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SAG - The Screen Actors Guild


The Screen Actors Guild calls itself "the nation's premier labor union representing actors." Founded in 1933, SAG has a "rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists' rights amid the digital revolution of the 21st century," the union states on its website.

With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 actors in film, television, industrials, commercials and music videos. The guild states that it "exists to enhance actors' working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists' rights."

The guild also involves itself in the collection of compensation for exploitation of its members' recorded performances and protection against unauthorized use of those recordings. SAG also dedicates itself to preservation and expansion of work opportunities for members. SAG services include the Screen Actors Guild - Producers Pension & Health Plan, casting showcases, workshops and seminars.

SAG is affiliated with The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) through the Associated Actors and Artists of America. A national board of directors elected by its members governs the guild. The board consists of representatives elected from every guild branch.

If not yet a member of SAG, an actor can still get a SAG job, according to the guild. "A producer who wants to hire you can do so," the guild states. "Actors can then join SAG through the union security provision of our contracts." To learn more about SAG membership, contracts, and services, contact the Screen Actors Guild directly.

LINKS

Screen Actors Guild
The guild's national website, which lists its branches across the United States.

SAG Indie
The guild's division specializing in independent film.

SAG-Producers
Screen Actors Guild - Producers pension and health plans homepage.

SAG Foundation
The Screen Actors Guild Foundation is the humanitarian and educational arm of the Screen Actors Guild.

SAG Awards
The guild's annual awards for performance.

History
The history of the Screen Actors Guild.


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Find Movie Auditions and SAG Information in Back Stage

The Screen Actors Guild is a valuable union, especially if you are looking for jobs in entertainment. While it is still possible to find casting calls for non-union movie auditions, it is certainly more difficult. Find out everything you need to know about SAG in Back Stage and then decide if and when you should join.
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