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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Hiring actors - legalities and associations/unions

eireann
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Feb 15, 2006, 1:28 PM

Post #1 of 4 (723 views)
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Hiring actors - legalities and associations/unions	Can't Post

I am producing a commercial video for the web which will include one actor.

I have heard there are some requirements regarding hiring actors in at least some instances. For example some theater stages must hire 50% Equity actors, and I believe there are similar requirements in some instances for TV and film (SAG I believe). The associations I believe also have directives on pay scale.

Does anyone know of any resources I can use to research this further that specifically covers actors in web videos? Or perhaps does anyone have the specific knowledge I need - whether I can hire an amateur actor or if there are guidelines I must follow? Google searches have resulted in no useful information.

TIA.

Pacman
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Feb 15, 2006, 10:37 PM

Post #2 of 4 (709 views)
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Re: [eireann] Hiring actors - legalities and associations/unions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have you tried the film commission for the state you are planning on shooting in? They can provide assistance in just about all areas of production/pre production, and a lot of times it's free help. If you are looking to follow SAG rules for hiring talent, you will also need to obtain local and state filming permits for the project anyway and thats where you get those. You could also contact SAG directly. The website is www.sag.org I think they consider things like web commercials part of their domain, but I'm not sure. I think their regulations say any english language performance or something to that effect.....So basically, anything not set on a stage with audience seats for sale, I guess?

I'm just making an assumption here, but with one actor, it sounds like a pretty small project. I don't know though....maybe your actor is Brad Pitt? Have you thought about flying under the radar on this one? It happens all the time. It isn't like you won't be able to find anyone to play the part. Heck, even grips and electrics work under false names so the local shop doesn't snag em.

and no, union people....I'm not suggesting it's "ok" to do that, just that it's done all the time. So put down your picket signs and baseball bats and go home please.

PAC

eireann
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Feb 16, 2006, 10:26 AM

Post #3 of 4 (690 views)
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Re: [Pacman] Hiring actors - legalities and associations/unions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for your response and advice. Hehe, no, Brad Pitt wasn't available for this project - but I want to use an amateur for several reasons.

I'm not a film/video professional, I'm approaching the project from the marketing perspective and hiring an amateur actor plus a videographer (I've got both lined up already). I want to make sure I'm doing everything by the book.

It sounds like I legally can use an amateur and not required to use a SAG actor for this. Which is good because otherwise it would be like a monopoly to say who I can hire for what.

Much appreciated.

Pacman
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Feb 16, 2006, 12:41 PM

Post #4 of 4 (685 views)
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Re: [eireann] Hiring actors - legalities and associations/unions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, you can legally hire anyone you want to complete the production. The only time you, your talent, or your freelance crew would get into "trouble" is if you, or they, are union members and you don't follow the rules of the union. If your actor was a SAG actor or if your grip was a member of the IATSE and your project wasn't approved by them, they would get suspended or fined. (and if your company and project was big enough, you would get black listed and picketed and find a bunch of flat tires on your cars too.) Sly

As long as no one on the job is union, and it's not a substantial project, they won't give you a second look. I would leave it at that. You can work non-union jobs now as a producer and still become affiliated with the union later, if you make it that big.

Permits are another thing. If you are shooting in a public visible area with anything more than a DVX or FX1 and more than say 3 people crew, I would get a permit. All you have to do is cause a traffic jam or block a sidewalk and someone will call the police to shut you down and get fined.