Whether you're new to the industry or consider yourself a veteran, I decided to do a general post to cover the topic of getting paid as an actor, the popular/common methods used today, and things to keep in mind as a freelance actor, agency-repped or both!
Models, don't worry, my next blog post will be tailored just for you.
FYI: I purposely write about the industry in a generalized/standardized manner. There are always exceptions to the rule but I feel tackling what tends to affect the majority is more beneficial from an informational/educational standpoint.
GETTING PAID AS AN AGENCY REPRESENTED ACTOR
Direct Billing. When you're booked for an acting job (commercial, short film, feature, etc.), some talent agencies automatically invoice the client through direct billing once you've officially wrapped. This is a popular and super convenient arrangement because you as the actor can simply show up, do your job, and go home.
However, if anything changes (i.e. they ask you to arrive earlier or stay later than what was originally agreed upon), it is important to contact your agent to update them ASAP. Oftentimes, the producer won't communicate all those details through your agent and might simply send an email directly to you. It's imperative that you notify your agent soon as you find out (in the case of being asked to arrive earlier) or before you leave set (in the case of being asked to stay later). This will allow your agent to reach out to their contact person for the project to hash out the changes and potentially renegotiate a new pay rate.
Never negotiate with the client directly -- that's what having an agent is for. Even if you're okay with whatever terms or incentive the client provides, it is the agency's job to make sure everything is properly discussed, documented, and agreed upon. Let them do their job. This doesn't make you a snitch and it won't get you in trouble with the client (if they're legit!). Addressing any changes/updates in real time speeds up the process of ironing out any snags. Waiting until you get home or letting your agent know the next day could lead to delays in getting your payment/invoice handled in a timely manner. No one wants that.
Vouchers. While a bit of an older method, some agencies still swear by the voucher system. Your agent will provide you with blank vouchers to make copies of. It is your responsibility to bring your blank voucher to set and have the producer fill it out before you leave for the day. Only after vouchers have been submitted can agencies bill the client's payroll department so actors get paid (and they receive their commission).
While rare, there might be instances where the client wants to pay you the day of through an app like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. This is another situation where you need to contact your agent to get their guidance. Follow whatever your agent tells you. Worst case scenario, you'll receive the full payment and will then have to send your agent their commission amount. But it's much more professional to be paid by the methods described above. When in doubt, call your agent!
GETTING PAID AS A FREELANCE ACTOR
Like models, there is such a thing as being a freelance actor who submits themselves to gigs. This also means you're entirely responsible for getting paid.
Invoice. 9 times out of 10 the client will request some type of invoice to be emailed to them after the work has been completed.
The good news is finding invoice templates for acting jobs is now easier than ever. Whether you create your own in a Word Doc or use a snazzy, premade template online, it doesn't take much info to constitute a solid invoice.
The most important information that should appear include but are not limited to:
- Your Legal Name (this is important for payroll purposes. Using a stage name will delay getting paid since it won't match your legal documents and could be confusing for the payroll folks processing the invoice)
- Mailing Address
- Contact Info (email and phone)
- Date(s) Worked
- Call Time & Wrap Time
- Name of the Project/Client
- Established Rate of Pay
Make sure to confirm who you're supposed to send the invoice to before you leave set, if you haven't received that information ahead of time. If they're mailing you a check, it could take a few days or 1-2 weeks. That varies from company to company but generally those details are discussed when you first get booked.
Online Payroll Company/Direct Deposit. These days it isn't uncommon for clients to send actors a link to set up a free profile through an online payroll company for direct deposits. The great thing about this method (in addition to saving trees) is that you typically get paid much faster because you don't have to wait around for a check to arrive in the mail. Examples of these types of companies are: Gusto, Wrapbook, ABS Payroll, Entertainment Partners, and Cast & Crew.
Your financial and personal information is kept safe and secure so don't worry if you're asked to set up a profile this way. When tax time comes around, these sites also provide you with the proper tax forms to report your income. If you prefer getting a check mailed to you, that's also an option but it might still require you to complete an online profile for the company's records.
Payment Apps. As mentioned in the section above, some clients have no problem paying with Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. They may or may not require an invoice as a receipt but it doesn't hurt to ask. Obviously, this is a fast and convenient way to get paid instantly and is one of the perks of freelancing.
ACTORS WHO HAVE AN AGENT BUT ALSO FREELANCE
This is always an interesting category to discuss. The payment methods listed above all still apply BUT the main difference is to understand what kind of working relationship you have with your agent. No two agencies operate the same way so this is something you'll have to investigate on your own to make sure you're operating accordingly.
That being said, there are some talent agencies that are totally okay with their talent submitting to and booking work on their own. BUT some require their talent to still pay them commission even if they didn't book the job for them. This is a major bummer but it does happen. Are there actors in these situations who simply don't tell their agent when they book gigs so they can keep 100% of their pay? Absolutely. Does this carry great risk? Absolutely! If you choose this route, you have to accept full responsibility for any consequences or repercussions if your agent finds out.
On the flip side, there are other agents who are also okay with their talent submitting to and booking work on their own but do NOT require commission as a result. And those types of arrangements are fantastic for obvious reasons. Again, this is a conversation you should have with your agent when you first get signed to avoid any future issues.
Now, I will say that in most cases, agencies who allow freelancing without commission will tell their actors to be smart in which projects they submit to. The last thing anyone wants is an accidental double submission from you and your agent applying to the same gig. To avoid this, it's important to see if the casting breakdown you're looking at mentions an agency fee. If it does, chances are, that project has already appeared on your agent's end and they've submitted you. Not sure if your agent submitted you? Shoot them an email to double check. But don't do this with every single project or you'll quickly annoy them!
It's also important to learn and understand the basics for usage and terms so that you don't unknowingly prevent yourself from getting future work with competing companies. I'll have a post dedicated to the topics of usage and terms coming up soon, so keep checking back for that.
A COUPLE LAST MINUTE THINGS TO MENTION
It's vital to keep in mind that you are not going to be paid right away in most circumstances. When you sign an agency contract, there's usually a clause that says by signing the contract, you understand and agree that it can take up to 60-90 days (sometimes even 120!) to receive your money. Although this is never convenient, it is standard business practice when it comes to payroll.
Do NOT hound your agent about where your money is -- believe me, they want to get paid, too! They will follow up on your behalf if the agreed upon payment window has not been met. Freelance actors will have to be diligent with keeping track of the payment windows and reaching out if payment is late.
For parents of underage/minor actors, the same terms and conditions apply. The main difference is that depending on what state you live in in the US, you may be required by law to open and maintain a Coogan Account. This is a special trust account that requires clients/employers of child actors to set aside 15% of the gross wages and deposit into the trust account, which is managed by the child's parent or guardian.
The amount of money in the Coogan Account is not available to spend until the child turns 18. This prevents parents/guardians from misusing the funds and helps minors retain a substantial amount of their earnings. All talent agencies that represent underage actors will go over Coogan Accounts with you (if applicable) and give you the proper resources/instructions for how to set yours up.
Once you determine which arrangement you have with your agent, then you can proceed with selecting which payment method applies to which gig you're working. It's always going to change slightly from project to project so don't expect all clients to pay the same way.
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