To S.A.G. or not to S.A.G....That is the question?

Question

As a very noviced Actor type like me whos ambition is just to have perhaps a line or two as a character Actor...should I join the Screen Actors Guild?

I have read people on message boards discussing the pros/cons of doing so some time back, don't remember the details.

How much to join and mantain membership, and how do I if you think I should?

Thanks.

Answer 1

No, don't join unless you have to. It's a LOT of money and unless you're working regularly or the job you get requires you to join why do it? In order to join SAG you have to get a principle role in a SAG film or be a current member of a sister union like AFTRA or AEA for 1 year and you can be grandfathered in. Do you have $2277 initiation fee + $58 for your first dues payment laying around that you want to give them? That's just to start then your annual dues depends on your earnings so it's different for everyone. These fees are for joining in Hollywood, it's different if you join somewhere else. They do have seminars and things that are only for members, but really you don't need to join until the time comes that you're agent is in negotiations for a role you got and tells you that it's time.

good lucK!

Answer 2

You actually have to get a role that requires being a member of SAG in order to be allowed to join (if you're not part of the other two unions). Someone once told me that it's better not to join until you must.