SAG-AFTRA Strike, What Does This Mean for Me?

As we all know, we are in pretty tricky times with a double strike happening in our industry. The writers union (WGA) and the actors union (SAG-AFTRA) are both on strike. During this time there are not many auditions to go around, so when we receive that glorious audition request (gotta love a CMail!) we want to be sure that our tape isn’t crossing that picket line or it can have a long term effect on our career.

How do you know what you can audition for?

Great question, actor! First, check to see what type of project it is. There are several projects that are entirely fair game to audition for and not involved in the strike. Here is a list of what we CAN audition for and work on.

• Commercials: Television, Radio & Digital Media (includes the Influencer Agreement and the Cameo for Business Agreement)
• Television programs covered by the Network TV Code (soap operas, variety shows, talk shows and game shows)
• Sound Recordings
• Music Videos
• Interactive/Video Game Agreement
• Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast (formerly “Industrial”)
• Programs
• Station Contracts & Broadcast News
• Television & New Media Animation
• Dubbing
• Audiobooks
• Short Project Agreement (SPA)
• Micro Budget Project Agreement (Micro)
• Student Film Agreement
• Independent New Media Agreement (deferrable)
• Independent Podcast Agreement & Micro-Monetized Podcast Agreement (includes scripted performance and hosting)
• SAG-AFTRA-approved Interim Agreements (These are for independent productions that would normally be covered by the TV/Theatrical Contracts, and which have qualified for such an agreement with SAG-AFTRA)

If you get an audition for SAG film or TV, don’t whip out that ring light just yet. All actors should be sure that the project has secured a SAG interim agreement first. Once a production is cleared by the union and approved, auditioning and production can move on as scheduled. To check to see which projects have been granted an interim agreement click here.

Here is the main thing we want to focus on, and this is for fellow SAG-AFTRA members and non union actors alike, working on anything associated with the AMPTP is crossing that picket line and harming the cause of the strike. If you are SAG, there will be disciplinary action taken and if you are non union, your involvement in a struck project will make ever joining the union incredibly difficult. Safeguard your career and stay informed as things develop!

Remember, the industry will come back, auditions will return! Once we are through this, there will be such a need for content to meet the need of the industry going dark for a bit. Stay on your game, keep training, stay informed and be ready for the onslaught of auditions coming your way when the union can prevail with the fair agreements they are working towards!

In Solidarity!
1st Team