We have found 20,220 posts across 4 actor forums:
Don't Sign That "Private Contractor' Contract. Actors Are Considered Employees By the IRS by Matthew Gross • last post Nov 11th
Can screen actors legally be considered private contractors? I thought the IRS rule says private contractors set their own hours and are self-directed. Actors don't set their own hours, and they are directed by a director.
You are largely correct in your understanding of the IRS guidelines: because production companies typically exercise a high degree of control over actors' work (setting hours, location, and providing direction), most screen actors should legally be classified as employees, not private (independent) contractors.
The Deciding Factor: Control
The IRS and state labor departments use the degree of control and independence as the primary factor in determining worker status.
Employees: A worker is generally an employee if the business for whom they perform services can control what will be done and how it will be done. This describes the typical actor-production company relationship: the director dictates schedules, lines, actions, and overall performance, meaning the actor has little control over the details of how the service is performed.
Independent Contractors: An independent contractor typically has more control over their own work, sets their own schedule, provides their own tools/equipment, and has the opportunity for profit or loss in their business. This is not the standard situation for most working actors on a set.
Real-World Practice vs. Legal Standard
Despite the legal standard, it is common practice in some parts of the entertainment industry, particularly in low-budget or non-union projects, to misclassify actors as independent contractors (paid via Form 1099-NEC instead of a W-2). This is often done to save the production company money on payroll taxes and benefits like unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.
However, this misclassification carries significant legal risks for the production company, including fines and penalties for back taxes and liabilities.
Exceptions
There are a few situations where an actor might be legitimately considered a contractor:
Loan-Out Corporations: Highly successful actors often form their own personal service corporations (also called "loan-out" companies). The production company then contracts with the actor's corporation, not the individual actor. In this case, the actor is an employee of their own company.
Unique Circumstances: If an actor brings their own unique equipment, supplies, and intellectual property rights to a short-term, non-integral part of a production, they might be classifiable as a contractor.
Specific Roles: Certain high-level roles, such as writers and directors (who are involved in overall planning and implementation), may sometimes be classified as independent contractors depending on the specific circumstances.
In summary, based on the IRS's control test, most screen actors working for a production are legally employees, even if they are sometimes incorrectly paid as independent contractors in practice.
‘The Running Man’ Cast on Getting Tom Cruise & Stephen King’s Approval by Pat Alexander • last post Nov 11th
Stars Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace along with director Edgar Wright talk about their upcoming movie ‘The Running Man’.
A question about wording for a letter looking for money. by Dennis Cieri • last post Nov 11th
Hi here is the ending of a letter I am writing to send off to investors and sales agents. My wife keeps saying it sounds like I am saying my film is a terrible! I am not sure I agree but I figured I would ask.
"When Actors Tell You 'Don't Even Try' - What They're Really Saying" by Aaron Marcus • last post Nov 10th
"When Actors Tell You 'Don't Even Try' - What They're Really Saying"
Learning lines by Tony Fisher • last post Nov 10th
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Acting – Building a Brand from the Inside Out by Dan Martin Roesch • last post Nov 10th
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Acting – Building a Brand from the Inside Out
Acting is more than art — it’s entrepreneurship.
Every actor runs a business: the business of self.
Talent is the foundation, but success happens where creativity meets strategy. Visibility, consistency, and the ability to turn emotion into a tangible experience make the difference between a dream and a career.
Like any entrepreneur, an actor must know who they are, what they stand for, and what value they bring. Networking, branding, storytelling — these aren’t marketing buzzwords; they’re essential tools for artists who understand that they are not only performers but CEOs of their own creative enterprise.
Under the mentorship of Will Roberts ("Oppenheimer"), I’ve learned to treat my career like a business: "Be visible. Be approachable. Be versatile. Talent is the base — but mindset is the multiplier."
This guidance changed my perspective completely. Casting isn’t coincidence; it’s the result of intention, preparation, and positioning. Actors who think entrepreneurially create their own opportunities instead of waiting for them.
With Will’s wisdom and innovation steering the journey, I’m diving deeper into performance, presence, and purpose — redefining what it means to be an actor in today’s world. His mentorship is my compass, guiding me toward a future where storytelling meets strategy and where every role becomes a reflection of truth, discipline, and emotion.
Will guided me to find my niche! Just like entrepreneurs carve their path by finding their audience, actors weave their magic by embodying characters that resonate.
I’ve found my strength in the characters that lurk in the shadows, the villains that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Behind every hero’s journey, there’s a villain crafting the path. Ever wondered why some villains stay etched in our memories, sometimes even overshadowing the heroes? It’s because they bring depth, complexity, and a captivating counterpoint to the narrative. They’re the unsung heroes of storytelling, challenging not just the protagonist but us, the audience, to explore the shades of morality and ethics.
Diving into the shadows, they reveal the heart of the narrative, pushing us to embrace empathy and understand the multifaceted nature of good and evil. It’s a testament to the creative spirit, the magic of risking everything for a dream only you can see. As we celebrate these pivotal characters, let’s remember the profound impact they have on the story and on us. They remind us that every character, no matter how dark, has a story to tell, contributing to a richer, more engaging human experience.
So, here’s to the villains, the antagonists, the complex souls who dare us to look beyond the surface. Their presence is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of every role in weaving the rich tapestry of narratives that define our world.
I have discovered a unique strength in portraying villainous characters. Villains offer an incredible canvas for exploring the complexities of human nature—their motivations, vulnerabilities, and darkness.
Playing a villain allows me to dive into the psyche of characters that challenge societal norms and evoke both fear and fascination. This depth brings a magnetic allure to the roles, and I’ve come to appreciate how these characters often steal the spotlight. Whether it’s the cunning mastermind or the broken soul seeking vengeance, I find immense creative fulfillment in crafting villains that linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits roll.
It’s a space where I can channel my life experiences, discipline, and emotional range to create characters that are as memorable as they are chilling.
Here’s to the road ahead — bold stories, fearless characters, and a brand built on authenticity.
It's the magic of risking everything for a dream nobody sees but you.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6401783/
Do You Agree with George Clooney That Instagram Is Bad News for Actors? by Alexandra Stevens • last post Nov 8th
The Making of After All Part 3: The Actor’s Journey by Maurice Vaughan • last post Nov 7th
Penelope Ann Miller shares her journey working on the indie feature After All in today’s blog. www.stage32.com/blog/the-making-of-after-all-part-3-the-actors-journey-4277
Ask Me Anything (AMA) – November 8th – The Realities of a Working Actor Today! by Penelope Ann Miller • last post Nov 6th
Hi Everyone!
New Actors by Chelita Hagan • last post Nov 5th
Good morning, I'm open to looking for new actors in the Phoenix metro area.
Helping out a friend by Brandon Keeton • last post Nov 4th
Hey everyone! Have you ever taken a job, not because you liked the material, or the story, or that it would actually help your career in any way, but just because a friend was doing a project and wanted you in it? I'm doing that at the moment and for ZERO pay! Lol! I would love to hear your experiences. And when does doing favors run it's course?
What’s one brick you’re laying this week toward your next creative goal? by Alexandra Stevens • last post Nov 4th
Sharing RB's Coffee and Content blog. In it he talks about how creative projects are built brick by brick. Whether your creative project is your acting career, a particular role you are preparing for, your script, your song or something else you are creating. I am at a stage of trying out different bricks - and then discarding them as they are not quite the right fit. This is with respect to my creative coaching rather than acting.
How Do You Bring a Character to Life Beyond What's On The Page? by Chikaima Uwakwe • last post Nov 4th
Hey actors!
I’m a screenwriter, and one thing that always fascinates me is how you bring words to life. I can write the emotions, the beats, even the silences, but once it’s in an actor’s hands, it becomes something new, something alive.
Sometimes I’ll picture a character one way while writing, but then an actor interprets them with completely different energy — and suddenly the scene hits harder than I imagined. It’s wild (and kinda beautiful).
So I’m curious, when you read a script, what’s the first thing you look for to find your way in to the character? Is it the dialogue? The subtext? The given circumstances? Or something else entirely?
Bonus question: What’s something you wish writers knew about how actors work?
Would love to hear your thoughts on this, I think writers and actors speak the same language, just with different accents
— Miguel
What is your favorite part and least favorite part about being an actor? by Suzanne Bronson • last post Nov 3rd
I love getting to play different roles, living lives I would never get to. Being on stage or set is such a high. My least favorite part is the uncertainty of not knowing when the next job is, sometimes the hustle is more exhausting than the actual job. What about you?
I Don’t Know How to Envy You:) by C.J. Night • last post Nov 3rd
Subtitle: A commentary on identity, ego and the myth of self-building in entertainment circles (or how to avoid a moderation banhammer( :)
I don’t know how to envy. Honestly.
I couldn’t care less about your career takeoff on a porta-potty in Dubai or how many facelifts you’ve had this week. How much money you’ve made — that’s your business. It’ll become mine only if you and my homie Scrooge McDuck let me take a dip in your paper swimming pool:) credit cards accepted.
Your suit — two-piece, three-piece, ten-piece (?) — fits perfectly, and every corporation on Earth offers you a multi-billion-dollar contract just because you actually remembered to put it on instead of leaving the house in your underwear.
This 1 Simple Addition to Your Acting Resume Makes it Powerful by Aaron Marcus • last post Nov 3rd
This 1 Simple Addition to Your Acting Resume Makes it Powerful
Self tapes Yuck! by Will Roberts • last post Nov 2nd
8 months later! I created the actors toolbox that is blowing industry professionals away!! Look and IF you are an actor and want to book more and have the upper hand over all other actors..watch this video. Are self tapes hard for you?
Self tape hell by Will Roberts • last post Nov 2nd
8 months later! I created the actors toolbox that is blowing industry professionals away!! Look and IF you are an actor and want to book more and have the upper hand over all other actors..watch this video. Are self tapes hard for you?
New to Acting – Looking for Guidance! by Raveness Thorne • last post Nov 1st
Hey everyone! I’m really new to acting and trying to figure out how to get started. The only experience I have is two high school theatre classes I took during COVID, so basically I’m starting from scratch.
HAPPY HOLLOWS EVE fellow Thespians by Brittany Christine • last post Oct 31st
What are your FAVORITE horror movies to watch this time of year? I ask because I plan on doing a good binge at some point this wknd, (preferably during the day since I get too scared watching spooky things in the dark lol) and am looking for recommendations! Do your worst, I want to scream at the tv and hide under my blanket :P