SAG question.

Sweeney Jet

Sweeney Jet

Hey, all. Hope everyone is cool. So I started my next low budget feature film, teaser here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ywGoT6mBQ

And one my leading actors has become a SAG actor while we're still in production. While that's awesome, that also means that actor can longer act in my film because it's a non-union film, right? I am wondering what the rules are here. Since the actor and I are also friends, we never had a contract for this film. Just verbal, really. I am moving onto a different actor (which I don't prefer) and scheduling re-filming or can this actor complete this film first despite being a new member of SAG? The latter -- I don't think it's possible since I've heard things about SAG, but I wanted some feedback from people who'd know more about this. Thanks.
 
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Sweeney Jet said:
Hey, all. Hope everyone is cool. So I started my next low budget feature film, teaser here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ywGoT6mBQ

And one my leading actors has become a SAG actor while we're still in production. While that's awesome, that also means that actor can longer act in my film because it's a non-union film, right? I am wondering what the rules are here. Since the actor and I are also friends, we never had a contract for this film. Just verbal, really. I am moving onto a different actor (which I don't prefer) and scheduling re-filming or can this actor complete this film first despite being a new member of SAG? The latter -- I don't think it's possible since I've heard things about SAG, but I wanted some feedback from people who'd know more about this. Thanks.
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You'll be fine - so unless your SAG buddy has a terrible conscience & collapses to his knees in front of the SAG inquisition and confesses his wicked deed, noone's gonna know.

.
 
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Zensteve said:
You'll be fine - so unless your SAG buddy has a terrible conscience & collapses to his knees in front of the SAG inquisition and confesses his wicked deed, noone's gonna know.

.
Click to expand...

Lol. That sounds reasonable.

So one day if or when I get a distributor for the film, I'd just say that actor acted in this film before SAG.
 
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Distributor asked to see clearances and actor decides he doesn't want to take the risk of losing SAG for future projects. Could decide he wants more money if you manag to gt distributor. Most distributors require Errors & Ommissions Insurance. You won't get it without clearances.
 
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I have the same issue. I only use this one actress for union backed short films. While there is a good chance your actor will never be discovered, the penalty for him if caught could be quite severe.
 
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First: get a release signed immediately. Not soon-ish, immediately.

Second: no distributor cares the union or guild affiliation of the cast
or crew. Completely, utterly a non-issue to a distributor.

The SAG agreement is between the actor and the guild. No one else.
No one. You are not a guild signatory - you have not agreed with
SAG to follow their rules. You are in no way screwed by the guild or
a distributor. YOU will be “screwed” when it comes to distribution if
you do not have signed releases be each and every person appearing
in your movie.

Never, ever speak to a distributor with even one verbal agreement
from even one person who appears on screen. This advice if for anyone
reading. You can make as many movies with your friends as you want
but the moment you are making a movie for distribution you must get
signed releases - no exceptions.

Okay, back to the SAG issue. You can finish this movie with the
now-SAG actor. There will be no distributor issues at all.
 
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