wat are acting unions???

Question

i asked a question on how to get an agent for acting and someone answered by saying you have got to be in certain unions wat exactly are these unions???

Answer 1

I have belonged to AEA (Actors' Equity Association, the stage actors and stage managers' union) for several years, so I can answer your questino so far as they're concerned.

Equity negotiates with theatres (based on their size, budget, etc.), and establishes basic rates of pay/conditions of employment for the union members who work at those theatres. The union bargaining agreements cover everything from salary to company-provded housing (for out-of-town actors) to the number of hours the show can rehearse per day, etc.

I worked non-union for many years. More often than not, the working conditions at the non-union theaters were acceptable. But not always. Having been on both sides of the fence, I can tell you how impressed I've been with my union's representation. I'm proud to be a member.

Answer 2

You don't have to belong to a union, depending on where you life. My state, for instance, is a non-union state. However, if you belong to the Screen Actors Guild, say, you make A LOT more money than if you do not.

To join, you have to have had lines in a movie, I believe. Not sure, though; it's been a while since my roommate acted--he quit when his agent retired.

Answer 3

In America, the Screen Actors Guild is the major actors union for movies and TV, while Actor's Equity Association is the major union for stage actors.

Answer 4

The Screen Actors' Guild is one. Joining it gives you rights like any other union does.
For stage actors, the union is Actors' Equity
For TV and radio, it's AFTRA

Check it out here http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/index.jsp

http://www.actorsequity.org/home.asp

http://www.aftra.org/aftra/aftra.htm

Answer 5

AFTRA for commercials, television, radio and print ads, SAG for motion pictures.

Edit: But if you contact an agency and they take you on, then they'll help you to know what all you need to do (what unions to join, where to get headshots for your portfolio, etc.).

Answer 6

uselessness inaction to beg for something they don't really need or deserve.

all unions are way past the time of thier death. these are just ********* liberals and wimps that drive up prices of everything and theyfuck up the whole world.

Answer 7

Why don't you just ask Miley, Dylan or Cole? They are on t.v. and you are best buddies with them so surely they would help a dear old friend out.

Answer 8

really cause i'm tryin to start mine can you help me