Hi, I have recently been auditioning for the principle role in a commercial. Well, I rec'vd a callback and from that callback I have been put on "first refusal." The producer of the job also called me and asked for specifics about my hair (its a hair commercial), and told me that the final decision hadn't been made yet. I am just wondering if this means that I could still book the job? My agent told me that it means that another talent would have to bow out before I could get the job. ALso, another talent that auditoned when I did, was also put on "first refusal," could they have put everyone on that status that got a callback?? Please let me know what you all think!! Thanks!!!

If you agree to first refusal it means that you cannot accept another job for that date unless you first check with them. If they release you, you are free to accept the other job. Yes, you may still book the job...it does not mean that someone else will have to bow out. It would be unusual to have a bunch of people on first refusal, but who knows these days.

Unless you've got a signed contract, you're free to do whatever you wish. This is just the producers making sure they've got a back up (you) without paying you anything. These are usually called "on holds" and the real ones give you a contract wherein you get paid for holding your entire day empty for them. Yes, you could still book it, but they could have told this same thing to 1000s of people, since they're not paying anyone.

Thanks for the info!

YW and keep us posted!

We have been told that "on hold' and "first refusal" are two different things. Am i wrong?

'Back in the day' getting put on a "first refusal" basis was a pretty good indicator of a possible booking. But as "not blond" has alluded to, nowadays it doesn't mean much at all, unfortunately. In other words, if a more promising opportunity arises, it may be wise to take it.

However, don't confuse "first refusal" with being "On Hold." Often times many people mix-up the terms. 'On Hold' means YOU HAVE ALREADY BOOKED THE JOB. The only thing that can release you is written notice from the producer or advertising agency terminating your obligation, at which time a fee must be paid you for your downtime.

www.robertkim.com

quote:

Originally posted by not blond:
We have been told that "on hold' and "first refusal" are two different things. Am i wrong?

They are two different things, but used interchangeably. If there's no contract promising you payment, there's nothing to talk about in any case. And 99% of the time, there's no contract.

P.S.-

I was referring to SAG commercials in my previous post, Epiphany.

I have no experience in non-union work.

Damn. Wish that applied to non-union and print work. I'd have a lot more checks!

Transfergirl-and Ephiphany--it's all negotiable. If they want you "on hold," you certainly can ask them to pay for it.

Hey all! So here is an update on the commercial... The casting company called my agent this morning to tell her that I was still on first refusal. My agent told me that they are having problems getting things worked out. The commercial was scheduled to shoot on Friday, so I am keeping my fingers, legs, and everything else crossed!!! LOL As always, let me know what you guys think.

Instead of doing that, why don't you concentrate on getting your next gig? Seriously. Why make yourself crazy waiting for something that probably won't happen? Keep us posted!