Global Auditions for Harry Potter Role, Including Hong Kong, by U.S. Company Stir Up Controversy

A U.S.-based company called Premiere has recently faced allegations of deceptive practices during its auditions for child stars. These auditions, which offered young talents the chance to audition for roles in prestigious projects such as a Harry Potter sequel, have come under scrutiny due to concerns about the legitimacy of the opportunities presented.

Premiere, known for its auditions conducted across multiple countries, recently held casting events in Hong Kong. These auditions took place at a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui and attracted parents who were enticed by the prospect of their children becoming the next stars of blockbuster franchises. However, participants were required to pay substantial fees, with amounts reaching up to HK$100,000.

One parent, identified as Mr. A, responded to an advertisement by Premiere that vaguely promised connections to platforms like Disney+ and potential involvement in a Harry Potter sequel. However, during the auditions, it became clear that the promises were not as straightforward as initially presented. The production representative downplayed the direct association with Harry Potter and suggested a more nuanced involvement in similar projects.

The auditions operated on a fee structure based on the number of lines a child would have in the supposed production, with costs escalating to as much as US$9,000 for a more significant role. This pay-to-participate model raised concerns, especially considering the lack of specific project details and the significant financial commitments required from parents.

Premiere's practices faced additional scrutiny when Mr. A sought a refund upon realizing the financial implications and ambiguous nature of the project. Despite initial assurances of a refund, the process was marred by delays and complications, prompting Mr. A to contact the authorities. The police have now classified the case as "obtaining property by deception," and Mr. A has eventually received his refund.

The controversy surrounding Premiere's auditions highlights the importance of transparency and clarity in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder for aspiring child actors and their parents to exercise caution and thoroughly research opportunities before committing to any financial obligations.

美國公司舉行全球試鏡，包括香港，尋找《哈利波特》角色的童星，收費10萬港元

美國的一家名為Premiere的公司最近在童星試鏡中被指控使用欺詐手法。這些試鏡承諾給年輕的才藝新星機會參演知名項目，如《哈利波特》的續集，但這些機會的真實性引起了許多質疑。

Premiere是一家在多個國家進行試鏡活動而聞名的公司，最近在香港舉辦了一系列試鏡活動。這些試鏡在尖沙咀的一家酒店舉行，吸引了希望自己的孩子成為下一個大片明星的家長們。然而，參與者需要支付高額費用，最高可達到10萬港元。

一位名為A先生的家長回應了Premiere的廣告，廣告模糊地承諾與Disney+等平台建立聯繫，並有機會參演《哈利波特》的續集。然而，在試鏡過程中，情況變得並不像一開始所描繪的那麼明確。製片人代表淡化了與《哈利波特》的直接關聯，而是暗示將參與類似項目。

試鏡的費用結構基於孩子在所謂的作品中的台詞數量，費用最高可達到9,000美元，用於更重要的角色。這種付費參與的模式引起了關注，特別是考慮到缺乏具體的項目細節以及家長需要承擔的重大財務責任。

當A先生意識到試鏡的財務影響和模糊性後，他尋求退款。儘管最初有保證會退款，但過程中出現了延遲和問題，促使A先生聯繫了有關當局。警方現已將此案列為「以詐騙手段獲取財物」，並最終退還了A先生的款項。

有關Premiere試鏡的爭議凸顯了娛樂行業中透明度和清晰度的重要性。這提醒了有抱負的童星和他們的家長在承擔任何財務義務之前要謹慎行事，並進行充分的研究。