Parliament is currently debating laws that allow casting directories, such as Spotlight, and other recruitment platforms for creatives to charge upfront fees to work-seekers (performers and actors like me).
In most industries, charging work-seekers a fee, whether they find work or not, is illegal. However, Spotlight and other directories enjoy a carve-out from regulations governing employment agencies that is specific to the performing arts i.e. they are exempt and can legally charge fees.
However, this exemption does come with limitations. For instance, the law details how directories can’t charge whatever amount they choose – fees must be no more than a reasonable cost of circulating the work-seeker’s details. This is where Equity (the British performing arts and entertainment trade union) is challenging Spotlight in the High Court (hearing set for July 2025). Equity has asked Spotlight to explain how the estimated £1.5 million per month they receive from work-seekers constitutes a ‘reasonable cost’.
Equity is pushing to end casting directory fees entirely; Parliament deciding to amend the entertainment industry carve-out would be a significant step in that direction.
Jeffrey Mundell 