Should Actors Work For No Pay?
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notanaveragejoe
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Should Actors Work For No Pay?
Hi, I apllied for The Legacy Movie open auditions a few months ago. many people including me didn't get a response and I suspect the casting call was more for publicity as the actors hired have already been in TV or movies already. Anyway, they were offering people the chance to work as an extra for at least 12 hours over a weekend but with no pay. I would have expected them to at least cover expenses. However this got me thinking about whether or not an actor should work for Zero Pay. Not just for this movie but in general. Please share your thoughts.
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riverdancefan
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Re: Should Actors Work For No Pay?
In this case I think it's a blasted cheek, really out of order !!!
The only time DS has worked without pay ( and never without expenses)
has been genuine no budget or charity things that he has really enjoyed or worked on with his friends for show reel or just hobby stuff.
In the case of something with a decent budget it's just slave labour to expect extras to work for free
In my 'umble opinion.
The only time DS has worked without pay ( and never without expenses)
has been genuine no budget or charity things that he has really enjoyed or worked on with his friends for show reel or just hobby stuff.
In the case of something with a decent budget it's just slave labour to expect extras to work for free
In my 'umble opinion.
"Tall and proud my mother taught me, this is how we dance" - RIVERDANCE
Re: Should Actors Work For No Pay?
100% agree with RDF ... of course they should pay the going rate for extras. Sadly though lots of people will be prepared to do it for nothing ](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
Re: Should Actors Work For No Pay?
This is a subject close to my heart!
They should very definitely be paying extras.
I suppose that, theoretically, extras could be classed as volunteers. However, there are very strict rules about what constitutes a volunteer and what constitutes a worker. A volunteer should be able to choose his/her own hours, should be free to leave etc etc. I suspect they would find it hard, if pushed, to back up a claim that any extras were volunteers.
The producer probably finds the theory of unpaid extras very appealing for the bottom line. However, I would be prepared to bet that those who have to work with extras would very much prefer them to be paid. If someone is paid then they are more likely to do what is required without moan or fuss. If they are an extra from a decent agency then they will know the drill and will behave in a completely professional fashion.
It would certainly be possible (and viable) to do the extra work and then put in a claim for National Minimum Wage after the event. An individual cannot, in law, waive their own right to NMW. If a few people did this it might give these companies pause for thought.
It's probably worth reporting them to Equity and HMRC. They would both probably be interested. You don't have to give your name as far as I'm aware.
I think a lot of NAPM members suspected that this was principally a publicity stunt rather than a genuine open audition - they've now got a nice long list of potential unpaid extras too.
I cannot understand why anyone would want to be an upaid extra to be honest - unless it's in a bar or restaurant and you get free food and drink!
If everyone stood firm - and no-one agreed to do it for nothing - they would pretty soon find the money to pay people.
They should very definitely be paying extras.
I suppose that, theoretically, extras could be classed as volunteers. However, there are very strict rules about what constitutes a volunteer and what constitutes a worker. A volunteer should be able to choose his/her own hours, should be free to leave etc etc. I suspect they would find it hard, if pushed, to back up a claim that any extras were volunteers.
The producer probably finds the theory of unpaid extras very appealing for the bottom line. However, I would be prepared to bet that those who have to work with extras would very much prefer them to be paid. If someone is paid then they are more likely to do what is required without moan or fuss. If they are an extra from a decent agency then they will know the drill and will behave in a completely professional fashion.
It would certainly be possible (and viable) to do the extra work and then put in a claim for National Minimum Wage after the event. An individual cannot, in law, waive their own right to NMW. If a few people did this it might give these companies pause for thought.
It's probably worth reporting them to Equity and HMRC. They would both probably be interested. You don't have to give your name as far as I'm aware.
I think a lot of NAPM members suspected that this was principally a publicity stunt rather than a genuine open audition - they've now got a nice long list of potential unpaid extras too.
I cannot understand why anyone would want to be an upaid extra to be honest - unless it's in a bar or restaurant and you get free food and drink!
If everyone stood firm - and no-one agreed to do it for nothing - they would pretty soon find the money to pay people.
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Dwafffamily
- BAFTA Award
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Re: Should Actors Work For No Pay?
Wholeheartedly agree with the above. I just wouldn't do it, but sadly there are still far too many people prepared to do it 
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notanaveragejoe
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- Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:44 pm
Re: Should Actors Work For No Pay?
I think they are completely out of order. I recieved an email from them, telling me where the location is and also I would need to be there from 09:30 - 21:00 on Saturday and Sunday which I believe is simply criminal. Definitely will not be doing any extra work for Legacy.