A working actor tested for a series regular role with a seven-year test option, a morality clause written to a subjective standard, and a social-media consent that would have covered every personal account she ran. We tightened both clauses without losing the pin.
The morality clause let the studio suspend her without pay for any conduct the studio determined, in its sole discretion, brought disrepute upon the show or its network. There was no ceiling, no definition, and no process. The social-media consent covered every account she operated, including a personal account tied to a small side business with active endorsement obligations of its own.
She tested well. The clock was already running.
We separated the two problems. On the morality clause, we cut sole-discretion language and replaced it with a materiality standard tied to conviction of a crime, a public and sustained pattern of conduct materially damaging to the production, or a specific list of prohibited acts. We added a written notice requirement, a thirty-day cure period, and a right to respond in writing before any suspension.
On the social-media consent, we scoped the studio's rights to accounts operated under the character's name, the show's official channels, and cross-promotion at studio expense. We carved out J.R.'s personal and business accounts entirely, preserved her existing endorsement obligations, and required the studio to reimburse any lost brand payment caused by a conflicting exclusivity the studio invoked mid-season.
The test option held. She signed inside the window.
"They wanted my whole life on the paper. We got the show, and I kept the rest."
— J.R., Working Actor
Test option paper moves fast on purpose. A short countersignature window is designed to get the deal signed before anyone reads the morality clause closely. J.R. had the leverage of a strong test. What she did not have, without counsel, was time to notice that "sole discretion" meant the studio could suspend her for anything, on any interpretation, with no process attached.
Social-media consents are drafted broad by default and narrowed only when someone asks. A personal account tied to a side business is not the same asset as a character's promotional account, and a contract should never treat them the same way.
We review series regular deals, test options, and morality and social-media clauses on compressed timelines, because that is usually the only timeline offered.
Most engagements are flat fee, quoted before the work begins — and most matters resolve without litigation. Start with a free consultation.