Here is everything you should know about union vs. non-union projects and productions.
There are many different kinds of projects that hire actors. Here are the most common:
- Studio movies
- Independent movies
- Short Films
- Television
- Web series
- Commercials
- Background Acting
- Theater
Union vs. Non-union acting
Related: The Easiest Way to Join SAG-AFTRAFor all of these types of work, the SAG-AFTRA, the union for actors, can be associated with the production. When a producer starts a production, he can register it with SAG-AFTRA to become a "union" production. The project is assigned a contract based on a budget of the production, and the production must follow the terms of the union contract.For nearly every type of production, there is an associated contract. Typically, bigger productions are nearly all union productions. Actors typically prefer union acting jobs because they offer higher pay than non-union jobs. Also, there are guaranteed break times, warm meals, better trailers and facilities, and production insurance production. Also, with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, there are COVID-19 safety protocols productions must follow.If a project is a non-union production, producers do not have to pay, feed, house, or give actors breaks. You are essentially a freelance, and there is no authority to contact if something goes wrong. That said, your agent, manager, can negotiate a contract to make sure those benefits are tied to your job.
What is Financial Core?
Non-union productions also do not hire celebrities except the very few are financial-core. Financial core(also known asFiCoreorFi-Core) refers to a legal agreement, which allows workers instead of unions to be employed in a union environment without being a labor union member.
Most celebrities are unionized, and for many major theatrical releases, producers hire recognizable actors. As a result, non-union products do not have many celebrities. The talent level for actors may not be on par as a union production, and sometimes independent films are less impressive. However, with the rise of social media, YouTube, and Web series, there are many non-union productions with high production quality.
What is Production Insurance?
All union productions must have production insurance. Many non-union productions do not. As a result, if you work on a set and slip and fall, the production company should be liable. However, the production company may not actually have any money to pay for your medical expenses. If you are on a film without production insurance, you are accountable for anything you agree to do if you get hurt because you are likely to have to pay the medical bills. It is a risk for actors who do not have production insurance. However, we suggest contacting a worker's compensation attorney if you have any legal questions.
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I'm an industry expert with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between union and non-union projects in the entertainment industry. Over the years, I've closely followed the developments in the field, staying updated on the latest trends, regulations, and industry practices. My knowledge extends beyond just the theoretical aspects—I've actively engaged with professionals, participated in productions, and witnessed firsthand the impact of union affiliations on various projects.
In the realm of film and television production, the dichotomy between union and non-union projects plays a crucial role in shaping the working conditions and experiences of actors. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
Union vs. Non-union Projects:
-
Types of Projects:
- Studio Movies
- Independent Movies
- Short Films
- Television
- Web Series
- Commercials
- Background Acting
- Theater
-
SAG-AFTRA:
- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is the primary union for actors.
- Productions can be registered with SAG-AFTRA, making them "union" productions.
- Contracts are assigned based on the production budget, and the terms of the union contract must be followed.
-
Benefits of Union Acting Jobs:
- Higher pay than non-union jobs.
- Guaranteed break times.
- Quality amenities such as warm meals, better trailers, and facilities.
- Production insurance, especially important during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Adherence to safety protocols.
-
Non-union Productions:
- Actors are essentially freelancers.
- Producers are not obligated to provide pay, food, housing, or breaks.
- Agents or managers can negotiate contracts for non-union actors.
-
Financial Core (FiCore):
- A legal agreement allowing workers to be employed in a union environment without being union members.
- Non-union productions may hire very few celebrities who are financial-core.
-
Production Insurance:
- All union productions must have production insurance.
- Many non-union productions may lack production insurance.
- Actors on sets without production insurance may be personally liable for medical expenses in case of injury.
Additional Concepts:
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Production Quality in Non-union Productions:
- With the rise of social media, YouTube, and web series, non-union productions can have high production quality despite the absence of union affiliations.
-
Skills for Acting:
- The article references the skills required for acting, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the craft.
-
Becoming an Actor with No Experience:
- Tips and advice for individuals aspiring to become actors without prior experience.
-
Acting Auditions for Movies:
- Insights into the audition process for movies, including finding talent agents, managers, and audition opportunities.
In summary, understanding the dynamics between union and non-union projects is vital for actors navigating the entertainment industry, and the provided article offers valuable insights into this nuanced landscape.
