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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/taft hartley and sag
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Question
Greetings! I was in a trailer for a movie that never got funded in the 80's and got taft hartley'd because I had a speaking bit part. I don't have those papers and wouldn't know how to go about getting them! What do I have to do to get in the sag or in a production to achieve the same?
Hi Greg,
I'm not sure if SAG would keep record of that or not. Your agent might have info if they are still around. I Taft-Hartley'd back in the '90's once for a TV show, but to be honest, I don't know how close they look at records of that from back then. I know it is supposed to be a one-time deal, but I have known people that have done it more than once and maybe it can be used once every so many years? When I my first qualifying role years ago, I did nothing and SAG sent me a letter, which I kept, saying "welcome to your eligibilty" -something like that. I kept it, but have not joined, as it would prevent me from doing non-union work here in Texas, which has a "right to work" law. If I were to take up residence in California or New York, then I would sign up, but half the work here would be off-limits to me if I did. AND I would have annual dues...
You said "a trailer that never got funded". Therefore, it never aired on TV or theaters, so it was covering a contingency, in case it would have made it.
To be eligible, you need to have lines and/or be a principal actor (not an extra) in a SAG sanctioned production. (There may be leeway if the company is a SAG signatory shooting in a non-union state, but that's a SAG question.) You can go to SAG's website to contact them on the particulars...
If they kept the records, more power to you! I'm still trying to locate some production pictures I was in with Meg Ryan, playing tackle football with each other. I imagine they were thrown away after we wrapped.
Best to you!
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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