Actors like Alexa Morden have used the #BodhiGate scandal to call for change in an industry that seems glamorous on the surface.
Her podcast, The 98%, refers to 2019 research by Queen Mary University of London, which references surveys that found that just 2% of actors in the UK make enough money to survive.
When issues do arise, actors are scared to speak out or be seen as “troublemakers” because of an uneven power dynamic, Alexa says.
Those who have been left out of pocket, like Thea, feel “let down” by the industry.
Equity had been working to bring a claim against Bodhi Talent Agency and Jamie Fisher to recover nearly £40,000 on behalf of 10 members.
But it told the BBC it was made aware Jamie has no assets, and none are held by the company.
In a statement, Equity said: “Having taken legal advice, we have been told that there is no prospect of monies being returned to creditors and that they do not expect to be making any payments at all.
“This outcome is hugely disappointing. Mr Fisher and his rogue agency have treated its clients appallingly, leading to the loss of significant amounts of money owed to them.”
Others have questioned the role of the platform Spotlight. In 2019, former employers warned Spotlight alleging that Jamie was submitting fake credits for his own clients, as well as “concocting” productions that never existed.
They claimed his “consistent fabrications” could cause damage to the industry, but said they heard little back.
In response, Spotlight told the BBC it was provided with verified references from casting professionals who had been positive about their business dealings with Jamie Fisher.
It also said it had “actively supported affected individuals during the agency’s closure by offering one-to-one assistance and guiding them on how to address their concerns, including directing them to Equity and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EASI)”.
While it does not regulate talent agencies, Spotlight says it can “remove their services for misuse of our platform or for breaching our terms and conditions”.
The #BodhiGate scandal, first reported by Deadline, external, has also generated discussion about the limited regulation of UK entertainment, in contrast with the US, where 22 states require an agency licence.
“We see from the US that a structure is possible which can give consumers much more protection and ensure that unscrupulous agents aren’t able to practice in this arena and make promises that they can’t fulfil – alongside charging unfair fees,” Christopher Gabbitas, a commercial lawyer working in the creative sector, told the BBC.
He suggests that actors should look for established agencies, read any contracts carefully and speak to current clients if looking for representation.
Alongside Equity, actors we spoke to said they were in the process of, or had, submitted reports to the EASI, the government-backed watchdog which polices UK employment agencies. It has the power to bar individuals from practicing.
The BBC understands it is currently investigating complaints around Luna Kids Casting and the Bodhi Talent Agency.
In the meantime, Thea and Jack have been left wondering if they will ever see any of the money they say they are owed.
“It really makes you question everything,” Thea says, adding that she feels let down, most of all, by someone she once regarded as a friend.
Jamie Fisher has not responded to any requests for comment by the BBC.
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