DIY Industry Investigations: How to Protect Yourself and Others
The creative industries are full of brilliant people who inspire, support, create opportunities, and have actors best interests at heart. But there are also unfortunately many individuals, agencies, and companies that operate unethically, immorally, or even criminally. Sometimes you can spot red flags early, before you get involved professionally. Other times, it means realising after the fact that you (or others) have already been harmed, and that you may want, or need, to take steps to protect yourself and others.
In either case, knowing how to investigate, gather evidence, and document your findings is essential. Doing your own due diligence not only protects you when choosing who to work with, it also gives you a stronger foundation if you need to call out wrongdoing, report misconduct, or seek further support.
This guide is designed to help actors and creatives take those steps - from researching potential professional connections to building a clear, organised record if you discover unethical behaviour. That way, if and when you do need professional support, you already have the groundwork done and your voice carries more weight.
Important: Always prioritise your safety. Do not put yourself in risky situations to obtain information, and never engage directly with someone who has harmed you if it could put you at further risk. The steps outlined here are about protecting yourself, preserving evidence, and feeling more empowered - not about confrontation. Also bear in mind I am not a legal professional and this is not legal advice.
1. Start with the basics online
Look for a professional website, social media presence, and online mentions. Notice any red flags, questionable terms and conditions, or unverifiable information.
A well-maintained online presence is not a guarantee, but the absence of it is often a red flag.
Search for interviews, articles, press features, or LinkedIn profiles. Genuine professionals usually leave a trail.
2. Verify the company/individual officially
Companies House (UK): Confirm the company is registered, and look for previous liquidations.
Be alert to companies that repeatedly open under new names - this can indicate a pattern of dodgy practices.
Note details like directors, addresses, and dates; inconsistencies here can be telling.
3. Ask others in the industry
Reach out to peers, former clients, or colleagues for testimonies or experiences.
Use discretion - some people may not want to share publicly, or even at all, but even informal conversations can give insight. Be open to listening and showing support. Remind people this isn’t about “bringing anyone down” but about highlighting wrong-doing and seeking accountability, so that it doesn’t continue. Firsthand accounts often reveal what websites and social media cannot.
Ask people to write their experiences in first person and collate them together anonymously. Remove identifying factors from their testimony - you even have the option of making them genderless by using “they/them” instead of “he/she.” People often feel more comfortable sharing anonymously. If this is the case, keep a separate note of who you speak to and their contact info - should their testimony need to be corroborated by relevant authorities/organisations down the line.
4. Gather and organise evidence
Always take screenshots and consider screen recording yourself scrolling through websites or social media profiles. Content can be deleted or edited quickly.
Keep evidence organised: Google Docs with separate tabs works well, but also back up everything on a secure hard drive.
Include emails, messages, contracts, receipts, and any proof of financial transactions or withheld pay.
5. Check social media carefully
Look for red flags: aggressive behaviour, repeated complaints, false advertising, or unusual interactions with others in the industry.
Social media can reveal patterns of behaviour that official websites or listings will not.
What is the image this person/company is trying to convey and does it match up what is going on behind closed doors? Are they playing into the smoke and mirrors of the industry in an attempt to manipulate those who many not know better?
6. Use online communities
Reddit, Facebook groups, and forums for actors and creatives can be invaluable.
Ask questions, (on Facebook you can even ask anonymously) or search for discussions about the person or company.
These spaces can reveal experiences and warnings that are otherwise difficult to find.
7. Review contracts and terms
Always request a written contract or agreement for professional work.
Read carefully for hidden fees, unusual clauses, or obligations that seem one-sided.
If possible, get contracts checked by someone experienced in the industry or a legal professional.
When dealing with payment, ensure you always receive a remittance for any pay. Reach out directly to production or casting to confirm payment terms/dates if needed.
8. Check for official complaints
Look at unions or professional organisations like Equity or Spotlight for any warnings or complaints.
Even if an issue wasn’t escalated publicly, there may be notes or reports internally.
9. Watch for financial red flags
Be cautious of upfront fees, unusual payment methods, promises of guaranteed work, hidden fees, large commission rates, lack of paper trails.
Legitimate agencies only make money when you work - from a commission. Those with profit as a priority can often engage in questionable tactics such as pressuring actors to take workshops or classes, get headshots done with someone they take a cut from, make you invoice a separate finance company for pay, etc.
Any evidence of behaviour that goes against legislation (like up front agency fees) listed online, screenshot and report to relevant places. Keep a record of the reports you make, where, and when.
10. Investigate industry reputation
Google the person or company along with keywords like “scam,” “rogue,” or “complaint.”
Check trade publications, industry articles, or investigative reporting - sometimes the work has already been done.
11. Follow up on inconsistencies
Conflicting information across sources is a warning sign - dig deeper before committing.
Rogue operators often alter details or tell different stories depending on the audience. How do stories change depending on who is telling them? For example casting directors will often not have anything bad to say about an agent because said agent will work hard to keep them ‘on side’ because they are higher up the pegging order and agents can use them to legitimize themselves. Often times an unknown actor without much experience will have a different story because they aren’t someone a rogue professional can benefit from treating well.
12. Identify patterns, not just single incidents
One negative comment online may not indicate wrongdoing but repeated issues across multiple sources often reveal the real picture.
13. Check licensing or certification if relevant
Some roles, productions, or services require official permits or certifications. Confirm that these are in place.
If someone works with children, ask to see their DBS.
If a production is working with children - they must be licensed.
14. Trust your instincts
If something feels off, investigate further.
Scammers and rogue agents rely on people not asking questions or ignoring red flags, and they will have lots of excuses ready to offer when questioned. Listen to your gut.
15. Be mindful of manipulation or retaliation
People who act unethically or even criminally sometimes lash out when questioned or confronted.
Watch for emotional manipulation tactics - gaslighting, guilt-tripping, positioning themselves as a victim, blaming personal factors to excuse behaviour, aggressive or intimidating behaviour, or attempts to isolate you from support networks. (Read more about dealing with narcissistic behaviour here)
Keep interactions documented, avoid engaging in arguments online, and stay calm.
16. Consider going to a journalist
If you believe what you’ve experienced or uncovered goes beyond an isolated incident and is in the public interest, consider taking the story to the press. Professional journalists have the resources, protections, and platforms to investigate wrongdoing in ways industry bodies often cannot or will not. In many cases, media coverage has done more to bring about accountability and consequences than internal complaints processes designed to uphold “best practice.”
If you’re unsure about where to start or who to approach, you can reach out to us at The 98% CIC for advice and signposting. We may be able to connect you with journalists who have a track record of reporting responsibly on industry issues.
Bottom line: Doing research yourself doesn’t replace professional support, but it gives you a strong foundation. If you want to report something to The 98%, we are more likely to be able to act quickly and effectively to support you if you come with as much verifiable information like the above as possible. Knowledge, organisation, and vigilance are your first line of defence in protecting your career and wellbeing.
Remember, there is strength in numbers. By sharing your experiences and evidence, you not only protect yourself, but you also help warm the waters for others to come forward. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, and working together, even small actions can make a real difference in creating a safer, fairer industry.
Written by Alexa Morden
If you’ve experienced industry misconduct/malpractice and need advice on what to do next, read this.
Want to learn more about Agent Red Flags and Rogue Agent Practices? Read more of our articles and blog posts.
Have you compiled evidence of industry wrongdoing and think The 98% should be aware? Get in touch.