Personal Managers Association
Please note below from Tim Gale, Equity
Dear PMA member
It has been brought to my attention that at a recent TV commercial audition, artists were asked to agree to have their background checked by a Private Detective Agency.
I have spoken to the IPA and I have advised them that our view is that in nearly all circumstances asking artists to be investigated in this way is not acceptable. There will be the odd occasion when it is necessary to have an artist’s background checked in this way but we have agreed that, in such very special circumstances, the advertising agency will discuss the requirements with both the IPA and Equity before sending out a casting call.
Therefore, unless a casting director can show that Equity and the IPA have been informed in advance of such a requirement, we strongly advise artists and agents not to agree to be investigated by private detectives and to contact myself or John Sailing immediately about this.
If you have any questions about this advice, please contact me on tgale@equity.org.uk.
Best wishes
Tim Gale
Commercials Organiser