Actors, like the rest of us, require medical coverage, retirement plans, and other employee benefits. Actors in the United States have two unions to meet this demand. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Actors Equity Association are two such organizations (AEA). Actors in both live and filmed productions in the United Kingdom can join the British Actors Association. While many well-known actors can write their own ticket in terms of pay and benefits, most actors have to make do with commercial work or brief appearances in plays to make ends meet. Unrecognized workers are protected by these unions, which provide them with the same benefits as most employers.
SAG is a union that represents actors in television and film. They may have originally belonged to the AEA if they transitioned from plays to films. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of both organizations is that they establish minimum wage levels for employees. SAG also establishes minimum compensation for reruns, known as royalties. For example, if an actor works on a commercial, he or she will be paid a small fee each time the commercial airs. Those who appear in a sitcom will be compensated each time the show is broadcast on television.
In addition, both SAG and the AEA offer reasonably priced 401(k) plans and health insurance. Working a certain number of days or hours in a calendar year usually qualifies you for health benefits. Actors who do not work the minimum number of hours may be forced to purchase their own health insurance.
Companies may face difficulties if they do not adhere to SAG’s terms. Because there are unions for screenwriters, producers, and directors, as well as behind-the-scenes workers, a non-union employee may mean that future union employees will be impossible to find. In fact, both SAG and AEA ask that their members avoid working on non-union productions. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Most people understand the importance of independent films, which are frequently made on a shoestring budget. SAG usually does not object if an actor works on an independent film without being paid.
Actors are unable to join a union simply because they wish to. To join SAG or the AEA, one must be involved in a SAG or AEA production. Membership may be temporary and will expire once the production is completed. After a certain amount of time working on union productions, a full-time membership may be possible. Almost all unions, including SAG and AEA, charge membership and application fees, as well as yearly dues. Working a certain number of days per year to maintain membership may also be required.