• Set up a voicemail instead of giving out your home number.
• Never put your home address on any actor-related mailings as a return address. Get a P.O. box or join an organization like the Actor’s Network that allows you to use their P.O. box.
• Only meet with potential filmmakers, photographers, managers or agents in public places, offices or studios during the day. Bring a friend with you, especially if they have a home office or studio. Do not get in a car with them, no matter how convincing they are.
• If you are meeting at a restaurant, call information ahead of time to make sure it exists.
• Learn what professional conditions are for auditions, interviews and photo shoots.
• Never be alone on a location — bring a friend, boyfriend or a hire a make-up or hair artist to be there with you.
• Find a system to easily refer back to any projects, managers or agents you submit for so you can confirm it’s really something or someone you were interested in. If it isn’t, ask how he got your phone number. Be suspicious of vague answers and flattery from strangers.
• Question anyone about the specifics of what they’re working on. Learn what you need to ask to determine what’s legitimate and what isn’t.
• Don’t think someone else has to give you a break to become successful. Give it to yourself by making your own projects with people you meet in classes or through industry organizations where you can meet filmmakers, theater producers, etc.
• Tell friends, family and co-workers where you are meeting the person and who the person is.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 14, 2003. Read the original PDF.