Serving the Film and Television Industry in New England
SAG vs SAG Financial Core vs Non-union
Lets start another big debate...shall we? :)
This is another touchy issue that I've noticed in the area and thought it might be a good thing to have a discussion about - since so many of us in New England do enough extra work and get our three wavers - when, if ever, is a good time to join SAG in this area?
It seems to me that many people are in a rush to join SAG since it gives the perception of being a "legitimate" actor since you're in the guild along with all the stars and get paid nicely on big budget films and so on. And there also seems to be a perception that once an actor joins SAG that they will automatically be getting a lot of work and will therefore be on their way to "making it". On the flip side, however, I've seen many actors get their wavers solely from doing extra work and then as soon as they join SAG, they're basically out of work since extra work is all that's available and they haven't yet built up their skills enough to be able to get speaking SAG roles. Yes, there are some indie SAG projects in the area, but far too few to keep all the SAG actors working and therefore the competition for these roles would be very very tough. Due to this lack of "meat" roles for SAG actors in this area, I don't think that going SAG here is a good idea unless you want to become a professional extra, which of course there is nothing wrong with.
I am of the opinion that an actor should only go fully SAG if they land a big part in a SAG film and the company is willing to buy their SAG card for them. To me, this is a good line to draw since if you are of the level that someone is willing to buy you in, then chances are you are going to be able to get a decent amount of work as a SAG actor, regardless of the area where you live because (hopefully) you are then at the point that other productions will take notice of you and be willing to fly you to wherever they are for their films. And yes, I really do mean fly you elsewhere because as far as I can tell, there isn't a lot of SAG work (other than extras) in New England.
Personally, I'm SAG Eligible - I have my three wavers and I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible because there is a vast amount more non-union work here than there is union work, and I want to be continuously working as much as possible, even if that means not getting paid all the time. If it came down to it and I was offered a small speaking role in a SAG film where I would need to join to be able to do it and they were not willing to buy my card, then yes, I would go SAG, but I would go SAG Financial Core.
Which brings me to another talking point: SAG Financial Core.
I am always amazed at how many SAG actors do not know about the financial core, especially when working in this area. Being part of the financial core means that you are SAG and will get paid SAG wages on SAG films and can do all that sort of stuff, but you can also do non-union work too. Sounds pretty good right? The best of both worlds. There is of course a catch - while you have to pay all the SAG dues and fees and so on, you do not get health insurance coverage (which I understand you have to reach a fairly high level of yearly income to qualify for this anyway) and you are not able to vote on the SAG elections for president and so others...I personally think that this is the way to go here if you are forced into joining SAG because this way, you can be always working, and making decent money on the SAG films.
Of course since I'm not SAG at this point, I could be absolutely wrong about all of this, so what do you think? When is a good time to join SAG? Is there SAG work (other than extra work) in this area? And what do you think about the Financial Core? Feel free to share some stories - those of you who have gone SAG, do you regret it or was it a good decision?
This is another touchy issue that I've noticed in the area and thought it might be a good thing to have a discussion about - since so many of us in New England do enough extra work and get our three wavers - when, if ever, is a good time to join SAG in this area?
It seems to me that many people are in a rush to join SAG since it gives the perception of being a "legitimate" actor since you're in the guild along with all the stars and get paid nicely on big budget films and so on. And there also seems to be a perception that once an actor joins SAG that they will automatically be getting a lot of work and will therefore be on their way to "making it". On the flip side, however, I've seen many actors get their wavers solely from doing extra work and then as soon as they join SAG, they're basically out of work since extra work is all that's available and they haven't yet built up their skills enough to be able to get speaking SAG roles. Yes, there are some indie SAG projects in the area, but far too few to keep all the SAG actors working and therefore the competition for these roles would be very very tough. Due to this lack of "meat" roles for SAG actors in this area, I don't think that going SAG here is a good idea unless you want to become a professional extra, which of course there is nothing wrong with.
I am of the opinion that an actor should only go fully SAG if they land a big part in a SAG film and the company is willing to buy their SAG card for them. To me, this is a good line to draw since if you are of the level that someone is willing to buy you in, then chances are you are going to be able to get a decent amount of work as a SAG actor, regardless of the area where you live because (hopefully) you are then at the point that other productions will take notice of you and be willing to fly you to wherever they are for their films. And yes, I really do mean fly you elsewhere because as far as I can tell, there isn't a lot of SAG work (other than extras) in New England.
Personally, I'm SAG Eligible - I have my three wavers and I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible because there is a vast amount more non-union work here than there is union work, and I want to be continuously working as much as possible, even if that means not getting paid all the time. If it came down to it and I was offered a small speaking role in a SAG film where I would need to join to be able to do it and they were not willing to buy my card, then yes, I would go SAG, but I would go SAG Financial Core.
Which brings me to another talking point: SAG Financial Core.
I am always amazed at how many SAG actors do not know about the financial core, especially when working in this area. Being part of the financial core means that you are SAG and will get paid SAG wages on SAG films and can do all that sort of stuff, but you can also do non-union work too. Sounds pretty good right? The best of both worlds. There is of course a catch - while you have to pay all the SAG dues and fees and so on, you do not get health insurance coverage (which I understand you have to reach a fairly high level of yearly income to qualify for this anyway) and you are not able to vote on the SAG elections for president and so others...I personally think that this is the way to go here if you are forced into joining SAG because this way, you can be always working, and making decent money on the SAG films.
Of course since I'm not SAG at this point, I could be absolutely wrong about all of this, so what do you think? When is a good time to join SAG? Is there SAG work (other than extra work) in this area? And what do you think about the Financial Core? Feel free to share some stories - those of you who have gone SAG, do you regret it or was it a good decision?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rosemary Mahoney on -
Sarah,
What a great forum topic! I myself have 2 waivers & am not in such a rush to get my 3rd waiver because of all the non-union work that is available around here. A lot of commercials & industrials want non-union talent, and some indie films as well. Several SAG acquaintances of mine really miss being able to submit for that stuff. However on the other hand, it's disheartening to be an extra with all my SAG buddies, working for the same 12 or 14 hours while they're accumulating overtime, meal penalties, hazard pay, etc. while I'm just working for non-union wages.
Someone told me SAG really doesn't advertise the Core Financial option because...well just because. But I heard a casting director mention that when they're casting, they have a SAG list & a non-union list, and sometimes they don't even look at the Core Financial list. Also I heard that if a Core Financial actor wants to jump over to straight SAG category, it is difficult...in what way I don't know. If anyone knows...do tell.
Rose
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Nicklin on -
Hmm.. interesting - I guess I was just assuming that since if you're Financial Core that you are technically in SAG that you would just be listed as a SAG member since you'd have a SAG card and number and so on. Unless working for a non-union film I don't see why you would have to differentiate yourself from other SAG members?
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Permalink Reply by TheDouglas on -
NOPE! When you go Financial Core, you have to give back your SAG card. Also, you DO get the medical benefits as a FI-Core member!
When you audition for a SAG production, you can put SAG or SAG Eligible on your resume. You NEVER put Financial Core!
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Kyle on
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When hou are Ficore, you can not put SAG on your resume. You are considered non union.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Reed on -
Not sure why a CD wouldn't even look at the FC list...all you have to do is put 'union' on your resume. I don't see why you have to specify whether you're FC or SAG. And even so, even if you had to list FC as your union on your resume...why would you be ignored? If you have the look, and the credentials...that makes no sense.
I know you are just relaying something you heard...I'm just stating I find that hard to believe. The way I look at it, is if you have what it takes for the role, and the look...they won't toss you in the pile simply for being FC. If they do, then forget about it...this business is funny sometimes. Headshots sometimes get tossed in the trash because they remind them of the uncle they hate. Don't stress.
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Permalink Reply by Chemi on -
I'd also like to know if once you go financial core, can you reverse your decision or is it permanent.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Nicklin on
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I've heard something along this line also - that it is possible to go back, but very difficult and you have to give them a very good reason why you need to go back.
But other than the healthcare thing, I don't see a problem with always being FC - and it is possible to get healthcare through other sources....maybe I'm missing something... does anyone know of any other negatives about being FC instead of fully SAG?
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Permalink Reply by Michael Reed on
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Hey William! What's up.
The way I see it is, the 'biz' makes it hard enough for actors to reach the 'working' status. Anything that can help us get more work sounds enticing to me. However, nobody likes a scab right? But I'm just not convinced that FC actors are really disliked as much as has been eluded to. Hmmm...
I guess it depends on what you want to achieve as an actor...do you want to play the game? Do what is expected of you? Pay your dues? Be well behaved? Do you want to make it huge in Hollywood? Do you want to become an A-list actor and make millions? Then go SAG. If you are happy with just 'getting work' and getting paid? Do you want to act, or do you want to be famous? If you just want to act, maybe FC is a better choice. Your talent will speak for itself...and so will your personality. If you can wade through a stigma...and allow yourself more opportunities...I say go for it. Especially if you live in the NE area.
I personally know a FC actor in LA that gets enough work as an actor, he does it full time...and is flown around the US to be in films of all budget-ranges.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Nicklin on
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Hmm... I'll have to check that out - thanks! :)
And if John Voight is going FC, then there has to be a good reason for it - it's not like he can't get work...
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Permalink Reply by Skip Shea on -
I can understand why some SAG actors have contempt for FC folks. FC actors can work on non-union projects. But when they work on union projects they get the same pay and benefits as a union member. They get what those in the union negotiate and fight for - sometimes with a lot of pain like a strike - and FC doesn't lose a step. They can continue to work.
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Permalink Reply by TheDouglas on
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You do get health benefits as a SAG Fi-Core member!
You don't get to vote, take advantage of SAG conservatory, get free movies, etc.
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Permalink Reply by TheDouglas on
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You can go back, but why would you? If you choose to be reinstated within your first 5 years of being FI-Core, you will have to pay at least a $350 fee ($100+10% of the initiation fee). If you choose to go back to being SAG after the first 5 years, you have to pay the full SAG fee.
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