Surrender of Linda McAlister Talent’s SAG Agency Franchise

SAG-AFTRA is writing to inform you about a change in the agency representational landscape which may concern you. SAG-AFTRA has recently learned that an agency with which you may be affiliated, Linda McAlister Talent (“McAlister”), has joined the Association of Talent Agents (“ATA”). In short, this agency is now no longer franchised under legacy SAG’s agency regulations, but remains franchised under legacy AFTRA’s agency regulations.

What does this change in status mean? Basically, SAG-AFTRA members are permitted to be represented by ATA agents, such as McAlister, for legacy SAG-covered work with the understanding that such agency relationships may not be fully protected under union rules. There is no change in this agency’s status under legacy AFTRA. McAlister remains legacy AFTRA-franchised, and members remain largely protected by legacy AFTRA’s agency regulations for all legacy AFTRA-covered work and for SAG-AFTRA-covered work that is covered by those regulations. 

Should McAlister, or any other agency, present you with a general services agreement or “GSA” (i.e. an agency agreement that is created by agents, for agents, outside of SAG-AFTRA’s jurisdiction/oversight) to represent performers for union-covered work, we strongly suggest that you take the time to become well versed on that document’s terms and conditions prior to signing. This is necessary to ensure that your interests are best protected. Please note, however, that SAG-AFTRA does not provide legal assistance on general service agreements. Should you choose to be represented by McAlister and potentially enter into such a contract, the union recommends that you secure the services of independent legal counsel prior to doing so. This step may be necessary to fully protect your rights.

Should you have any additional questions regarding the contents of this notice, please contact the National Office’s Professional Representatives Department at (323) 549-6745. For general questions in the Texas market, please contact Linda Dowell, Assistant National Exec Director of Locals and Interim Executive Director for the Dallas-Ft.Worth Local, at (214) 363-8300, ext 1.