The Screen Actors Guild - SAG - Covers actors performing in motion pictures, prime time TV programs, most TV commercials, industrial and educational films, student and experimental films and anything else shot on film. You may become eligible for SAG membership under one of the following conditions:

Principal Performer Employment - Performers may join SAG upon proof of employment or prospective employment within two weeks or less by a SAG signatory company. Employment must be in a principal or speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial. Proof of such employment may be in the form of a signed contract, a payroll check or check stub, or a letter from the company (on company letterhead). The document proving employment must provide the following information: applicant's name and Social Security number, the name of the production or the commercial (the product name), the salary paid in dollar amount, and the specific date(s) worked. OR

Extra Players Employment - Performers may join SAG upon proof of employment as a SAG covered extra player at full SAG rates an conditions for a MINIMUM of three work days subsequent to March 25, 1990. Employment must be by a company signed to a SAG Extra Players Agreement, and in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial. Proof of such employment must be in the form of a signed employment voucher (or time card), plus a payroll check or check stub. Such documents must provide the same information listed above.OR

Employment Under an Affiliated Performers' Union - Performers may join SAG if the applicant is a current paid-up member in good standing of an affiliated union (AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA, ACTRA) for a period of at least one year or longer and can prove that you have worked as a principal performer in the jurisdiction of that union at least once. Performers who join SEG, may also be eligible to join SAG provided they are currently paid up. OR

Joining Fee - The joining fee is $904.50 of which $862 represents the initiation fee and $42.50 basic semi-annual dues. In addition, new applicants may pay 1.5% of any SAG earnings over $5,000 which were earned during the year prior to their joining. No personal checks are accepted for joining fees. Fees may be lower if you join in some branch areas, OR if you are a paid-up member of an affiliated performers' union.

Dues - SAG dues are based on SAG earnings, and are billed twice each year. Each SAG member will pay basic annual dues of $85.00. In addition, those members earning more than $5,000 per year under SAG contracts will pay 1.5% of such income in excess of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000. Members who are paying full dues to another performers' union an earn less than $25,000 per year under SAG contracts will receive a reduction of $20 per year and $10 per year thereafter. Members who SAG earnings exceed $25,000 per year will pay full dues, regardless of other guild affiliations.

Legitimacy of Application - Your application and proof of employment will be fully investigated by the Guild. Your application for SAG membership will be denied if you have falsified your credentials, or if your qualifying employment is not bona fide. While it is your responsibility to ascertain the validity of your qualifying employment, the Guild will be the sole arbiter in determining whether the employer was legitimate or bogus, and whether the qualifying employment which you performed was actual production work or work created solely to enable you to gain Guild membership. Please be aware that false representation or deception on your part will jeopardize your chances to join the Guild. Further, if after your application has been granted, the Guild discovers such misconduct on your pat, you may find yourself subject to disciplinary proceedings which could result in your being fined, suspended and/or expelled from SAG.

Appointments for Admission - If you are eligible under the conditions above, please contact the nearest SAG office before going in so they can advise you of the amount of your joining fee and arrange an appointment with the New Membership Department.
 
 

AFTRA Facts - AFTRA is a nationwide organization of more than 70,000 members. It is chartered by the Associated Actors and Artists of American (commonly known as the 4 As) and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

Members - Every performer who speaks, sings or acts before the microphone or television camera. Additionally people engaged to make transcriptions, video tape commercials, recording and slide films.

Benefits - AFTRA can negotiate a legally binding contract, protecting and securing the rights of radio and TV performers through collective bargaining. If you are employed on a staff basis, it guarantees you vacations, holiday pay, sick leave and termination pay; also freedom from onerous hours, split shifts, unfair scheduling and unjustified discharge. AFTRA promotes improved labor-management relations an good will. You as an individual member attain the dignity warranted your professional s a result of AFTRA's enviable position in the broadcasting and TV field. Its history of good relations with management, of battles fought fairly and openly, and agreements lived up to. AFTRA always keeps its word. You are based by an accepted national organization.

Initiation Fee - An initiation fee ($600 in the Miami Local) is the only method, tested through the years, which enables the newcomer to AFTRA to share in the past achievements of the older member in securing improved working conditions an better wages. It is payment in lieu of time an battle which older members of the organization contributed to secure the benefits which the new members receive at once. This initiation fee entitles an active member to rights an benefits which accrue to AFATRA members anywhere in the nation.

Dues - Dues are assessed on the basis of your earnings in AFTRA's jurisdiction. The Miami Local requires dues to be paid semi-annually in advance, but are assessed for the current year on your earnings for the previous year. Dues dates are the first of May and November.

Member Responsibilities -You must:(1) Live up to the intent and terms of AFTRA contracts; (2) bring to the attention of your shop steward or executive director any infraction of AFTRA codes, agreements an rules; (3) refer questions of interpretation, application or fees to your executive director; (4) file membership performance reports for every transcription an video tape engagement; and (5) keep your current home address and telephone number on file with your AFTRA office. You must not: (1) Accept an engagement to perform for an unfair agency or producer; (2) pay any agent commission in excess of 10 percent; (3) pay any commission which reduces your compensation below the established code, contract or agreement rates. You are expected to: (1) Attend AFTRA meetings, to express your opinion without fear or favor, to vote as your reason and conscience direct; (2) read and be familiar with the subject matter of all AFTRA communications; (3) pay your dues on time; (4) take your suggestions an complaints on AFTRA administration and AFTRA affairs to your executive director or your officers, not to management or into a gripe session; (5) be thoroughly familiar with the contract provisions under which you work; work to strengthen the position an bargaining power of your union through active participation in all AFTRA affairs.

Contracts - You have the advice and assistance of experienced AFTRA representatives, but the basic elements of the contract demands are up to you. Of course, the terms of the completed contract depend on the final results of negotiations with your employer.

AFTRA Local Administration - Each Local schedules regular membership meetings, at which all members are expected to be present and participate in making decisions and framing the policies of their union. In addition, the membership elects officers (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer) and a Local Board of Directors to carry on the affairs of the Local between membership meetings. Also, each Local has an executive director, a paid representative who is in charge of the administrative day to day operations of the Local.

Over-Scale Artists - If it were not for the AFTRA minimum, you could not be over-scale. By raising the starting point from which you bargain, AFTRA has made it possible for you to reach a higher standard. In addition, there are many clauses in the AFTRA Codes other than those covering fees which work to your benefit, such as clauses covering arbitration, protection against unfair producers, health and retirement, etc.

AFTRA/Employer Relations - It will probably cost an employer a little more money, but in the long run it will help. A satisfied performer is a better performer, and establishing a definite scale of fees and clearly defined obligations will help your station management or an agency in his dealings with clients. The majority of the thousands of their employers who are signatories to AFTRA pacts will agree with this statement. AFTRA has a reputation for being firm but reasonable.

Transition - If you are going to be out of the media for a period of time in excess of six months, send written request to the AFTRA office for a suspended payment. This will relieve you from paying dues until such time as you resume activity under AFTRA auspices. However, if you return to active status before six months have expired you will have to pay the interim dues. Any paid up member moving to the jurisdiction of another Local should request a transfer from the AFTRA office. Keep in touch with your AFTRA office.

Qualifying Criteria - Performes wh oqualify for audition priority must provide proof that at least one of the following standards has been met:

(A) The performer was employed solely as a stage peformer and has earned as salary, in any one calendar year, for performing onstage before live audiences (other than in an amateur or community theatre), for at least four consecutive weeks, a sum at least equal to four consecutive weeks' bona fide minimum salary plus fringer health and pension benefits ("eligible rate"), or the dollar equivalent, as established in the Theatre for Your Audiences Agreement in effect during the applicable year: provided, howver, tha employment secured in excess of four continuous weeks (including rehearsal) must have been compensated at a uniform weekly rate of compensation (which rate is not less than the "eligible rate") for each week of employment; OR

(B) The peformer was employed as a peformer in motion pictures, TV or radio and has, in any one calendar year, earned as salary in tha medium the equivalent of the formula and rates set forth above; OR

(C) The peformer has completed, since 1981, no less than 40 weeks of stage peformance in professional theatres, before live audiences, as an apprentice performer, under the training of, and as a peforming member of, a company of stage performers, the majority of whom have met the qulaifying theatre criteria, as set forth above.

Application Procedures - Information sheets and application forms are available from any Equity office either in peson or by mail. Applications must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Processing of applications will take place at the New York Equity office. The Auditions Department will verify the information supplied and, if it determines tha the applicant meets the minimum standards, the applicant will be so notified, billed the appropriate fee, and upon payment be issued the qualifying credentials. Processing of applications should be completed approximately two weeks after receipt.

Documentary Evidence - Together wiht the completed applicaton, the applicant must provide actual proof of employment as outlined in the applicaton. Eligibility will be approved on the basis of the documentation provided. Letters from producers or employers are not sufficient documentation. You must show proof of four consecutive work weeks; salaried work at the eligible rate; payment to the performer as a performer; and/or performance on a live stage, in a film or on TV. You must submit such proof for (1) theatre employment by a contract stating full emloyment dates and salary information; and a playbill/program with performance date(s) and role(s) played; and pay stubs showing four consecutive weeks of employment, together with adequate proof of payment for fringe benefits (paid bills, checks, receipts, etc.); and (2) film and/or television employment by a bona fide film/TV payroll company W-2 form or 1099 form, or a contrct or employment voucher accompanied by a copy of the payment check.

Appeals - If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the minimum standards, the application will be denied by written notice to the applicaht. The applicant will be supplied with information with regard to the appeals system. Appeal determinations will be based soely on the evidence provided. Final determinations will be made by a neutral arbitrator.

Fees - A current annual fee of $17.00 will be charged to any peforme who is eligible to audition. Payments made in person will not be accepted after 3:00 pm. No pesonal checks will be accepted. Do not include payment with your application.

Eligibility Rates - You need only meet the applicable rate in any on year. Example: $322 x 4 weeks = $1,288 (Rates may change from year to year, so contact AEA for the applicable rates.)

Actor's Equity Association Addresses - 165 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036;

203 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601;

6430 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

The American Guild of Musical Artists - AGMA - Covers performers in operas and other classical music productions and concerts and dancers.