FDCP chair Joey Reyes sounds alarm over audition scam targeting girls

The scam involving FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes allegedly involved videotaped “auditions” and circulated via Messenger and Viber.

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Jose Javier Reyes has warned members of the film industry to be vigilant against a scam falsely using his name to lure aspiring actresses into fake auditions.

Reyes revealed that a talent agency, claiming to be authorized by Regal, has been sending out formal invitation letters to young women, inviting them to audition for a film supposedly to be directed by him.

“The film will supposedly be directed by me,” Reyes told Radar Entertainment during a Cinema Privé screening at Power Plant Cinemas on Thursday night. “It looks legitimate. But I can’t make movies now because I’m working for the FDCP.”

The anatomy of the scam

According to Reyes, the so-called auditions involve videotaping the applicants. He said he has already received reports that some women were contacted and even called in to attend.

“I’ve had reports that some girls were already called to attend,” he said.

The scheme was brought to Reyes’ attention after talent manager and director Rain Yamson reached out to verify the authenticity of the invitation. Vivamax actress Yen Durano also contacted Reyes directly to ask if the project was real.

“She said, ‘Tito Direk, totoo ba ito?’” Reyes recalled. “That’s why I called Viva to tell them to warn their girls not to believe it. I’m not doing any film at the moment, even if I’m itching to do one.”

Reyes added that the invitations were sent via Facebook Messenger and Viber. He has since been informed that at least two or three women may have already attended the fake “auditions.”

He urged industry professionals and aspiring actors to verify casting calls and be cautious of invitations that misuse the names of established filmmakers and institutions.

A warning on “digital permanence”

Reyes warned young actresses to exercise caution. “My message, especially to young artists, is to be careful,” Reyes said. “There’s nothing wrong with having ambition and looking for your big break in the industry. But be extra cautious with anyone asking for videos. Know who you’re dealing with and verify them. Once you agree to what they’re asking, there’s no taking it back. Once your video is uploaded online, you can’t remove it—it’s permanent.”

Reyes added practical advice for aspiring talents: “Ask questions. There are many ways to enter the film industry besides believing people who suddenly ask for your videos. Major studios don’t handle auditions through DMs or emails. When there’s an open call, there are real people you can check with. Make sure you know who you’re dealing with before participating.”

He also expressed sympathy for those who may have already fallen victim to the scam. “For those affected, I’m really sorry. The Film Academy of the Philippines is working on this, and Director General Paolo Villaluna is doing everything to correct the situation,” Reyes said.

 

 

The film will supposedly be directed by me. It looks legitimate. But I can’t make movies now because I’m working for the FDCP.

Jose Javier Reyes

 

 

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