SAG (continued)

I just recorded 6 commercials. Some for radio and some for TV, all of them for the UK (although, it was cast here in NY).

Now, the agent who sent me in for the booking did not have any information on what I was doing at all. Meaning, they didn't know (a) what role/s I had booked, (b) how much I would be paid, (c) which union it was for, (d) and where it would be broadcast (locally, nationally or internationally).

Here’s what I learned:

Read more:  The Unions: SAG (continued) | The NYC Actor

The Unions: AFTRA

AFTRA

How do you join AFTRA? AFTRA is the only union that you can literally "buy" into. You can show up to their offices and simply hand over a hefty wad of cash and sign up there and then. How much does it cost to join AFTRA? As of today's date the initiation fee in NY is $1300 plus minimum dues of $63.90. Keep in mind, if you join just before the 2nd dues-cycle (as I did!) you will be required to pay another $63.90. A grand total of $1427.80. After one year, providing you have some AFTRA jobs under your belt..

Read more:  The Unions: AFTRA | The NYC Actor.

The Unions: AEA

AEA (Equity)

How do you join AEA (Actors Equity Association) - You can also buy into Equity if you are affiliated and listed as being "in good standing" for one year with one of the other unions. Although, as I am currently non-equity, I will have to come back and tell you more as I learn it. You can, as applies to all the other unions, also join by booking an AEA job.

Read more:  The Unions: AEA | The NYC Actor.

The Unions

There are 3 main actors unions. These are the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and Actors Equity Association (AEA or Equity). In NYC there is all kinds of work you can book. Some of it will be listed as non-union and some of it as union. Joining the unions is pretty important if you plan on making the decision to become a professional (i.e "paid") actor. They can make you look more respectable on paper - I have heard many different agents and casting directors say that if an actors resume is light on the training they will overlook it if they are represented by a union - especially SAG and Equity (AEA). Less so with AFTRA - I will explain in a sec. The unions are also there to help actors get paid appropriately and in some cases...

Read more:  The Unions | The NYC Actor.