Author Topic: Working With Equity Actors for the First time  (Read 3293 times)

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salbano

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Working With Equity Actors for the First time
« on: Jun 04, 2013, 12:56 am »
Hey!

This is my first post here, and I'm hoping this is in the correct spot.

So, I'm working with my first group of Equity actors in an NYC festival this upcoming month. (Well, I worked with two last year... but... I'll explain.)

Anyway, I really want to do everything perfectly. That being said, I'm rereading the Equity manual, and I think I have everything covered. Last year when I did it, I gave them their breaks and everything went well, but I think maybe the producer did some stuff with the actors that I maybe should have done, and I don't want to make that same assumption.

So... is there certain things that I should do? Like a checklist?

Because basically the only thing I can think of doing is differently than college are the mandatory breaks... But is there anything other than that that I should be aware of?

Thanks! (And I hope this made sense.)

VSM

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Re: Working With Equity Actors for the First time
« Reply #1 on: Jun 04, 2013, 09:50 am »
You sound like you have done your homework, good for you.
IMHO, the AEA rules and guidelines work well because they make sense.
AEA members must elect a Deputy, decide on 60 minutes vs 90 minutes for the meal break and in some cases vote to allow archival videotaping (or electronic capture). Every situation is different so refer to the appropriate rulebook.
We are all people. Treat us respectfully and remember we call it a PLAY. AEA or no...
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nick_tochelli

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Re: Working With Equity Actors for the First time
« Reply #2 on: Jun 04, 2013, 10:49 am »
The basics all remain the same (breaks, Deputy etc) but certain scheduling issues may arise depending on the contract that you'll have to abide. Costume fittings will come into play, potentially press and publicity issues...Ultimately, it's hard to say what will be different since I'm not exactly sure what code/contract you worked under last year if any vs. what specific code or contract you're working on for this summer.

If it's a Festival Showcase code for NYC (which is what I inferred from what you implied) it's different than the Regular Showcase Code. If it's contract, it's definitely a different beast. Whatever agreement you're working under, read it through carefully. If you aren't sure on some rule or interpretation, call the office and ask for clarification. It seems like our cop out answer to almost all Equity related questions, but our reps get paid to answer these questions because they are the ultimate deciders about those rules and infractions.