Casting Director Renee Godbout gives you the inside scoop on union and non-union projects

Any actor hoping to work professionally in television or film has the ultimate goal of joining SAG, the Screen Actors Guild. SAG and AFTRA are the two major unions representing both principle and background performers. The moment you receive your third waiver, many people are on the phone making an appointment to join.

Unfortunately, now might not be the time to sign on the dotted line. If you’re offered a principle role then waiting may not be an option. For those that aren’t in that category, it might be smart to not rush into things. I’m not saying you shouldn’t join SAG, only to take the time to think about the pluses and minuses.

SAG recently sent out letters to all its members to let them know they’ll be cracking down on Rule One compliance. So what is rule one? SAG states that “no member shall work for a producer who is not signatory to the appropriate SAG agreement.” In other words, once you join SAG you are not allowed to work on any non-union projects.

For those of you just starting out in the business, non-union projects give you a greater chance of being cast in principle roles. Take a look around and find out what types of non-union projects are filming in your area. Look into what kind of experience you will be gaining.

There are a lot of non-union projects, including new media, that you would no longer be able to work on. It’s actually those new media projects that are a main reason a new contract has yet to be signed between SAG and the Motion Picture Association.

And there is one more reason you might want to think first, before joining SAG. The current contract with the Motion Picture Associate expired at the end of June and no new contract has been signed. Nothing is certain at this point, but there still is a chance that SAG will go on strike. That might be a situation you don’t want to get yourself into.

Luckily AFTRA has already renewed its contracts in both daytime and primetime. Keep your eyes out for those shows, if the unfortunate happens and they are unable to hammer out a new deal.

Joining SAG is a big financial commitment so make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. You want to make your membership worth the money spent and not limit your acting experiences. Those that are not as serious about a career in acting might find it better to stay non-union. Others who are at the start of a new profession, should consider not if to join SAG, but when. There’s no penalty for waiting to join.

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

Have a question? Ask our experts!