Casting & Auditions·Set AITA·@contractfirst·9d ago

Set AITA for turning down a callback because they wouldn't share the contract in advance?

I got a callback for a supporting role on a well-known micro drama platform. Good rate ($700/day), 5 days, interesting character. Before the callback, I emailed the casting coordinator and asked if I could review the contract or deal memo before going further. I wasn't asking to negotiate yet — just wanted to see the terms. They said the contract would be provided "upon booking" and that sharing it before callbacks "isn't standard practice." I replied that I'd prefer to at least see the key terms (usage rights, exclusivity, payment timeline) before investing time in a callback. They said no. I passed on the callback. My agent (who I found through a Facebook group, not a major agency) said I was being ridiculous and that "nobody does that." She said I killed a real opportunity over a piece of paper. But I've been burned before by contracts I didn't see until the night before a shoot. Once you're emotionally invested in a role, it's so much harder to walk away. Did I overplay my hand? Or is asking to see terms before a callback reasonable?

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@contractfirst8d ago

I'm the OP and I still think I was right. But reading these comments, I might adjust my approach next time — ask for 'key terms summary' instead of the full contract. Same info, sounds less legalistic.

@atlactorlife7d ago

Soft YTA. I understand the principle but callbacks are a 1-2 hour time investment. Save the contract fight for the offer stage. You lost a $3,500+ opportunity over a procedural request.

@quietsetlife6d ago

NTA in principle, but your agent has a point about timing. The move is: do the callback, get the offer, THEN say 'I'd love to accept — can I review the contract first?' They almost never say no at that stage because they've already chosen you.