The Business of Acting: Understanding Contracts, Agents, and Unions | Joseph Bella | Professional Overview
Acting is an industry known for its glamour and glitz, but it is also incredibly competitive. With thousands of aspiring actors vying for just a few roles, making a name for oneself in the industry can be challenging. However, not just talent and hard work are required to succeed in acting. Actors must also have a strong understanding of the industry’s business side .
Contracts
Contracts are legal agreements that outline the terms and conditions of employment between actors and producers. Contracts cover various topics, including compensation, working conditions, and intellectual property rights. Actors should carefully review and negotiate contracts before signing to ensure they receive fair compensation and protect their rights.
Negotiating contracts is an essential aspect of the business of acting. Actors who avoid common mistakes, such as not understanding the terms, focusing only on the money, not negotiating, ignoring intellectual property rights, and not considering the long-term impact, can build successful careers in the industry.
Agents
Agents are professionals who represent actors and negotiate contracts on their behalf. Agents typically earn a percentage of an actor’s earnings, usually around 10%. Agents can help actors find work, negotiate contracts, and provide career advice. Actors must find reputable agents with a track record of success in the industry.
Actors can use resources such as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) or the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) to find a list of franchised agents. Actors can also research agents online, read reviews, and seek recommendations from other actors. Finding a reputable agent in the acting industry takes research, networking, and preparation. Actors should use resources such as the SAG-AFTRA or AEA, attend industry events, work with casting directors, be prepared, and trust their instincts when selecting an agent. By finding a reputable agent, actors can increase their chances of success in the highly competitive world of acting.
Unions
Actors may join unions to protect their rights and negotiate better working conditions. The two main unions for actors in the United States are the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Actors’ Equity Association (AEA). These unions negotiate contracts with producers on behalf of their members and provide support and resources to actors.
Understanding the business side of acting is crucial for success in the industry. Actors should educate themselves about contracts, agents, and unions to ensure they receive fair compensation, protect their rights, and maximize their opportunities for success. Actors can build successful careers in the highly competitive acting world by working with reputable agents, negotiating contracts, and joining unions.
Originally published at https://josephbella.co on May 5, 2023.
