The Purpose of Unions in The Entertainment Industry

In the entertainment industry talent managers and agents must be kept abreast of various organizations that have impact on the industry’s day-to-day operations, such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) & the American Federal of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Actors inquire a lot about the purpose of SAG and becoming a member.  The rules and regulations are convoluted and difficult to sort out at times.  To simplify the reason SAG & AFTRA exist is mainly to protect the talent, they are known as the rite-of-passage for the serious talent.  They ensure that the talent is treated with respect and paid according to their worth.  These union organizations establish rules, regulations and guidelines by which the talent and the entertainment professionals (directors, producer, etc.) must follow.

Of course there are certain eligibility requirements for a non-union actor must fill in order to become a member.  It is called being SAG eligible. One way is working on a SAG project in a principal or background role and gaining “Taft Hartley” status.  The producer would complete a principal form or a background acting form for the actor, then turn it in to the SAG office within 15 working days.  These are known as vouchers. 

TIP:  the actor should get a photocopy of the completed form for their personal records.  Wait to hear from the SAG office before adding “SAG Eligible” on your resume.

NY Casting site: Performers are eligible to join Screen Actors Guild after working on a SAG film in a principal role, gaining “Taft Hartley” status 15 days after the first day of work or meeting background entry requirements. 

According to Acting Answers! There are other avenues to enter into SAG. 

The annual base membership cost is $198.00.  Dues are based on how much the talent makes annually.

The next question is can an actor achieve success without becoming a SAG member, especially in the beginning of their career?  I would answer, yes.  Non-union actors can take both non-union and union roles, whereas, union members are restricted to union roles.