Addendum: we are PROUD members of SAG-AFTRA, and we do believe that being members shows other professionals in the industry that WE are professionals. So in that regard, there is a sense of "status" that comes with joining the Union. It is an accomplishment and milestone to be celebrated in an actor's career. That said, though, joining the Union does not unlock some secret level of your career in which CDs or Producers will suddenly start hiring you only because of that status. And again, all this advice is for actors living in Right-To-Work states.
What a timely post. I just received my congratulations letter on Friday that I am eligible to join. Now that they provide an ultra low budget plan, does this incentivize a win/win for filmmakers and Sag-Aftra actors? And if filmmakers and writers are strapped financially, which is often the case, couldn’t actors invest in the film as producers or individually if they want to support the project? I ask this because I too would like to support the union on principal/le yet not limit myself in a right-to-work state. Lastly, does the union have health insurance? Thanks, Matt, for these informative videos. I look forward to The Scuttlebutt newsletter every Monday morning.
Congrats on the letter, Donna! To answer your first question, the union has done a lot to make it easier for producers to hire union talent through these low-budget agreements. They’ve had them for years and years in different forms. So while the union has made the effort, unfortunately producers don’t always see the value. There’s a lot of work still to be done in that arena. As for insurance, there is AWESOME insurance offered if you make just over $25K a year in union income. The secret, though, is that you don’t have to be a member to qualify for the insurance. I will say it’s stressful to make that minimum every year.
I have been in the union for awhile, but now live in Franklin TN. A great Christian Market for songwriters/singers. It would be cool to be able to do some non-union work from time to time and I am working towards hooking up more in the Atlanta scene after living in New York, for a number of years. What's your take on online or in person workshops, meeting with Casting directors, directors in the business, like "One on One productions." Or other sources? Love the videos!!!
One thing the union would say is that you can work to try and "flip" non-union projects. That is, let's say you know some folks getting ready to produce a low-budget project. You could educate them on how easy it is to make the project union, many times without affecting their budget. Easier said than done, as I've found in my career. As far as online workshops, if you're going to get 1-on-1 face time and feedback from the guest, then it may be worth the cost of the workshop. It's really a case-by-case discussion based on your existing relationship with the guest, their "pull" in the industry, and how many people will also be in the workshop with you.
Guilt tripping people? Seriously. Really inappropriate, nor is it anyone’s business what someone’s choice is in regards to joining. And the whole Ficore fear mongering is bogus.
I’m so sorry you saw the video through that lens. That was not the intent. I’d love some more context of your experience with the union to understand why you had such an adverse reaction. Because hopefully you heard me say things like “only when it’s right for you” and “if you’re still making most of your money from non-union sources it’s probably not the right time.” Believe me, guilt-tripping union members were also a reason I delayed my decision to join. So that was not at all the spirit of the video.
Addendum: we are PROUD members of SAG-AFTRA, and we do believe that being members shows other professionals in the industry that WE are professionals. So in that regard, there is a sense of "status" that comes with joining the Union. It is an accomplishment and milestone to be celebrated in an actor's career. That said, though, joining the Union does not unlock some secret level of your career in which CDs or Producers will suddenly start hiring you only because of that status. And again, all this advice is for actors living in Right-To-Work states.
Awesome Input. Loved every bit of it.
I look forward to joining SAG-AFTRA as soon. And yes. I would buy toothpaste form you. Those are some pearly whites! ;)
I got some snake oil to sell you in addition to that tooth paste 😁😁😁
What a timely post. I just received my congratulations letter on Friday that I am eligible to join.
Now that they provide an ultra low budget plan, does this incentivize a win/win for filmmakers and Sag-Aftra actors? And if filmmakers and writers are strapped financially, which is often the case, couldn’t actors invest in the film as producers or individually if they want to support the project? I ask this because I too would like to support the union on principal/le yet not limit myself in a right-to-work state.
Lastly, does the union have health insurance?
Thanks, Matt, for these informative videos. I look forward to The Scuttlebutt newsletter every Monday morning.
Congrats on the letter, Donna! To answer your first question, the union has done a lot to make it easier for producers to hire union talent through these low-budget agreements. They’ve had them for years and years in different forms. So while the union has made the effort, unfortunately producers don’t always see the value. There’s a lot of work still to be done in that arena.
As for insurance, there is AWESOME insurance offered if you make just over $25K a year in union income. The secret, though, is that you don’t have to be a member to qualify for the insurance. I will say it’s stressful to make that minimum every year.
I have been in the union for awhile, but now live in Franklin TN. A great Christian Market for songwriters/singers. It would be cool to be able to do some non-union work from time to time and I am working towards hooking up more in the Atlanta scene after living in New York, for a number of years. What's your take on online or in person workshops, meeting with Casting directors, directors in the business, like "One on One productions." Or other sources? Love the videos!!!
I forgot to mention, I happen to see you in a movie! Great job!
One thing the union would say is that you can work to try and "flip" non-union projects. That is, let's say you know some folks getting ready to produce a low-budget project. You could educate them on how easy it is to make the project union, many times without affecting their budget. Easier said than done, as I've found in my career.
As far as online workshops, if you're going to get 1-on-1 face time and feedback from the guest, then it may be worth the cost of the workshop. It's really a case-by-case discussion based on your existing relationship with the guest, their "pull" in the industry, and how many people will also be in the workshop with you.
@@reneemcneil1584 Thanks for spotting me! :)
Guilt tripping people? Seriously. Really inappropriate, nor is it anyone’s business what someone’s choice is in regards to joining. And the whole Ficore fear mongering is bogus.
I’m so sorry you saw the video through that lens. That was not the intent. I’d love some more context of your experience with the union to understand why you had such an adverse reaction.
Because hopefully you heard me say things like “only when it’s right for you” and “if you’re still making most of your money from non-union sources it’s probably not the right time.” Believe me, guilt-tripping union members were also a reason I delayed my decision to join. So that was not at all the spirit of the video.