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Permalink Reply by Dege' Matteis on May 12, 2010 at 7:17pm

to join SAG you have to book at least 3 jobs first like an extra or something

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Permalink Reply by Scott Allen Bell on May 22, 2010 at 10:28pm

you have to be waivered 3 times. When casting a SAG film the CA (Casting Agency) has to use a certain number of SAG actors on a set before using NU (Non-union). If they need 50 SAG but the scene only calls for 30 actors, the CA has to waiver anyone NU they book for the job. I was just waivered for "The Dark Fields". When you get waivered you are considered SAG and you earn SAG rates for that booking. 3 waivers makes you a must join. (Although people do get away with it and get a few more waivers, but not everyone)
Taft Hartley, get a speaking role in a SAG film and you can join, not sure if this makes you a must join. I was Taft Hartley on a SAG Web series called "Finders Keepers". I am now SAG eligible

I have not joined SAG because there is not enough SAG work in Philly. Actors are really having a hard time now because they can't work Indie films. Really think over your decision. You don't need to build your resume to become professional, just need to get paid to act to be that, 1 paid gig makes you that. Don't rush into it, enjoy the freedom you have now and get the work. Maybe you do an Indie film that blows up, "Blair Witch" is a great example. A lot of the cult films are Indie. Don't knock Indie films,they make a ton of money and they can make you as famous as any big budget film.

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Permalink Reply by Nicolette Dumercy on May 13, 2010 at 3:37pm

Thanks:), but i already know how to join. you can join by either getting 3 sag vouchers, getting a principal role in a sag production, getting taft-hartleyed, and so and so, but i need to know when is the right time to join like how do you know when you're at professional status to join sag. i still need to build my resume. but thank you anyway:)

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Permalink Reply by Nicolette Dumercy on May 13, 2010 at 8:33pm

Thanks Molli, I will email you very soon:)

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Permalink Reply by Scott Allen Bell on June 4, 2010 at 12:47am

save your money and don't ever pay for what this women is selling.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Allen Bell on May 22, 2010 at 10:16pm

Wait until you move to LA. There are going to be so many more actors there then Miami, wait to see how much more comptetion your facing. Also, as a NU (Non-Union) actor you can always get waivered 3 times. Use your waivers, if you get three then it may be worth joning because your getting enough work that it will pay for itself, its $2500 to join SAG and then you have dues. There could very well be great opportunities there for NU actors. You might be able to make more money as NU. If you get a lead role and make a deal with the production company maybe you can get a cut of royalties. Think it over, there really is no rush. As NU you can get more work and more experience while waiting to get your big break. Break a leg!!

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Permalink Reply by Nicolette Dumercy on May 23, 2010 at 8:41pm

Thanks Scott. I will continue to do alot of non union jobs. Becoming a sag member is like my biggest goal right now lol. But i'll wait until i have enough credits and experience before I try joining sag. Because if i join sag too fast and i'm not at professional status yet then i'm going to be up against the top actors in the industry who are most likey to book the sag jobs over me and I won't be able to do any non union work once I join sag, then i'll be stuck lol. So thank you for the advice.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Allen Bell on June 4, 2010 at 12:45am

There is a great example of someone trying to steal your money. Charge you $25 an hour to talk to you over the net. Do not ever pay anyone for talking to you or to get advice,there are to many places to get it for free and to get honest feed back.She will tell you things that will make you come back so its doubtful you'd get the truth anyway. Use Facebook and add anyone in the business, don't worry about where they are from. I have actor friends all over the world and they are a great resourse for getting answers when you have questions and they will give you honest feed back.
As for SAG, you can't just join at any time. You have to be Taft-Hartley or get 3 waivers, then you are allowed to join. In the mean time do as much NU work as you can. Don't just do anything, unless your not busy and just want something to do. Take classes. There are classes out there taught by other actors that might cost $15-$30 per class, do not go to agencies and drop $300-$400 for a weekend course. The best class is in front of the camera. I started a little more then a year ago and haven't taken a class yet, thats because I am constantly getting work. I have 12 films, 2 webseries and 1 Industrial Video under my belt and on my resume. However, the classes are important and they look great on your resume,it shows your serious about acting. Also, for your Headshots, don't blow a lot of money on them. Use any digital camera and take it yourself, use a photoshop program to do touch ups. Digital cameras have come a long way and take excellent pictures, that was advice from Diane Heery of Heery Casting in Philadelphia,look her up.
Proffesional status? The fist time you are paid to act makes you a proffessional and until then act like you are. If you say yes to a project,do it. Anyway, there are a lot of great resources online that you should read. If your on Facebook look up Paul Russell Casting, he does a weekly article that is very helpful to actors. Add me to if you would like, I am under Scott Bell, email address is anger65304@yahoo.com . Be confident and do your best and you'll be great

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Permalink Reply by Scott Allen Bell on June 4, 2010 at 10:58pm

Thanks for replying and my comment was more of a warning than accusation. I don't think I said you were a scam, but I did say there are so many scammers out there that say the same thing you did. If your legit that is great, but as new actors these folks don't need someone like you. I say this because they need to get into a few No/low budget Indie Films simply to see if they really enjoy acting and if it is something they want to pursue as a career. After they do that then they might wanna consult a talent agent and pay for a honest opinion on their ability. In my opinion you should tell these new actors just that instead of going right for the skype, but that is my opinion. Also, you didn't say anything about coaching in your comment. Please read what you wrote and try to imagine being someone else and give it an honest opinion on how it comes off to someone that knows how many scams and scammers there are in this business. If your a coach then say that and offer it as a service at $25 an hour. The only thing you promise for $25 an hour is honest answers and a game plan. Does the game plan include classes for $300 for a 3 day course? What exactly are you giving the new actor for $25 an hour? Again, this is how your comment comes off to me, I do not mean this as an attack at you or an accusation, it is more of a suggestion. As for coaching, What is your back ground? Were you an actor? Do you coach anyone that is known or has become an known actor? Refferences? With all of the scams these are things I would suggest adding to your messeges so they are not mistaken.
I am curious as to what you disagree with me on. Please disagree, I welcome the conversation. As for emailing you, I don't have your email and my comment was directed at someone else.
Molli, I am not attacking you, just offering an unbiased opinion on what I saw

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