Why is a union important for a media performer?

Requirements to compete Stage = AEA You need credits on a Resume You need hours on the boards to be competitive. Media = AFTRA/SAG The right look. No experience really, able to take direction in an audition and show up and on time.

Quality or Quantity ? Union (Scale) Payment in 30 days Health insurance Retirement Residuals Late fees Arbitration (free) Non-union No contract: Buyout fee no residuals No payment enforcement No control of usage

LA or NY? While you’re here, AFTRA is your “tool” to being a professional immediately. 1 year AFTRA = SAG & AEA

But there’s no work in Ohio…

Some of the largest Corporations locate in Ohio (…this is only Hamilton County) Procter & Gamble Kroger Company Macy’s Fifth Third Bancorp Western & Southern Financial Chiquita Brands International Cincinnati Bell Headquarters American Financial Group Inc. Western & Southern Financial Group Cintas Corporation Corporate Office University of Cincinnati Headquarters Mercy Health Partners Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Tri-Health Frisch's Restaurants Inc.

But … My resume is too short.

Who are the players? Agent Product Producer Client Ad Agency Talent Production team Post production Casting

They go to great lengths to find the right talent. The casting director sees hundreds of actors. You are called back for the producer and director. Your tape is approved by the Ad Agency. Your tapes are sometimes even viewed by paid focus groups. Your audition tape is played for the client (and his mother) before you get the part. If you’re good enough to book you’re good enough to get paid.

Dirty little secret…. Some Employers and Agents can take advantage of you if you let them. Charge client your rate Pay you less (just this once) Pocket the difference. Once you to work for less they will expect it in the future. They tell you you’ll get more work NON-UNION. (They may be right)

Misconceptions: Doing work for free will build your Resume and make you a better actor.

Employers They won’t hire union to be “nice” They will hire union if they have to.

Employers don’t realize Your work is not 9-5 and steady so they pay you to be available and serious about the work. Buyouts hurt your chances for future bookings Like employers, actors should receive health care and retire with a pension like everyone else.

Employers expect exclusivity And own your image.

Without a contract, you end up giving away your only commodity…your image. forever

They will tell you Union “scale” is too expensive You will work more non-union

Time is Money Work on script (Copy) 1/2 hour Audition 2 hours Call back2 hours Shoot day 8 hours Total= 12.5 hours On Camera (Day Player) $300 SCALE Local Rates: 1 week, 4 week, 13 week, 1 year. $300 ÷ 12.5 hours = $24.00 an hour

Time is Money 4 auditions a week 3 call backs with no booking = 31 ($0) As an actor you make: A WHOPPING 77¢ an hour On Camera (Day Player) $300 SCALE

Unions: Federations Associations Guilds AFTRA- Your Voice in Music,, Entertainment and News & Information- Your Union ACTORS’ EQUITY Association

One year after working as a principle performer under AFTRA makes you SAG and Equity Eligible AFTRA- Your Voice in Music,, Entertainment and News & Information- Your Union AFTRA is an open union New members must complete an application and pay a one-time initiation fee and dues for the current dues period. The initiation fee is $1,600 minimum dues are based on earnings. Locally: $850 Adults Half for Children 12 and under AFTRA

Representing over 45,000 American actors and stage managers working in the professional theatre. Initiation Fee $ ) Equity Contract You may join the Association by virtue of employment under an Equity contract. 2.) Eligibility Applicants must be members in good standing of the sister union for at least one year, and must have worked as a performer under the union's jurisdiction or three extra contracts in that unions' jurisdiction. 3.) Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC) 50 weeks of EMC work at participating theatres. AEA

SAG Initiation Fee $2,211 Television/Feature Films/Commercials/Industrials A performer becomes eligible for Screen Actors Guild membership under one of the following two conditions: proof of SAG employment or employment under an affiliated performers union. Dues are based on earnings.

How do you “stand with” your competition?

Unite! Leverage your collective power

Now you know You have the right to earn a fair rate for your work. You have a right to stand with other actors in a union and organize through collective bargaining. You deserve respect for providing a valuable service. It’s okay to make money.

Just one question What would this presentation be…

Without them?