What is a Book-Out?
Communicating your unavailability with your agent…
(by Tonya Tannenbaum)
A book-out is a notice that an actor sends to their talent rep(s), alerting the rep that the actor will be unavailable for auditions, callbacks or bookings for a specified period of time.
A book-out is, in another sense, a formal request made by the actor to their talent rep(s), to stop submitting them for auditions during the stated time, since the actor will be unavailable to audition.
A book-out can come in a variety of different forms, such as via an email or a phone call, depending on how the rep prefers to receive them.
Booking out with your reps when you are to become unavailable is an important part of building trust and dependability
Without a book-out notice, the agent might continue to submit the actor for auditions, despite their impending unavailability, leading to frustration by both the casting director who requested the actor and the rep who submitted the actor.
Reasons for booking out
(Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)
There may be any number of reasons why an actor might wish to book out. Here are a few scenarios:
*You’re going on vacation for a few weeks and will not be in town to audition.
*You are feeling sick and need to stay home and get well.
*You’re already committed to working on another project and the shoot dates of that project would conflict with potential auditions.
*You are having car trouble or other transportation issues that could prevent you from going to auditions.
*You’re feeling burned out and overwhelmed and would like to take a break from auditioning.
*You are dealing with a major life event, such as getting married, having a baby or a death in the family.
*You have an important appointment that cannot be broken, such as surgery or a dentist appointment.
A Few Key Points About Booking Out
Here are a few key points to consider when booking out with your rep:
*Always send your book-out notice in writing, such as sending it in an email, to ensure there is documentation. This is helpful in case a dispute or misunderstanding arises.
Always send your book-out notice in writing, such as sending it in an email, to ensure there is documentation
*Book out well in advance of your scheduled book-out dates, if possible, to give your rep enough time to adjust and prepare for your absence.
*When in doubt, book out. If you believe you will be unavailable, but are not sure, book out anyway. You can always rescind the book-out later. It’s better to book out and then undo it if you become available, than to wait too late to book out and have to cancel an audition.
Booking out with your reps when you are to become unavailable is an important part of building trust and dependability with your talent agent or manager.
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