Movie studios curbing actors' use of social media

If you're expecting to get updates from celebrities on all their latest movies, you might be disappointed: Hollywood might be trying to curb celebrity use of social networks.

A Hollywood Reporter blog post recently reported that "there's a growing number of studio deals with new language aimed specifically at curbing usage of social-media outlets by actors, execs and other creatives." The studios hope confidential information about the films they're producing won't leak out on major social networks.

The Hollywood Reporter, Esq. blog reported that both Disney and DreamWorks have already added clauses to their talent contracts. A clause from Disney says that the actor should not make information available "via 'interactive media such as Facebook, Twitter, or any other interactive social network or personal blog.'"

Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

For its part, DreamWorks said Wednesday that no such clause exists in its talent contracts. "Everyone is allowed to use Twitter and other social networks," a company representative told me in a phone conversation.

It was originally believed that Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers were among the first celebrities to be affected by a reportedly new anti-social-media clause included in talent contracts from major studios.

According to DreamWorks, all of its contracts for anyone involved in a movie feature standard, "boilerplate" language saying the signer cannot mention their work on the movie until the studio has made an official announcement. After that, everyone working on the film (including celebrities), are free to talk about their films on any social-media platform.

In the end, it's not all that surprising that the film industry might be targeting social media. Earlier this year, the National Football League made its social-media policy public. That policy banned tweeting prior, during, and after a game for all players, coaches, referees, and media on-hand.

But whether targeting social networks is really the right move is up for debate. The Hollywood Reporter said that the new clauses might have been a reaction to leaks by celebrities tweeting information before it was supposed to come out. Paula Abdul, the publication said, announced her decision on Twitter to leave "American Idol," surprising Fox executives. Hollywood is trying to limit such leaks going forward.

It's understandable. And Hollywood has always limited what the talent can say about films. But is social media really the best target? Is it not a fine promotional tool? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Updated at 9:43 a.m. Wednesday PDT to include comments from DreamWorks.

[Orion Blastar]

Yeah so much for freedom of speech from Communist Hollywood. Da Comrade you can have a Twitter account, but you must not talk about your movie deals and the script and behind the scenes talk.

Hollywood seems Anti-Capitalist in this manner without the celebrities tweeting about the films they are in, Hollywood films won't become so popular. Twitter is a form of marketing so is Facebook and Myspace and other social networks.

[DavyBoyWonder]

I hope you are joking, but with the state of political discourse these day, you're probably completely serious.

[TotallyMadeUpName]

Think of it as a non-disclosure clause. I think the studios have every right to keep info about their projects under wraps. Just like every other American business does. If they choose not to utilize a particular source of publicity or marketing pursuant to an alternate marketing plan, shouldn't it be their choice. And if you personally disagree with there business approach, do you think they should give a rat's behind?

[MatchesMalone]

Yet another sector that doesn't get social media. Will be interesting to see what happens to the first celebrity that defies this edict. Will be fascinating to observe the response of the studio as well.

[kareljack]

I understand the intent behind this studio mandate... nothing like some dopey ditz of an actor/actress blabbing out spoilers to their adoring twitterverse..
It's not that different from an NDA... talk about what you had for breakfast, your pedicure ..whatever... but movie details are off limits.

[WestIsBest]

Oh common, it's not that the studios want to limit their buzz, it's that they don't get paid for it and THAT is why they are limiting it.

[trebor00]

another industry scared sh%&less of sm's reach and disruptive approach.

these antiquated practices are so scared of dealing with change, they try to introduce scare tactics and old school attitudes into contracts in a veiled attempt to salvage and justify bloated salaries and budgets. everyone is always trying to save their jobs - the producers, agents and lawyers - at the expense of the people that matter - i.e. the user.

how about utilize the medium in a collaborative effort as opposed to one that is adversarial?

[kgsbca]

It doesn't sound like anything more than a typical non-disclosure agreement. I doubt the studios are telling actors they can't have facebook sites or twitter accounts, they're just saying they can't release information through those channels unless they want them to.

[timintaiwan]

If Mike Meyers or Cameron Diaz were saying something on Facebook/twitter ... in this day and age.... I would just assume its their (or the studios) PR flacks touting the latest film under the guise of privileged insider-"friend" information.

[Phoebe_s]

Wanting to ensure that actors don't leak confidential info about films makes sense, and isn't specific to social media anyway. Beyond that, not only would such an initiative show a stunning lack of understanding of the marketing power of social media, it also seems like an unfair attempt to control celebrities' "private lives" (if they have such a thing).

[Cris_S]

I think it's a bit silly. I know that accidents can happen, but most of them aren't stupid and they're actually doing a great job of promoting their work through social media, hence, promoting the studios. They all have a nondisclosure agreement right? That I think is enough and more woul'd seem darn right ridiculous. But hey, that's just my opinion.