Equity Loses Landmark Legal Case Against Casting Platform Spotlight
Judge Rules Spotlight Is Not an “Employment Agency”
In a landmark High Court ruling, UK actors’ union Equity has lost its case against leading casting directory Spotlight. Judge Catherine Howells dismissed Equity’s claim that Spotlight should be defined as an “employment agency” under the Employment Agencies Act 1973.
Howells stated that Spotlight’s services are “an industry valued marketing and promotional tool for performers”, not an agency supplying workers to employers. As such, the platform is not bound by restrictions on charging membership fees.
Spotlight Responds to the Ruling
Spotlight CEO Matt Hood welcomed the decision, calling it a validation of Spotlight’s role in supporting performers:
“This judgement validates our commitment to providing equitable access for performers to this entertainment industry and allows us to focus fully again on providing a great service to our members.”
Hood criticized Equity’s case as “cynical, performative and expensive”, describing it as a publicity stunt designed to damage Spotlight. He urged Equity to resume constructive dialogue, emphasizing their 97-year working relationship prior to this dispute.
Equity’s Claims and the Fallout
Equity had argued that Spotlight’s annual £198 membership fee was excessive, especially since most UK productions cast through the platform. The union accused Spotlight of exploiting a monopoly position, noting fees had increased by 30% since its 2021 acquisition by Talent Systems LLC.
The court also dismissed Equity’s demand that Spotlight disclose how its fees are calculated.
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In its defense, Spotlight highlighted that its fees rose only 9% below inflation between 2010 and 2025, contrasting this with Equity’s own membership fee increases of around 18.5% in the past year.
A Blow for Equity Members
The judgement represents a setback for Equity’s 20,000+ members, many of whom rely on Spotlight for casting opportunities. The case underscores tensions between actors and industry gatekeepers over fees and fair access.
Judge Howells also noted that no regulatory body had attempted to classify Spotlight as an employment agency in the law’s 50-year history, adding that such a ruling could have exposed Spotlight to prosecution and financial penalties.
This outcome comes as Equity pursues another campaign against agents’ commission practices, aiming to prevent scenarios where actors earn below minimum wage.
