AB 1319 Parent Guide

Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act (AB 1319)

🛡️ Bottom Line for Parents: This California law exists to protect your family from entertainment industry scams. If someone wants money upfront for "opportunities" in acting, modeling, or music, they must follow strict rules—or they're likely breaking the law.

Protecting families from predatory "talent services" is essential in today's entertainment industry. California's AB 1319—commonly called the Krekorian Act—was created to prevent scams targeting actors, especially young performers and their families.

What Is AB 1319? (The Simple Version)

This California law regulates how companies can offer paid services related to the entertainment industry. It specifically targets businesses that charge advance fees for things like auditions, representation, showcases, and photography without proper legal structure or disclosure.

The bill was signed into law in 2009 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to address a surge in fraudulent "talent" businesses that were taking thousands of dollars from families with empty promises of stardom.

Why This Matters: Before AB 1319, families could lose $5,000-$15,000 to companies that promised their child would be "discovered" but delivered nothing. This law created real consequences for scammers.

Key Protections for Performers and Families

No advance fees for employment opportunities: A legitimate service provider cannot legally charge money upfront for access to auditions, casting calls, or job opportunities before they actually happen.
Transparency and disclosure required: Any company offering talent services must provide detailed written contracts, clear refund policies, and honest information about what they're actually offering. No misleading guarantees allowed.
$50,000 bond requirement: Service providers must post a $50,000 surety bond with the California Labor Commissioner. This acts like insurance—if the business fails to deliver services or commits fraud, families can recover money from this bond.
Private right of action: If you get scammed, you can sue the company and potentially recover your money plus attorney's fees and additional damages.

Who Does This Law Apply To?

Any business operating in California that offers talent-related services to aspiring performers—especially minors—must comply with AB 1319. This includes:

Talent managers and agents (though legitimate agents work on commission, not upfront fees)
Photographers and demo reel creators who market specifically to aspiring performers
Acting coaches and workshop providers who promise industry connections
Online casting subscription services
"Talent showcases" or "open calls" that charge participation fees
Companies offering "representation packages" that bundle coaching with agency services

Red Flags: What Families Should Watch For

🚩 Major Warning Signs:

"Guaranteed auditions" for an upfront fee
Showcase companies that promise industry exposure but won't share which casting directors or agents are actually attending
"Agents" who want payment before booking any work (real agents work on commission)
Coaching programs tied to representation with no clear separation of services
High-pressure sales tactics like "this offer expires today"
Companies that "discovered" your child at a mall, fair, or through unsolicited contact

How Legitimate vs. Scam Companies Operate

✅ Legitimate Entertainment Services:

Real talent agents earn 10-20% commission ONLY when you book work
Professional photographers charge flat fees for specific services, not "packages" promising fame
Acting coaches focus on skill development, not promising industry connections
Casting websites charge reasonable monthly fees ($20-50) with clear terms
Legitimate showcases can provide attendee lists and have industry professionals who regularly attend

❌ Scam Operations Typically:

Promise specific outcomes they can't control
Require large upfront payments ($1,000-$10,000+)
Bundle multiple services together in confusing packages
Use fake testimonials or staged "success stories"
Pressure you to sign contracts immediately
Cannot provide their bond information when asked

How to Verify a Company's Compliance

Before signing any contract or paying any money, take these steps:

Ask to see their bond certificate or get their bond number
Verify their registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations
Search for complaints with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews
Ask for references from recent clients (not just testimonials on their website)
Get everything in writing including refund policies and specific deliverables

Pro Tip: If a company hesitates to show their bond certificate or provide their registration information, consider it a major red flag. Legitimate businesses are proud to show their compliance.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you believe you've been victimized by a company violating AB 1319:

Document everything: Save all contracts, emails, receipts, and communications
File a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner
Report to the Attorney General: California AG Consumer Protection
Consider legal action: AB 1319 allows you to sue for damages, including attorney's fees
Claim against their bond: If they have one, you can file a claim for recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this law apply to online services or just California-based companies?

A: AB 1319 applies to any company offering talent services to California residents, regardless of where the company is located. However, enforcement can be more challenging with out-of-state companies.

Q: Are acting classes and workshops covered by this law?

A: It depends. Pure education (like a university acting program) is generally not covered. However, if a workshop promises industry connections, auditions, or representation opportunities for additional fees, it likely falls under AB 1319.

Q: What's the difference between a talent agent and a talent manager under this law?

A: Legitimate talent agents are regulated separately and can only charge commission (10-20%) after you book work. Talent managers can charge upfront fees BUT must comply with AB 1319's bonding and disclosure requirements if they're offering specific services like auditions or showcases.

Q: My child was "scouted" at a mall. Is this automatically a scam?

A: Not automatically, but it's extremely suspicious. Legitimate agents and casting directors rarely scout at malls. If they ask for money for photos, classes, or representation, it's almost certainly a scam. Real opportunities come through submissions to legitimate agencies.

Q: Can companies charge for headshots and still be legitimate?

A: Yes, but context matters. A photographer who simply takes headshots for a fee is fine. However, if they're marketing this as part of a "discovery package" or claiming the photos will lead to representation, they must comply with AB 1319.

Q: What if a company is based outside California?

A: If they're offering services to California residents, AB 1319 still applies, but enforcement is more difficult. Focus on researching the company thoroughly and consider whether working with an out-of-state company is worth the reduced legal protection.

The Real Path to Success in Entertainment

Reality Check: Success in entertainment comes from talent, training, persistence, and some luck—not from paying companies for "opportunities." Most successful actors and performers built their careers through:

Quality training and skill development
Building a professional portfolio (headshots, demo reels)
Submitting to legitimate casting calls and agents
Networking within the industry
Starting with smaller roles and building up

Essential Resources & Links

🏛️ Official Government Resources

📞 Report Scams & Violations

🎭 Legitimate Industry Organizations

🔍 Research & Verification Tools

📚 Educational Resources

🏢 Business Verification

💼 Professional Development (Legitimate)

Remember: Families deserve transparency, safety, and ethical practices. AB 1319 is your legal shield—use it when evaluating any paid opportunity in entertainment. When in doubt, walk away and do more research.