ABSTRACT
This chapter takes a closer look at those unions the production manager must deal with most often. It also discusses the process by which the PM may become a union member.
As mentioned previously, the below-the-line personnel involved in most low-to medium-budget independent film productions rarely belong to unions. In production centers like Los Angeles, plenty of nonunion personnel are available, and qualified workers are virtually guaranteed. The one union, though, that production companies usually deal with is the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Members of the Screen Extras Guild (SEG) are represented through the SAG. No law requires production companies to work with union actors, but, in practice, almost all actors are members of the SAG, especially those in the business for some time. Union members are not permitted to work under nonunion conditions, and are fined by the union when they do so. If a production company requires the participation of a “name” actor-whether for “marquee value” or to improve the film’s chances for distribution-it will have to become a SAG signatory and adhere to SAG regulations.
