SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals.

What does the Screen Actors Guild do for actors?

SAG claimed exclusive jurisdiction over motion picture performances, and shared jurisdiction of radio, television, Internet, and other new media with its sister union AFTRA, with which it shared 44,000 dual members. Internationally, the SAG was affiliated with the International Federation of Actors.

Who is the current president of the Screen Actors Guild?

SAG-AFTRA Elects Fran Drescher as President. Joely Fisher was also voted in to succeed Camryn Manheim as the union's secretary-treasurer.

Do actors have to join SAG?

It only becomes a requirement – as a condition of employment- if you wish to work any SAG-AFTRA jobs going forward. Many actors opt not to join, even after they become must-joins; choosing, instead, to remain eligible to join while continuing to work non-union jobs until they are cast in another SAG-AFTRA job.

Can a child be a member of the Screen Actors Guild?

Screen Actors Guild is distinctive in offering all minors the opportunity to be full-fledged members of a labor union. ... The committee has provided invaluable services for actors including the revision of the California Labor Code as it applies to work by minors in entertainment.

What is SAG-AFTRA and How Do You Join? | When Should You Join SAG-AFTRA?

Who gets a SAG card?

SAG-AFTRA membership is available to those who work in a position covered by a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement, provided that any person qualifying through work as a background actor must have completed three (3) days of work as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) ...

Do babies have to join SAG?

Here's the technical lowdown on kids and SAG-AFTRA. The first time your child does a SAG-AFTRA job in a principal role, they will get a Taft-Hartley waiver. ... After the 30 days, your child will be considered a “must-join,” which means they can't perform another SAG-AFTRA job until they join the union.

What is SAG minimum pay?

The SAG Low Budget Agreement applies to films with budgets between $700,000 and $2,000,000, making this the SAG pay scale of most independent films. Under this contract, actors must make a SAG day rate of $670, or $2,324 per week. If you're working with some actors who aren't in the guild, don't worry.

Is my name taken in Sag?

Your name is already taken by a SAG-AFTRA (union) actor, you won't be able to use it as your professional name. Or if you have a rather common name, like Joe Smith or John Doe. (Come to think of it… that's taken too.)

Can you be on TV without being in Sag?

They're a bit different, but the bottom line is this: Once you're a member, you can't work nonunion gigs anymore. That means nonunion movies, TV shows, commercials, internet projects, student films, and even industrials are off-limits starting the moment you join.

Who won SAG?

Fran Drescher was elected president of SAG-AFTRA. Fran Drescher, who starred in the 1990s CBS show “The Nanny,” was elected president of SAG-AFTRA in a closely watched election that highlighted ongoing divisions inside Hollywood's largest union.

Where can I find SAG actors?

iActor is an online casting service that provides a free, easy-to-use database of SAG-AFTRA members to qualified casting professionals.

When was Reagan SAG president?

From 1947 to 1952, Reagan served as president of the Screen Actors Guild, during which time he worked to root out alleged communist influence within it. In the 1950s, he moved to a career in television and became a spokesman for General Electric.

Why should I join SAG?

Of course, being in SAG-AFTRA is more than just a chance for you to declare, 'I AM A PROFESSIONAL!” Being union also offers tons of benefits which included contracts and collective bargaining (to maintain wages and workplace conditions), pension and retirement, free workshops and classes, casting workshops, members ...

What does it mean to get your SAG card?

A SAG card demonstrates membership of the union, which helps to establish status as a performer and provides workers' rights. ... During her acceptance speech for the outstanding actress award in 2013's SAG awards, Jennifer Lawrence mentioned how she got a place in the guild.

What is a SAG member?

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 performers and media professionals across 25 locals in the United States who work in film and digital motion pictures, television programs, commercials, video games, corporate/educational and non-broadcast productions, new media, television and radio news outlets, as well as ...

Can you change sag name?

A member may update their professional name and/or legal name by submitting a written request. Upon receipt by SAG-AFTRA, availability will be verified and when confirmed the name will be updated in the system.

What is SAG-AFTRA eligible?

The term “SAG-AFTRA-eligible” (sometimes referred to as “SAG-eligible” or “SAG-E”), is a designation that signifies that an actor has met the requirements necessary to join the SAG-AFTRA union.

Is my name available on equity?

Equity receives applications on a daily basis and cannot guarantee the availability of names over the phone or web. Equity also represents singers, designers, stage managers, stunt performers and variety artists (amongst a wide range of performers), so it may be that another member will already have your chosen name.

What is a Schedule F performer?

“Schedule F -- Television contract performers whose weekly guaranteed salary is in excess of $4,650$4,400 per week and theatrical contract performers whose weekly guaranteed salary is in excess of $6,000$5,500 per week; television multiple picture performers receiving more than $4,650$4,400 per week or who are ...

Can SAG actors work for free?

You can work for free...just do not work non-union, but movies made for fun on pennies can become signatory and use union talent! ... You can work on a non-union short being made for fun...but either you or the producer has to sign a SAG-AFTRA contract and abide by its rules.

How much do extras get paid?

How much money do you make as a movie extra? Extras can earn anywhere from minimum wage to more than $50 per hour. Typically they'll get paid for a full day even if they're needed for only a few hours.

How do I become a child actor?

The best place to find auditions and casting calls for kids is through an online casting platform like Backstage, at least at first. Once a child actor has secured representation, their agent will have direct connections to casting directors and can submit them for bigger roles with major networks and studios.

How long can child actors work a day?

Work Hours for Minors in the Entertainment Industry are restricted. Minors in the entertainment industry may not work more than eight hours in a day [LC 1308.7 and 1392] or more than 48 hours in a week [LC 1308.7].

How old do you have to be to be in Sag-aftra?

(4) Minors who have reached the age of sixteen (16) years but who have not attained the age of eighteen (18) years may be permitted at the place of employment for ten (10) hours (excluding meal periods, but including school time).