Financial Core

1. I will not resign my membership in SAG-AFTRA to go Financial Core. I want to be able to put SAG-AFTRA on my promotional materials. It shows I am a professional!
2. I do not want my union earnings to go down. Statistically that is what happens to those who resign from SAG-AFTRA to go Financial Core.
3. I do not want to risk not being reinstated into active membership if I change my mind. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and the process can be lengthy and expensive.
4. I do not want to contribute to the “race to the bottom” in wages and working conditions. I want to stand up to corporate greed. The bottom line will be driven down for actors and our agents if advertisers feel they can hire talent for less.
5. I am not willing to put myself on sale and jeopardize my safety and well-being on a non-union set. I want what the union provides – residuals, health and pension contributions, and reinforcement if I am owed money.
6. I want limits on exclusivity so I don’t lose the opportunity to book a well-paying union spot in the future because of a conflict … I miss out on a high-paying union job with phone company “A” because I took a low-paying non-union job with phone company “B”.
7. Most agents are taking a much higher commission on non-union work.
8. No participation in the Film Society, Conservatory, and  SAG-AFTRA Foundation, all of which require being a paid-up member in good standing.

GET THE FACTS: YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO LEARN MORE.

We are here to help. We encourage you to contact Ka'Coyia Friend, Member Education Manager, Financial Core, Los Angeles Legal Department at (323) 549-6019, Noris Boccanfuso, Senior Case Manager, New York Legal Department at (212) 827-1488 or call your local office directly to get all the facts about financial core.

IT MAY BE YOUR RIGHT, BUT IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU? YOUR CAREER? YOUR FAMILY? YOUR FELLOW SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS?

MEMBERSHIP IN SAG-AFTRA MEANS THAT YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL.

Virtually every performer or media/entertainment professional whose work you admire is a SAG-AFTRA member in good standing. Professionals require standards of employment in order to have their talents seen in the best light and to receive adequate compensation for the use of their performances. SAG-AFTRA cannot find you work, but we are committed to helping dedicated and talented professionals create their own opportunities, hone their craft, provide access to casting professionals and help them more fully understand the entertainment business.

Before you consider giving up your SAG-AFTRA membership and going Financial Core for a non-union job, make sure you have taken full advantage of the many ways your union membership can help you develop your career and give you a professional edge over the competition.

WHAT DO I LOSE IF I AM WORKING ON A NON-UNION PRODUCTION?

SAG-AFTRA CONTRACTS ─ You lose the protection of SAG-AFTRA contracts and a voice in your workplace. Your agreement to perform non-union work is between you and the producer. If the producer fails to pay or abide by an agreement, the union's legal staff cannot help you. For more information on contracts, click here.

RESIDUALS ─ Non-union residuals are an oxymoron. Most non-union productions do not pay residuals. When you're not working a SAG-AFTRA contract, SAG-AFTRA legal cannot represent you. Furthermore, when you are no longer represented by SAG-AFTRA, you are responsible for collecting your own money.

SAG-Producers Pension Plan & SAG-AFTRA Health Plan ─ Eligibility is earned only when you work under SAG-AFTRA contracts.

• Turning Financial Core means you become a Fee Paying Non-Member (FPNM).
• Financial Core/Fi-Core/FPNM can NOT represent themselves as SAG-AFTRA members on headshots, resumes, electronic submissions or web sites.
• In order to be considered for reinstatement into active membership, a Financial Core/Fi-Core/FPNM would need to submit a petition for reinstatement. If approved, there are also financial obligations.
• Financial Core/Fi-Core/FPNM are viewed as scabs or anti-union by SAG-AFTRA members, directors, and writers-most of whom also belong to entertainment unions.
• Financial Core/Fi-Core/FPNM can't take advantage of member only benefits.
• REMEMBER: If you are choosing financial core because you were asked to work on a non-union project, you're missing out on an opportunity for the union to organize the project for you and all SAG-AFTRA members. We may be able to organize the project before you make a decision that could significantly affect your career.
• Click here to learn more about the BENEFITS OF BEING A SAG-AFTRA MEMBER.