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How, When & Why to Join SAG-AFTRA

By 2, February 06, 2023

A common question amongst burgeoning actors contemplating joining SAG-AFTRA is how to go about doing it. While “How do I join the actor’s unions?” seems like a simple enough question, the answer is anything but. The best advice I can provide when it comes to this topic is to begin with these four steps:

• Believe in your talent and that you will be successful
• Make a commitment to daily work
• Train with the best to advance your skills
• Go after getting your own performance work

Following this advice will naturally put you in the best possible position for eligibility in the union when the timing is right in your acting career. With that in mind, it’s still incredibly valuable to understand how, why, and when it is appropriate to join the American labor union for film & TV, SAG-AFTRA.

What is SAG-AFTRA?

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) represents a broad range of media talent including actors, voiceover artists, recording artists, singers, announcers, broadcast journalists, news writers, news directors, program hosts, and stunt performers. This union is internationally recognized for holding some of the most well-respected talent within the entertainment industry.

How to Join SAG-AFTRA

There are two current ways you can become eligible to join SAG-AFTRA:

1. Booking a role in a SAG-AFTRA production.

   The first method is to book a principal or speaking role (actor/performer), or as a recording artist in a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) covered production. As an extra/ background actor, you are eligible to join SAG-AFTRA after working 3 full days of work at SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) pay scale. Please note that there is a 30-day grace period that allows you to perform in unlimited union roles before being a must-join on your next union booking.

2. The Open Door Sister Union method.

   If you’ve been a member in good standing of AEA, AGMA, AGVA, or GIAA for at least one year and have worked at least one day under that union’s jurisdiction as a principal, you are eligible to join SAG-AFTRA.

Why join SAG-AFTRA?

Many actors consider working in Film and TV to be the highest goal for professional career achievement. In order to work on notable career-advancing productions, you must be a member of SAG-AFTRA. As performers, we want to always expand our talent and artistic credits. Working in Film and TV is a crucial stepping-stone towards building a professional, sustainable performance career.

Benefits of Being in SAG-AFTRA

Working as a SAG-AFTRA member provides plenty of benefits that are not offered to non-union actors working on Film/TV.

Union Film/TV work:

• Ever-expanding work opportunities through New Media and Student film contracts
• Quality working conditions and safety on the set
• Excellent pay with residuals
• Health insurance (if you earn a certain yearly amount)
• Retirement Pension options
• Timely pay guarantees

There are a host of mental and psychological benefits to holding your SAG-AFTRA card. Seeing yourself in a more professional light after joining one of the most prestigious sought after union memberships cannot be discounted as one of the shining achievements of an actor’s career.

When to Join SAG-AFTRA

This is a more complicated question to answer than for other performance unions. After becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible, there are pros and cons to when is the best time in your career to join. Here are areas to explore that can lead you to the decision.

• Are you ready to compete for work against SAG-AFTRA actors that are your same age and type?
• Are your materials professional and competitive? Do they represent your talent at the best level? In film and TV, quality headshots that reflect the range and type you are most often cast are essential. Reels are now also a critical necessity for getting auditions and booking work in Film and TV. Your acting resume must reflect that you have experience in film/TV with at least some supporting, co-star, guest star, or lead level roles.
• Have you trained with well known on-camera teachers?
• Are you clear about your unique type and where you fit in the market? Do you know what types you are most often cast in?
• Do you have a targeted list of shows for which you would be a good fit for the world of the show?

Are you more interested in Commercial and Voiceover work than film?

An increasing number of commercials are being produced on non-union contracts over union jobs. This could be a major factor in postponing joining SAG-AFTRA. Delaying membership may allow you to play both sides of the fence. You can continue to work on non-union jobs as well as pursue union work. Once you book your next union job, that option goes away.

Do you have representation or are you seeking representation?

Many agents have a policy of working with either non-union or just union actors. This could be a big consideration in when to join the union. Commercial agents are interested in working with non-union talent in that area as there are increasing work opportunities and they get 20% commission on non-union commercials as opposed to 10% on union.

Discuss with any agent/manager that you are considering their suggestions of when to join the union if you are currently eligible.

Are you prepared to add a coach to your team?

In the highly competitive world of Film/TV, it can be difficult to even get cast in a role with under five lines. Having a professional coach (not your actor friend) can help you book work more quickly. Stars have learned this from the beginning of their careers, which in many cases, has been a contributing factor to their on-camera success. Are you ready to see yourself as the star of your own career?

The Industry Mindset

Many casting directors and producers are hesitant to bring in non-union actors for union film/TV roles. Whether right or wrong, that is simply the reality. Don't fight the system; instead,  continue to evaluate when joining the union will open more doors than it closes. Additionally, consider how it will elevate the level of the film/TV credits that you currently have.

Where is your market?

Does your home market offer you enough professional work to build and sustain a professional Film/TV career?  Do your research. Know what is shooting in your state and surrounding area. Know the markets in which you can be a local hire. Once you begin booking local work, the next question will be if you should move to a major market like LA, NY, or Atlanta, which may offer you more work opportunities.

Ponder this information seriously. Whether you’re on your way towards becoming a SAG-AFTRA actor or need a bit more time to fine-tune your craft, you can become the CEO of your own career with Up-To-Date-Actor. Discover a world of resources that will help set you on the right path towards becoming a working actor when you sign up for a free trial with us today!