UK actors’ union Equity has issued a warning to its members not to engage with or accept new work through Lucy Harrison Casting (LHC) as concerns rise over its partial liquidation and alleged non-payment.
LHC describes itself as an acting and casting agency that represents “unique and diverse talent” with a focus on young actors and models across film, TV, theatre, advertising and music videos, with clients appearing in Apple film Blitz, Netflix series Kaos and BBC/A24 series Dreaming Whilst Black.
Equity’s statement said: “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.”
The union additionally noted, “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.”
A representative from LHC told Screen in response: “Two separate companies—Happy House Media Ltd and Happy House Productions Ltd—were both established in the same year [2021] and both have historically traded under the brand Lucy Harrison Casting.
“While Happy House Productions Ltd has recently entered voluntary liquidation, we are unable to comment on the details or circumstances surrounding that process.”
Happy House Productions Ltd recorded a loss of £66,791 in net assets in the financial year ending October 31 2024, while Happy House Media Ltd reported a loss of more than £2,878 over the same time. Edward Lightfoot is listed as director on Companies House for both companies.
The LHC rep continued: “However, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that Lucy Harrison Casting is not trading illegally. The brand is now operating solely under Happy House Media Ltd, a legally distinct entity that was incorporated over 12 months ago and is fully compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
“The continued operation of Lucy Harrison Casting under Happy House Media Ltd is lawful, transparent, and consistent with UK company law.”
Equity said for the vast majority of members contacting the union about non-payment prior to LHC’s liquidation, Equity had secured payment of earnings. For the remainder, Equity had commenced pre-action stages of a claim against LHC, but, “Unfortunately, given the agency’s liquidation, that claim and any future claims for members would now have no prospect of success.”
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