Having just browsed the current batch of jobs advertised on this site, it struck me that some of you may not be aware of how much Equity set as the rates for filming, and may be tempted by what might, at first, seem like decent pay, but in fact is below Equity minimum.
As professional actors, we should all know what we're worth according to the industry standard. I won't deny that it's every person's right to choose how they value themselves, and therefore accept work which is effectively low pay, especially if it is a project where everyone is on the same rate of low/no pay, because it's a company at the beginning of their career, and it's a worthwhile project.
BUT, if you don't know what you ought to be paid, then how can you make that decision, except from a position of ignorance? And sadly, if too many decent enough actors accept work from a company that does know better (not that I'm suggesting that any company that advertises breakdowns on this site is doing that, of course!) and is, in fact, 'pulling a fast one', then that company is unlikely ever to offer full Equity rates, because it know it can get 'slave' labour.
And so, anyone who does accept that work should do so in the full knowledge that they are pushing the knife that little bit further into the back of this profession.
Get wise! - Equity publishes the rates on its website - www.equity.org.uk, although you do need to be a member to access them. However, if anyone needs to know what the rates should be for a particular job, then PM me and I will try to help (it's a little complicated sometimes!).
Better still JOIN EQUITY and find out for yourself.
We can't just blame the companies that attempt to get actors to work for lo/no pay in order to boost their greedy profits, until ALL professional actors realise what they SHOULD be earning and say NO to being exploited.
GET WISE!!!!
