Not too sure about something

[xebonykissesx]

I applied to be in a music video via mandy.com and recieved an email from someone who said that i should go to one of the gigs and meet the director or something. It was quite a nice formal email. However, the dates weren't convenient.
I just recieved a text asking me to meet the director in a pub for a chat.
I'm not sure if i should go or not, obviously i would bring someone with me if i did go, but then is that normal for an 'audition' as it were, i figured it's not really an audition and isn't too formal so bringing someone with me is just common sense. I don't know if it is dodgy, because it can happen, but i tried researching the band and the director a bit and there isn't much info, but nothing to give the impression that this isnt legit.
If anyone could give me advice on this situation then that would be really helpful. Pm me if you prefer. Thankyou.

[pg]

Hi ebonykisses. You are quite right to be cautious and you should take all the sensible precautions you've probably already thought of. Before meeting, ask for more details about who they are, where they are based, what their experience/background is etc.

I don't know how old you are. Does the director know how old you are? If you are 18 or over then I don't think there's anything too terrible about asking someone to meet up for an informal chat in a public place (like a pub!) as long as you can take someone with you (and let someone know where you are, what time you expect to be back and give them all the details you have of who you are meeting). If you are under 18, then obviously a pub is not a suitable public place to suggest. If you are under 18 - I would say don't go, unless it's with your parents. The director obviously shouldn't be arranging to meet anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian present or without the parent/guardian's explicit consent.

If you are 18 or over and are really keen to meet, I would just make sure you go along with someone else or perhaps a little group of friends and make sure you trust your instincts. Don't give out any personal information or anything that can identify where you live etc. Obviously don't go on anywhere else and if they suggest it, it would probably be wise to make your excuses and leave.

[Welsh Mum]

Excellent advice from pg. Trust your instincts and take sensible precautions.

[xebonykissesx]

Thankyou pg and welshmum! I am 18, so as long as this sort of thing is not unusual then i'm pretty sure it's fine. I can't actually go now as i'm doing a shoot, but i'm going to text back and ask if it might be possible to arrnage another date. My mum knows and i'll take a friend with me soi guess i'll just see how it goes. Thanks again!

[xebonykissesx]

One other thing, is the photoshoot that im going to. It's not through agent as it is for a photographers final piece and i applied through gumtree. My mum will now only let me go if i go with someone (she is at work). I am 18, but obviously she worries.
Do you think its unprofessional/unreasonable to email the woman and ask if it's possible to bring someone along with me? And if it's okay, how should i word it? as i don't want to sound odd, at the same time i guess i have to be cautious.

[nancyboo]

It's very reasonable and normal to take someone with you. Personally, I wouldn't ask, I'd just take someone and act as though it's natural, as it is, but if you want to inform them, Im sure someone else will have some ideas.

[Welsh Mum]

I think it would be perfectly acceptable to take someone with you. I am sure you - and your mum- would feel happier.

(BTW - just because you are 18 doesn't mean your Mum will stp worrying . In fact I think the worrying as you get older )

[pg]

Absolutely fine to take someone with you and as nancyboo says, there's no need to mention it. When you get there, you;ll just need to ask where your friend can wait. If you think you'll find it easier or it will make you feel less awkward, you could always say that you are both going on somewhere together after the photoshoot. I think you will find that most people will entirely understand - and probably expect - that people will be sensible/cautious and will bring someone else along to a first meeting with a stranger. This applies particularly to someone of your age. Good luck, I hope you enjoy it!

[Welsh Mum]

Just to add that when my DD's friend had to go to London to be measured for ger prosthetics for Dr Who, my DD went with her - mainly for company as it was a long day. They were fine about it, welcomed my DD, gave her coffee etc. No one said anything (and she saw a werewolf, cyberman costume etc )

[xebonykissesx]

Thankyou so much!! I was really worried, and didn't know if i should just ask and hope she said yes. But now i think i'll just bring my friend along with me, and if we finish early might look for some prom dresses in London so will actually have a reason to bring her with me for after anyway!
Thankyou all for the reassurance.

[nextinline]

Never be worried about offending when it comes to safety. A bonafide casting director would not expect you to be uncomfortable in any way. It is sometimes hard to know what is legit and what is not. Hope it works out well for you.

[xebonykissesx]

Just want to thank you all once again for your advice and reassurance. The shoot went really well and was lots of fun. It was quite different as the outfit was 18th century and was really huge and made all out of paper there was also a giant cardboard carriage and my hair and make-up was really cool. So overall very fun and good experience.

[nancyboo]

Great to hear, glad you enjoyed it!