The more you know:
The casting couch, casting-couch syndrome or casting-couch mentality is a term which refers to the trading of sexual favors by an aspirant, apprentice employee or subordinate to a superior in return for entry into an occupation, or for other career advancement within an organization. The term "casting couch" originated in the motion picture industry, with specific reference to couches in offices that could be used for sexual activity between casting directors or film producers and aspiring actresses or actors.