A few days back, director of Crazy Rich Asians, called out a user named Alan Blates for claiming to be an actor and casting associate. The scammer claimed that there is a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians and posted a notice stating that they are finding Asian actors to fit the role in, “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problems” and the auditions will be held via Zoom.
You might think that it’s just a sick joke but here is where it turns serious. Alan Blates also told talents that if that wanted to be considered seriously for the role, they will have to pay USD$99 (roughly SGD $140) as “submission fee” via Google Pay or Venmo.
“I kept reading it, and when it said ‘99 dollars,’ I was like, ‘This is f—ed up. There are so many scams like that in L.A. anyway and to actually target, specifically, Asian actors, was very frustrating.”
Director Jon M. Chu via Variety
Jon M. Chu said that he was first notified when he was tagged in a tweet, after which he notified Twitter and flagged Warner Bros.’ legal department. After calling out Alan Blates, Chu said he was promptly blocked by Baltes on Twitter.
“In the Heights” director also spoke up about this incident. He called the scam a “ direct attack” as Asian actors have only begun to see opportunities expanded for them on screen.
“Asian American actors finally get the opportunity or the hope that there are roles and parts out there. People have this light inside of them to pursue this dream that they never thought was possible before, and to take advantage of that and know that you can take $99 for a fake audition is just disgusting,”
Director Jon M. Chu via Variety
According to an IMDb profile and SAG resume, Baltes is a small-time actor and had a few minor roles in films and Tv series, including “Desperate Housewives,” “Lost” and “General Hospital.”
This is apparently not the first time Alan Baltes has solicited money using the same method. In 2018, Twitter users sounded off their concerns to director Colin Trevorrow over a casting notice for Jurassic World: Dominion, where Baltes asked for a $99 audition fee.
Image: Alan Baltes
When director Jon M. Chu was asked about a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians, he commented — “We’re so far from it. We don’t have a casting director. We have never said, ‘Hey, let’s look at people who are out there.’ We’ve done zero,” he said. “We don’t even have a script.”