Something needs to be said about actors unions, and by that I don’t mean Hollywood marriages. SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity incorporate the three actors unions that matter and make a difference. SAG and AFTRA, that’s the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists recently merged into one bigger and stronger union SAG-AFTRA which covers all Film, TV, Commercial, Industrial, Voiceover and Broadcast work. Actors Equity covers all stage and theatre work. Being a member has many advantages for the simple reason that most large and successful productions whether on stage or screen use union actors. Most of the major studios, networks and companies have agreements with SAG-AFTRA and or Equity which ensures that they will always get professional artists for their productions. Agents understand the minimums set by these unions as do the studios and production houses and as an actor you can always be sure of your rate simply by making yourself aware of the minimum scale. Your agent can always take you higher but your union will always give you a sound foundation to start.