Often times getting into SAG can feel like a Catch-22. In other words, to be a member of SAG you have to have done SAG work…but the only way you can do SAG work is if you’re a member of SAG. Confusing right? Well, let me share my story with you. It’s not a one size fits all, but it will give you insight to getting into SAG.
Getting into the Room
In 2021, I received an audition request from my Los Angeles agent to submit a self-tape through casting networks. The audition was for a cellphone company. Despite the budget, I was non-union, and the production contract was also non-union. After submitting the initial audition, I received a callback a few days later with the director and casting agency. Then, I received a 3rd callback before eventually being placed on hold and booking the job. When I booked the job, I had already relocated back to Kansas City, so out of my own pocket, I flew to Los Angeles for a week and shot one of my biggest commercials to date.
Now, listen carefully. This is not how I got into SAG. What happened afterward is where the transition occurred. After doing the initial commercial, they wanted to bring me back for a few voiceover spots. These spots eventually led to another offer for additional commercials. This is where things started to speed up. All these new opportunities were SAG-related productions.
Pause.
Let’s rewind and talk about Taft Hartley.
What is Taft-Hartley?
While you are non-union, you can do three union productions before you are a SAG ‘must join’. You can basically claim a Taft-Hartley, which allows you to perform in a union production. There is a limit to how many times you can claim this before the union tells you, “nah, we see you—join the union or stay in your lane.” Okay, okay, so the caveat is that these certificates must be documented by the employer, which often they’re not.
When I started my journey in Kansas City, I was non-union for a good portion of my career. During that time, I had done multiple low-budget SAG commercials, but there was no documentation for it! Kansas City is a smaller market, and 90% of the work is non-union, so they don’t really advocate for their actors to go union. Now, is the lack of documentation supposed to happen? No, but could it? Yes, things fly under the radar. Word to the wise: if your plan is to transition to SAG through Taft-Hartley, make sure these credits are being documented.
Back to the story. I started doing SAG commercials, and then I was informed that I was a must join. Meaning that I must join the Union if want to continue doing SAG jobs.
What they don’t tell you about joining SAG
- There is an initiation fee! I paid about $2500, give or take, just to join SAG. Oof.
- You have to pay dues. When you do book roles, you have to pay a certain amount in dues certain amount based on your earnings. It could be a little; it could be a lot.
- You are no longer allowed to take part in Non-Union Productions. There are exceptions to this (such as Fi-Core), but I won’t get into that. Generally speaking, you are no longer going to be on non-union sets. This is why joining SAG is a difficult decision. If the bulk of your bookings in your area are non-union, is it really necessary to join? Think about your market and what works best for you.
Joining SAG
In October of 2021, I officially joined SAG! I paid my dues, submitted my “stage name” (which was just my legal name), and boom, SAG. The transition has been really rewarding so far and I’m excited to see what’s in store next.
Key Takeaways:
- One booking can lead to a multitude of opportunities. The goal is not to get into SAG; the goal is to get yourself into the room. The rest will follow naturally.
- Joining SAG isn’t the pinnacle. Do what’s best for you as you navigate your career.
- Not one of these “how I got my SAG card” stories will be the same. There’s no roadmap given to us as actors, so take my experience with a grain of salt.
Always,
Ashley
