What does Hold mean?
Hold refers to a contractual agreement where an actor is temporarily reserved for a specific project, preventing them from committing to other jobs during the hold period. This term is commonly used in television, film, and commercials when producers are still making final decisions but want to ensure an actor’s availability. Holds can last for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the project’s needs.
During the hold period, the actor is not allowed to take on competing projects without the permission of the producer or casting director. If the actor accepts another offer during this time without approval, it could result in legal or contractual penalties. Producers may place actors on hold while securing funding, finalizing casting decisions, or arranging scheduling conflicts.
Actors can negotiate for shorter hold periods to minimize missed opportunities from other projects, and some contracts include hold fees, where the actor is compensated for the time they are kept on hold, especially for longer hold periods.
