<p>How do you spot a bad deal in commercial casting? </p><p>In this episode, Steph and Al dive into the major red flags actors should watch out for when it comes to fees, buyouts, and brand categories. </p><p>Drawing from a recent experience, they break down why a low fee for a global brand in a competitive category is a huge industry pitfall and discuss the fine line between servicing clients and protecting the integrity of actors' careers. </p><p>Later, they tackle the common fear many actors have about sharing their self-tapes and discuss why finding a safe community to get feedback is a green flag for career growth.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>A major red flag is when a commercial for a big brand in a competitive category (like cars, finance, or pharmaceuticals) offers a low fee for a long or global buyout.</li><li>This kind of deal can take an actor out of the market for that entire category for years, for a fee that doesn't provide a sustainable income.</li><li>There is a growing trend of inexperienced producers setting unrealistic talent budgets, which creates friction and ultimately hurts actors.</li><li>Chicken &amp; Chips Casting alone has quoted on nearly 1200 jobs, giving them extensive expertise on what constitutes a fair rate.</li><li>Feeling fear or imposter syndrome about sharing your self-tapes is normal, even in a safe, closed community like the Audition Academy.</li><li>Sharing your work with peers is crucial for getting validation and technical ideas, especially for new actors who have never been in a physical audition room.</li><li>Remember that any sign of progress—getting asked to self-tape, receiving a callback, or booking a role—is feedback that you are actively "doing the thing."</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> - Hello &amp; Welcome<br /><strong>00:36</strong> - Today's Topics: Red Flags &amp; Imposter Syndrome<br /><strong>03:02</strong> - What Small, Unimportant Hill Will You Die On?<br /><strong>06:23</strong> - The Main Event: Red Flags in Commercial Fees &amp; Buyouts<br /><strong>13:22</strong> - Red Flag #1: Analysing the Brand Category vs. The Fee<br /><strong>17:56</strong> - Topic 2: Imposter Syndrome and the Fear of Sharing Self-Tapes<br /><strong>22:16</strong> - A Reminder: Even a Request to Self-Tape is Positive Feedback</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Connect with Steph and Al:</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Chicken and Chips Casting:</strong></p><ul><li>Website: <a href="https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chickenandchipscasting/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@chickenandchipscasting</a></li><li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chickenandchipscasting/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/chickenandchipscasting/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicken-and-chips-casting/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicken-and-chips-casting/</a></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Stephanie Pringle:</strong></p><ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-pringle-3578a442/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-pringle-3578a442/</a></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Alison Fowler (Al):</strong></p><ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-fowler-1a05845a/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-fowler-1a05845a/</a></li></ul><p> </p><p>Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler are the founders of Chicken and Chips Casting, a Sydney-based agency focused on driving diversity and creating opportunities for fresh talent in Australia's film and television industry.</p>