What Is SAG? (Showbiz Term of the Day)

SAG in LA, Wikipedia

You’ve probably heard the showbiz term “SAG” with regards to actors, awards, and projects.  You probably not only wonder what SAG is but probably also wonder “What Does SAG Stand For?”

I know “SAG” was one of many terms/acronyms I often heard and wondered about when my daughter and I first came to Los Angeles.

So, “What Is SAG?”

SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild.

What is SAG or Screen Actors Guild?

SAG or Screen Actors Guild is an American actors union.  It was created in 1933 to protect film actors who, at that time, were often working in poor or even dangerous conditions.  It also helped to ensure that actors received appropriate and timely payment for their services.

Fortunately, SAG now has many special rules and laws designed to protect child actors and is active in helping to put in place legislation to protect child actors (regardless of whether the children are in SAG or not).

There are a number of things that an actor must do to qualify to join SAG (see “How Do You Qualify to Join Screen Actors Guild?” for more on this).  Once an actor joins SAG, they can qualify to receive certain SAG benefits.

There are also rules that must be followed once you join SAG. For example, after joining, an actor is not allowed to work on non-union projects except in certain circumstances. Also, dues (based on an actor’s income) must be paid each year in order to remain a SAG member in good standing.

For more details on this and many other topics related to show business, please subscribe to Your Young Actors Newsletter. You’ll also receive a free mini-course on Getting Started in Show Business.

To your success,

Debbie Sikkema

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