When a casting director issues a “first refusal” it means that a final casting decision has not been made; the casting director is requesting that the performer contact him/her before accepting a booking for another job on the same day(s), i.e., giving the original producer the first opportunity to book the person. A “first refusal” is not a booking and the performer has no contractual obligation to get back to the casting director or turn down the second job nor does the producer owe a cancellation fee if the performer is not used. As a professional courtesy, it is suggested that the performer advise the casting director of the second job before accepting the booking.
If a performer has been put on “hold,” the producer has engaged the performer and a performer is placed on an “avail” and not used. cancellation fee is due if the producer cancels the engagement. A cancellation fee would not be paid when performer is placed on an “avail” and not used.
Rebecca Lord is the Chief Marketing Officer at John Casablancas Modeling and Career Centers, where she leads strategic marketing to grow brand visibility. With over a decade in copywriting, social media, and ROI-driven campaigns – plus 14 years as a freelance copywriter and designer – she specializes in messaging that resonates and delivers results. She’s based in Greater St. Louis.
