February 11, 2010

The Etiquette of Recalls

So you've been booked on a show with a possible recall. Yay! Now... what does that mean? And what are YOUR responsibilities for this situation?

First and most importantly, you MUST be available for all days required in the "possible" recall. We always say "possible", because anything can change at any time on any production. They might finish sooner than they thought, and therefore will not need the same Background Actors the next day after all. They are not obliged to have you back if they no longer need you. Conversely, if they need you, you must be prepared to go back. They have planned to have you for 2, 3, 4 or however many days, and so we have you booked on that show for all required days (another reason it is very important to keep us apprised of your availability). Matching shots are hard to do if the Background Actors are missing!

Many times, the production will inform you on set whether or not you will be recalled. Sometimes they will not. Each production handles things differently, and that is their prerogative. Some casting directors follow up with us here at A List, some do not. If it is a set where they recall you directly, the casting directors trust that you, as a responsible Background Actor, will inform your service. And you should. The minute you hear one way or another, you should call us. Immediately. We may be aware of the situation, but we might not. We don't mind having the information repeated; it is not a bother to us at all. We like to hear from you. If we have been informed that you will most likely be recalled, we will keep with that information unless and until we hear otherwise. DO NOT count on the casting director to tell us. They are very busy. They are casting other shows; and again, they are going to believe you will take the responsibility upon yourself. Also, you might get the news a few hours before they do, and those are hours we can have you open and available for another casting director.

To summarize: if you are told you are recalled, let us know immediately. That's especially important if we did not know that a recall was in the works. If you learn they will not be recalling you after all, call us immediately, so that we may have you free for other casting directors to book you. The theme here is: call us immediately!

As always, use your best judgement. If it's a possible recall, plan to be there until you hear otherwise. Of course, you may feel free to check in with us (that's what we're here for), but refrain from contacting casting directors and bugging them about it. They tend to dislike that. We understand that you want to find other work if you are not recalled, and that you want to know as soon as possible, but making a nuisance of yourself will only hurt you and your chances with that casting director in the future. We all try to work together, and sometimes that is not easy when productions are not forthcoming with information. But please trust the casting directors and us. We all want you to work!

When in doubt... call us, we're here for you. But again, use your best judgement! We trust you. Like most everything when working as background, sometimes it's just a waiting game.

In case you're curious, here are the rules straight from the SAG website:


AVAILABILITY AND BOOKINGS

Asking for availability does not obligate either the Background Actor or the Producer. Availabilities are not bookings. Example: A casting director calls you and says, “There is a two-day shoot next Monday and Tuesday, are you available?” and you reply “yes” and are told to call back on Sunday for details. When you call, you are given all of the necessary information (time, place, wardrobe) for Monday, but Tuesday is not mentioned. At this point you should ask, “Am I booked for Tuesday?” Many casting directors would like to give the impression that the Background Actor is obligated to hold the second day, but this is not true.

CALL-BACKS

If the Background Actor is established in the film so that he/she cannot be replaced, and if the Producer requires his/her services on the following workday and notifies the Background Actor of this by giving him/her a definite call-back, the Background Actor shall report for the following workday.

CANCELLATIONS

The Background Actor is entitled to a full day of pay for cancellation of an initial work call, unless such cancellation is due to illness in principal cast, fire, flood, or other similar catastrophe or national emergency. In the event of such cancellation, the Background Actor will be entitled to a half-check. If the Background Actor is notified of such cancellation before 6:00 pm of the workday previous to the work date, the Background Actor will not be entitled to the half-check.



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