Everything You Need to Know about Joining AFTRA
By Aaron Starmer
You may be wondering if you need to join a union like AFTRA (The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) to get cast on a television show. The answer is no, but you'd be foolish not to join.
AFTRA, similar to SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) and Equity, is a labor union for entertainers that negotiates salaries, enforces safe working conditions, sponsors employer-paid health and retirement benefits, provides scholarships, and generally makes your life easier. Performers or journalists in television, radio and the recording industry can join. This includes actors, soap opera actors, singers, game show hosts, newscasters, audio-book narrators-just about any person who is seen or heard in the broadcasting world.
If you're thinking of joining AFTRA, think local. AFTRA has offices throughout the country. Contact the closest office to where you live. The national membership department (866-855-5191) can tell you the location of your local office.
Each office has its own specific application available upon request. The one-time national initiation fee is $1,300. Your minimum yearly dues are $63.90.
When you receive a union card, you're ready to work. Unlike many other unions, AFTRA does not require any previous work experience to join. However if you accept an AFTRA acting job and you're not a member, you may only work for 30 days before you must start paying fees.
Once you are a member, you must contribute a small percentage of your earnings as yearly dues. You will also be required to work only with AFTRA signatories. These include, but are not limited to, networks, local stations, producers, advertisers and record labels that have signed agreements with the union. Most high profile jobs are with AFTRA signatories. Some contracts allow non-union hires, but you are in better standing and better paid if you are in the union.
AFTRA only supports and recognizes franchised talent agents, so you can rest assured your representation is legitimate. As a member, you will also have access to credit unions, discounts on everything from mortgages to movie tickets, and support for equal employment opportunities. On a local level, AFTRA also offers acting seminars, networking events featuring casting directors and agents, and talent guides. In short, membership in the union is an affordable way to find work, keep working, and to remain confident your best interests are looked after.
If your ultimate goal is to act in films, AFTRA provides a helpful foot in the door. After a year of dues and only one acting job, you are eligible to join SAG. As a member of both unions, you will have all the best movie, television, radio and recording jobs at your fingertips. Then all you have to do is get out there and start acting!
For more information visit: www.aftra.com
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