A ‘Yeah, That Can Be Union’ Conservatory

On March 13, SAG-AFTRA New England Local Business Representative Ben Shallop, in collaboration with members Giovanni Alabiso, Naheem Garcia and Duncan Putney, led afternoon and evening conservatory presentations on how performers can proactively engage with producers to turn non-union productions union. 

The main line was that every union member can play a crucial part in securing work and in connecting up-and-coming producers with the union. The message was simple and concise: Is there a production you want to work for? “Yeah, that can be union.” 

Shallop highlighted new tools to get work covered under a SAG-AFTRA contract such as the Micro-Budget Project Agreement, the New England Regional Commercials Code and the New England Co/Ed Code, all of which are for smaller productions looking to hire union talent. 

Alabiso, Garcia and Putney spoke about their experiences, both working and producing under various agreements. They noted the flexibility of these contracts and the helping hand they give to small-budget producers. All in all, members saw that it is often a matter of communication with production and that SAG-AFTRA staff is here to help.

Photo: Members learn virtually about successful efforts to turn work union.