In the big world of the entertainment industry, the amazing opportunities and projects can be exciting, fun and also at times troublesome. In this new world of AI where talent are being replaced by computer generated images and voices, talent are struggling to find decent opportunities at worthwhile prices. Most established talent have some “regular” clients who rely on the talent to work projects without having to deal with auditioning, just a direct hire booking.
Whether your clients are a direct hire or you auditioned for a role, a big thing to make sure of is that this client, whether they are the client, production, CD or other:
- Communicate effectively with you regarding time frames, shoot or record date, and especially usage for the project you are being hired for. Let’s expand on usage. Any time a talent is hired, they need to be compensated for all times they are seen and or heard in said production. Always read contracts in full to make sure you agree to the terms listed. Example: If you know you are going to be in a 1 year commercial, yet the contract states that the client can use your voice and or image for the next 5 years or in-perpetuity, you need to address this issue before signing your contract. If the initial rate stated it was a 5 year term, review what was initially stated to make sure the terms are the same.
- Every contract IS negotiable. If you have a client who will not bend on their contract, despite the project being different from the initially write up or offer, then a discussion must be made to work together to agreed usage. If this discussion cannot happen or the client claims there’s no adjusting the contract, then you as the talent have the right to pass on said project if no negotiation is possible. It is best to do this ASAP so another talent can be found, if one will agree to the terms listed.
- If a client promises you a booking but is slow to deliver the required information, reach out to them, daily. If you do not receive a response, or know you cannot memorize said script in the amount of time left, due to no fault on your end, email the client and give them a drop dead date to receive the script or tell them you wish to not work the project anymore. Aside from being an actor, vo, host or model, you have to balance out your work, timing and agenda not only for this client but for your other clients and potential clients coming down the road.
- Not all clients are good clients. Frequently clients or other will pull pre-written contracts from the internet that do not even apply to the role you are working. You as the talent need to take them time to read and adjust your needs to work this project and communicate to the client these issues.
The majority of projects out there are handled by experienced and reputable industry professionals. But as they say, occasionally you find a “bad apple” in the bunch. If you see signs of difficulty, communicate and express your concerns. If the job posting or rate are not as initially posted, and the client wants more from you for less money and possibly more time from you, you need to decide what is best for you. It is only fair to decide if you wish to bail immediately so another talent may replace you, even if the job is a horrible situation.