Expert: Phil Nemy - 10/11/2006

Question
Mr. Nemy,

  I am an aspiring actor originally from Philadelphia, now living in Los Angeles. I am new to acting, other than doing about 4-5 independent short films I do not have any experience and I know that you must join SAG in order to get a respectable audition or agent.  I understand that you have to have 3 qualifying jobs to become SAG eligible, but where do I find these jobs?  I believe that at this point not belonging to SAG is the only thing stopping me.

Answer
Nick,

Thanks for writing. Your information is partially correct. One of the ways you may join SAG is to be given three SAG Vouchers. You obtain these vouchers by working as a background performer, otherwise known as an Extra or Atmosphere.

SAG requires all of its signatory companies to hire a minimum of 40 SAG Extras members before the company can hire non-union extras. When a company orders the 40 SAG extras for the day, if only 38 show up that day, then the company may "upgrade" two of the non-union extras with SAG Vouchers which allow the non-union extras to be paid SAG wages for that day. Once an actor has been given 3 SAG Vouchers, THEN he/she is eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild.

Knowing this, what you may wish to do is to sign up with extra casting companies in Los Angeles so that you can get called for extra work. When you arrive on the set and check in with the assistant directors, let them know that you are very interested in getting a voucher for the day should they have an opening. Always tell the AD's this info so they'll keep you in mind should they have an opening.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil