Jamie C.
Worser still
The current state of StarNow, Backstage, and Mandy is nothing short of appalling for professional actors. These platforms, which once served as respectable resources for actors seeking legitimate work, have devolved into cesspools of exploitation and subpar opportunities. The decline in quality has been particularly noticeable since Backstage's takeover, with the situation deteriorating on an almost weekly basis. What was once a valuable tool for connecting talent with genuine opportunities has become a playground for those seeking to take advantage of aspiring actors and undermine the value of our craft. Perhaps the most egregious aspect of these platforms is the insulting pay rates that have become commonplace. It's not uncommon to see roles being offered at a paltry £50 per day, barely enough to cover basic expenses, let alone provide a living wage. Even more outrageous are the "opportunities" that offer £200 for 15 days of work, which breaks down to an absurd £13.33 per day. This is far below minimum wage and shows a complete disregard for the time, effort, and skill that actors bring to their roles. Adding insult to injury, many jobs are advertised as paid positions, only for actors to discover that they're merely being offered expense reimbursement. Worse still, some roles are promoted with the promise of an IMDb credit as if that alone is sufficient compensation. These practices are not only unethical but also contribute to the devaluation of actors' work across the industry. The bait-and-switch tactics employed by many listings on these platforms are particularly concerning. Aspiring actors, eager for their break in the industry, are lured in by promises of paid work, only to discover that the compensation is "expenses only" or, even more insultingly, just for "exposure." This deceptive practice preys on the enthusiasm and dedication of newcomers to the field, exploiting their passion and willingness to work hard for a chance at success. It's a manipulative approach that takes advantage of the dreams and aspirations of talented individuals, potentially discouraging them from pursuing their chosen career path. What's particularly distressing is the rapid decline in the overall quality of listings and opportunities available on these platforms. Each week seems to bring new lows in terms of professionalism, legitimacy of projects, and adherence to industry standards. The platforms appear to have abandoned any commitment to maintaining a certain level of quality or protecting the interests of the actors who use their services. Instead, they seem content to act as passive intermediaries, allowing exploitative practices to flourish unchecked. This race to the bottom not only harms individual actors but also threatens to undermine the standards and practices of the entire industry. It's high time that organizations like Equity and BECTU were made aware of this ongoing decline and the abysmal pay standards being promoted on these platforms. As professionals in the acting community, we have a responsibility to stand against these exploitative practices and fight for fair treatment and compensation. These platforms have transformed from useful tools into exploitative middlemen that devalue our craft and take advantage of those trying to break into the industry. Actors, especially those new to the field, deserve better than to be treated as disposable commodities. It's crucial that we raise awareness about these issues and encourage our colleagues to seek out legitimate agencies and casting calls that respect their talent, time, and professional worth. In conclusion, StarNow, Backstage, and Mandy have become a blight on the acting community, actively harming the very people they claim to serve. Their practices normalize exploitation, undercut the value of actors' work, and create a toxic environment that threatens the integrity of our profession. It's imperative that we, as a community, take a stand against these platforms and the harmful practices they enable. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more equitable and respectful industry that values the contributions of actors at all levels of their careers. Only through collective action and a refusal to accept these substandard conditions can we hope to effect real change and restore dignity to our profession.