How do you spot a bad deal in commercial casting?

In this episode, Steph and Al dive into the major red flags actors should watch out for when it comes to fees, buyouts, and brand categories.

Drawing from a recent experience, they break down why a low fee for a global brand in a competitive category is a huge industry pitfall and discuss the fine line between servicing clients and protecting the integrity of actors' careers.

Later, they tackle the common fear many actors have about sharing their self-tapes and discuss why finding a safe community to get feedback is a green flag for career growth.

Takeaways

• A major red flag is when a commercial for a big brand in a competitive category (like cars, finance, or pharmaceuticals) offers a low fee for a long or global buyout.
• This kind of deal can take an actor out of the market for that entire category for years, for a fee that doesn't provide a sustainable income.
• There is a growing trend of inexperienced producers setting unrealistic talent budgets, which creates friction and ultimately hurts actors.
• Chicken & Chips Casting alone has quoted on nearly 1200 jobs, giving them extensive expertise on what constitutes a fair rate.
• Feeling fear or imposter syndrome about sharing your self-tapes is normal, even in a safe, closed community like the Audition Academy.
• Sharing your work with peers is crucial for getting validation and technical ideas, especially for new actors who have never been in a physical audition room.
• Remember that any sign of progress—getting asked to self-tape, receiving a callback, or booking a role—is feedback that you are actively "doing the thing."

Chapters

00:00 - Hello & Welcome
00:36 - Today's Topics: Red Flags & Imposter Syndrome
03:02 - What Small, Unimportant Hill Will You Die On?
06:23 - The Main Event: Red Flags in Commercial Fees & Buyouts
13:22 - Red Flag #1: Analysing the Brand Category vs. The Fee
17:56 - Topic 2: Imposter Syndrome and the Fear of Sharing Self-Tapes
22:16 - A Reminder: Even a Request to Self-Tape is Positive Feedback

Connect with Steph and Al:

Chicken and Chips Casting:

• Website: https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/
• Instagram: @chickenandchipscasting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chickenandchipscasting/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicken-and-chips-casting/

Stephanie Pringle:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-pringle-3578a442/

Alison Fowler (Al):

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-fowler-1a05845a/

Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler are the founders of Chicken and Chips Casting, a Sydney-based agency focused on driving diversity and creating opportunities for fresh talent in Australia's film and television industry.