When it comes to contract negotiations, the top three stakeholders in an organization are the legal, procurement, and sales teams. The legal team holds the pen and writes the language within the contract. They're responsible for ensuring the contract meets all legal requirements.
During negotiations, it's important to maintain a professional yet assertive demeanor. Clearly articulate your value as an actor and why you deserve the terms you're requesting. Be open to compromise but also stand firm on the aspects that are most important to you. Remember that negotiation is a two-way street.
SAG-AFTRA negotiates contracts that cover the work of media professionals in front of a camera or behind a microphone. Below are links to contract information, rates, FAQs and resources that help members and producers navigate the media and entertainment industries.
Your agent: A football agent typically leads negotiations on your behalf. Agents are responsible for securing the best financial package and ensuring that all aspects of the contract meet your expectations. The club: The club's management or board of directors will be on the other side of the table.
For performers on Broadway this is reversed. Performers are hired for the duration of the show and there is a 'betterment' clause which enables a performer to move to another show or other employment if they have a better offer. As an incentive to stay however there are additional payments made for 'exclusivity'.
While yes, an agent's job is most certainly to negotiate the very best deal she can for her client, it's also to explain the process, the contract terms and what they mean to the author going forward.
Go to your local community theatre and start volunteering, whether it's building and painting sets, making costumes, working the box office or answering the phone. If the theatre offers a summer program or classes, take some. Audition for any productions.
Look for reputable acting schools or programs that offer comprehensive training in various acting techniques. As you gain experience, start building a portfolio that showcases your acting abilities. This can include footage from theater performances, monologues, and scenes filmed specifically for your portfolio.
For most working actors, you start with agents and managers who specialize in getting less-experienced actors auditions for smaller jobs, and then you eventually work your way up to the higher-profile agents and managers, who can get you auditions for bigger jobs, he said.