What does a union project mean?

The basics Union projects typically outline the pay and protections for actors and crew in their contracts. You may recognize the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild of America (WGA). Actors and writers from these guilds are required to work on union projects exclusively (which we’ll explain in more detail).

What does it mean to be a union actor?

An actors’ union is a type of labor union that represents the interests of actors working in the film, television, and theater industries. What’s a labor union, you ask? In brief, it’s an association of workers in a particular industry or company that is formed to improve pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Whats the difference between union and non-union in acting?

Union projects often hold a conflict, where an actor is legally bound not to accept work in a competing product. A non-union commercial is usually a buyout, and can be used consistently for a set amount of time.

How does the film union work?

By their very nature, film production unions provide collective bargaining for individuals within the Hollywood studio system. On a broader scale, unions work to: Provide access to job rosters for productions looking for cast/crew.

Can a union actor work for free?

You can work for free…just do not work non-union, but movies made for fun on pennies can become signatory and use union talent! You can work on a non-union short being made for fun…but either you or the producer has to sign a SAG-AFTRA contract and abide by its rules.

Do actors belong to a union?

There are two essential unions for professional actors. Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, (SAG/AFTRA).

Is it better to be a union or nonunion actor?

Typically, bigger productions are nearly all union productions. Actors typically prefer union acting jobs because they offer higher pay than non-union jobs. Also, there are guaranteed break times, warm meals, better trailers and facilities, and production insurance production.

How are non-union actors paid?

Non-Union Background Actors Background actors who are not members of an entertainment union typically earn minimum wage for the state in which they perform. As of 2020 in California, Backstage indicates that nonunion background actor jobs pay between $100 and $200 for a 10-12 hour day.

Who is the highest-paid actor?

Daniel Craig
Here are the other top-earning stars in Hollywood. Daniel Craig, the highest-paid actor, got over $100 million to star in two “Knives Out” sequels. Dwayne Johnson is second on Variety’s new list, with a $50 million salary for Amazon’s “Red One.”

How do I join an actors union?

You can join SAG/AFTRA in one of three ways: By being cast and hired to work in a principal or speaking role for a SAG signatory producer. After a minimum of one year’s membership in an affiliated performers’ union, with proof of principal work under that union’s jurisdiction.

What’s the difference between a Union and non-union film?

Non-union doesn’t exclude productions from standard industry practice. Verbal agreements are legally binding, so if an actor sues a producer and takes him to court, the producer could end up paying according to a standard SAG or IATSE agreement. Feuer advises, “With non-union, remember that you make the rules. You know you’re going overtime?

What does Union mean on a film crew?

When most people refer to a “union” film, as opposed to a “non-union” film, they usually mean that the film is going to employ crew members from unions such as IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), or the Teamsters for example.

How to choose between Union and non-union actors?

Choosing between union or non-union actors often comes down to fiscal priorities. If your goal is to cast name actors, you need to budget for that because unless Joe Pesci is your uncle, they won’t work for free. If you could care less about names and just want to make your arty film, don’t limit the casting to union actors.

Do you pay overtime on a non union film?

If you don’t do your homework, you could end up shooting a 16-hour day and learn later you have to pay your actors four hours overtime. If you think casting 100 percent non-union will avoid these problems, think again. Non-union doesn’t exclude productions from standard industry practice.