Member Q&A

We encourage you to let us know your questions.

1. What is the number of union background actors hired for a show?

Answer:
a. West Coast Zone: The minimum number of covered background actors (excluding swimmer, skaters and dancers, but including stand-ins) is 21. Stand-ins are included in the count of covered background actors in long-form television programs (i.e., mini-series). One stand-in per day is excluded from the count of covered background actors in half-hour and one-hour programs. This number covers all units working that day.
b. No one who is currently on the producer’s payroll or any of the producer’s hiring, cast or payroll agencies will be engaged or utilized as a background actor in any program for which they also render services.

2. Are residuals commissionable on television work?

Answer: Yes, in many instances, subject to the limitations in the respective Legacy SAG or Legacy AFTRA agency regulations. If you have a question about what is commissionable, do not hesitate to contact your local union office for guidance. It is important to note, however, that in Hawaii your agent would have to negotiate scale plus 10 in initial compensation in order to collect its fee on original employment. 

3. How many union jobs do I need to join the union?

Answer: Minimum of three union-covered background jobs or one union-covered principal job.

This item was originally featured in the October 2012 local newsletter.