So-called “test deals” are helping TV studios and networks trim costs this pilot season, to the dismay of the talent side of the business, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Talent is being asked to sign contracts for pilots and series even before the auditions, giving them less leverage. Some of the concessions being asked include cutting what had been a residual for the first primetime rerun; that fee is now at times considered to be included in an actor’s salary.

–Elizabeth Jensen