The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a union for film and television actors in the US, founded in 1933 to protect actors from exploitative contracts. SAG negotiates contracts, promotes employment opportunities, and enforces copyright law for its members. Actors must work for at least one day on a SAG-affiliated production to be considered “SAG eligible” and can work for up to one month before applying for membership. Once a member, actors cannot work on non-union projects.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a union for film and television actors in the United States. Like other unions, the Screen Actors Guild works to protect its members while also promoting the general welfare of the industry it protects. It should come as no surprise to learn that SAG is based in Hollywood, the home of the American film industry, although numerous branches are located throughout the country.
This union was founded in 1933 in response to the growing influence of the Hollywood film studios. Actors were often forced into extremely instrumental contracts, and many felt they were working too hard and not earning enough for their work. By organizing like a union, Hollywood stars hoped to protect themselves and make the industry better for everyone. Today, SAG is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industry Organizations and works with a number of other Hollywood unions such as the Writers Guild of America, West.
SAG’s mission is multifaceted. One of the union’s most important tasks involves negotiating contracts that cover things like benefits, working hours, compensation rates, and so on. SAG also negotiates on behalf of its members for residuals. The union also promotes employment opportunities for its members and helps members access a range of health benefits. Since 1995, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have also been a big part of the Hollywood cultural scene, often suggesting which films will perform well at the prestigious Oscars.
SAG members also get some special protections through their union. The SAG vigorously enforces copyright infringements, protecting artists from unauthorized use of their recorded works and ensuring that actors are not exploited. Unauthorized distribution impacts a variety of people in Hollywood, from actors to studios, and SAG often works with other organizations to enforce copyright law.
Lead actors are considered “SAG eligible” if they work for at least one day in a production handled by a producer who has negotiated a deal with the Screen Actors Guild. The SAG-eligible performer can work for up to one month on SAG-affiliated projects, enjoying umbrella protection from the union, before being required to apply for membership. Background artists are eligible for SAG after three days of work. Once an actor or actress joins the Screen Actors Guild, she cannot work on non-union projects.
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