: Performers may feel their talent is secondary to their utility as objects, leading to long-term self-esteem issues [10].
: Strict requirements for parents or legal guardians to be present during all auditions and filming sessions involving minors [13]. teens casting couch
: Independent content creation "houses" where young creators live and work, often without adult supervision or legal oversight, creating environments ripe for coercion [9]. Ethical Concerns and Psychological Impact : Performers may feel their talent is secondary
The term "casting couch" describes a practice where individuals in positions of power, such as directors, producers, or casting agents, demand sexual favors from aspiring performers in exchange for career advancement or specific roles [1]. Historically, this practice was an open secret within Hollywood and other entertainment hubs, often normalized as a transactional part of "breaking into the business" [2, 3]. Ethical Concerns and Psychological Impact The term "casting