Backstage - Acting Resources > Acting Advice Columns > Business Side of Acting > Acting Business
BUSINESS OF ACTING

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!

Let Your Vehicle Drive Your Career
May 05, 2008
When artists produce their own projects, they stimulate their creativity, deepen their talent, and increase their industry exposure.

Secret Agent Man: In Vodka Veritas
April 30, 2008
There are plenty of gifted actors who deserve a break but just can't get one. Why? Because there are a million losers out there who think that anyone can be an actor.


« Return to Columns

Questions?

Is there a topic you'd like to see in The Business of Acting, Commercial Break, or Fine Print? Email your question to backstage@backstage.com. Write "Business of Acting" "Fine Print," or "Commercial Break" in the subject line.

All submissions must include name and daytime phone number (for contact purposes only). Questions included in the column may be edited and names may be changed or removed. Personal replies are not guaranteed.
 

The Back Stage Casting Pledge
Casting You Can TRUST: We check out our notices before we publish them.

Quickly search our nationwide database to find top jobs in film, TV, stage, dance, singing, behind the scenes, and more. (Updated every weekday!) Then set up a page in our Headshot/Demo Reel Database — free with membership! — and respond with your headshot, résumé and reel — all at once!

CAREER ADVICE more »
Whether you're a newbie or a long-time pro, good information smoothes the way to success. Look here for helpful articles on everything from Auditions to Voiceovers.

» Getting Started
» Training
» Careers
» Promoting Yourself
» Unions
» Acting as a Business

COMMUNITY more »
WEBLOGS
Unscripted

Blogstage

The 411
MESSAGE BOARD
Does Anyone Know... ?
Need advice on photographers? Classes? Moving to L.A. or NYC? Ask fellow actors on our message board.

BACKSTAGE BULLETINS
Go Indie! Indie Film Week Seeks Volunteers
July 23, 2008
Independent Film Week, an international festival sponsored by the Independent Film Project Market, is calling volunteers, 18 years of age and up.







Our Acting Magazine is the Resource Movie Actors Trust

A subscription to Back Stage, the acting magazine, is like having an acting mentor and business manager you can roll up and take with you anywhere. From tips on how to develop a quality film reel to learning how to transition from comedies to drama, movie actors understand that when you need information, you get it from the best - Back Stage.
RELATED SITES

NIELSEN SITES
Back Stage is proud to provide actors and actresses with the best resources for open casting call listings and a wealth of acting resources daily. We strive to help prepare acting professionals with the information and tools for first time auditions. A subscription to Back Stage East or West can keep you informed about the upcoming casting calls and the latest entertainment news both on the East and West Coast. Use Ross Reports online acting resources to find the best insider acting and casting calls in the theater and film business. Back Stage also provides casting directors with powerful tools to help manage casting calls and browse actor profiles. Acting professionals can access our exclusive expanse of online information listing thousands of jobs in entertainment. Subscribe to Back Stage and start your acting career today!