Navigating the Nerve-Wracking World of Series Regular Casting Test Deals: A Guide for Parents of Child Actors
“Does anyone here actually miss testing in-person for a pilot? …Anyone?”
These words, often muttered with a mix of nostalgia and relief, encapsulate the bittersweet nature of the in-person pilot testing process. It's an experience that many seasoned actors, including your aspiring young star, will inevitably face if they're fortunate enough to be in the running for a series regular role on a television show. As exciting as reaching this stage may be, it’s also one of the most daunting challenges in the entertainment industry. But fear not, dear parent, because this guide will help you and your child navigate the twists and turns of the series regular casting test deals with confidence and clarity.
What Exactly is a Network Test?
A studio or network test is the final hurdle in the casting process for a television pilot. Think of it as a high-stakes callback, but with more people involved, higher pressure, and even some legal paperwork. Before your child even steps into that room, their agent has already pre-negotiated a rate (known as a “test deal”) should they land the role. This deal outlines everything from compensation to exclusivity provisions, which we’ll delve into shortly.
Not every studio or network requires tests for pilots, but if one does, the other usually follows suit. This means your child might have to endure two tests—one for the studio and one for the network—unless the studio is also the network, which is a possibility in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.
What to Expect When You’re Testing
Walking into a test can feel like stepping into a pressure cooker, especially for a young actor. The room will be packed with key industry players—casting directors, producers, network executives—all of whom have a vested interest in ensuring that the right person is cast. Unlike the more intimate pre-read or callback, where your child might perform for just a handful of people, a studio or network test can involve up to 20 pairs of eyes scrutinizing their every move.
Expect a screening room or a conference room setup, where your child will perform as if they’re doing a one-person show. The audience, including the business execs who are holding the purse strings, will be evaluating not just the performance but also whether your child fits the vision they have for the character.
Before the Test: Preparing for the Big Day
Preparation is key to easing the anxiety that comes with testing. Often, the casting director and producer will arrange “work sessions” before the test. These sessions are invaluable—they’re like rehearsals where your child can experiment with different approaches to the scenes, receive feedback, and fine-tune their performance. Encourage your child to take full advantage of this time. It’s their opportunity to ask questions, explore the character, and gain a deeper understanding of what’s expected.
Work sessions are also crucial for establishing a rapport with the creative team. When your child walks into that test room, seeing familiar faces can help calm their nerves. They’ll feel like they have allies in the room, people who are rooting for their success.
The Test: Walking the Tightrope
The moment of truth arrives when your child steps into the test room. The atmosphere is often far from warm and welcoming. As Ally Lattman, former vice president of television development for Lionsgate, once said, “When you come into a network test, it’s all business. Come in and read your scene; that’s it.” The formality and intensity of the setting can be intimidating, especially for younger actors.
After the test, your child won’t be walking away just yet. They’ll need to wait in the holding area while the decision-makers deliberate. This can be the most nerve-wracking part of the process. Sometimes, they might be called back in for an adjustment—a tweak to the performance to see how they handle direction. Other times, they might be sent home without any indication of how they did.
It’s essential to manage expectations here. Many actors who are sent home early end up booking the role. The lack of immediate feedback doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the performance. As a parent, remind your child that everyone in that room wants them to succeed. The pressure is high not just for the actors but for the executives and casting directors as well. They’re all trying to make the best decision possible.
When my client Zelia Ankrum was in a test for a Disney series, days before Covid-19 shut the world down, I was communicating with her mom. Zelia was in and out of the room, performing with other actors, furiously writing down notes from producers. Luckily, she was told that night that she booked the role of Maya in “Black Scorpion and Ultra Violet.” An amazing first booking with no prior credits.
The Legal Side: Understanding the Test Option Agreement
Before your child even tests, their agent will have negotiated a Test Option Agreement. This document is critical, as it outlines the terms under which your child will be employed if they book the role. It’s called a “test option” because it grants the studio the option to employ your child for the pilot and potentially up to seven seasons of the series.
Here are some key provisions to be aware of:
Money Provisions: The agreement will specify the lamount your child will be paid for the pilot and each episode if the show is picked up. These are often “pay-or-play” contracts, meaning your child gets paid whether they appear in every episode or not. However, not all “pay-or-play” clauses are created equal, and it’s crucial to have an entertainment attorney review the terms to ensure they’re in your child’s best interest.
Credit Position: After compensation, the credit position is the most important negotiation point. This dictates where your child’s name will appear in the show’s credits, which can significantly impact their career.
Exclusivity Provisions: These provisions typically bar your child from appearing in any other productions during the length of the contract. A complete exclusivity clause can limit your child’s opportunities, but a skilled attorney can negotiate non-exclusivity, allowing your child to take on other projects, like commercials or guest appearances, during the off-season.
Because test option agreements are often negotiated quickly—sometimes within a few days—it’s easy to overlook important details. However, consulting with an experienced entertainment attorney is essential to avoid potential pitfalls that could impact your child’s career and financial future.
The Waiting Game: Post-Test Stress and How to Handle It
Once the test is over, the waiting begins. This is arguably the most challenging part of the process. Your child has poured their heart into the audition, and now it’s out of their hands. It’s normal to feel anxious, but it’s important to stay grounded. Encourage your child to focus on the next opportunity rather than dwelling on what they can’t control.
If the network and studio both like what they see, your child might be called back for a screen test. In some cases, this is a fully produced screen test, complete with sets, costumes, and makeup. It’s an opportunity to see how your child performs in a more realistic setting, similar to what they would experience on set.
However, some networks still prefer live tests, believing that seeing an actor in person provides insights that a screen test can’t. Regardless of the method, the key is for your child to stay calm, confident, and focused on delivering their best performance.
The Bigger Picture
While testing for a pilot can feel like a make-or-break moment, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Just getting to the testing stage is a significant accomplishment. It means that your child is being seriously considered by some of the most powerful people in Hollywood.
Moreover, the relationships your child builds during this process can open doors to future opportunities. Casting directors, producers, and network executives will remember a strong performance, even if your child doesn’t book the role this time around. As Amir Talai, a veteran of many studio and network tests, wisely noted, “If I have reached this point now, chances are I’ll reach it again.”
So, remind your child to embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and most importantly, to have fun. After all, acting is about doing what they love. And who knows? Today’s test might just be the stepping stone to tomorrow’s stardom.
