Casting Agreements for Reality TV: What-When-Why-How?

Casting Agreements for reality TV and unscripted television — what are they, and do you need one? Do you need casting agreements for all reality TV projects, or just some? Will they cost you money? Should you get a lawyer? Could not getting those casting agreements come back to bite you? The answers are not easy to figure out, but we’re here to talk you through them.   Casting Agreements – Everything You Need to Know     If you’re thinking about pitching a reality show, documentary series, or unscritped TV project, you’re in the right place. This blog and podcast are full of tips on what to do — and what not to do when pitching unscripted televison. (Of course, you know when you do get around to pitching your concepts, we’re happy to consider your pitch.) But if you’re taking the advice we’ve offered so many times on this site — to build your pitches around a real person, place, or thing — you’ll probably have some questions along the way. Especially if you’re lucky enough to discover a real person who you believe could be a great TV show. Do you need to do anything legally to bind those people to you before you pitch your show? That’s where casting agreements come in. They can range in complexity from a handshake to a contract the size of a phone book written up by attorneys who cost more than a new house. (By the way, if you’re new to the business, DO NOT JUST HIRE ANY OLD LAWYER. Check out this post on choosing the right attorney for you.) Finally, a casting agreement of some kind can help prove that you’re not making THIS GIANT MISTAKE. Today we tackle casting agreements and help you think through what you need and what you don’t. A bit of what we cover today: * Some shows need casting agreements. Some don’t. How to know? * What is written down in casting agreements? * Aside from tying talent to you, the other important aspect of casting agreements. * Is a lawyer necessary? * What happens to your deal with talent when a show gets picked up? And so much more! NOW… press that giant red “PLAY” button above to learn everything you ever wanted to know about casting agreements. Special thanks to Joan Tankersly for asking the questions that lead to this week’s podcast episode: @JokeAndBiagio Podcast request. Casting agreements pre or post pitch. Thanks! — Joan Tankersley (@joantankersley) November 1, 2015 Have a question YOU would like answered? Hit us up on Twitter @jokeandbiagio or send your question via this form. Transcript Coming Soon! Ready to Make Some Reality TV or Unscripted Television? Already discovered a terrific person or people you’d love to build a show around? Thinking you might like to pitch to us? Here’s how: