Acting Contract Advice
If you are an aspiring actor, it would be good to know about acting contracts. Acting isn’t an easy job but you shouldn’t be shortchanged. Talent agencies are around to help you sell your talent for the best price.
1. If you contact an agency, make sure that the one you are dealing with meets all the requirements of their unions. Specific requirements are stated in contracts that protect talents such as yourself from abuse from these agencies. As a member, you have the right to get ahold of a copy of this agreement from the union.
2. Your agent should be able to guide you in your career development. He should keep your resume updated and even your
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physical appearance should be of his concern. He should always be around to give you sound advice to jumpstart your career. All these things should be stated in the contract that you sign with the agency.
3. The contract that you have with the agency should also state that it is the agents duty to do all that he can to get you work by sending your profile to all companies needing your specific talent, look or skills.
4. When you do get a job, it is your agency’s duty to negotiate the contracts for you. The agency should be the one to settle disputes with your employer if there is a need.
5. The contract that you have will also state that you, in turn, shall do your duty by having the professionalism and commitment required of you. In most cases, 10% commission goes to your agency as payment for their services.
6. In terms of contracts that you sigh with producers, it would help to know that there are different types of contracts, especially in theater acting. Make sure that you sign the right contract, may it be main stage, touring or performance internship contracts.
7. Since contracts are binding, make sure that you are signing a contract for the duration of time that is most suited to your needs. If you have plans of moving, it would be good to let your agent know so that arrangements can be made to shorten your contract. Most of the time, they will be open to such kinds of negotiations. If you encounter problems with this, then it’s time to find another agent, or producer for that matter.
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Showbiz and Acting Tips:
Study, practice and, then, study more. Take classes and workshops. When you get that audition for that dream role, you’ll need the talent to back it up. Never stop learning and improving. Don’t be afraid to start small. If you are planning on becoming a star and make your living as actor or model: learn your craft by taking smaller roles, doing plays, print work (fashion & commercial), and commercials. All are great things that will give you experience, skills, and credits and pay great money. Be a big fish in a small pond. You don’t have to be in LA or NY to be successful. Get a local licensed agency and build your resume and experience locally before hitting NY or LA.Do commercials. They teach you how to audition, work with agents, negotiate, act, work on a film set, and bring you income. One national commercial can pay you over $100,000 over two years.Always bring a picture and resume to ALL auditions.This may be obvious, but you'd be surprised: no smoking, eating, or chewing gum while working! No model is to drink (even water) with a client. Socializing during working hours will result in an immediate drop from most agencies. Agencies are not dating services.Always bring extra clothes and accessories to all assignments. No one is allowed to bring cameras on the set. Anyone bringing camera equipment will be fined and sent home.
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