What is the difference between “first refusal” and “hold”?
When a casting director or client issues a “first refusal”, it means the final casting decision hasn’t been made; the casting director or client is requesting that the performer contact him/her before accepting a booking for another job on the same day(s), giving the original producer the first opportunity to book the person. “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. It is, however, a professional courtesy that clients and casting directors expect so our position is if you are on first refusal and then are presented a second opportunity, you let us know so we can see if the “First refusal” client wants to commit to or release you from the booking.
“Hold” means the producer has engaged the talent and a cancellation fee is due if the producer cancels the engagement.
Because these terms are not always used properly, if you have a question as to whether you are definitely booked, ask us. If we’re not sure, we will ask our contact on the project.