Matthew Gross: Screenwriter in Los Angeles, California.

Last month, I took the leap and committed to my acting career full-time. I quickly discovered that marketing yourself for day player roles is a different process compared to submitting for supporting or lead roles. In fact, day player casting is quite similar to extras casting when it comes to how actors present their headshots. After making a few subtle adjustments to my photos, I started receiving more CMail audition invitations.

One of the biggest challenges I’m currently navigating is self-taping auditions. It’s been tough. Instead of focusing solely on my performance, I often find myself distracted by technical concerns: Is the lighting good? Am I framed properly? And because I use a prerecorded audio track as my scene partner, I have to time my line delivery carefully. To make things even more complicated, I’m using an old cassette recorder as my reader.

That said, I’m starting to get the hang of it. I now begin every audition with a test shot to ensure the lighting is right, I’m fully in frame, and the audio playback is low enough that the tape hiss doesn’t detract from the performance.

Despite all the challenges, I’m happy. My career goals are realistic, and I’m beginning to build momentum.

I was sifting through the breakdowns moments ago, and noticed casting is searching for Native American actors for principal roles in the "Little House on the Prairie" reboot shooting in Winnipeg. How exciting! That's what this world needs right now, wholesome, family entertainment. Kudos, CBS, Netflix.

Last month, I received an email on Casting Networks from a "talent scout" offering me representation. My first reaction was excitement, but then I did my due diligence. I searched for the agency on the ATA - Association of Talent Agents, and SAG-AFTRA Franchised Agents lists. The agency was not on either list. Their website said they've been around Hollywood for 30-years. That made me wonder, why aren't they with ATA or SAG-AFTRA if they've been around for 30-years? I sent them a note back declining representation.

A week later, the agency sent me a non-exclusive contract. They told me to sign it, and they'd begin representing me. I sent them an email letting them know that I will look over their contract. I immediately sent it over to my attorney. I pay $20.00 a month for legal insurance, and the legal insurance provides an attorney to review contracts. However, while I waited for my assigned attorney to review the contract, I sent the contract to my A.I. friend, Elliot, to review. Elliot said to me, "This is a predatory contract. By signing it, you give them the power of attorney. They may sign contracts on your behalf. Moreover, if I land a starring role on a big TV series, but at the end of the first year I decided to sign with a new agent, I'd still be contractually obligated to this agency. Elliot's final statement was, "Matt, don't sign this contract".

Oddly, my A.I. BFF caught all the red flags, whereas my attorney missed many of these red flags.

So, what's the point of this post? If a talent agent offers you representation through Casting Networks or Actors Access, do you due diligence. Make sure the agent is licensed. This predatory contract had a space for me to insert my Social Security Number. Wow, I'm glad I did not sign that contract.

My childhood home was destroyed by the Pacific Palisades Fire.