Make sure you don't commit to two casting directors at the same time!
We have to all know that we are all lucky to be in this business in the first place. So obviously we get excited when we get called from a casting agency looking to book us for a gig. But when a casting director books you for let's say 3 days 2 weeks from now, you are booked with that agent. Do not double book with another agent if they want you for the same 3 days because "you would rather work on that project". You work on the one you committed on first and kindly say to the second agent"thank you but I am already booked those days, but please don't forget about me because I am interested." You will be respected and in this business it goes a long way, if you don't respect it that also goes a long way.
Comments
If you were booked that far in advance for a Boston shoot - that is rare for extra work! It is fantastic for you, because it guarantees pay, even if they cancel your shoot and don't film you at all. (But I do wonder, was the word "booked" used, or were they just checking for availability? I have spoken with LOTS of extras who were checked for availability and think they were hired. Wrong!)
By all means, if you were actually BOOKED or HIRED that far in advance, then let's hope that become more common. It is awful to wait until 3am for a call time the next day.
But my main point: Please never use the word "commitment" which is vague and misleading, legal-wise -- actors must be clear with casting directors if it is either (1) an availability check or instead (2) a booking, which means you are hired.
I was asked for an availability check for two movies on the same day. I was available, and told both that I had been asked for two films, and whoever BOOKED me first would get me. One understood and had no problem with this. But the other was miffed, and "released" me from what they called my "commitment." This was a bad move on the CD's part - there was no legal "commitment" as I was not hired. This kind of bad treatment must stop -- we can only stop it by educating actors not to accept this.
Since then, I have seen other union actors quake in fear in the same situation -- in fear of ruffling the feathers of any CD. This is wrong. It must stop. We simply need to be clear: ASK the CD: "Is this a booking?" They are professionals, they respect the question and will always answer appropriately by saying "yes you are booked" or "no it is just an availability check."
Legally, the word "commitment" means nothing.You are "booked" or "hired" -- or not at all.
(Disclaimer: It should go without saying that if you keep saying yes to availability checks, and repeatedly back out, of course that is unprofessional and is just going to give you a bad reputation.)