GUEST EDITORIAL: Landed a Role? Your Contract Should Contain These Eight Fundamentals

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Landed a Role? Your Contract Should Contain These Eight Fundamentals

by Andrew Adams

Entertainment is a competitive field, and landing your first contracted acting role is a huge accomplishment! Now that you have the part, it's time to get down to business. Here are eight essential items to look for in your contract:

1. Exclusiveness 

If you are planning to be in other productions while filming, then definitely pay attention to this section of the contract. Often, actors are contracted to work exclusively for a single employer during a given period of time. An entertainment lawyer is very helpful if you chose to negotiate your contract's terms of exclusivity.

2. Compensation and Credit

You need to know how you will be paid for your role. Sometimes productions give their actors a percentage of their films' sales. Other times, employers choose to pay on a per performance basis. However, your contract could simply specify a flat rate. No matter the case, make sure your means of compensation is clear. 

Want your name in the end credits? Make sure your contract specifies that credit is guaranteed! If not, you might not get the recognition you deserve. 

3. Publicity 

Your contract will most likely require you to attend various events that promote the project you are working on, especially when it is a film. Pay attention to what is required of you. Will they want you to be interviewed on popular talk shows? Be certain you are comfortable with the promotional activity being requested of you.

4. Time Commitment

Your contract should specify your start and end dates. However, this is not as simple as it sounds as these dates are not always pre-set. The dates might depend on how smoothly filming goes and if any timeline-extending conflicts arise. The contract might also specify if you are required to work on any proposed sequels or spin-offs. 

5. Insurance

Your contract should specify how you will be covered if you were to get hurt while filming. Ideally, your employer will be protecting you with liability insurance. This will ease your worries while keeping them legally in the clear. 

6. Merchandise 

How fun would it be to see your face on shirts and posters? How much more fun would it be to get a portion of those merchandise sales? Check how your contract addresses merchandising as well as the use of your name and likeness. Though you must consent for them to use your name in the film, make sure to consider how you will be compensated for any merchandise that directly pertains to you. 

7. Responsibility 

Whether certain responsibilities fall on the actors or the employers is specific to individual contracts. If you do not live near the film's production location, you will need to travel. Check your contract to see whether you will fund your travel needs or your employer. 

Before you run off to set, you need to know if costumes will be provided. Your contract should say whether you are required to bring your own clothes as costumes or if the costume department will dress you with their collection. Also, check that food is provided on-site before you head to work hungry. 

8. Room for Negotiation 

It is unlikely that your contract is going to be perfect right off the bat, so do not be scared to ask for what you want. An entertainment attorney can help you negotiate any areas of concern or dissatisfaction within your contract.

Before planting your autograph-worthy signature on the dotted line, be certain your big break is backed with an extensive acting contract. There is no shame in negotiating for what you want as this is a binding agreement that should be beneficial for both parties. Come to terms you and your employer can agree on, and enjoy your journey to fame!