How Does an Actor Become Fi-Core?
Understanding the process
(By Jim Webb)
(Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels)
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Becoming Fi-Core (Financial Core) is a significant decision for actors, as it allows them to work both union and non-union jobs. However, it also involves relinquishing some union rights and can carry a degree of controversy in the entertainment industry. If you’re an actor considering Fi-Core status, it’s necessary to understand what this status entails, the process of opting for it, and the potential consequences.
What Is Fi-Core?
Fi-Core, short for Financial Core, is a legal status that allows actors to partially withdraw from full union membership while still retaining some of the benefits, such as health and pension plans, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Fi-Core actors pay a portion of union dues but give up certain privileges like voting rights, attending union meetings, and serving on committees.
Fi-Core is an option for actors who want more freedom to take on non-union projects without facing penalties from their union, such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). However, choosing Fi-Core means no longer being a full member of the union, which can affect an actor’s standing within the industry.
Why Do Actors Choose Fi-Core?
Actors typically choose Fi-Core for the following reasons:
Increased work opportunities: Fi-Core actors can work on both union and non-union productions, giving them more job flexibility.
Geographic or market limitations: Actors in regions with fewer union projects may go Fi-Core to take advantage of more non-union work.
Personal financial reasons: Actors may need to take non-union jobs to sustain themselves during times when union work is scarce.
Creative freedom: Fi-Core allows actors to work on independent or experimental projects that may not fall under union contracts.
Steps to Becoming Fi-Core
Understand the Legal Implications
Before deciding to go Fi-Core, it’s important to fully understand the legal and professional implications of this status. While Fi-Core is a legal option under U.S. labor law, it can significantly affect your career trajectory, reputation, and relationships in the industry. Union members may view Fi-Core actors as undermining the union’s collective bargaining power, and casting directors or producers may prefer hiring full union members. Fi-Core actors are also ineligible to participate in union activities or vote on important union matters.
Decide If Fi-Core Is Right for You
Consider your specific career needs and goals. Some factors to think about include:
Work availability: Are non-union projects more common in your area or field (e.g., commercials, voice-overs, independent films)?
Financial stability: Will Fi-Core status open up more opportunities for you to earn a living?
Long-term goals: Do you aspire to work on high-profile union projects that might require full union membership, or are you more interested in non-union or independent work?
Contact Your Union (SAG-AFTRA)
To begin the process of becoming Fi-Core, you need to contact your union directly. For actors in the United States, this usually means contacting SAG-AFTRA. You will need to inform the union of your intention to change your membership status to Fi-Core.
Once you express your intent to go Fi-Core, the union will typically:
Provide you with information: The union may explain the consequences of this decision and what you will be giving up by opting for Fi-Core status. They may also attempt to persuade you to remain a full member.
Send formal paperwork: To move forward with the process, the union will likely provide you with a formal request form or require a written declaration stating that you wish to resign from full membership and become Fi-Core.
Submit a Resignation Letter
To officially change your status to Fi-Core, you will need to submit a formal resignation letter to the union. This letter should clearly state that you are resigning from full union membership but wish to retain Financial Core status. The union may have specific instructions or forms for this, so be sure to follow their guidance.
Pay the Required Fi-Core Dues
Fi-Core actors are still required to pay a portion of union dues, usually around the same amount as full members (minus political contributions). The exact percentage may vary depending on the union, but expect to continue paying dues to maintain access to certain benefits, such as health insurance and pension.
Since you are no longer a full member, these dues will not go toward certain union expenses, such as lobbying or political activities. However, they will still cover administrative costs and help sustain your eligibility for union benefits.
Understand What You’re Giving Up
Once you become Fi-Core, you are no longer considered a full member of SAG-AFTRA. Here’s what you lose by opting for Fi-Core:
Voting rights: You can no longer vote on union leadership, contracts, or policy decisions.
Union involvement: You lose the ability to attend union meetings, serve on committees, or participate in union-led initiatives.
Member-only opportunities: Full union members may have access to union-exclusive workshops, networking events, casting notices, and other opportunities that will no longer be available to you as a Fi-Core actor.
Start Accepting Non-Union Work
Once your status is officially changed to Fi-Core, you are free to accept both union and non-union jobs. This allows you to pursue opportunities that might have been off-limits before, such as non-union commercials, independent films, or regional theater that doesn’t operate under union contracts.
However, keep in mind that while you may find more job opportunities, there is often less protection and pay in non-union jobs. Non-union productions may not adhere to union rules regarding wages, overtime, safety, and working conditions, so it’s important to understand the risks involved in non-union work.
Pros and Cons of Going Fi-Core
Pros:
Greater flexibility: You can take non-union jobs without facing penalties.
More work opportunities: If you live in a market with fewer union projects, Fi-Core can provide more chances to work.
Retain benefits: You still have access to health and pension benefits (if eligible).
Cons:
Loss of voting rights: You can no longer influence union leadership or policies.
Reputation risks: You may face stigma or backlash from other actors, casting directors, or industry professionals who strongly support unions.
Fewer union protections: Non-union jobs often offer lower pay and fewer protections than union jobs.
Becoming Fi-Core is a personal decision that can impact both your career and professional relationships. While it offers more flexibility to take non-union work, it comes with the loss of union privileges and potential industry stigma. Before deciding to go Fi-Core, carefully consider your long-term career goals and whether the short-term benefits outweigh the potential downsides.
If you do choose to go Fi-Core, be sure to follow the necessary steps with your union, submit the proper paperwork, and fully understand what the status means for your future as an actor.
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