Understanding the Role of Field Reps and Their Relationship to Background Actors

When working on a union set, you may encounter a SAG-AFTRA field representative. Currently, there are six field reps in the Los Angeles area who regularly visit sets of union television, theatrical, streaming and commercial productions.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that union members, including background actors, are safe and that producers fulfill their contractual obligations while on set. They serve as the front line of contract enforcement, routinely visiting television and streaming sets every two weeks and film sets weekly, though this frequency can vary based on workload and specific set issues. 

On a set, the field rep is the face of the union for both members and production staffers. The field rep’s mere presence on a set helps to bring about ideal working conditions and reminds productions to follow the rules, as the union is watching and monitoring these projects.

Key Functions of Field Reps:

• Workplace Inspections: Field reps inspect the set to ensure compliance with applicable SAG-AFTRA agreements and to monitor safety conditions. When visiting productions, field reps especially take note of performers involved in stunt activity, as well as minors working on set.
• Member Communication: They engage with members to confirm equitable working conditions and address any concerns, fostering open lines of communication.
• Education and Empowerment: Field reps inform and empower union members  regarding their rights and responsibilities.
• Direct Issue Resolution: They attempt to resolve on-set issues directly with production staff before leaving, and they document every visit with email reports.
• Emergency Response: Field reps are also the point of contact for on-set emergencies, ensuring immediate action can be taken when necessary.

While field reps have a broad understanding of contract terms and workplace conditions, it is essential to note that they do not file claims on behalf of background actors. If a significant issue arises that may require a claim, members should contact the Los Angeles Background Department, or if working a commercial, the Commercials Department.

Differences Between Field Reps and Background Business Reps

A crucial distinction exists between field reps and background business reps. While field reps monitor conditions on set and assist members, background business reps handle the administrative aspects of union contracts and file claims on behalf of performers and background actors. Each production is assigned a background business rep responsible for addressing specific union-related contract issues, including any violations that field reps cannot resolve on-site.

If a field rep encounters a situation like a "No background" or "Crew only" sign at craft services, they may attempt to resolve it directly. However, if the issue persists, it is escalated to a background business rep, who can engage with the production company’s labor relations department or legally authorized representative for a resolution.

Engaging with Field Reps

If you see a field rep on set, it's beneficial to introduce yourself, even if there are no immediate issues. They often carry Background Actor Digests and business cards with contact information for future inquiries. 

Conversations with field reps are confidential, ensuring that members can speak freely about any concerns. If members are reluctant to speak to production about something taking place on set, let a field rep know or contact the Field Services department so that the union can investigate and take appropriate action.

For more detailed information about the roles of field reps and background business reps as well as the claims process, check out this video on the SAG-AFTRA website. 

Understanding the distinct roles of field and background business reps can enhance your experience on set and ensure that your rights as a member are upheld.

Contact Information

To reach the SAG-AFTRA Field Services Department, call (323) 549-6879. For on-set safety emergencies, call the 24-hour hotline at 844-723-3773.

To reach the SAG-AFTRA Background Actors Department, call (323) 549-6811 or email backgroundactors@sagaftra.org. 

To reach the SAG-AFTRA Commercials/Infomercials Department, call (323) 549-6858 or email comm.coedinfo@sagaftra.org.

Be sure to check out the Background Actors page on the SAG-AFTRA website.