TV 'test deals' putting squeeze on residuals

"Test deals" are making a lot of people, well, testy this pilot season. TV studios and broadcast networks are insisting on new talent concessions to shave off-the-top costs like residuals. The test deals, which set the terms of employment for both the pilot and series, are tough for talent reps to negotiate because they must be signed before an actor auditions -- when he or she has little leverage to extract concessions. Full story