Allyson Berger’s journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by resilience, courage, and a steadfast commitment to fair treatment. Through her own challenges, she has become a powerful advocate for others, determined to ensure that actors and models don’t face the same hardships she did. With a focus on protecting her own rights and helping others do the same, Allyson stands as a reminder that using your voice and standing up for your worth not only transforms careers but also brings about meaningful change. Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of self-advocacy and perseverance.
1. What inspired you to share your story and advocate for fair treatment in the entertainment industry?
I wanted to share my story because I didn’t want other actors to experience what I went through. I wanted other actors and models in the industry to learn from my mistake so they can protect themselves and not get stuck in the situation that I did.
It is so heartbreaking to hear the devastating stories that have come out over the years about the dark side of the entertainment industry, and as much as light is brought to these unfortunate situations, it still goes on and I’m referring to unpaid wages, sexual exploitation, etc. The only way to really make it stop is to keep using our voices, stand up for ourselves and not be intimidated by what could happen.
2. Can you describe the challenges you faced when transitioning from NYC to Tampa and how you overcame them?
Some of the challenges I faced when I transitioned from NYC to Tampa was discovering that the pay scale was much lower, I felt like my auditions were not being seen by casting or production, the other actors I was up against were not experienced and they see acting more as a hobby rather than a profession and that the talent agents don’t work to protect their talent. I overcame these challenges by advocating for myself, which included doing my own submissions for jobs, negotiating on my behalf and doing my own due-diligence to make sure that the production was going to be run properly and I was going to be compensated with a rate that I felt comfortable with and it measured up with what the job was asking me to do.
3. How did your experience with the talent agency and the shoot affect your perspective on the industry and your career?
It made me very worrisome about trusting the talent agents in Florida, especially since other agencies in Florida, that I was freelancing with, besides the one involved in my billboard job, ended up showing their true colors of not working to protect me as their talent and being in breach of our contract. I’ve always believed that no one is going to fight for you and protect you as much as you are and what happened to me during my first year in Tampa with these talent agencies proved my statement to be true. Thanks to my tenacity and the reputation I built for myself, it did not affect my career and I have continued to have success.
4. What was the most difficult part of standing up for yourself in a situation where you felt taken advantage of?
The most difficult part about standing up for myself in a situation where I felt taken advantage of was people telling me how I would not get hired for work again. Everyone seems to have this mindset when it comes to being a whistleblower and I wish society would remove this stigma. When people came to me and told me this, I said to them, if another production company does not want to work with me because of this, then I wouldn’t want to work with them, because that means they are doing shady things and they would be nervous I would expose them. I try to surround myself with good, ethical people and that transpires into my work and personal life, so I was not concerned with how it would affect my career, I knew I would still come out on top and I did.
5. How did the SAG strikes influence your decision to advocate for fair compensation and treatment?
SAG really had nothing to do with what I went through nor did it influence my decision to advocate for fair compensation and treatment. It was just good timing that the SAG strike was happening at the same time that I was going through my situation, as we were fighting for the same thing; fair and proper compensation for our work.
6. What advice would you give to others who find themselves in a similar situation, where they feel they are being mistreated or underpaid?
I would tell them to speak up, ask questions and if they ever feel uncomfortable, to walk away. There is no job or dollar amount that should come before your health, well being and happiness.
7. How has standing up for yourself impacted your career and personal life?
Standing up for myself has only made me feel stronger and more confident in what I am doing in my life and in my career.
8. What are some key lessons you’ve learned from your experience in the entertainment industry?
Some key lessons I’ve learned from my experience is to always ask questions in advance and if someone has a problem answering those questions that means they are probably hiding something and you probably don’t want to be involved with them and that you always have a choice.
9. How do you maintain your mental and emotional well-being while navigating the challenges of freelancing in the entertainment industry?
I’m very grateful to have a fantastic support system that I am able to share my highs and lows with and they always keep me grounded and humble.
10. What strategies do you use to build and maintain confidence in your career despite facing adversity?
I deal with rejection every single day of my life and I have to remind myself that when I don’t get a job, it is not me, it’s that I wasn’t the look that they were going for. Some days are harder than others but I love what I do and I love the hustle so I have to just keep going.
11. How has your experience shaped your approach to working with others and advocating for their rights?
I try to share my experience and educate other actors as much as possible. Funny enough, while answering your questions, someone reach out to me through social media because they saw the video about my billboard job and were looking for guidance. All I want is to help prevent others from going through a similar situation like I did and I’m so grateful I can be there for other actors and that they feel comfortable enough to reach out to me for help.
12. Can you share a moment or success story that has reinforced your decision to stand up for yourself and others?
The fact that I am still working consistently and getting booked for work in and outside the state of Florida is all the reinforcement I need! I also received a lot of compliments and accolades from people in the industry when I stood up for myself, all in support of me and were proud of me.
13. How do you balance advocating for fair treatment with continuing to pursue opportunities and advance your career?
I deal with it everyday. More times than not, I act as my own manager so I am the one asking the questions to the production companies and negotiating with them to make sure I feel comfortable doing the job at the rate they are offering. There are plenty of times I turn down work because I think they are looking to take advantage and that is okay. I’d rather say no to a job than feel resentful for taking a job that isn’t measuring up to my worth and the work they are asking for me to do.
14. What changes would you like to see in the entertainment industry to better support and protect talent?
I would like to see more transparency about what a project is being used for and that information being disclosed to the talent. I would like to see more respect given towards talent. It seems that if you are not a household name, you don’t matter and that’s not fair. With the rise of UGC (user generated content), people need to realize more is involved than “just reading a 60 second script;” you have to do hair & make up, you have to set up your equipment, you have to film and then edit, all of those things are worth than just $50 for a video. Your time is just as valuable as anyone else’s and people need to realize that, respect it and compensate for it.
15. What message or piece of advice would you offer to women who are struggling to assert themselves or stand up for their worth in their own careers?
Don’t be afraid of the “what if.” Something isn’t right or you wouldn’t be questioning whether or not to say something. Practice in front of the mirror and speak your truth. You know your worth and so do they, or they wouldn’t have you involved in the first place. That was one of the worst parts of my billboard situation, someone from the ad agency had said to me, “I looked at your work and I was surprised that you were willing to take this job,” which meant he knew he was getting good talent for a cheap price. He knew the photoshoot was for a billboard, and I did not. People like this know what they are doing. Don’t let them win. I promise you, you will come out better on the other side and feel damn proud of yourself for standing up for yourself and so will I!
IG: @allysonberger
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