Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Non-Disclosure Agreements


FB POSTING: “Hey, I’m auditioning today for a new (insert product) campaign featuring Brad Pitt.”

TWEET: “At (insert product) audition. Stupid script. Dumbest idea for a commercial ever.  And I hate their rate plans anyway.  But I’m going to rock the audition.”

See anything wrong with the above fake postings and tweets? Well clients do. Social networking has created a world where talent can easily share information about projects they’re working on. And it is dangerous. Nobody wants an actor to a) blow their secret campaign b) share their opinion on the product or project. And c) talk about an audition – period.  Do it and it could be the end of a Casting Director seeing you again or an agent representing you in the future.  Talent has lost chances at bookings because of this.

Unfortunately because of these past and present events is why clients have talent NDA’s (Non-Disclosure Agreements) aka confidentiality agreements. Bottom line is you should not EVER disclose any information about your film, TV, commercial, print auditions. EVER. Don’t tweet, post on FB, email, tell your friends, etc. about your auditions.  It’s great that you have an audition, or are excited about the project… the world doesn’t need to know your every move or thought.  Some things are better private.

It’s a little known fact that companies have services where they can pick up tweets and postings with their key words flagged. TRUST US. This happened a few years ago where an actor’s friend read a script and then tweeted their opinion about the product/script.  Two hours later we got a call from the very unhappy client telling us about the tweet. Think Big Brother isn’t watching? Think again. You can get your agent in trouble. You can get the Casting Director in trouble. And then, who will want to represent you or audition you?   So be safe, play nice and think about how your actions impact the big picture. 

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Spring Time Is Here


Time to get in shape, clean out your closet of clothing that should have been burned in the 80’s, review your online photos and resumes to make sure they are current, check in with your agents to make sure they still represent you and know who you are, and count your blessings that you are lucky enough to call acting a career.

Amen All.