Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475555
N o live or virtual audition can require a performer to dye their hair, braid or unbraid their hair, or engage in multiple hair or makeup styling changes for the same audition. Producers also can't require a principal performer to wear specific wardrobe to the audition or require multiple style changes for the audition. The producer may provide the performer with information regarding the wardrobe that will apply if the performer is employed for the commercial, what the social scale of the role to be cast is or the activity involved, or any other information that might affect the principal performer's choice of attire for the audition. No producer may request a performer audition nude, and that includes the use of pasties and genital socks, but they may request partial nudity with advance notice. SCRIPTS & LINES F or live-remote auditions, performers must receive a script in a format that can be used with screen-reading software at least 24 hours prior to the audition or at the time of the audition notice, whichever is later. But, there is no requirement to provide a script in advance of a self-tape or in-person audition. If a performer is required to memorize lines, rather than using cue cards or other prompting devices, they shall be paid a session fee. I f, during an in-person audition, performers are required to perform a stunt, the producer must ensure that a stunt coordinator is present. During a virtual audition, producers cannot request that a performer engage in a stunt or dangerous activity such as driving, riding a bicycle, skateboarding, roller skating, interacting with fire, balancing on an elevated surface over 18 inches hi gh or using power tools. That's a lot of rules, right? Right! So, what can producers request? Keeping performers safe at all stages of their work process — from auditions to casting to on-camera performance — is the union's top priority. SAG-AFTRA also wants to keep productive relations with industry employers. So, here are some things producers can request of performers. Producers can request that a performer mime or replicate any of the stunt activities mentioned above in a safe manner. They can request a performer demonstrate a professional or expert skill for which they are trained, provided the producer is clear they are seeking such a professional or expert. For example, a producer seeking a professional chef may ask for a self-taped audition demonstrating knife skills, and a producer seeking a professional carpenter may ask for a self-taped audition demonstrating the use of power tools. These are just some of the major changes approved in the 2022 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts. To find out more guidelines, protections and regulations in the agreement, be sure to read the full contract at sagaftra.org/commercials. V irtual auditions are becoming more and more popular, and many performers now prefer them. If a producer requires a live-remote audition, they must provide a virtual "waiting room" or other arrangement that allows performers to be notified of delays. Also, just like with in-person auditions, live-remote auditions can trigger overtime and audition payments. When requesting a self-taped audition, producers cannot request that performers travel to different locations as part of the audition, but they can request performers move to different rooms or areas in or outside of a performer's home. That said, performers are not required to provide any location other than a well-lit background or create angle changes within a single take, and they are not required to possess or obtain any equipment, including props or paid services to complete their audition. Producers can provide performers with the context and nature of the commercial, however, which might aid the performer in a self-tape. VIRTUAL & SELF-TAPE AUDITIONS sagaftra.org | Summer 2022 | SAG-AFTRA 41