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ACTING IN YOUR INTEREST
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Page 1: ACTING - SAG-AFTRA

ACTINGIN YOUR

INTEREST

Page 2: ACTING - SAG-AFTRA

About The GuildScreen Actors Guild is the nation’s largest labor union

representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history inthe American labor movement, from standing up to studios to breaking

long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rightsamid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Headquartered in

Los Angeles, you can visit SAG online at www.sag.org.

Front and back cover photos courtesy of Screen Actors Guild and SAG Foundation “Conversations” series.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Who Has the Power? ................................................................................................4Our legacy and our mission

United We Stand ..........................................................................................................5What membership means

Serving You 24/7 on the Web ............................................................................6A wealth of information is now available via the Internet

It’s All About Being Connected ..........................................................................7How to stay informed

The Power to Negotiate ..........................................................................................8How the Guild protects your paycheck

Planning for Your Future…Protecting Your Health..............................9Pension and health benefits

Learning the Business From the Inside ....................................................10Get involved with your Guild

Researching Your Craft ........................................................................................11Learning from your peers

Members Helping Members ..............................................................................12The SAG Foundation

Assisting With Transitions ..................................................................................13Support programs

Managing Your Money ..........................................................................................14Financial assistance programs

Maintaining Your Membership ......................................................................15Keep your information up-to-date

Solidarity Forever ....................................................................................................16Supporting other unions

Union Begins With You ........................................................................................18Affirmative action and diversity

Democratic Participation ....................................................................................19Let your voice be heard

Protecting the Future ............................................................................................20Information for young performers

Contacting the Guild ..............................................................................................22How to reach SAG

The Card Makes All the Difference ..............................................................23Member benefit programs

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IWHO HAS THE POWER? OUR LEGACY AND OUR MISSION

OurLegacyImagine working on a film with unrestricted hours, noenforced turnaround and no required meal breaks.Imagine working under a seven-year contract that you cannot break and more than likely will be forced to renew, fora producer who can tell you who you can marry, whatyour morals must be, even what political opinions to hold.

This was Hollywood for actors in 1933 under thestudio system. Rebel against the studio and you were infor a hard time, better to quit while you’re ahead.Fortunately, a group of actors risked their careers to startScreen Actors Guild. In 1937, the studios signed a contractwith the Guild that, for the first time in Hollywood, gaveactors a sense of empowerment.

—Ken Orsatti Former Screen Actors Guild National Executive Director 1981–2001

OurMission

With 20 branches across the United States, Screen ActorsGuild represents almost 120,000 working actors in film,television, commercials, video games, music videos,internet work and other new media. Our mission is tomake Screen Actors Guild the most effective and respectedGuild in the entertainment industry. We work to enhanceactors’ working conditions and compensation benefits, andto be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights.

—Alan RosenbergScreen Actors Guild President

SAG24/7

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UNITED WE STANDWHWHAT MEMBERSHIP MEANS

Printed on the back of every SAG card is Rule One of SAG membership:

“No member shall work as a performer or make anagreement to work as a performer for any producerwho has not executed a basic minimum agreementwith the Guild which is in full force and effect. This provision applies worldwide.”

Membership in the Guild says that you are an experienced professional whorequires certain minimum standards for wages and working conditions (workhours, turnaround, safety, etc.). Guild members agree to work only for producerswho have signed a SAG contract. While actors can, of course, negotiate termsabove the minimum, by requiring SAG contracts for every SAG member on everyjob, we can ensure that all actors are fairly compensated for their work. WithoutRule One, many actors would be subject to exploitation.

On May 1, 2002 Screen Actors Guild began globally enforcingRule One (GR1), ensuring SAG members now benefit from the

protections of SAG collective bargaining agreements anywherethey work in the world. Because SAG members have abided bythe rule, millions of dollars in contributions have been madeinto the pension

and health fundsthat would have

otherwise been lost. Working without a SAG contract

harms your earning power and erodesthe hard-won gains of our union,which hurts all actors. As a result, SAGtakes Rule One very seriously: Violatingit can result in disciplinary actions ranging from fines to expulsion.

[ ]

Kevin Spacey speaking out in support of Rule One with Tony Danza and Eriq La Salle.

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SERVING YOU 24/7 ON THE WEB

SSAG’s interactive Web site (www.sag.org) was created to meet the growingdemands of membership worldwide, day or night. SAG 24/7 gives members thefreedom to access the information they need when they need it. It is an importanttool for working actors and the industry professionals who hire them. Membersmust be registered with the the Guild’s Web site to take full advantage of its manyfeatures and online services, including:

� Residual Tracker allows members to follow their TV and theatrical residuals through the received payment and mail process.

� Production Lists advise members of casting opportunities in their regionfor both principal and background actors.

� Profile Feature allows members to add or update their personal contactinformation online.

� Contract Information helps answer basic member questions on the job.Need to know if you are entitled to overtime or meal penalties? Theseanswers and contract summaries can be found online.

� Signatory allows members to check the signatory status of any project atany time. This makes it easier for members to comply with Rule One, whichrequires they confirm a project is under contract with SAG before acceptingemployment.

� Dues Online allows members the option topay their dues online using their Visa orMasterCard. Go to www.sag.org to pay duesonline.

� Member Benefits offers a comprehensiveclearing house—ranging from publications to legaladvice to auto discounts–of special offers for SAG members.

� TheSAGShop.com offers a line of quality, stylish, union-made apparel and merchandise. Visit the site at www.thesagshop.com to do your onlineshopping. You'll find great gift ideas as well as clothing to show off your union pride.

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AIT’S ALL ABOUT

BEING CONNECTED

As a member of Screen Actors Guild, you are a part of a greater community ofprofessional actors working together to achieve mutual goals, so it’s important tostay connected and informed. SAG encourages you to visit the Web site regularlyand to be active in your local branch activities.

Members can update their contact information on the members-only home-page of the SAG Web site at www.sag.org. Changes can also be submitted in writ-ing to SAG membership services.

SAG also encourages members to keep all contact information up-to-date, sothe Guild can keep you informed and process timely payments of residuals.Keeping your contact information current also ensures you that casting directorsand producers will find you on SAG’s “Actors to Locate.”

SAG publishes a quarterly national magazine, Screen Actor, which is mailed topaid-up members. Additionally, branches regularly produce their own electronicand printed member newsletters featuring local news and benefits.

By providing your email address to SAG, you’ll receive contract updates, e-newsletters, casting information, career workshop and seminar announcementsand email messages from your elected leaders.

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THE POWER TO NEGOTIATE

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TSAG Advocates Top Wages and

Residual Payments

The Guild’s basic contracts are negotiated with film, television, commercial andmultimedia producers to establish minimum wages and working conditions foractors. Our contracts provide vital protections for today’s performers by keepingpace with advancing technology and ever-expanding broadcast platforms.

In addition to basic wages, Guild contracts also secure payments for locationwork, overtime, holidays, travel time, mileage, stunts and wardrobe. The Guild hasalso won residual payments in perpetuity for rebroadcast of all current films, TVshows and TV commercials. The salaries and economic clout of actors continue togrow each year thanks to our collective efforts.

SAG Contracts Protect Members on the Job

Guild contracts require basic wages and protections during production that enableperformers to do their best work. Among the Guild’s provisions are first-class airtravel with flight insurance, private dressing rooms, meal breaks and adequate resttime between calls. Our contracts also require strict safety precautions and first aidon the set, special protections and education for minors, arbitration of disputesand grievances, and affirmative action in auditions and hiring.

As a member, you should fully acquaint yourself with these important provi-sions so that, in cooperation with the Guild’s professional staff and your electedleadership, you can help ensure SAG contracts are fully enforced. It is this combi-nation of efforts that maintains the integrity of our agreements.

Via SAGIndie, the outreach program to low-budget filmmakers, thousands ofunion jobs are created on student, experimental, and limited exhibition projects.For more information on these opportunities, please visit www.sagindie.org or call323/549-6064.

A range of contract digests, which summarize the terms of SAG agreements cover-ing theatrical motion pictures and television, commercials, interactive/industrial/educa-tional, as well as Low Budget Agreements forindependent filmmakers, are available tomembers online at www.sag.org.

From left: Jeremy Sisto, Kyra Sedgwick, Mario Van Peebles,

and Mark Ruffalo represent SAGIndie at Sundance Film Festival.

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OPLANNING FOR YOUR FUTUREPROTECTING YOUR HEALTH

One of the primary benefits of working under SAG contracts is participation in theScreen Actors Guild-Producers Pension and Health Plans. Performers who accruethe required minimum earnings under SAG contracts are eligible for 12 months ofcoverage in the Health Plan, provided the applicable premiums are paid. There isalso an alternative eligibility based on number of days covered employment if youdon’t meet the monetary requirement.

The Health Plan has two levels, Plan I and Plan II, based on the amount ofyour covered earnings. Both plans cover your legal spouse or same-sex domesticpartner and dependent children. Previously qualified members who do not meetthe eligibility requirements in a given year can enroll in a self-pay program tomaintain coverage for up to 18 months. If certain criteria are met, self-pay cancontinue beyond 18 months.

Under the Pension Plan, a member earns one pension credit for each calen-dar year in which the minimum earnings requirement is met. Requirementamounts are subject to change by the trustees of SAG-Producers Pension andHealth Plans. Visit www.sagph.org or contact the pension and health office forexact earning qualifications and more information.

SAG-Producers Pension and Health PlansNational HeadquartersP.O. Box 7830Burbank, CA 91510-7830In California 818/954-9400Outside California 800/777-4013www.sagph.org

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Eligibility Commencing

The 1st of any calendarquarter in 2006

Requirements* $28.120

Plan IIRequirements*

$13,790 or74 days of employment

OrEffective April 1, 2007

$10,000 of coveredearnings

Aged 40 or olderAccumulated 10 years of

Earned Health Plan eligibility

For the most up-to-date eligibility informaton visit www.sagph.org

Calendar quarters start on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.* Requirement amounts are subject to change by the trustees of SAG-Producers Pensionand Health Plans.

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LEARNING THE BUSINESS FROM THE INSIDE

S

Screen Actors Guild cannot find work for members, but it can provide access to careeropportunities and provide tools to further your career. The Guild, the SAG Foundationand the SAG Conservatory offer a wide range of workshops, seminars and programsnationwide designed to educate, support and inspire SAG members, such as:

� The SAG Conservatory offers a variety of work-shops, from on-camera commercial workshops tovoice-over and children’s classes. The Conservatory is aplace for members to hone their skills and to networkwith other professionals. While not a formal trainingprogram, the Conservatory is a way for SAG membersto gain meaningful experience.

� SAG Foundation Casting Access Project (CAP) provides memberswith direct access to casting directors. For more information call 323/549-6022.

� “Conversations” offered by SAG Foundation brings rank-and-file memberstogether with successful performers who share their experience, advice andinspiration. Go to www.sagfoundation.org for more information.

� LifeRaft features seminars that range from financial to agent relations. Visit www.sagfoundation.org for more information on events in your area.

� Housing Bulletin Board helps members find housing options nation-wide. Log on to the Housing Bulletin Board at www.sagfoundation.org to viewthe listings. Those who have rentals, shares and sublets can also list theirinformation online.

� Planned Giving Program is available so you can support the SAGFoundation’s efforts and aid Guild members in need while also furthering yourown tax, financial and estate planning goals. Go to www.sagfoundation.org orcall 323/549-6708.

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The SAG Foundationoffers members“Conversations” withperformers such asSalma Hayek and Liam Neeson.

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RESEARCHING YOUR CRAFTLEARNING FROM YOUR PEERS

Screen Actors Guild offers members many opportunities to observe theperformances of their peers:

� The SAG Film Society is a paid service that permits you and a guest toregularly view current releases. Contact your local branch for more informa-tion, exact application dates and requirements.

� Roll Film, hosted by the SAG Foundation, offers members anopportunity to see films and participate in a Q&A session with casts,filmmakers and directors. It is a great way to see movies and learn more about the filmmaking process. It is a free member benefit. Visit www.sagfoundation.org for more information.

SAG Awards™

The Screen Actors Guild Award® has become one of the industry’s mostprized honors. The only televised awards show to exclusively honor per-formers, it presents 13 awards for acting in film and television. The awardstatuette, known as The Actor®, is bestowed annually. SAG honors individ-ual performances as well as the collaborative work of a theatrical motionpicture cast and both a drama and comedy series ensemble.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards® is unique in the size of its voting body. Tworandomly selected panels of 2,100 SAG members from across the United Statesselect the nominees for television and motion pictures. The final ballot then goesout to the entire active membership of the Guild, which collectively selects the out-standing performances of the year. The Screen Actors Guild Awards® also benefitsthe Screen Actors GuildFoundation. For more informa-tion visit www.sagawards.org.

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The cast of Crash celebratestheir Ensemble Actor®Award at the 12th AnnualSAG Awards™. w

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FFounded in 1985, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation is an educational, humani-tarian and philanthropic 501(c)3 non-profit organization which serves members ofScreen Actors Guild, their families and the greater community.

The purpose of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation is to enhance the life of theperformer through programs that educate, assist and inspire them to reach theirprofessional potential. We put this mission into action through assistance grants,scholarships, educational seminars and community outreach programs that fostercivic reciprocity.

ASSIST:� Catastrophic Health Program � Emergency Membership Assistance� Self-pay Assistance

INSPIRE:� Casting Access Project� “Conversations”� LifeRaft� John L. Dales Scholarship Fund

COMMUNITY:� BookPALS� Legacy Documentation� Storyline Online� We the Children

Members are encouraged to volunteer their time. To learn more aboutthese programs, visit www.sagfoundation.org or call the Foundation office at323/549-6649.

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MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

Left: Jason Alexander reads his book, Dad,Are You the Tooth Fairy?, for Storyline.Right: Ellen DeGeneres posing with youngperformers at Conversations for Kids (CfKs).

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ASSISTING WITH TRANSITIONSSUPPORT PROGRAMS

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A career in acting can be financially challenging. There are a number of programsavailable to members and their families who need emergency assistance or whowish to explore supplemental or alternative career paths.

The Motion Picture Player Welfare Fund was established in New York in 1958to provide emergency assistance to SAG members and their dependents. It alsomakes contributions to other organiza-tions that benefit SAG members, suchas Career Transition for Dancers, TheActors’ Fund, The Actors’ Work Programand the SAG Foundation.

The Actors’ Fund’s Actors’ WorkProgram helps package and marketyour skills to help find supplementalemployment (non-acting) while activelypursuing a professional career. Forthose members who want to explorenew options, The Actors’ WorkPrograms offer career transition work-shops and seminars.

Career Transition for Dancers is an non-profit organization that helps dancersmake the difficult step from dance to their next move. CTFD provides one-on-onecounseling, educational scholarships and grants to start new businesses, focusgroups, career conversations, and computer classes. All of this is free of charge forthe eligible dancer. If you’re interested, please call: Los Angeles 323/549-6660 orNew York 212/764-0172 or visit www.careertransition.org.

The Motion Picture Welfare Fund (www.mptvfund.org),SAG Foundation (www.sagfoundation.org) and The Actors’ Fund of America (www.actorsfund.org) can advise you and help you to understand your optionsto keep continuous health care coverage. Visit their Websites for more information.[ ]

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MANAGING YOUR MONEY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Screen Actors Guild is proud to be affiliated with these financial institutions:

AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union818/562-3400(outside Los Angeles: 800/826-6946) www.aftrasagfcu.org

Actors Federal Credit Union165 West 46th Street, 14th FloorNew York, New York 10036212/869-8926www.actorsfcu.com

Financial LifeRaft Series

The SAG Foundation intermittently sponsors events on financial services of interestto professional actors. Seminar topics range from basic money management tofinancial planning to starting your own business.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

During tax season, volunteer Guild members trained by the Internal RevenueService are available to assist SAG members. This free service is available in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Watch for notices in the winter Screen Actormagazine or check the SAG Web site for more details.

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Above: VITA teacher Ernie Charles (top)helps a member prepare to file his taxreturn during last year’s VITA program.Left: SAG staffer helps a memberregister for updates during thespring Hollywood member meeting.

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CMAINTAINING

YOUR MEMBERSHIP� Contact Information: It is every member’s responsibility to keep his or her

contact information current. You can update your information on the SAG Web siteor submit changes in writing to membership services. Also, the SAG-ProducersPension and Health office must be notified separately of any change of address.

� SAG Membership Dues: Current annual dues are based on all earningsreported to Pension and Health during the previous calendar year. SAG duesare billed semi-annually on or about May 1 and November 1. All membersare strongly encouraged to stay current. If your dues become delinquent, it ispossible you will not be cleared for work. (Members can register on the SAGWeb site to pay dues online. See page 6 for more information.)

� Honorable Withdrawal or Suspended Payment: If you are notactively seeking employment under SAG’s jurisdiction and have been a mem-ber of the Guild for 18 months, you may request inactive status. Requestsmust be made in writing to membership services (address below). Be sure toinclude your SAG ID and signature. If your request is granted, you will not beeligible to vote on union matters, and you will not receive Guild publications.You will, however, continue to receive any residuals due to you, and you mayreactivate your membership at any time in order to audition or accept work.

Status Definitions:

� Honorable Withdrawal: Membership dues are current when request isreceived.

� Suspended Payment: No more than two dues periods are owed whenrequest is received.

� Reinstating: Inactive status must be maintained for one year in order to avoidincurring past dues obligations. Members seeking reinstatement from SuspendedPayment status must pay dues owed at time inactive status was granted in additionto current dues and fees. Once reinstated, a member must maintain active mem-bership for one full year from the dues period in which the reinstatement occurredbefore becoming eligible again for inactive status.

Submit written requests to:Membership Services DepartmentScreen Actors Guild5757 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036

If you have questions or require more information, call:Membership Services Department at 323/549-6757

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AAs a member of Screen Actors Guild you are part of the American labor move-ment, joining over 13 million American union members. SAG is proud to be partof the AFL–CIO, and many SAG branches are affiliated with local and state federa-tions of labor. We are also a part of the Federation of International Artists (FIA) thatincludes performers unions around the world. With these affiliations come benefitsand responsibilities.

As a union member, it’s important to be respectful and supportive of labor dis-putes and strikes. While SAG contracts may require you to report to work duringanother union’s work stoppage, it’s best to check the SAG Web site at www.sag.orgor call your local branch for specific instructions.

The Guild supports other unions in many ways, as they support us. We often alertmembers via email or the Web site regarding opportunities to assist other unionsand guilds. Please do your part and get involved. That’s what solidarity is all about.

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SOLIDARITY FOREVERSUPPORTING OTHER UNIONS

Top: SAG President Alan Rosenberg andWGA President Patric Verrone protestthe Guilds’ exclusion from industrydebate on forced endorsement in filmand television.

Bottom: Martin Sheen stands in solidaritywith workers during the grocery work-ers’ strike.

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LegislationThe Guild proposes and advanceslegislation to protect actors’ rightsthroughout the country through thenational legislative committee,branch committees and the NationalPolicy & Strategic Planning depart-ment. SAG is at the forefront of thefight against runaway film productionby advocating for new productionincentives in over 30 states and atthe federal level. The Guild’s legisla-tive efforts also focus on piracy, privacy, child labor laws, healthcare reform andbasic workers’ rights issues at city, state and federal levels. We often work in coali-tion with other industry unions and guilds, management companies and organizedlabor, building alliances to advance the interests of our members.

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Deputy National Executive Director forPolicy and Strategic Planning Pamm Fairand President Alan Rosenberg met withSenator Barbara Boxer (center) and otherkey legislators to fight FCC performer fines.

Left: Meryl Streep speaks for ScreenActors Guild members’ rights.Center: Los Angeles City Attorney RockyDelgadillo at a SAG news conference.Right: A panel at the World IntellectualProperty Organization (WIPO) convention.

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UNION BEGINS WITH YOU

Affirmative Action/Diversity

Screen Actors Guild has a long-standing practice of fighting discrimination and increas-ing employment opportunities for performers with disabilities, women, seniors andperformers of color. Through the Casting Data Report, commissioned research studies,panel discussions, workshops, screenings, talent showcases and industry meetings,SAG aggressively advocates diverse hiring practices by producers and their agents.

Producers who are looking for a particular race, ethnicity, disability, gender and/or tal-ent should consult SAG’s Diversity, Special Skills and Talent Bank for their casting needs.

Members who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of age,national origin, race, gender, religion or disability may file a claim with SAG. TheGuild does everything possible to inform members of their rights and options, andaddress all claims. SAG works to ensure compliance with equal employment oppor-tunity laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act and our collective bargaining agree-ments.

Clockwise from top left: (Left to right): Chair ofthe Guild's Ethnic EmploymentOpportunity Committee Sumi Haru,California State Assemblyman MarkRidley-Thomas, Board MemberAnne-Marie Johnson and U.S.Representative Diane E. Watson, chair ofthe Congressional Entertainment Caucus;Russell Means participates in a“Conversations” event; Performers withDisabilities (PWD) Committee ChairRobert David Hall and his CSI castmates(from left, Marg Helgenberger, WilliamPetersen and Jorja Fox) announce agroundbreaking study of PWDs in theindustry.

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DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

GovernanceScreen Actors Guild is a representative democracy run by members for the bene-fit of members. SAG encourages all members to actively participate in Guild activ-ities. You can help make critical decisions that impact your union by voting on referenda, serving on the National or Division Board of Directors and/or joiningcommittees in your area. Let your voice be heard — decisions are made by thosewho participate.

The Guild is governed by a National Constitution and By-Laws, which have beenwritten and adopted by performers for the greater good of the whole membership.The highest policy-making body of the Guild is the National Board of Directors.Elected by the membership, the National Board is responsible for setting strategicdirection and overseeing the general management and control of the affairs, fundsand property of the Guild. Elected SAG officers are all volunteers and are not paid for

their services.Your knowledge and

experience is a valuableasset to your Guild. Getinvolved and volunteer forGuild service. To find outmore, contact Guild Governance at323/549-6676.

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1940 Board meeting

Guild founders circa mid-1930s

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PROTECTING THE FUTUREINFORMATION FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS

YYoung Performers

Young performers must be well-rounded, outgoing and self-assured. As childrenworking in an adult environment, they are expected to behave as seasoned pro-fessionals, yet bring freshness and youthful spirit to their performance. They mustbe independent, yet disciplined; creative, yet able to take direction; patient underpressure, yet flexible to cope with last minute changes. They have the opportunityto gain self-confidence while acquiring a valuable sense of teamwork and account-ability. Because of the many demands, frustration and rejection associated with theindustry in general, minors are particularly vulnerable.

Screen Actors Guild affords young performers orientation programs and adedicated section on our Web site. It is crucial that parents and guardians studyand familiarize themselves with contract protections as well as the applicable statelaws created expressly for minors.

The database for young performers available on SAG 24/7 Web site is aresource for young SAG members across the country. It incorporates statutes, regu-lations and SAG provisions. Although provisions in the Screen Actors Guild Codified

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Clockwise from top left: Former young per-formers David Joliffe and Margaret O’Brienjoin Pamela Reed and Mitch Ryan in speak-ing to young members at “CfK;” BookPALsparticipants celebrate with BookPALsfounder, Barbara Bain (center); New Yorkyoung performers attend a press confer-ence announcing the passage of the ChildPerformer Education and Trust Act of 2003.

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Basic Agreement follow the performer, many states have statutes that specificallyaddress young performers. (Whenever there is a conflict between law or regulationand a SAG agreement, the strictest interpretation will apply.) To find out moreabout applicable law, visit www.sag.org and pull down the tab from the resourcesmenu.

Minor Legislation The Coogan Law was enacted in California in 1939 to assure that child actorsreceive a portion of their gross earnings when they reach majority, now 18. In 1999,Screen Actors Guild sponsored a bill in the California legislature that created addition-al financial protections for children working in the entertainment industry. Thosefinancial protections were furthered by recent legislation championed by the Guild.All parents and guardians of child actors inCalifornia are required by law to set up a Cooganaccount. Similar legislationexists in New York. TheChild Performers Educationand Trust Act of 2003 pro-vides for a mandatory trustaccount and ensures com-pliance with New York stateeducational requirements.

For more information,parents and guardiansshould visit the SAG Website and contact their homestate labor department forapplicable laws.

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Left: Jena Malone shares her career experience ata Young Performers Mentoring Program event. Right: Sean Astin, Angus T. Jones and AnnaSophiaRobb pose for the young performers cover storyof Screen Actor magazine.

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CONTACTING THE GUILDHOW TO REACH SAG

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SAG GENERAL INFORMATION TOLL-FREE NUMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800/SAG-0767Members can reach SAG offices via the toll-free number. The 800 numberaccesses Hollywood, New York and the following branches: Arizona, Boston,Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Houston, Nevada,New Mexico, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego,Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and Utah.

SAG ON THE INTERNET WEB SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sag.orgYou can also access all branch web pages directly by using http:// and thebranch name followed by .sag.org. (i.e., http://arizona.sag.org).

SAG NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600Main switchboard phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323/954-1600Hearing Impaired TTY/TTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323/549-6648

NEW YORK SAG OFFICE360 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10017Main switchboard phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212/944-1030Hearing Impaired TTY/TTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212/944-6715

Becoming a member of Screen Actors Guild is an important milestone in yourcareer, but it’s only the first of many that you’ll encounter on your professionaljourney. Preparation, experience, persistence, ingenuity, and good fortune will allcome into play. Do your work. Develop your craft. Hone your skills. When you getdiscouraged, find a way to pick yourself up and begin again. Avail yourself of theprograms offered at SAG or through the SAG Foundation that can provide neededinspiration and practical advice.

Opportunity is what it’s all about. Time and again we hear successful actors telltheir fellow members that success is where preparation and opportunity cometogether. Create your own opportunities. Don’t wait for others to do it for you. Youmay be surprised how things change when you truly apply yourself. There are pre-cious few jobs for the 120,000 plus members of the Guild so you must find whatdistinguishes your talent and value within the entertainment business. It’s not theGuild’s responsibility to find you work, but the Guild can assist you while you’redeveloping your career and will be there to protect you when you get work.

Talent alone is no guarantee of success. Neither are good looks or connections.It all helps, but nothing succeeds like hard work. There’s an old saying that “theharder I work, the luckier I get.” Most successful actors agree. Good luck.

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THE CARDMAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Member BENEFIT PROGRAMS

� SavvyEmployee brings SAG members outstanding deals on entertainment, including movies tickets and amusement parks. Visitwww.savvyemployee.com or call 310/779-2812.

� UNION PLUS PROGRAMS — Education Loans are available to membersand their families. For applications visit http://www.unionplus.org/scholarships orsend a postcard with your name, return address, telephone number andinternational union affiliation to: Union Plus Education Foundation, c/o UnionPrivilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, DC 20043-4800.

� Family Savers provide savings on products and services including carrentals, hearing aids, interstate moves and more. 800/452-9425.

� Life Insurance: Low-cost term insurance at group rates. 800/393-0864.

� Dental & Vision: Save an average of 30% when you visit the dentist oreye practitioner. 800/257-8352.

� Mortgage & Real Estate: Competitive-rate mortgages for home purchaseor refinancing and savings on real estate agent services. 888/582-9526.

� Legal Services: Free and discounted legal services from union-friendlylawyers. Free consultation (up to 30 minutes). 888/993-8886.

� Health Savings: Save up to 40% on prescriptions at more than 20,000pharmacies nationwide. 800/257-8352.

� Flower Service: Save money when you send flowers. Order toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 888/667-7779.

� More benefits are available to registered members at www.sag.org.

To participate in any of the SAG member benefits programs, you must bea card-carrying, paid-up member.

*NOTE: All perks are administered by entities independent of SAG. Questions about each offer must be han-dled by the providers. The Guild does not endorse any of these services.

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Contact Call 800/SAG-0767

www.sag.org

[email protected]

01/07


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