Understanding Key Casting Terms for Actors

Let’s Start With the Money

BSF: This stands for Basic Studio Fee. It is the flat day rate you will be paid for the job. It usually does not include things like travel, rehearsals, fittings, or usage. Those are often paid separately.

Buyout: A buyout is a one-off fee paid in exchange for permission to use your work (voice or image). It covers a specific period of time, in certain places, across named platforms like TV, online, or print. This replaces what used to be repeat fees or royalties.

Usage: Usage describes how, where, and for how long your work will be seen. This might include platforms like YouTube, Instagram, national TV, or in-store screens. It should always be clearly stated before you accept the job.

In perpetuity: Watch out for this! This means the work can be used forever. While that might sound fine at first, it can affect your ability to work for other brands or projects in the future. If this is listed, it should come with a higher fee!

Kill Fee: A kill fee is a partial payment offered if you are confirmed for a job and then it is canceled.

Recall Fee: A fee paid if you are asked to attend a second or third audition (a recall), either in person or online. This fee is usually only paid under certain Equity agreements and may depend on the type of production, how long the recall takes, or whether it involves travel. If the recall is unpaid, this should be made clear upfront.

Fitting/Wardrobe Fee: If you are asked to attend a wardrobe fitting before the shoot, you should be paid for that time. This is usually a fixed amount.

What About AI? New Terms to Know!

As technology advances, there is a growing amount of AI-related language appearing in casting briefs and contracts. Some of it is technical, some of it is vague, and much of it has real consequences for how your image, voice, or likeness can be used, sometimes without you being present!

New Terminology in AI

Here are a few terms you might start to see:

Digital doubles: This is a digital version of you created from your performance, face, or body. This could be used to change facial expressions, movements, or to insert your image into scenes you did not shoot. Always ask how this will be used, for how long, and where.

Synthetic voice: An artificial version of your voice created using recordings or samples. This might be used to revoice lines, create new dialogue, or build characters for animation or games. Voice actors should always check if this is part of the job.

AI training: Your footage or voice is used to help train an artificial intelligence model. Sometimes this is mentioned in vague terms like “use in future tools” or “internal research.” Be cautious. This often means your work could be reused in unknown ways without further payment.

Reproduction rights: This can refer to your image, voice, or movement being recreated digitally. You should always know what kind of reproduction is being permitted and whether it includes any form of manipulation or AI generation.

Perpetual and irrevocable: These terms sometimes appear in combination with AI-related rights. They mean the company can use your likeness forever, and you cannot take that permission back. This can affect your control over your own image in the long term.

Navigating Casting Documents and Instructions

Casting Call Essentials

Self-Tape: This is a video audition you record at home. It often includes an ident, the script or scene (also called sides), and sometimes extra clips like a profile shot or ident.

Ident (also called a Slate!): This stands for identification. It is a brief clip where you say your name, height, location, and possibly your availability or agency name. The casting instruction usually tells you what to include!

Profiles: These are simple video or photo submissions showing your front, left, and right sides. These are sometimes requested as part of the ident, especially for commercials.

Sides: Short sections of the script given to you for the audition. These segments are chosen to help the casting team see how you fit the tone and character.

Pencil: You are being considered. They want to hold your availability, but it is not confirmed. You will be one of several actors penciled for the same role or audition slot. You might also hear soft and hard pencil, but in reality, it’s all the same! It’s good news, but not a guarantee you will be seen or booked!

Recall: A secondary audition, often featuring the director or client present.

First Option: This means they want to be the first to confirm you or let you go. You should not take another booking without giving them a chance to say yes or no.

Understanding Contracts and Agreements

Knowing the contract or agreement you are working under helps you to understand your rights, pay, and working conditions. Here are the agreements you are most likely to encounter:

Equity: The UK trade union for actors and performers. If a job is covered by an Equity agreement, there are minimum rates of pay, rules around working hours, overtime, rest breaks, and things like travel or cancellation fees.

SAG-AFTRA: This is the main US union for actors working in film, TV, commercials, voiceover, and new media.

Non-union Contracts

Non-union: These are often used in student films, short films, low-budget commercials, music videos, and many online projects. There are no automatic protections, so everything depends on what you agree to.

This is a great resource from Equity to help you understand your rights for non-union contracts: Professionally Made Professionally Paid.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Your Career

This is just a snapshot of the terms you may come across when starting out! If something isn’t clear, ask! Most casting teams are happy to explain what a fee or term means if you’re uncertain! If a contract or clause feels unfamiliar, Equity is usually very helpful. Of course, you can also ask your agent if you have representation. They can walk you through your rights and what you should expect from a job.

Understanding these terms is essential for your success and confidence in this industry! Make sure you feel empowered to ask questions and clarify anything that seems ambiguous.