Can I submit for SAG roles being SAG Eligible?

Question

I just became SAG eligible and see a lot of work out there for SAG. What are the benifits in being SAG eligible and not being able to apply for SAG jobs...well, really, what's the point? Can I apply?? I don't know...I'm confused and I already checked on the SAG website extensively with no success...maybe that's my answer. lol.

I've already tried calling but the office was still closed. Time diference. I'm in New York, they're in LA...

Duh! They do have a NY office...lol. Thanks!

Answer 1

What SAG-eligible means is that you're in that great middle zone where you can contine to do non-union work, but have the choice to join. If you take a job that's under a SAG contract, you will HAVE to join. Many people I know don't join unless the have to because depending on where you are, there's probably a lot more non-union opportunites for things like lead roles in indie films rather that being a SAG extra (don't join SAG just to be a SAG extra...)

As for applying for jobs, it depends on the contract. For examble, there are several low budget agreements where a director can hire non-union principal actors, so you could do this film withough having to join SAG. The higher the budget, the more stipulations and to get a principal role in say a $5 million dollar film, you would probably have to join SAG.

I would recommend looking around your area and seeing where most of the work is. If it comes down to non-union lead roles vs. union background roles, don't join. If you have opportunities to get larger union roles, than there may be a benefit there to joining.

If you're ever uncertain about being able to apply for a particular SAG job, you can always call your local SAG office to ask them.

Answer 2

Sag Eligible

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can I submit for SAG roles being SAG Eligible?
I just became SAG eligible and see a lot of work out there for SAG. What are the benifits in being SAG eligible and not being able to apply for SAG jobs...well, really, what's the point? Can I apply?? I don't know...I'm confused and I already checked on the SAG website extensively with...

Answer 4

You can absolutely submit for SAG jobs, just be ready to pay the initiation fee when and if you're hired. You'll need $2335 total to start up. http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=joinsag_template.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=JoinSAG&templateType=joinsag&portletTitle=null&contentType=null&contentSubType=How+Do+I+Qualify?&ln_idx=1

*Make sure you are actually SAGe before submitting for these projects though or you'll waste everyone's time. The benefit to being SAGe but not SAG yet is that you can still do non-union work and with the looming strike it's good to have options. However, union members would appreciate loyalty/support.

Marianne

Answer 5

Speak to someone at SAG.
The telephone is useful, but going there in person will probably get you more, and better answers.

good luck

Answer 6

Call SAG and ask.