Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
48 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org network connection. The SAG-AFTRA website also indicates the areas in which an agent specializes. If that specialization applies to you, research the agent and find out their submission policies. Don't be quick to sign with the first person who offers. Do your homework first! Ask a lot of questions and make sure this is someone you can see yourself working with long-term. It can feel frustrating when you're early in your career and you don't have as much leverage as, say, a series regular, but remember, your representation works for you. You are hiring them. In the same way that you would be mindful about hiring someone to work for your business, you want to do your due diligence before accepting any agent's offer of representation. Listen to your intuition; if you're feeling any hesitation or are concerned about what the agent is saying to you, call the union. SAG-AFTRA can answer your questions on what is industry standard and appropriate in these relationships. It's important to have a thorough conversation with the representative before you sign with them. Discuss your career goals and what that agent's vision is for your career. If your objectives don't align, it could lead to disappointment. An agent may be great and come highly recommended, but they may not be the best agent for you. "This is your career, and you don't want to be stuck in a contract with an entity that won't place your needs first," said SAG-AFTRA National Director and Senior Counsel of Professional Representatives Zino Testa-Macaluso during SAG-AFTRA's livestream on finding representation, available at sagaftra.org/videos. It's better to have no representation than bad representation. Contact the Professional Representatives Department at (323) 549-6745 or agency@sagaftra.org. Inquiries regarding personal managers can be sent to personalmanager@sagaftra.org. WHAT DO I OWE MY AGENT? Wondering what portion of your pay is commissionable to your agent? SAG-AFTRA has answers. For any nonresidual payments that you receive, there is a list of what is commissionable to your agent — and what isn't — at sagaftra.org/what-commissionable. If you have a question about which of your residuals payments are commissionable, please consult the charts that can be found under Resources & Downloads on the same webpage, depending on whether your agent is SAG or AFTRA franchised. The Professional Representatives Department can be reached at (323) 549-6745, or via email at agency@sagaftra.org. SCAN FOR VIDEO See more at unionplus.org The Union Plus Car Rental Program WORKS FOR ME "Using the Union Plus Car Rental Discounts was an amazing move, and it made the entire trip extra special. When you have a rental experience like I had, it just sets the tone for a great trip." —union member