I started acting only 2 months a go, since I have done 3 ultra small independent films as a background and 1 feature studio film as a background, my dilema is to join or not sag, I know the diferences between but I would like some advise, is there better and or more oportunities for a sag actor thats someone non union or is it pretty much the same oportunities?? please help me deside.

Arti Delapaz

From the look of your experience-three background gigs-you aren't ready to join SAG. I would get some speaking roles under your belt, as well at traing, headshots(if you don't have this already), etc. I don't see how you would be eligible to anyway, unless all 3 jobs were on a SAG voucher.

There are more opportunities to act as non-union. The better jobs are union-principal and background both-but they are tougher to get.

Agreed.

Too often, many fledgling actors feel the need to get their SAG card before they really should.

Instead, focus all your energy on learning the craft and building your resume. For once you get your union card, YOU CANNOT ACCEPT ANY OTHER ACTING ROLES BUT UNION ONES.

Something to think about.

arite, its all depends. no two actors have the same career paths.

but the guild has a specific purpose. Its like a labor union for any other industry. contracts and negotiations and keeping mgmt in line as well as focusing on safety issues and it empowers the workers to better conditions and wages as well as many other things.

one thing the guild dont hot have is a hiring hall.

like any other union, if you join be ready to be a professional. one who does it for money. you have to be good enough to be hired again and again to make a living.

I sometimes resent the way Non-union people calls the SAG membership a "CARD". It is more than a card you carry, its a commitment to a way of life.

you dont go join the iron workers union if you arent an iron worker, nor the doorman union if you arent a doorman.. etc etc..

ARE YOU AN ACTOR ?

and even if you think you are, what does the rest of the world think ?

it wont do you any good if you cannot market yourself in the professional enviorment. you just end up back where you started, except you as they all say, cannot do non-union work.

and also why type of acting are you referring to, you mentioned you did BG a few times, but if that is all you wish to do, then go ahead and join.

but it isnt the end of the world if you join and still need reel material. Many student films sign the SAG agreements for such and is the same no pay but reel provided stuff. Also sag offers many low budget contracts for indies. so it sint like you wont get a chance to build your reel if you join.

I think what you may want to do, call up the union's membership dept, and really have a sit down with the guy. u need appointment, he will discuss yoru current eligibility as well as some basic points of when it is time to join...

Once you get some work and become eligible theres a way to work in both Union and non union projects that SAG won't tell you about

quote:

Originally posted by Thespian28:
Once you get some work and become eligible theres a way to work in both Union and non union projects that SAG won't tell you about

Huh? If you are referring to financial core-SAG does tell you about it, and obviously says don't do it. If you are merely "eligible" you can work both union and non for 30 days after you become eligible, and after that if you do union work you must join. Until you join you can always do n/u work.

This is a question that I've asked my manager, as well as Casting Directors that I met.

"When should I join SAG?"

Their answer is always the same: "When you become SAG-Must Join"

Then you want to think about is... if you are ready. Remember, once you joined the union, you can no longer do Non-Union projects.

Thank you very much, you have been very helpfull, this was great inside info. and I think I made up my mind for now, I am fully comitted to be a full time actor and be profesional, I am currently enrolled in a n acting workshop and casting class as well as have my pro headshots. I take pride in what I do and Im always a profesional. I am now getting some paid background work in feature network shows, and is very encouraging since I only deside to be an actor about 3 months a go. I think I will continue to work non union for some time until I have more experience and a bigger resume and Im eleigible for SAG.
Once again, thank you for all the advice.

Arti

arti, just so you know, there is no ladder to climb. actors are actors, extras are extras, and stand in are standing in.

you dont start off as an extra, then move up a ladder to any next level. this isnt the real world.

if you wish to be an actor, then only acting will beget the acting jobs.

quote:

Originally posted by Arti:
I started acting only 2 months a go, since I have done 3 ultra small independent films as a background and 1 feature studio film as a background, my dilema is to join or not sag, I know the diferences between but I would like some advise, is there better and or more oportunities for a sag actor thats someone non union or is it pretty much the same oportunities?? please help me deside.

Arti Delapaz

Hi, Arti --

Are you even eligible to join SAG? Unlike AFTRA, where you just walk in the door, give them your money and you're a member -- SAG requires either that you be cast in a SAG production or that you obtain vouchers by doing background work.

Regardless, given your experience, I'd say you're definitely not ready to join SAG. Keep working non-union jobs and build up your resume (and, eventually, your reel) -- and THEN think about joining a union.