Becoming a member of an entertainment industry union is a key stepping stone towards establishing a career in television and film. America's largest union for acting professionals is SAG-AFTRA, or the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
The union boasts a membership of more than 150,000 individuals, representing a broad array of actors across TV, movies, and commercials. Membership in the union provides several benefits, such as increased job opportunity, legal representation, and health and pension plans. The process of joining the union is extensive and requires applicants to meet certain criteria. After joining, members may participate in actor’s union elections and other union events.
Eligibility for membership in SAG-AFTRA is fairly straightforward. Prospective members need only have had a speaking role in any SAG-AFTRA-affiliated production. Non-speaking roles, such as background actors, can also be eligible if they meet a minimum number of working days on union-affiliated productions.
Furthermore, being a current member of other entertainment industry unions bolsters an individual's chances of membership. Once the eligibility requirements have been met, actors may apply for SAG-AFTRA membership.
Applicants to SAG-AFTRA must submit proof of their eligibility to the union. This can be done in several ways, including pay stubs or contracts from past work on union-affiliated projects. Applicants are also required to pay an initiation fee–this helps to offset the costs of administration related to registration and enrollment. While the fee can be substantial, it is seen as worthwhile for many would-be members, as the future benefits can be outstanding.
After the application has been submitted, prospective members undergo a review process. The review is typically a clerical formality and very few eligible applicants are denied. Once accepted, applicants are granted full membership, which provides voting rights in entertainment industry elections and other benefits.
Those wondering if there is a musician’s union can take solace in the fact that actors aren’t the only entertainment professionals who have union representation. The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) represents musicians across the industry; this also includes musicians who work on film and television scores, which are a vital part of TV and film productions.
Beyond the AFM, unions such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) help their members access fair pay and benefits throughout the entertainment industry. These unions combined hold immense power in the entertainment world and can bring titans of industry to their knees when union-wide strikes are announced. By bargaining collectively, union members have a greater chance of succeeding in protecting their rights.
In the wake of Covid-19 and with union membership spread across the country, growing numbers of unions are turning to online voting platforms. ElectionBuddy is one such platform that offers several services covering a wide range of election needs.
Features such as nomination processes, automated and secure ballot counting, and full transparency are all part of ElectionBuddy’s online offerings. Check out our site today and see what ElectionBuddy can offer your union or organization–our user-friendly interface and customizable options simplify the election process from start to finish!
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