Joining SAG

I know that for a lot of actors, it's a big deal to be SAG or SAG-e (SAG eligible).  I'm not sure if this is still a big deal with so many shows being AFTRA now, but, just in case, I want to share something.

There used to be two ways to join SAG.  One- to be Taft Hartley'ed by having a speaking part in a SAG project.  Two- two have three SAG background vouchers.  Either granted you eligibility.  I think, once you have  those requirements met, you are a must join- as in, you must join SAG before you work another SAG project.  I joined in 1997, along with my sister and brother, as little kids.  Our mom was badass and dealt with the business side of it for us, so we got to be three kids that went to acting class and auditioned and worked on professional film and tv sets.  (It was the best thing ever.  In case you wondered.)

Now, there's a third way to join SAG.  I don't mean paying for SAG vouchers*, which is also possible.  With the the SAG new media agreements, you can be Taft Hartley'ed by having a principle role in a participating (SAG Signatory) project.  It's pretty easy, and it's free.  All you need is one SAG actor willing to participate in your project.  Visit the SAG New Media page and fill out the corresponding forms.  You'll have a representative that walks you through the entire process.  It involves a little bit of advance planning- all forms must be submitted at least  two weeks prior to your shoot date- but it is free and the paperwork is minor.

Now that I think of it, there's a fourth way to join SAG.  If you've been an AFTRA member for a year and have done one principle AFTRA role, you are eligible to join SAG.  I think.  So there's another option.

With SAG and AFTRA's current goal to merge in a year, I'm not sure how relevant this information is for non union actors anymore.  If it is relevant, it's empowering to be able to make something happen for yourself.  No excuses, right?  ...That, and everybody wang chung tonight.  Anyway.  Thanks for reading.

*Side note.  You have to be pretty freaking desperate to pay for SAG vouchers.  From what I know, it involves paying something between $300-$400, checking in weekly to remind the person that you need vouchers, then being available to spend the three days (sporadically scheduled) on the set of a show, after which point you have your three vouchers and can spend the $2400 or whatever it costs now to join SAG.  But... really...  If you have to fight that hard to get background work to join SAG, do you really have the necessary credits to be competitive as a SAG actor anyway?????  Maybe I'm old school in that thinking, but...  Just a thought.