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Question: What exactly is a union actor!?
And is it better to be a union actor as oppose to non-union!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
There are several acting unions in North America!. The two largest in America are the SAG, and AFTRA!.

It's like any union gig job really!. The upside is that your hours are regulated, and any overtime is appropriately compensated!. Your employers pay into retirement funds for you, and if you earn enough money you get to be covered by the Unions Health plan which is very comprehensive!. also they protect the copyright of you your (the actors) image!.
That means they can't just shoot you in a tv show, pay you a dollar, and that's that!. There is a minimum daily rate, and overtime rate (As I stated before)!. Plus residuals, which are paid out every time something airs!.

You also have to pay annual dues to your union which increase or decrease depending on your income!. All major films and tv shows are union and can only use union actors!. You can still be in one of them if you are non union, but you need to buy a permit, and if you are on more then one project then you become a MUST JOIN member!. At that point you can no longer work on Non Union gigs!.

I hope this helps!. You can check out SAG!.org for more info!. If you were looking for info about stage actors then I can't help as much!. I'm pretty sure it is the same thing!. If the theatre is a union house, then you can't work it if you are non union!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

A Union actor who is a a member of the, Screen Actors Guild, and or, AFTRA, The American Federation of Televison and Radio Actors!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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