A Message from Freelance Rep Maureen O'Brien

With the decline of commercial production in the Missouri Valley Local and the expiration of the Missouri film tax incentive program, it’s important for our members to be open to other opportunities in the entertainment industry. There are several options to consider that many performers may not be aware of. SAG-AFTRA has over 25 audiobooks agreements that allow members to work as voice talent for nationally known publishing companies, including Simon and Schuster, Random House and Harper Collins, to name a few. Not only does SAG-AFTRA provide competitive scale minimums for your participation, but producers are required to make a contribution to your AFTRA Health & Retirement Fund.

Since the audiobook agreements are fairly new to the union, these opportunities may not be available through your agent. There are several SAG-AFTRA-approved websites that are great resources. They will not only educate you on the business but provide you step-by-step instructions on what jobs to look for and how to properly market yourself. I encourage you to do some research and find the many possibilities out there in this medium. Audiopub.org and audiofilemagazine.com are websites that include an actor’s promotion page, thousands of auditions listings and guidelines on setting up an inexpensive but effective home studio. Please contact your local SAG-AFTRA office for rates and usage information under the SAG-AFTRA Audiobooks Agreement.

In addition to audiobooks, now is a good time to take advantage of our New Media Agreement. Many of our members have created job opportunities by producing their own Web-based TV series (webisodes) by raising money through online creative funding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. The New Media Agreement offers negotiable rates and usage for member participation, including pension and health contributions. So, dust off that old script and get a group of your SAG-AFTRA friends together and start doing what you love again: creating art. We are blessed to have hundreds of talented, creative artists in our union who are not utilized to their best potential. Stop waiting for the phone to ring and start taking control of your career. Why wait for the producers to call for job offers when you can do it on your own? Don’t try to guess what the industry wants or what the latest fad is. Do what fulfills you. That joy will attract your success.

As always, I am here to answer any questions you have or brainstorm ideas on how to create more work for our market. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (314) 231-0942 or maureen.obrien@sagaftra.org to discuss these options.

This item was originally featured in the October 2014 local newsletter.