This month I wanted to touch on the topic of being a "local hire" and "working as a local."
Newbies are probably wondering what this concept means, while those with a bit more experience are already in the know, but might be struggling with how to tackle this when it comes to submitting to acting and modeling gigs.
So let's get to it.
WHAT DOES "LOCAL/LOCAL HIRE" MEAN?
When you see this term/phrase in a casting breakdown, it means they're looking for talent (actors/models) who live within the city limits. There isn't necessarily a specific distance you have to live from said location where the project is taking place, but a decent rule of thumb I like to use is within 1-2 hour's drive. Honestly, 30 minutes to 1 hour is more ideal for clients.
Can you be slightly outside that? Sure, BUT clients want the reliability of someone who doesn't have to plan their day around getting to the gig because they live further away. If you're 3+ hours away, you're not local. If you have to hop on a plane -- even if it's to get to another part in the same state -- not local. Sorry.
WHY DOES IT MATTER IF YOU'RE LOCAL OR NOT?
I hate that I even have to make a paragraph about this talking point but I'm a firm believer in covering all the bases, especially for newbies because you don't know what you don't know.
It's no secret: people in the entertainment industry are flakey. Like, flakey AF. The last thing a production needs is an actor or model not being able to make it to set on time because they're stuck in traffic, dropped the ball and suddenly can't make it at all, or are having issues with travel arrangements if they are coming from far away.
The odds of having talent not show up or show up horrendously late is decreased a ton when they're working with someone who lives locally. It's simply a way to ensure there are no potential problems to remedy the day of.
Additionally, it means they don't have to provide funds for gas/mileage, airfare, and/or hotel accommodations. When you don't live far, none of those factors apply, which can be a huge savings for production budgets.
WHAT DOES "WILLING TO WORK AS A LOCAL HIRE" MEAN?
In some instances, a project will state that talent booked for the gig must either be a "local hire" or "willing to work as a local hire." The latter means that if you submit to -- and are booked for -- the gig, you automatically agree that you're okay with being considered a local hire (even if you aren't) BUT you also agree there won't be compensation for travel and/or accommodations.
Submitting to a gig you're willing to work as a local hire for means you'll be compensated for the project according to the listed rates but you'll be coming out of pocket for expenses related to getting you to and from the gig.
Are you not okay with that last part? Then don't submit to projects that you aren't willing to work as a local hire for. Simple as that. And please don't have the audacity to try and ask or negotiate that with casting/production. It's not a good look for ya.
CHOOSE LOCAL HIRE GIGS WISELY
When freelancing and applying to acting and modeling jobs, make sure you're being smart when selecting which opportunities to submit to that are specifically asking for local hires or people willing to work as such. Take into account the nature of the job itself, the duration of filming required (i.e. is it 1 full day, a half day, multi-day), the usage terms and where it will appear, as well as the rate.
If the pay is low and you'd have to travel outside city limits to get to the job, is it worth it to have your travel expenses be higher than what you'd be making in compensation? For some people, it is. For others, there's a certain amount of money a modeling or acting gig needs to pay before making that type of commitment.
When it comes to getting to and from gigs, consider how far you're willing to travel to "work as a local hire" and what resources you have available to make it more cost-effective. Maybe you have friends/family you can stay with who live in the area. Or if you're like me, you're part of a hotel rewards program where your membership secures low rates or the ability to use acquired points to avoid paying for accommodations altogether.
Don't throw yourself at a bunch of castings without paying attention to the details of what's required. Casting directors literally put what they want in those breakdowns and failing to take those factors into account will only make things more challenging if you get booked. The last thing you want is to scramble for a way to get yourself to the gig because you overlooked the local hire aspect or -- Heaven forbid -- you didn't take that part seriously when submitting.
For actors and models with agency representation, your agent will know when to tackle the "local hire/willing to work as a local hire" aspect of things, and will have those conversations with you directly to determine if the opportunity is worth it.
My purpose in writing this particular post is more specific for talent who are unrepresented and/or freelance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The trust issues that abound within the industry are so rampant that it isn't uncommon for some casting directors to request that talent state in their slates during a self tape audition that they are either a local hire or willing to work as a local hire.
Needing receipts on video should tell you how problematic it has become for talent who seriously think living several hours away and acting like they're a local hire isn't going to somehow backfire and put entire productions in a terrible predicament.
Be smart, submit wisely, and only commit to working as a local hire if you truly know you can with full confidence. You'll only hurt your reputation and future chances with productions otherwise...and, yes, people onset and in the casting rooms talk. Don't have your name in their mouths for the wrong reasons.
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