Actors taking the long trek out to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune often have one major hurdle to surmount...securing that elusive Screen Actors Guild card, so they can land work in the industry.
For many years, it was kind-of-like a Catch 22 situation.
For example, an actor was barred from joining SAG unless a job prospect was lined up. And, complicated by the fact, that a performer was required to be in the Union to be considered for a role.
In addition, most agents wouldn't represent an actor until he or she was a bona fide member of the Guild.
Understandably, a performer was inclined to practically jump through hoops, to get gainful employment in Tinsel Town.
So, why would an actor choose to quit the Screen Actors Guild?
For many reasons...maybe a performer was returning to school, or was starting a family, and opted to take a sabbatical from the business for a short duration.
In the alternative, some actors often chose to go on "Financial Core Status". In that event, the performer was only required to pay a portion of their dues; however, in that instance, the right to vote in elections and participate in the daily business of the guild was revoked. Actors often used "core" status to protest when they were unhappy about the political regime (elected officials) or disagreed with Guild policies (in recent years the issue of a merger with AFTRA has been a hotly-debated bone of contention among members, for instance).
Because the Guild must have a solid financial base to run operations and to ensure there are funds on hand in the event of a strike (if there's enough money in the coffers, performers can hold out on the picket line until their demands are met), financial core status has the potential to cripple the union.
Earlier this year, SAG made it tougher to rejoin under new rules adopted by the Union's Board of Directors. The move was particularly aimed at actors who quit SAG to work on non-union jobs in-between union gigs.
Up until the recent past, actors were granted free reign to rejoin the Guild with little ado, provided they paid upfront assessment fees.
According to the new rules, quitting will be considered permanent. And, members can only be reinstated if they undergo a sort-of "litmus test" that involves petitioning a disciplinary committee. The strict policy comes on the heels of concerted efforts by SAG to organize producers who aren't covered under the Guild's jurisdiction.
"Individuals who make the choice to quit the Union cannot expect to be allowed back in without the Union asking some questions about why they quit and what sort of work they were doing," noted Todd Amorde, the Guild's director of organizing.
Personally, I am opposed to the new rules, which amount to coercion and intimidation tactics, in my opinion. In their role as super cop, heading up witch-hunts, SAG Officials have created a working environment that is rife with dread and fear.
However, for what it’s worth, SAG has granted a deadline for SAG Members to reconsider their membership status.
Until December 31st, 2007, members who bowed out for personal reasons (prior to June 13th, 2007), have the opportunity to reinstate after fulfilling the new Screen Actors Guild requirements (interrogation, turning over first born, etc.)
Of course, this does not apply to Members who are on honorable withdrawal (sounds a little like AA, doesn't it?) or on suspended pay status. Nor does the petition process apply to members who lost their guild cards over failure to pay dues.
Direct Policy Questions to Branch office or Guild Headquarters...
(323)549-6019 or (323)549-6026