Benefits of SAG

Working SAG in a right to work state is not an easy task. SAG actors compete with not only all the other SAG members but also the substantial pool of experienced, non-SAG actors. Many calling themsleves “SAG Eligible”.

Why even stay in SAG, then unless you’re planning on leaving the regional market for a market where SAG membership would be required ? I think it’s the right thing to do. Simple as that. If I take advantage of the contract benefits won on the backs of dues paying members, should I really get to enjoy those benefits and not pay any of the freight? Some can do that. I can’t.

I got a reminder of SAG benefits recently when I was contacted by a SAG rep out of L.A. telling me that she was winding up a claim for reuse of some footage of mine from an old film. The producers had sold the piece of film for use in a television program and that triggered an additional payment due the talent. I didn’t even know about the additional use. Fortunately for me SAG was on the case and I’ll get a little residual payment out of the deal. Over the years I have benefited from the contract terms SAG has won for me in our collective bargaining agreements. Now as we start to recoup and regroup from the recent writer’s strike, my hope is that the producers and SAG will sit down and get a deal hammered out before our contract expires. The writers have paved the way and the issues at stake are strike worthy. But now that the writers have forged an agreement, I think and hope that the producers and SAG will make short work of a new contract.