Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2015 | SAG-AFTRA 37 into the fund for health, retirement and pension benefits. Non-members can hurt themselves in the long run if they become identified with a product for which they've done a non-union commercial. Since they don't have the protection of a union contract, the employer may be able to use the spot forever without any additional payment to the performers, and companies that offer similar products won't want to use an actor identified with a competitor. "When performers work non-union, they are sacrificing their future. They may score $500 for a local restaurant spot that runs forever, but then they can say goodbye to any chance of landing a union commercial for most foods for the rest of their lives," explained National Commercial Performers Committee Vice Chair John Carter Brown. "But it goes beyond that, because their actions affect their fellow performers. Non-union work harms all professional actors." Members also have the advantage that if anything goes wrong, whether it's underpayment, non-payment or other problems on the set, the union's team of experts is available to help resolve the issue. Most often, irregularities are quickly resolved once the union brings them to the producers' attention — that's the power of SAG-AFTRA's collective strength. "Performers that understand the big picture would never consider working without a union contract," said National Commercial Performers Committee Vice Chair Allen Lulu. "For actors, each performance is an opportunity to invest in their future. That future is in union work." The union's member leaders are making this initiative one of the union's top priorities. However, its effectiveness will depend on whether you step up to make it successful. Get involved. Let's make this happen. SAG-AFTRA's Plan The member-driven commercials organizing and recapture initiative is a multi-tiered effort to increase union-covered commercial work by: Successfully enforcing the contract with those producers signed to our agreements that try to produce non-union. Researching and analyzing the non-union commercials industry to develop effective strategies. Working with agents to discuss non-union commercials and coordinate efforts. Reaching out to and educating casting directors. Working with agents and casting directors to streamline the casting clearance process. Creating a student commercials agreement to help train the next generation of commercials producers. Encouraging political candidates to hire professional performers under union contracts for campaign advertising. Coordinating information and efforts with other industry unions. Reaching out to and organizing non-union advertisers and agencies. Developing targeted campaigns to recapture work opportunities in such sectors as the retail market, the toy industry, the car industry, etc. Organizing Spanish-language advertisers and ad agencies. Researching and organizing digital media agencies. Holding meetings in 25 markets to create targeted campaigns. Approaching governments and tourism offices to encourage them to produce union commercials. Approaching major players in the union movement to assure that when they advertise, they hire professional performers under union contracts. Visit SAGAFTRA.org/BestInTheBiz to find out more. "It's about being recognized as a professional." - Sue-Anne Morrow