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HOW TO GET YOUR SAG CARD
WHAT IS SAG? SAG is the abreviation for Screen Actor's Guild. The Screen Actor's Guild covers all union films, commercials, videos that are shot on film.
WHY DO I NEED ONE? In South Florida, you might not. This is called a right to work state, which means there is a lot more non-union projects, basically. In LA or NY, you are dead in the water without one. Most legitimate agents will not even think about signing you without one. That means no to very little paid work.
HOW DO I GET A SAG CARD? It is not easy. You can't just call up SAG and ask to buy one. You need to either be a member of a "sister union" like AFTRA and have a principal role for one year to be eligible to join OR you can be an extra and get 3 SAG vouchers.
Getting a SAG voucher is also NOT easy. I know. I did extra work in LA for six months straight and did not get one. Basically, the production team is required to hire so many SAG people on their SAG film. If someone doesn't show, they have to use that actor's voucher, which means they have to give it to a non-union person to fill out. What results is a free-for-all. I remember a P.A. (Production Asst.) standing on a ladder on the Paramount lot holding up the SAG voucher in front of about 50 extras and asking "Who wants it?" Of course, everyone's hands went up. Then he picked the one who winked at him the most (or whatever). It can become a popularity contest.
SO NOW WHAT? Well, if you are in South Florida, you are in luck. Get as much work experience as possible. Get an agent, do some extra work and try to get vouchers (don't kiss up, just be professional, on-time and on-task and you might get lucky!). Tell your agent (s) you are trying to get your card and see if they can get you some AFTRA work. It happens. People get Taft Hartleyed every day, which means they become eligible. If a SAG director thinks they cannot find anyone else who has your unique talent, they can also use you but have to fill out a lot of paperwork and prove it to the union. Often if they use you, they get a hefty fine.
GOT SAG CARD STORIES? Please share them.
(Interested in finding out more about the ins and outs of being an actor and my LA experiences, let me know. I will put you on the list for my upcoming book about the acting industry. I will be selling the book for a discounted rate for I.S. members at only $14.99 for the e-book!)
WHY DO I NEED ONE? In South Florida, you might not. This is called a right to work state, which means there is a lot more non-union projects, basically. In LA or NY, you are dead in the water without one. Most legitimate agents will not even think about signing you without one. That means no to very little paid work.
HOW DO I GET A SAG CARD? It is not easy. You can't just call up SAG and ask to buy one. You need to either be a member of a "sister union" like AFTRA and have a principal role for one year to be eligible to join OR you can be an extra and get 3 SAG vouchers.
Getting a SAG voucher is also NOT easy. I know. I did extra work in LA for six months straight and did not get one. Basically, the production team is required to hire so many SAG people on their SAG film. If someone doesn't show, they have to use that actor's voucher, which means they have to give it to a non-union person to fill out. What results is a free-for-all. I remember a P.A. (Production Asst.) standing on a ladder on the Paramount lot holding up the SAG voucher in front of about 50 extras and asking "Who wants it?" Of course, everyone's hands went up. Then he picked the one who winked at him the most (or whatever). It can become a popularity contest.
SO NOW WHAT? Well, if you are in South Florida, you are in luck. Get as much work experience as possible. Get an agent, do some extra work and try to get vouchers (don't kiss up, just be professional, on-time and on-task and you might get lucky!). Tell your agent (s) you are trying to get your card and see if they can get you some AFTRA work. It happens. People get Taft Hartleyed every day, which means they become eligible. If a SAG director thinks they cannot find anyone else who has your unique talent, they can also use you but have to fill out a lot of paperwork and prove it to the union. Often if they use you, they get a hefty fine.
GOT SAG CARD STORIES? Please share them.
(Interested in finding out more about the ins and outs of being an actor and my LA experiences, let me know. I will put you on the list for my upcoming book about the acting industry. I will be selling the book for a discounted rate for I.S. members at only $14.99 for the e-book!)
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