We are a group of casting professionals who object to Spotlight’s new tiered system of membership.  We believe that the introduction of ‘premiere’ membership only increases the divide between actors of different economic/socio-economic standing at a time when so many have been calling on the industry to reduce such a divide.  The new ‘premiere’ membership puts pressure on actors who are struggling to spend more on their membership for fear of missing out and being left behind, and has no regard for the fact that we are in a cost of living crisis.  We are particularly appalled that one of the features introduced behind this additional paywall is a health and wellbeing helpline, meaning such support is only available for those who can afford to pay more. 

Spotlight has also advertised that ‘premiere’ membership will include the ability to request feedback from casting professionals.  We would like to state that this feature does NOT have the support of the majority of casting professionals (if any).  We believe feedback should be equally accessible to all. While we acknowledge many casting professionals are limited with the time they have to provide specific feedback, certain members paying for this is not the answer.  

We call on all members of the industry - actors, agents, casting directors, directors, producers to sign this petition and call on Spotlight to remove this divisive tiered system.  Please also state your profession in the comment section so we can show Spotlight these objections come from across the whole industry.