UK Actors Union Equity and Spotlight Await Landmark Ruling on Industry Fees
London’s High Court has heard arguments from the UK actors union Equity and casting platform Spotlight in a landmark case that could significantly reshape how British actors find work. The decision, however, is not expected for several weeks, with the UK legal system entering its summer recess.
The two organizations presented their arguments to the judge over a two-and-a-half-hour session. The judge will now review all submitted evidence and oral submissions before delivering a verdict, which sources indicate is unlikely before September.
at the heart of the case is Equity’s bid to have Spotlight classified as an employment agency. This reclassification, if successful, would cap Spotlight’s fees to “a reasonable estimate of the cost of production,” according to the union’s claim. Equity also seeks a declaration requiring Spotlight to disclose its fee assessment methods and to grant all subscribers full access to the platform’s benefits, including those beyond basic membership.
equity contends that Spotlight’s annual membership fees, which stand at £198 ($268) for a standard rate, are “exorbitant” and that the platform “exploits its monopoly position in the industry.” The union highlights that the vast majority of UK productions utilize Spotlight for casting. Moreover,Equity alleges that Spotlight has increased its prices by 30% as its acquisition by the American firm Talent Systems LLC in 2021.
spotlight, in its defense, has questioned why it is being singled out. The platform’s CEO, matt Hood, pointed out that Spotlight’s fees have risen by 9% below inflation between 2010 and 2025. He contrasted this with Equity’s subscription fees,which he stated have increased by approximately 18.5% in the past year, exceeding inflation by about 20%.
This legal action follows Equity’s recent campaign to address commission levels charged by agents,which the union argues leave some of its members earning below minimum wage.
