I recently tried out for a TV show. I made it to regionals, but no further. I realized, ironically, that it would immediately take up time I did not want to forfeit in the now; and much more in the later. So I did not try the next level. I am okay with that. I did however, read over the waiver agreement; one that is required in order to participate in the show. I have asked a few people, and we all agree, it is probably a typical TV waiver. If you participate in this show, you can do this and you cannot do this. Well there are some very telling things in this waiver; things that might surprise our viewers.
Interesting points of the waiver:
o It is highly suggested that you review this document with an attorney, and you have been given the opportunity to do so prior to signing it (though you must agree to it regardless in order to continue).
o You will Not be paid to be on this show. If you are an alternate, you will not be paid. As an alternate, you must be ready to come if you are called at any moment. They can call you at any time and expect you to be there. You will be fired if you ever are unable to come.
o If you win, and earn money or a prize, it can be taken away from you for any number of offenses. If you do not come when they call after receiving said prize, they will take it away. If you sue them, you owe them the prize. If you withdraw, you must repay all their costs and be forewarned, they will probably humiliate you on the show.
o The show involves heavy athletic events. They suggest you get your own health and injury insurance, as they may not pay for everything (or nothing, it doesn’t say). If you die, you also cannot sue them!! My indignation!!
o You cannot sue them; not for psychological, emotional, or mental damages. Interesting, I’ve never tried to sue anyone for 2 out of 3 of those!
o My favorite: They have “no moral rights.” I had to ask an attorney what that meant. He said that I cannot hold them to a moral code or expect moral behavior if I sign this.
o Also great: They can make up whatever they want about me and say it is true. This is Not a sitcom or a reality TV show. This is a show of video recordings that supposedly represent the truth as it happens in a competition and behind the scenes. They can say anything they find in your history about you too, or falsify it. They do a thorough background check; more thorough than the one I have done each year in order to work with children. They 1st do a “background check,” credit check, medical history check, criminal check, psychiatrist check, military past, any news or internet check, and anything that comes up along the way. They also contact your place of employment. In addition, they request 3 references from close friends or family; clearly they are seeking something different (rumors, lies, truth only those you love knows) than the people who request references from everyone except your friends and family (only business). You sign over the right for them to have all of your medical records, even the things that you must give specific permission for anyone besides you to see; everything! Nothing is private.
o They can set up secret, hidden cameras and video anything. Any video footage they have can be used in the show. That could be embarrassing or humiliating. This is Not a reality TV show, why do they care what I do with my free time?
o If you are hurt on the show or because of the activities involved in the show, you cannot sue them (obviously). Remember this is a physically active show. If it is necessary, they will get you medical attention immediately. They have their own doctors, who are Not held liable if they do anything wrong. If they cut open the wrong leg, oops, too bad. I guess you will have 2 matching scars. You cannot sue the doctors, or the TV show. You also must pay for the medical expenses.
o During your participation in this show, you may incidentally loose property and may participate in nonconsensual touch. I am not sure what that means, but you must forgive it. Do Not mistake, there is a statement later about rape and sexual harassment. But nonconsensual touch is allowed.
o They may, at any time, perform physical and psychological exams on you. I suppose that is kind of like a drug screen, right? I will now just check on your psychological health and see if your allegations are true… hmm.
o I am not exaggerating, this is literally what it says.
o My advice: only sign an agreement like this if you are going into the TV or movie business and are used to giving up all of your inalienable rights. Do Not get hurt or do their medication. Only do it if you have nothing to loose; no money, no love, nothing! Have no secrets. Be incredibly morally upstanding, and have no pride. Also, I hope you don’t have kids because if they see anything humiliating of you or you upset on national TV.
o Ahh, yes, this is a morally upstanding TV show. Just imagine if it were something disreputable like the Kardasians; just think how many lies they are selling you.