Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
36 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org also taking non-union jobs. Since they've already proven themselves by becoming SAG-AFTRA-eligible, the sooner they join the best in the business, the sooner they'll stop working those non-union spots. As SAG-AFTRA members head into the field to discuss the initiative, they'll come armed with the facts. The union created a toolkit to help guide the discussion. For instance, anyone who makes a living as an actor needs to be aware that union work simply pays better. Even if a non- union shoot pays more upfront to "buy out" the performer, factoring in residuals and contributions to pension, health and retirement, reveals a dramatic difference in compensation. In 2014, SAG-AFTRA surveyed non- member performers who work on commercials. Almost 70 percent earned $5,000 or less per year and 81 percent earned less than $10,000 — certainly not a living wage. Only 5 percent earned over $50,000. The simple fact is that an actor needs to work 10 non-union commercials to earn the same as one union commercial. "It's definitely about the money, but it's not just about the money; it's about being recognized as a professional," said National Commercial Performers Committee Chair Sue-Anne Morrow. "Actors work hard to hone their craft — we deserve to be treated respectfully and fairly compensated for our talent and skill." Financial impacts also apply to agents — if actors make more money, so do their agents, so it pays to represent union talent. Since union commercials can pay 10 times more than non-union spots, an agent earning the standard 10-percent commission on a union commercial still earns more than an agent struggling to get paid for a non-union commercial — even if the agent's non-union commission is greater. And then there are the benefits of membership. Performers who are working non-union may not know what they're missing. Members only work under contracts that require safe on-set working conditions, regulate hours worked and offer a guarantee that pay can't fall below a certain negotiated threshold. In addition, when performers' work is reused, they are due residuals — and as any working actor knows, residuals can be a vital source of income and pay Best in the Business promotional materials. 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW: 1. Spread the facts on social media. 2. On Twitter, use the hashtags #bestinthebiz and #getpaid. 3. Create a digital message about why members are the Best in the Business and the importance of working under a union contract. For details visit SAGAFTRA.org/BestInTheBiz. 4. Talk to performers at auditions, on set and at workshops. Talk about the campaign with your agent and manager. Contact your local office for materials to help you get started. 5. Host a meetup or a house party to discuss the initiative with fellow performers and industry colleagues.