. it seems the troy clevenger scam is alive and well.
I’m happy to forward any info needed for any investigations.
Scamemrs are supposedly sending me the check…. let me know if there is a place I can send this check to for evidence and whatnot
October 21, 2021
I also got the scam email from troy.clevengerproduction@gmail.com. Fast forward, I received a check but did NOT deposit as “Troy” was being very suspicious. I took the check to Chase, and the account has already been flagged as fraud. Chase said there was nothing else to be done–I blocked the email and number and shredded the check. Thank god for this forum to confirm my doubts!
October 24, 2021
I got this via email. When I replied I got a very long email “job offer” which included the info that they would be advancing me $3000 to buy gear! What kind of “gear” would an ASM be buying for that amount of money.
Oh, and they sent me the script….
Troy Clevenger
Fri, Oct 22, 11:53 AM (2 days ago)
to me
Hello I’m Troy, I saw your profile on Mandy, I would like to hire you for a film shoot remotely regarding the position of Assistant Stage Manager for a short film, kindly email me back your resume or any Web link on here so I can go through your credits and get back to you on the full job descriptions thanks.
Regards
Troy.
December 22, 2021
I also received the troy.clevengerproduction@gmail.com scam email, but as I am a cinematographer it asked me to do videography work, thusly:
“Hello, I would like to hire you for the Videographer position, You can pls send me your web or resume here for review for me to get in touch back with you for the details of the job as I look forward hearing from you as soon as you can thanks.
Troy
Regards.”
Seemed suspicious so I googled it and found this website. BTW, nice website, Laryssa! Thank you. Hope this helps.
January 16, 2022
The scammers have moved on to photographers. Here’s the text I received 1/15/22.
Hello Andy Batt, I saw your resume on Apollo job position as a Photographer candidate. I’m FRED TURCHETTI from “LIVINGFILMS PRODUCTIONS LTD”, a film production company based in Asia. We have a short film project coming up in your district. The start date is 28th – 30th, January 2022 and we are in need of your skill. Kindly confirm your skill, availability and i will get back to you with the full job details email to ( livingfilmsproductions@gmail.com).Regards
March 21, 2022
This isn’t 1 of those “I had 12 viral posts in my 6th
month blogging and now I make $22,000 a month from house!!!
website recently posted…website
April 3, 2022
Hi, I’m in Miami and have someone trying to do this to me right now. They’re claiming to work for Warner Bros and that they’re going to send me an advance payment for my weekly fee plus additional money to buy gear before they get in town. I’m copying the email below for future reference in case anyone comes across this…
About Us:
Warner Bros. Pictures We Base in Hollywood, Los Angeles Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment, Moving Picture Producer, Video Editor, Photographer, Videographer, Video Artist, Interactive Designer & Illustrator. Also i specialize in landscape and night-sky photography, motion-controlled time-lapse, and creative dSLR film-making. I also hold private and group workshops and classes, as I love to teach other people how to achieve their creative photographic vision. We really feel we need some assistance at this time that’s why we need someone who can work with us hand in hand throughout the production period. We are presently working on a short film which I’m directing the production aspect, although work hasn’t commenced and we should start working on the filming in 2weeks time. As the Production Assistance, You will assists the film director by establishing the visual look of the movie. You will work closely with me and other crew throughout the production process, Duties basically would be
-Managing Paperwork: Collecting time sheets, handing out scripts (known as ‘sides’ during production, as they are printed on both sides of the page and encompass only the scenes that will be shot that day.)
-Heavy lifting: Helping load and unload the dozens of lights, stands, and apple boxes it takes to pull off each shot.
-Crowd control: Managing extras in a scene, or locking down the set to make sure no pedestrians unwittingly amble into the frame, ruining the shot
-Delivery of final materials internally and externally via digital transfer (Aspera), FTP, Dropbox and tape
-Conduct crowd control by putting up signs, directing pedestrians away from filming, lock down sets etc
-Assisting costume designers, directors, camera people and other crew members
-Act as a runner distributing messages or items within film crew and cast
-Printing and distributing daily paperwork
-Helping prepare the set with lights, props, equipment etc
-Escort actors around the filming area and coordinate extras
-Undertake errands as assigned
NOTE:
Your present job doesn’t affect the status of the job because we need someone who can perform his/her duties with resourceful and proactive in dealing with problems and queries, All i need you to do is to complete all task in a timely manner. I am being thorough and explanatory here because i have hired people in the past who did not live up to my expectation and this time, i do not want to make the same mistake,I will need you to perform a couple of running’s for me in up coming week if we are both on same page, I will be setting up a meeting with you once am done with this shooting am presently working on prior to my arrival. Weekly wage for this film shot remotely will be (One Thousand three hundred and fifty Dollars) weekly and full employment details and permanent salary package + bonuses will be discussed in our meetings.
Here is a link to our website and some work done (THEY SENT ME A WARNER BROS LINK)
Available Position: Production Assistance
Hours: 12Hours per week/3 Hours Daily
Days:4 days in a week/MON-WED-FRI-SAT
Per Hour:$167
Weekly Pay:$1,350
If the above work with you, I will take all necessary step and make the payroll officer to make the payment for these purchases of gears mailed to you along with your first week payment in advance just to be sure how much more i’m been convinced by your experience read on your resume. If you interested to sign up for this position, Kindly provide the details below …
April 3, 2022
They texted me this: Hello ?, how are you doing today? I’m Bill Diaper and I would like to confirm again and ensure we are on same page before i proceed to mailing the check to you before this week ends, in order to get things done on to my arrival ……Pls Kindly confirm that the below information is correct so i can forward it to the finance department for immediate processing of the payment for the gears purchase including with your first week payment in advance,getting things done prior to my arrival in order to avoid any delay….and for the meeting as well.
I responded:
April 20, 2022
I’m a production assistant who got an email today with the exact same wording as Jazz’s, so I fear another scammer is mass targeting production assistants now! I got an offer from a Horry Carl (horrycarlvisualconcept@gmail.com) on April 12th who claimed to work with Magic Hour Films – where the only two websites I could find for companies with that name being located in South Africa and India, which is nowhere near my area despite the work claiming to be ‘in my area’. Be cautious – my information was only available through a state agency/directory, so they’re digging pretty deep for their next victims.
April 4, 2024
Thank you for posting this. 2 years later I got an email from “Horry Carl” today with magic hour films. A Google search lead me here before responding
August 6, 2022
Not just PAs also costume designer, costume supervisor and dresser.
“Rory Carl from MagicHour with a commercial for FOX”
December 9, 2022
I got this one today. Wow what a great pay rate for someone who has worked as a second ad, a stunt double, and a stand-in as well as a set builder. If he saw my resume on the directory in the state where I live then he saw my resume because they don’t hide it from the public. Kind of wish they did but whatever that’s how they get our information so I contacted the director of the state’s local film commissions and forwarded him this message. I asked him is this legitimate or is someone scamming because there is no pre-production listed on the web page where the crew members look. So I thought I would share that in here seeing this is the first thing that showed up when I looked up his name. And what kind of first name is named after a county in North Carolina if you’re from India? Very weird!
Hello,
How are you doing? I’m Horry Carl, a producer for Magic Hour film production I saw your profile posted on film production directory, I want to inform you about upcoming short project coming up in Southport, NC Titled ( SPARKLES ) Start date: December 27th- 30th 2022, pay is $1800, I’m in search for effective production assistant reply with your updated resume for more information.
Kind Regards
Stay Blessed.
March 20, 2024
Thank you Orchid for sharing the email you received. I got an email with the exact same wording from this “Horry Carl” two years later–obviously a scam!! Your comment confirmed my suspicions.
This is the email I got:
Hello ,
How are you doing? I’m Horry Carl, a producer for Magic Hour Film Production. I saw your profile posted on film production directory, I want to inform you about an upcoming short project coming up in Waco, TX Titled ( SPARKLES ) Start Date: April 4th – 6th 2024, pay is $1800, I’m in search for an effective production assistant reply with your updated resume for more information.
Kind Regards
Stay Blessed.
April 4, 2024
I just received the same email but for Houston yesterday. A Google search lead me to this site, thank you for sharing your story
October 20, 2022
Hello,
I am responding to your application for the post of a Production Assistant. I would like to thank you for your interest in the job offer.
The PA will work directly with the producer throughout the production. This is a highly professional, creative, and collaborative project and the production assistant position could lead to long-term opportunity. As PA, your activities amongst other things will include:
Booking travel arrangements for shoots.
Print and distribute daily paperwork (e.g. scripts, call sheets)
Check Processing.
Undertake errands as assigned
Run errands such as purchasing supplies, props and other necessary items for the project.
Good organizational skills, a serious sense of humor is required and mandatory to work with me. Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information and perform duties with accuracy, quality and integrity.
First two days of Pre Production is Oct 28 & 29 and you will be paid $500 for the two days and $50 for gas to run the pre production errands and after which you will be paid Rate: $250/10hr on set from Oct 31th to Nov 15.
The Short Film is about a young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make it big but his friends and foes make this odyssey of rap harder than it may seem.
Right now I am in contact with actors and actresses that will be in this Short Film and I am in my final stage of concluding the agreement with Millennium media for the production.
I travel a lot, hence the reason why I need an assistant to handle affairs for me on the home front when I am away on business which is usually quite often.
Working with me is basically about instructions and following them, you take care of things that need to be taken care of till the venue is decided and the crew assembled.
This is only an introductory email, as time goes on we should be able to arrange a proper meeting to get things started officially.
Let me know if you’re interested in working with me and please send an email with the information requested below
First Name :- Middle Name :- Last Name :-
Street Address :- apartment number{if applicable},City, State, Zip Code:- Age
Cell Phone Number (_) :- Email::- Current Job:-
Thanks for your time , hope to hear from you again.
Regards,
Matilda Smith
woodwalk11@aol.com
December 23, 2022
Ask what makes you happy and work your way up.
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January 11, 2023
comment Luv
New names, same scam:
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for reaching out and great to hear from you. I hope this beautiful day finds you doing well? Your Resume has been reviewed and you sound great.
ABOUT ME:
Recruitment officer at “On Film Production”, a media company based in Europe. I work as an affiliate recruitment officer and Production Manager in the USA. I need some assistance at this time. That’s why I need someone who can work with me hand in hand throughout the production period. It will take a week and it will be shot in different locations. We are presently working on a short film in which I’m directing the production aspect, although work hasn’t commenced and we should start working on the film in the next couple of weeks. The Production will take place in your area on 23rd – 25th, JANUARY 2023. Our Location manager will disclose locations in the meantime. You will work closely with me and other crew throughout the production process,
DUTIES BASICALLY WOULD BE:
* Photographer.
* Assisting with booking of production equipment within your locality.
* Type: Part-Time
* Hours: 12 hours per week
* Days: 3 days per week
* Weekly Pay: $2,800.00
BENEFITS:
* AD & D Insurance
* 401(k)
* Medical, Dental, Vision
NOTE:
Your present job doesn’t affect the Status of the job. I need someone who can perform his or her duties resourcefully and proactive in dealing with problems and queries, All I need you to do is to complete all tasks in a timely manner. I am being thorough and explanatory here because I have hired people in the past who did not live up to what I expected and this time, I do not want to make the same mistake.
Here I want to see how you would demonstrate your skills and how exceptional you are and how efficient and on time you will be. I will need you to perform a couple of tasks for me during this coming week, which are part of basic duties you will be performing before the project fully start and if I am impressed and convinced that you are right for the job, I will be setting up a meeting with you once am done with this shooting am presently working on.
Your wage will be $2,800.00 weekly payment and bonuses for the upcoming projects will be discussed during a face to face interview which we would be having before the day of the shoot. If the above works for you, I will take all necessary steps and make my financial adviser have payment issued for your weekly payment and booking of production equipment mailed to you. If you want to sign up for this, kindly provide the details below:
Your Full Name;
Mailing Address;
City, State, Zip Code, Apt #:(if there is any)
Mobile Phone Number:
Best time to reach you during the trial period:
Best Regards.
—
Neritan Klodi Mehmetaj
On Film Production
info.onfilmproduction.al@gmail.com
(661) 429-2879
Sami Frasheri,Pall Agimi,
shk 19,ap 336, Tirane. Albania
July 25, 2023
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July 25, 2023
I just got hit up by the same scam. I thought it was weird they asked for my address so I did a quick Google search and found this site. I got the exact same email so I know it’s bogus. The funny thing is I am a private investigator so I’m going to do a deep dive into this scam.
October 25, 2023
Every single portion of their nine-tiered welcome package demands a minimum deposit
of $20 or more.
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January 3, 2024
Hi everyone, perhaps my (presumed) scam attempt is related to all of the preceding ones? Here’s what happened:
On 2024/01/02, out of boredom, I was checking my fb. A job opportunity in the film industry caught my eye, “International Movies Rating Assistant”, posted in “Jobs in Paris (and around in France)” fb page (I’ve been living in Paris for so long I’ve become Parisian myself). A lot of people from everywhere are active in this page, whether “expats” or just plain recent immigrants or very Frenchy French people from French families with 1,000 years history looking for a short gig for some extra money. After replying “Interested” I started receiving messages via fb’s messenger from a “Nora Haxhiu”, supposedly in Bordeaux, France. Informal, casual English (“yep”, etc.) but some sloppy grammar (it happens to native English speakers too, so “benefit of the doubt”).
“Job Brief and Job Duties
“We are looking for film and movies rater assistant to join our team.
“-That helps movies boost their online visibility and ratings.
“-International Movies increase visibility optimize and expand and make it more Subscribe or more creative
“Salary Rate and Other profits :
“[mushroom icon] Monday to Friday €30 – 45 per hour
“[mushroom icon] Saturday – Sunday €30 – 60 per hour
“[mushroom icon] Working time – 1-3 hours
“Flexible working time (Anytime And anywhere)
“Requirements and skills:
“-Can be read and write English Language
“-Familiarity with mobile phone, like desktop
“Are you interested in this job?”
[You’ll have noticed the poor grammar (like in, “all your base are belong to us!”), the French punctuation at parts, and the super amateurish feel – however, I told myself “this Albanian-sounding girl supposedly in Bordeaux would just be “doing her job”, not writing the best book ever on English Grammar and Sales Pitches, so let’s give her a pass and see where it all leads to”.
She asked my name, age, whatsapp number (this is the fishiest telltale part for me, everybody in Europe has unlimited calls within the EU and most of Northern Africa included in our monthly phone plans, so no need for encrypted communication nor “free” phone calls/messaging unless you’re doing so from outside the EU]. She also asked (twice) how many years I had been living in France, and whether I had a local bank account or “bank card”. After providing the info (not my bank account number ofc, but merely that I indeed have a French bank account) and pointing out that I wouldn’t be available for a further exchange with “company management team mentor” right afterwards (bc it all was happening around 20:00, not business hours over here) and that I would be available again the next morning 2024/01/04 at 10:00 French time, I got a whatsapp msg at 04:30 (their 22:00 in North America.
Number: 1 (306) 206-0756, apparently from Regina, SK, Canada.
Insert “young pretty girl funny selfie” here as contact picture.
“Mentor of the U-Film” mention (I looked it up, it turns out there was actually a couple of fims like that in 2009. So old!).
“This is [my very own ducking full name, in bold!]. Call me Michaela. I take it that you would like more details about the latest international Movies rating Assistant, just as Nora mentioned.”
So, her message at 04:30 my time, when I had explicitly stated that I would be available only from 10:00, started me on this check path, where I ended up in this website. So I’m passing the information around, for others to benefit. And what about mistaking “Hi [the other person’s full name]” with “This is [the other person’s full name]”?
There’s NO company name so far, it all just reeks of scam, and many desperate people, or just absurdly innocent, looking for a few extra bucks here and there, may fall for this scam. I believe you either work entirely for free, where they’ll be making up excuses that something went wrong when (supposedly) wiring the money to you, or surely the pay rate will NOT be at all the minimum €30/hr promised, but €30 in total for your 40hrs/week, 160hrs/month total, toll. And that’s in the BEST of cases. Probably they’ll ask me my bank account details or to transfer them a small amount “to check if it works all right” (perhaps they’ll make a fake transfer to me of, say, USD1,000 for me to return to them; where their USD1,000 are fake buy MY USD1,000 very real, and very lost forever).
I will be linking this page in fb for others to draw their own conclusions.
About me: I’m a “Personal Assistant” (secretary) basically in law firms, also in other sectors. I also was involved in 2023 in a film project about the difficult post-war experiences for veterans of both sides from the Malvinas/Falklands War in 1982 (it stayed just a project). I have a passion for Japanese and Korean films, and films from Finland’s Aki Kaurismaki.
February 17, 2024
Got this 2/16/24 from bradcruzmediaproduction@gmail.com
Hello,
Greetings, I hope this finds you doing well. your info has been reviewed and you sound pretty great with your experiences.
About Us:
Brad Cruz film production is a creative production Designer, digital media expert, Video Editor, Video Artist, Interactive Designer & Illustrator.
We really need some assistance at this time. That’s why we need someone who can work with us hand in hand throughout the production period. I’m currently working on a project which we are wrapping up soon, In this upcoming project you will be the (Producer) and the scheduled start period would be in two weeks’ time and last for just a month and three weeks as planned (7 weeks in total).
As the (Producer) you will support production by providing assistance and your duties basically would be as follows.
-Sourcing and securing financing, and managing budgets.
-Pitching new ideas to potential investors.
-Creating and monitoring schedules.
-Advising and assisting directors.
*Reporting to executive producers.
*Reviewing the final edit.
NOTE: Your present job doesn’t affect the status of this if you do have any, I will be setting up a meeting with you prior to my arrival once I’m done with the current project I am working on. Your weekly wages for this upcoming shoot would be “Two Thousand Dollars” and other details + bonuses will be discussed in our meeting.
I will get back to you soon on where and when we will be meeting to discuss things better prior to my arrival before the start of the shoot.
Here is my link
Brad Cruz – IMDb
Position:Producer
Days:3 days in a week at your availability
Weekly Pay:$2,000
If the above work for you, I will make the payroll to issue a cashier’s check payment for the purchase of some equipment including your first-week payment upfront to be mailed to you and reason why im doing this is to tell you how much more am convinced with your credits and fully ready for work with you soonest so we can get things done prior to my arrival for the project.
Kindly provide the details below in order to have you book down for this position.
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Direct Phone#:
*Two Work or Personal References:
Looking forward to hearing from you as soon as you can
Brad
March 17, 2024
I received the same email with minor differences.
June 4, 2024
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