Spotlight has just beat Equity in a landmark legal battle. What does this mean for actors?

Since July 2024, Spotlight and Equity have been engaged in a high profile legal
battle, with Equity alleging that Spotlight has a “monopoly position” on the
acting industry, charging fees which don’t always reflect the work actors receive
from the platform. Now that Spotlight has won the case, what does this mean
for the acting industry?
Spotlight vs. Equity: what is the difference?
Equity is a trade union, pushing for better pay and working conditions for
actors. They offer advice, support, and representation for actors going through
challenges at work. Like most trade unions there is a fee to join, and for those
earning under £40,000 a year the fee is £16.50 per month. The fee increases
depending on your income, unlike Spotlight’s flat fee.
Spotlight, meanwhile, is a casting platform giving actors access to thousands of
roles a day. It is the go-to casting platform across Europe, as most casting
directors use it to advertise their roles. They offer a monthly subscription for
£18.72 per month, similar to Equity’s prices – however, despite the wealth of
jobs on Spotlight, there is no guarantee of booking a role.
Many actors will know that a Spotlight membership is almost essential for
securing a role, as most employers in the entertainment industry will advertise
their roles there. Equity attempted to argue that Spotlight’s membership fees
were excessive for what they offer, describing them as an ‘employment agency’.
Spotlight won the case after a Judge defined them as a ‘marketing and
promotional tool for performers’, justifying their need to charge fees.
What effect will this have on actors?
To put it simply, this ruling means that actors will likely have to continue paying
Spotlight’s £205.80-per-year fees. While this does give actors access to
hundreds of casting opportunities, it is never a guarantee of a job.
Equity argues that this legal case is a failed opportunity to make access to jobs
fairer. This ruling also implies that, in future, actors are less likely to be
protected from expensive up-front charges from other platforms in the gig
economy.
Spotlight’s fees don’t always apply, though – in a statement responding to their
legal victory, the company states that there is a 50% reduction for disabled and
neurodivergent performers, and they have given away thousands of bursaries
for actors facing economic hardship.
There are other casting platforms that actors can use: Backstage, StarNow and
Mandy are all popular choices. You can view job listings for free, but a premium
subscription is required to make use of all features. Freelance platforms like
Upwork and Fiverr sometimes offer acting opportunities, but these roles are not
as relevant nor respected as those uploaded on acting-specific platforms.
The ruling has changed the way people will view Spotlight. The view that they
are the hub of UK casting is called into question – ‘casting’ is ultimately an
exchange of labour for performing, and the final ruling suggests that Spotlight
now has a minor role in this process.
Nevertheless, Spotlight is still an invaluable tool for finding work. Actors can
view this as an opportunity, using Spotlight as a tool to market themselves as
performers rather than a simple jobs board.
How do I join Spotlight?
Joining Spotlight isn’t as simple as just paying their fees. Unlike other casting
platforms like Mandy, you must fit one of the following criterias to join: having
one featured role with an Equity or equivalent union contract or two
professional performance credits, having completed one year of full time
performance training (or two years of part time performance training), or have
a recommendation from a Spotlight registered agent.
These criteria further close off Spotlight to upcoming actors who haven’t had
their big break yet, but they also ensure that only the best talent is able to apply
for roles. If you want to join Spotlight but don’t have any experience, it’s a good
idea to have a look for roles on sites like Mandy and StarNow which do not have
the same joining criteria.
What should I do next if I use Spotlight?
In order to make the most out of this ruling, review your Spotlight profile. Are
you just using it to browse jobs, or are you successfully marketing yourself as
an actor? Look at your profile from the perspective of a casting director. Does
your profile stand out, or is it clear that you only use Spotlight as a jobs site?
Following this ruling, it is clear that the role of Spotlight within the casting
industry is not diminishing any time soon. Actors must adapt to this, and use
Spotlight’s marketing opportunities to their advantage – the fees are expensive,
so don’t waste them.
Although for some actors this case may feel like a missed opportunity to even
the playing field, don’t lose hope. If you are an aspiring actor there are plenty of
ways to join Spotlight: our acting classes at IPM offer experience and a way to
get your foot in the door, helping you start on Spotlight and allowing you to get
the most out of your membership.

---

Author

Lily Pierce