<p>We’ve had friends who moved immediately upon graduation. Although summer can be slow for auditions, it can be a good time to line up that “other” job that will help pay bills while looking for performing opportunities. Also a good time to find a place to live, get used to the city, transportation etc… We’ve had other friends who had great summer stock work elsewhere so they did that first, made some $ and then went to the city end of summer/beginning of Fall.</p>
<p>I just noticed that of the 2015 CCM grads listed, 4 of the 16 seem to have AEA cards while three are ECM. Of course I have no idea if all are pleased with their choices but it’s information. </p>
<p>^ I think they do not yet know if the are pleased with their choices… :)</p>
<p>Haha-- so true (for all of us)! Of course it is never possible to predict what might have happened if a different course were followed, but I have heard from kids who are convinced they were shut out of work due to their status (both with and without cards). It would be nice if it was simpler, but it’s apparently just not.</p>
<p>My son is still absolutely convinced he made the correct choice. </p>
<p>@lojosmo - from what you’ve said about his summer employment it sounds like he did! Have any of his classmates made different choices or had different experiences? Our D is also happy with her (different) choice, so clearly there is no single best answer for all markets or types.</p>
<p>He would have had to take it this summer so taking it freshman year was moot. Many classmates have their cards… trying to get a number. Many others have points and will take their card this summer. I agree, no single best answer.</p>
Is anyone here able to clarify how/if joining AGMA limits an actor’s ability to later accept non-equity contracts? I have heard conflicting things about this and am curious to know what others have heard or personally experienced.
AGMA states in it’s handbook that it does not limit it’s members to only union jobs so I would think that includes other unions (Equity) as well.
They do, but Equity states in it’s handbook that members of the 4 As, including AGMA, are NOT allowed to accept non-equity contracts, so the information seems to conflict.
I have worked with a multitude of SAG/AFTRA actors who legally work Non Equity gigs. I don’t know a ton of AGMA, so I can’t say for sure.
It goes both ways. When I was AEA I shot films that were Non-SAG.
You can always call the union and verify if you are worried, though.
Members of the 4 A’s are not permitted to work without a union contract in any of the sister unions. Though some may have done so without repercussions, it is a violation of the rules of membership.
Obviously, when one of the performers’ unions is engaged in a job action (strike) against an employer, all members of all the 4A’s are obligated to refuse that work. Solidarity is key to effective organizing and bargaining.
From AEA: Working without benefit of contract is so serious a breach of your professional responsibility that such behavior will subject you to disciplinary action. Such non-union work seriously diminishes Equity’s ability to stimulate professional work opportunities, undercuts all other agreements, creates unfair competition, and is ultimately detrimental to the welfare of all the members. Therefore, the same principle applies in accepting non-union work under sister union jurisdictions. Should you have any questions regarding this very important rule, immediately contact Equity staff in the nearest office.
From AGMA handobook: AGMA is unique among entertainment unions: Despite the fact that AGMA is the smallest of the talent unions, it is unique in several important respects: First, unlike SAG, AFTRA or Equity, AGMA recognizes the need for performers to accept as much work as is possible and, consequently, AGMA doesn’t prohibit its members from working non-union jobs.
I can only assume they mean working non-union jobs that fall under AGMA’s jurisdiction, not jobs that fall under the sister unions’ purview. These reciprocity agreements are long standing.
I’m sure D’s agent knows all the ins and outs of this, which is great because her mom finds it mind boggling. 