I was wondering when I was looking on actorsaccess.com if i could submit for a project that was sag or said union because i am non-union. I don't have enough credits to join the union and i am also only 14. Also is disney unio? If so will they still consider booking you if there union and your not? Thanks a ton NickJ'sgirl.

You can submit to those, but I wouldnt go overboard. I'm non-union and saw something that I would fit very well, so submitted anyway.. and I did get a call from the casting director. however, that was also for a show that I had heard from many people would be more willing than most to cast non-union and give you a waiver.

as for your question about Disney..
Disney is a huge huge company. The chances that they will see someone that's not represented, and not in a union, and has very few credits are very very slim. I know Disney seems like a dream job, but this really is a very difficult business to get into, and you have to take it one step at a time. Disney is most likely not the level that you should try for right now. There are a lot of other opportunities out there that will help you learn, and where you'll still have a lot of fun.

You can't really call a company as a whole "union". It comes down to the individual projects they do. (although i think its safe to say everything disney does is union affiliated.) Disney's films are most likely going to have SAG contracts, so they would be looking for SAG actors. Disney theatre most likely has a contract with AEA (actors equity).

do a search for Unions on these boards and it will give you a lot of information. Also, check out the websites of the various unions.. SAG, AEA, AFTRA, they'll give you all sorts of information about joining, and what they do for you.

hope thats helpful!

You can submit to SAG jobs unless it says "Sag only". Many times the union status of a project is listed because people who are in unions can not do the non-union stuff.

Jenalicious gave you very good advice and tips. You are certainly on the right track by reading, asking questions and learning. Persistence and knowledge are everything in this business and you seem like a very smart girl for one so young so I am sure you will find your way in this business if this is what you want to do. You are off to a great start.

There is nothing wrong with sending your headshots to companies like Disney, etc. as long as you also understand the norms that they operate within (audition process, credits, unions, etc). You never know right? But in the meantime, as Jenalicious said, start doing some local stuff and begin building a resume. Maybe start submitting to agents and managers who can get you appointments to audition for those Disney projects when you are ready. Get training and keep learning and don't give up if this is what you really want to do.
Good Luck to you!

Hi NickJ'sgirl,

I always say, never say never! While you are non-union and can submit to both union and non-union, don't hesitate to submit for anything you feel you would be right for and don't let yourself be intimidated by who the production company is. Just submit! In this business, you never know what could happen and you won't know if you don't try. You may not be called in at first, but if you keep submitting and getting yourself on different casting director's radar, you're doing a great job of marketing yourself, which is part of the business of show business.

As far as Disney goes, in NY it might be different, but in LA, Disney has both union and non-union job opportunites all the time. They like to do non-union commercials and voice-overs so they can pay a buy-out fee (one time session fee) and not have to pay residuals. Diseny's frugal that way!

Also, all actors start out non-union unitl they get hired for union jobs, earn points for AEA or earn 3 SAG vouchers working background. Everyone starts somewhere, so don't let anything stop you from pushing forward. I also know a few actors who were unknown actors without agents who Disney hired for union jobs, so there ya go! You just never know what could happen. The key is to continue to train and gain as much experience as you can to help build your resume with theatre, student films, indie films, whatever. As you gain more credits or take new classes, send out postcards with your headshot on them and let casting directors (and agents if you're looking for a new one) know what your latest accomplishments are. This helps keep you on their radar.

Happy submitting!

You guys rock!!! Thanks a ton!

QUESTION -- NON UNION BUY OUT

So, let's say you have a non-union commercial for one year. When does that year start? When they shoot it or air it? And also, what do you do if it is running past one year.

Your contract should have all the details--it depends on what you negotiate.

OKAY. BOOKED A COMMERICIAL. THEY DON'T HAVE THE CONTRACT READY,YOU TRUST YOUR AGENT, SO YOU GO AHEAD WITH IT. THEY RUN A PERSON OVER FOR YOU TO SIGN THE CONTRACT, YOU DO - LOOKS GOOD ONE YEAR BUY OUT. THEY TELL YOU THEY WILL GET YOU A COPY, YOU NEVER GET A COPY. THEY TELL YOU THEY WILL GET THE COPY TO YOUR AGENT, YOU NEVER SEE A COPY. COMMERCIAL IS RUNNING OVER ONE YEAR.

Why are you shouting? In any case, have you discussed this with your agent?

I forgot that often posters think because I like to type with capitals that they think this is shouting. Sorry about that. I will discuss with our agent, but I thought that perhaps there was someone with knowledge about this on this site. I have read the post and was hoping that I could get a quick answer. It is really no big deal.