ABSTRACT
While your agent will do this on your behalf, if you have one, like everything else we have discussed, it is perfectly possible to negotiate your own contracts and deals effectively. I could write chapters on this subject alone, and indeed many books are available teaching the techniques, but here are a few thoughts if you should ever have to take the reins. First, offers and contracts are increasingly becoming non-negotiable — take it or leave it — and if that is the case, it is rarely worth asking for changes in terms or more money, though not impossible, if approached in a nice way. In theatre, a company wage may be on offer, where everyone is on the same, which is regarded by many as a fairer and easier way to do things. Money and pay scales usually depend on your level of experience (a graduate on their first job will usually be paid the lowest salary and probably less than an actor who has been around longer). You may be offered an ‘inclusive deal’, where a number of extras, which would otherwise be paid for on top of your basic weekly salary, are bought in as part of the fee. These can include overtime, holiday pay, performance and responsibility fees when understudying and, in some cases, even touring, accommodation and travel allowances. If this kind of deal is offered to you, deduct the costs of all the inclusive items from the gross fee and check you can actually afford to work for the basic salary after you have paid out whatever is necessary. It may work out to be less than you think, or need.
