Do actors have to join a SAG?
Understanding the Role of the Screen Actors Guild in an Actor’s Career
(By Jim Webb)
Introduction: What is the Screen Actors Guild?
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), now merged into SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), is a union that represents actors, broadcasters, and other media professionals in the entertainment industry. SAG’s role is crucial in ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protecting actors’ rights. But do actors have to join the union, or is it optional?
While the answer isn’t straightforward, it largely depends on the type of work an actor is pursuing and the specific contracts involved. Let’s explore why SAG membership is significant for an actor, and under what circumstances joining may or may not be necessary.
The Importance of SAG Membership
SAG-AFTRA is more than just a union; it’s a community for actors, offering protections and resources that can make or break an actor’s career. Membership gives actors access to better wages, healthcare benefits, pension plans, and more, which can be invaluable for sustaining a career in the entertainment industry.
“SAG-AFTRA provides actors with a sense of security in a profession that can be incredibly volatile. It ensures fair pay, safeguards their image, and allows them to negotiate under industry-standard contracts,” says actor and SAG member Michael Williams.
Do Actors Have to Join SAG?
The short answer is no; actors are not legally required to join SAG. However, in many cases, joining the union is highly recommended or even necessary.
For most unionized productions, only SAG-AFTRA members can be hired. These productions include major studio films, high-budget television shows, and commercial work that meets specific financial thresholds. For an actor hoping to work on these high-profile projects, joining SAG is often essential.
However, there are independent films, student films, and smaller projects that may not require SAG membership. In such cases, an actor can choose whether or not to join, depending on their career goals.
How Does One Join SAG?
Becoming a member of SAG-AFTRA typically requires working in a SAG production. This can be achieved through various ways:
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Principal or Speaking Roles: If an actor lands a principal role in a SAG film or TV show, they become eligible to join the union.
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Background Work: Some background actors may have the opportunity to join SAG if they work enough union gigs.
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Taft-Hartley Act: A lesser-known route is through the Taft-Hartley Act, which allows non-union actors to join SAG if they are hired for a significant role in a union production.
While it’s possible to join without an agent or manager, working with experienced industry professionals often increases the likelihood of landing SAG roles.
The Pros and Cons of Joining SAG
Pros:
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Better Pay and Benefits: SAG contracts ensure actors are paid fairly, including minimum wage standards for all types of work.
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Healthcare and Pension: Union members receive access to health insurance and pension plans, which is rare in the entertainment industry.
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Legal Protection: SAG provides legal protection for its members, assisting with contract negotiations and addressing potential disputes on set.
Cons:
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Dues and Fees: There is a significant cost to joining SAG, including initiation fees and annual membership dues.
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Limited Non-Union Work: Once an actor joins the union, they may be limited to working only on SAG-AFTRA productions, which could restrict opportunities in certain independent or non-union projects.
SAG member Julia Green mentions, “The benefits of union membership outweigh the costs, but the choice isn’t always easy for actors just starting out.”
What Are the Alternatives to Joining SAG?
For actors who choose not to join SAG, the alternative is to work as a non-union actor. Non-union actors can still find work, but it often comes with lower pay and fewer protections. Additionally, non-union roles might not provide the same exposure or networking opportunities that SAG productions offer.
There is also the possibility of working in independent films or certain regional theater productions that do not require union affiliation. Some actors begin their careers this way, building their portfolios and gaining experience until they are able to land a SAG gig.
Can You Work as a Non-SAG Actor?
Yes, it is possible to work as a non-SAG actor, particularly in smaller projects or early-stage independent films. However, if an actor plans to build a career in mainstream film or television, working in unionized productions is typically the best route.
“There’s a lot of work out there that’s not union,” says actor Thomas Harris, “but as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve found that the more serious opportunities are often tied to SAG-AFTRA membership.”
Is There Any Downside to Joining SAG?
While the benefits of joining SAG are undeniable, some actors find the union’s restrictions limiting. For instance, once you’re a member, you’re bound by the union’s rules, including higher standards for pay and conditions. Non-union actors have more flexibility to take on a wider variety of roles.
Actor Maya Stevens shares, “At first, I loved the idea of being a SAG member, but over time, I found that non-union projects offered more variety. There’s a lot of nuance to the decision, especially for actors early in their careers.”
What Happens If You Choose Not to Join SAG?
Choosing not to join SAG might restrict an actor’s access to high-budget projects or prime roles, but it also opens up other avenues. Some actors prefer to maintain their independence from unions, especially those who focus on smaller, independent work or local theater.
Additionally, actors may find that avoiding union membership allows them more freedom to work on personal projects or pursue opportunities outside the mainstream industry.
“Some of my best work has come from independent films,” says actor Leo Grant, “which wouldn’t have been possible if I’d joined SAG right away.”
Conclusion: Should Actors Join SAG?
Ultimately, the decision to join SAG-AFTRA comes down to an actor’s career goals, the type of work they want to pursue, and their long-term vision for their professional life. For those seeking work on large studio projects, consistent employment, and better overall benefits, SAG membership is often the key to success.
For others, particularly those just starting out, non-union work can offer flexibility, opportunities to build a portfolio, and exposure without the financial burden of union dues.
As each actor’s journey is unique, so too is the decision of whether to join SAG. Understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and available alternatives is essential for making an informed choice that best suits an actor’s aspirations.
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