So your agent says the casting director is keen to see you for your dream role. There’s just one hitch: they want you sign an NDA (Nondisclosure agreement). You’re not a lawyer, you’re an actor; so what to do? If you’re at all concerned, the performer’s union Equity has just issued new guidelines on when you should and shouldn’t sign.
What is an NDA?
An NDA is basically a confidentiality agreement—you sign it and agree not to give away that plot twist, or details about that fabulous new superhero costume. Crucially, an NDA does not buy your silence in all scenarios, and that’s what Equity is highlighting. Aimed primarily at performers in the film, TV, and games industries, the guidance helpfully clarifies what is and what isn’t reasonable.
Why has Equity stepped in?
The union says that although the use of NDAs has become widespread, many are “inappropriate and excessive for performers, infringe UK law, and assuming UK lawyers were recently involved in their drafting/approval, could breach their professional conduct rules.” Equity wants to end the “growing use of unnecessary, bullying, and over-reaching” NDAs.
The increasing use of NDAs ties back to the protection of big-budget storylines and projects. Recently, Euphoria star Zendaya told Jimmy Fallon that all she knew when she auditioned for Spiderman: Homecoming was that she was up for the role of “girl in a movie.” She revealed, “I didn’t actually even know what kind of character I was gonna play until I got there, signed a nondisclosure, and then read the script.”
How to Join Equity If You’re an Actor in the UK What are Equity’s guidelines surrounding NDAs?
- Equity wants to end the practice of asking performers to sign NDAs as part of the audition process. Actors should never feel pressured into signing anything in order to get an audition. Yes, you want to bag that dream role; but don’t sign away your rights to do it. When in doubt, talk to your agent—they’re there to support you in situations like this. And if you don’t have one, you can always speak to Equity (assuming you are a member—and you should be!).
- If you’re signing anything, it should be written in plain English. Just as in any other area of your life, if you don’t understand what you’re signing, don’t sign.
- It’s not OK to be given no time to read an NDA, and if you want to think about it or seek advice, you should be allowed to do so. Also, if you feel under duress or pressure to sign, ask yourself: Do I really want to work with these people?
- NDAs cannot be used to prevent the reporting of crime and should not be used to sign away performers’ intellectual property rights. Equity has said it is concerned that NDAs are being used in a “damaging way” that might prevent people reporting bullying, inappropriate behaviour, and harassment. Most notoriously, NDAs were used by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein and his team to cover up his numerous assaults.
John Barclay, Equity’s assistant general secretary for recorded media, said, “At a time when the industry must work to eradicate bullying, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour, performers are being gagged by the growing use of NDAs containing provisions that are far too over-reaching.
“One major fear for performers is that if they sign an NDA, they then cannot discuss it or what happens at work,” he continued. “But Equity’s position is clear: An NDA should never prevent a performer from disclosing information about an agreement to their professional advisors—such as their union, agent, or legal or tax advisors—medical professionals, and, indeed, law enforcement.”
How to Get an Acting Agent in the UK What else do I need to know?
Equity’s stand against NDAs has been supported by the Personal Managers’ Association (PMA). Bill Petrie of the PMA said in a statement, “At a time when the industry is focused on eradicating harassment and abuse, Equity’s stand against unreasonable NDAs—which serve to bully and isolate performers—is a necessary and timely stand.”
It does take a certain confidence to say no to signing an NDA when you really, really want a shot at that exciting audition. However, actors must stand up for their rights—and the first step is to know them. Read Equity’s full guidance here.
Check out Backstage’s UK audition listings!