A Petite Primer

During the last few weeks, I’ve overheard some folks misusing terminology, so I thought I would offer an informal glossary for all to reference.

agent: an individual who, through contractual agreement, is empowered to act on behalf of another such as an actor, singer, dancer, writer or other talent, and who coordinates auditions, call backs and meetings with casting directors, producers and production companies, serving as a representative on the part of the individual signed to the contract. The agent often collects a percentage of the earnings of the individuals whom they represent.

casting director: the person responsible for identifying and selecting actors, singers, dancers or others for roles in a film, play, television show, commercial, or other production. S/he is typically hired by a producer and/or production company to conduct auditions of talented individuals and suggest or appoint people for those roles to be filled.

casting agency: a company, often a collection of individuals, that specializes in identifying people with specific talents in various fields, including acting, singing, dancing, modeling, hosting, and others. A casting agency, sometimes lead by a single or “name” casting director, is often hired by a producer or production company when large groups of people or multiple individuals need to be located for commercials, films, television programs, and other media.

manager: a person who, through contractual agreement, manages business, financial, and contractual matters on behalf of an actor, model, singer, performer, writer or other talent, often using the wisdom of experience to guide and shape the career of the individual signed to the contract. The manager often collects a percentage of the earnings of the individuals whose careers they manage.

paymaster: one who is officially responsible for processing payments to talent for their work performed under contract. S/he may be part of a production company, or a separate entity hired by the production company to ensure accurate wage payments are made, according to contractual agreement, as well as assuring proper witholding of taxes and fees.

producer: one who is responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of a film, play, opera, television program, musical, recording, or other form of news or entertainment.

production company: an entity, often lead by a director or producer, responsible for the production of a musical, film, opera, play, television program or other form of media. Please view the definition at wikipedia which is quite thorough. It is this entity that renders payment for an actor’s, singer’s, dancer’s or other talent’s work performed under contract.

union or labor union: a formally organized association of workers gathered to protect and further their rights and interests, often through contractual negotiation with producers, ensuring safe and equitable working conditions, and a dependable, reasonable wage. Common unions of the performing arts include: Actors’ Equity Association (AEA or “Equity”); American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA); American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA); Screen Actors Guild (SAG); and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Members of unions are considered professionals of their crafts and pay a percentage of their earnings as dues annually to maintain memberships in good standing. In addition to an initiation fee paid at the time of joining, members of unions agree to work only under the terms of union-negotiated contracts.