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BUSINESS OF ACTING

Fan Mail to a Future Governor?
August 06, 2008
Others have chosen to stay quiet and ride out this nightmare in their Malibu homes. Not you, George. You've tried to be the voice of reason.

What to Do When You're Late
August 04, 2008
If you're a longtime Back Stage reader, you've probably seen some variation on the following sentence, oh, 19 bazillion times: "Always be on time for auditions."

SAG's Travel Provisions
July 30, 2008
Recompense is determined by a complicated system having to do with zones and the kind of Screen Actors Guild contract you're working under. If shooting is at a studio or within a studio zone, there is no compensation for your commute to work.

Monitoring Your Residuals
July 29, 2008
Actors want to be paid accurately for their commercial work, and the advertising industry wants an accurate accounting of its media buys.

Merchandising Clauses for Actors
July 18, 2008
Merchandising has expanded beyond superhero and cartoon-character lunch boxes, T-shirts, and action figures into more diverse territory.

AFTRA's Proposed New-Media Covered-Performer Clause
July 08, 2008
One of the most discussed elements of the recent contract negotiations between the AFTRA and the AMPTP is union jurisdiction in new media.

Commercial Break: The Next Audition Wave - Teleconferencing
June 30, 2008
At some point in your commercial auditioning life, you're going to be asked to participate in an audition by teleconference.

Secret Agent Man: 20, 20, 24 Hours to Go (I Wanna Be Sedated)
June 26, 2008
Every now and then I'll find myself at a party with normal people who aren't in the industry.

The Fine Print: SAG's TV Reuse Option
June 19, 2008
What is that little empty box at the bottom line of the Screen Actors Guild's day-player TV contracts? Find out here.

Commercial Break: Understanding Commercial Contracts
June 17, 2008
Wondering what the payment system is for union commercial gigs? Our expert breaks it down.

What Does 'Pay or Play' Really Mean?
June 12, 2008
One of the most common, though often misunderstood, terms used by agents and attorneys when making deals is pay or play.

Secret Agent Man: Art Versus Commerce
June 11, 2008
Here's the truth. There are only three reasons you should ever go on an audition or accept an acting job.

The Fine Print: Equity's Programs for New Performers
May 29, 2008
New to the industry? Find out how Actors' Equity programs and workshops can help launch your career!

Secret Agent Man: It's Greek to Me
May 27, 2008
Everyone at Secret Agent Man headquarters knows I'm not a big fan of the union. I can often be found in my office late at night, shaking my fist at the sky, yelling, "Damn that SAG!"

Commercial Break: Power Shopping for Your Power Broker
May 22, 2008
Have a headshot that looks like you. Send a short cover letter. Follow these and other tips from experts to land an agent now!


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