This question is about Union films vs. Non-Union films? Important!! Acting Career and Performing Arts?
Question by strictlymob: This question is about Union films vs. Non-Union films? Important!! Acting Career and Performing Arts?
I understand that in the acting business for working actors and working actresses there is two different types: Union work and Non Union work. I understand that part.
But what I do not know or understand is if a Film or Movie or TV Show is not made by the Unions (SAG, AFTRA) than it is automatically and immediately considered Non Union, is that correct? Example is that me and my buddys are making a movie we have a script and everything ready. We are (by no means affiliated with any actors union) not with SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation Of Television And Radio Artists). We are just a dozen friends who recently purchased 6 cameras from Wal-Mart. Now if we make that movie with those cheap cameras maybe cost about $ 100 each, the Hollywood cameras cost about $ 100,000 each. But if we make a movie and film it where we live at, in the neighborhood will that be considered a “Non Union” movie. And what is the difference between Indie movies (Independent films) and Non Union movies. Are all Non Union movies considered Indies and vice versa.
Also, where do feature length Non Union films get shown at, do they get played on TV or sold on DVD. And are there any popular non union films or tv shows. As well as Indie Films? Can we send in our movie or tv series in to an agent to be played on TV once we get it finished, even though we are not union associates?
Thank You
Best answer:
Answer by Sketch
You would be considered “Non-union” . As you said, non-union means you do not belong to any union. Now, an indie film on the other hand can be either union or non-union, ‘indie’ just means you are not affiliated with a large production company.
As I understand it, the difference between union and non union are these:
Being non-union, you can pay your actors and crew as little as you like, provided it meets minimum wage. You will also have fewer actors to choose from, as non-union actors will typically not do non-union films. Basically, go look up what the union guide lines are on their websites, and you will know all of the things you don’t have to do. If you were union you’d have to follow those. Sorry, I lived in L.A. for a long time but I’m not too versed in union stuff. Hope this helps at all. ^^’
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