Equity is warning members not to engage with or accept new work through Lucy Harrison Casting as concerns over liquidation and non-payment mount.
Lucy Harrison Casting (LHC) – the trading name of an agency registered as Happy House Productions Ltd – has recently announced it is entering liquidation owing Equity members thousands of pounds in unpaid earnings. Equity has become aware that, despite this announcement, LHC is continuing to trade by sending out casting opportunities to clients by email and inviting applications.
Equity recommends members do not engage with or accept new work through Lucy Harrison Casting, given its apparent insolvency and the risk, therefore, that earnings will not be paid.
Equity is ensuring that evidence of LHC’s continuing to trade is brought to the attention of appropriate authorities to investigate whether the offence of wrongful trading has been committed and, if so, to take appropriate action against its director.
For the vast majority of members contacting the union about non-payment prior to LHC’s liquidation, Equity secured payment of earnings. For the remainder, Equity had commenced pre-action stages of a claim against LHC. Unfortunately, given the agency’s liquidation, that claim and any future claims for members would now have no prospect of success.
However, Equity has made clear to the liquidators that artist earnings held by LHC must, as the law requires, not be treated as company assets and instead as belonging to the artist. We have secured assurances from the Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate that it will also ensure liquidators act accordingly.
We also understand LHC has indicated its intention to reopen its agency business under another company owned by LHC’s management. We have brought this information to the attention of appropriate authorities and recommend members exercise caution in this regard.
While the law offers limited protection against insolvent agents and engagers, Equity will continue to do all we can to hold this agency accountable and work to change a system in which reckless agents can walk away owing artists thousands in earnings.
If you are a member and have questions about Lucy Harrison Casting, contact us at agents@equity.org.uk.
