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So,
For the folks looking to make a film here or get work here important to discuss the good and bad of Guilds or Unions. This discussion on Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Writers Guild of America (WGA), Directors Guild of America (DGA) and an overall discussion on similar Guilds in Canada, UK, India.

SAG

The Good: Protects against exploitation of the actors, has a pension fund built up which will pay the actors when they retire, age, etc. Provides for coverage on Workers Comp, Insurances, etc (all of which can surmount to a lot- anyone ever gotten a doctors bill here can vouch for that). Also ensures reasonable working hours/conditions for actors, minimum wages and actually has the TEETH to carry out it’s mandate. Fights for the basic working rights of actors. Also has a SAGINDIE department, whrerein the SAG minimum wage for even top notch actors, is very affordable, hence promotes and encourages top actors to work in independent and moderate/low budget films and directors. Classification of moderate/low must be based on a submitted budget and everything is contract driver and contracts here do carry a lot of weight, as they should.

Eligibility: Anyone can become a member of SAG, as long as they have collected enough eligibility points. These points are based on lenght of role, whether or not SAG movie (as in did the filmmaker sign the SAG contracts), etc. When you have accumulated the points, you get a notice of elegibility and for a 30 day period after that you can work in either SAG or non SAG productions. This 30 day period is termed “Taft Harley” - the US loves acronyms!!! After the 30 day period has expired, you are required to pay your annual dues and become SAG members. You can of course delay your decision to join. Once you are a SAG member, you are required to ensure that your production has an agreement with SAG, at the time of signing on the actor. 

Coverage: Per the official ruling SAG’s coverage for it’s members is worldwide and includes even their work outside of the continental US. Also along with their sister union AFTRA, SAG has jurisdiction over TV/Internet/Radio too

Can They Be Worked Around: Of course!! This is a democracy, as is India, as is Canada,e tc. You want to make a film, you make a film. SAG nothwithstanding!!! If your SAG actors likes the script/movie and wants to do it, and, you don’t want to sign the SAG agreement, chances are they won’t turn it down. A good role is a good role is a good role…SAG or not.

Look, nobody (well almost nobody) is looking to exploit people, but when you are a first time or independent filmmaker, it is hard enough to just about pay everyone, on top of that to deal with their pensions, health insurance, 8 hour working day, each having their own make up room, first class travel………unka to nahin, filmmaker ka zaroor band bajgayega….So begin the shooting, they will protest…do some picketing…you will get some publicity…but have never heard of a film coming to a standstill because of SAG. In fact Deepa Mehta’s WATER faced more issues and India does not even have SAG!!! Alt your film may be so under the radar that you are all wrapped up and SAG did not even know about it.

A few years ago they fined Liz Hurley something like $100K for working when they (SAG) were on strike. Liz said “sorry oh dear nahin samjhe tumko hum” here is $100K and kept the remaining $1.2 mill. Both Liz and SAG have lived happily ever since. 

Bottom Line: The odds of Daniel Craig refusing to play Bond, becaue apna Albert (Brocolli boss) did not sign SAG is about as likely to happen as my mom flying Jaguars and F-16’s. Also if an actor boasts “I am SAG” tell them “To Kya Dance Karoon, you may have just become ineligible for my film”

DGA

The Good: Protects the interests of Directors, from the pesky producers ( The filmline must be the only one, where the people who provide the whole impetus to it and make it happen, the financiers and the producers, are the lowest in the chain of command!!!!!) . Basically again you have to get some film and television credits to become a member. Also protects things like pension, working conditions, wages, etc.

The Bad: Again their minimum wage + insurance + kharcha paani (or daru in case they start an India chapter) can add to a lot and for someone who is hard pressed to get the film completed, having to deal with the directors pension and Black Label costs, can be quite a pain in the ….. Also they do tend to run the project once the contract is signed. Probably the reason why Quentin, Roberto and George are not members anymore. Also they have this rule that for each project only one Director can direct, not a team. The only time they made an exception was for the Coen and Wachowski bhai bandhu.

Can They Be Broken and Bottom Line: Same as SAG. Do keep in mind, aspiring filmmakers, that you do risk, a body to complain against their unprofessionalism (i.e. the Directors), if you don’t sign with the DGA, but of course as any competent lawyer will say, “build performance and professionalism clauses into the contract with the director,” and that should protect any issues….DGA or no DGA

WGA

Pretty much the same scenario as SAG and DGA. Don’t have to be a member, helps some, harms some more.

Of course all the above are doing wonderful work in protecting the rights/working conditions of their members, so they are required and essential, just that they should not become the reason why a project does not take off.

International Guilds

Same powers and limitations as the above three …Biddu!

ONE STRONG POINT : For all the guilds is that it is a great means to attach talent to your project, whether it is actors, directors and writers. Like a one stop shop to get the best of the best to look at your project and to be fair to all the guilds, they genuinely want to do whatever it takes to get your project going, as opposed to holding it back…so guilds zindabad, overall.

Sincerely,

Vivek “Munnabhai MBBS -not WGA/SAG/DGA…then …CRASH - 100% WGA/SAG/DGA….two scenarios…both successful…no right or wrong answers in this world…definitely not in the creative world” Kumar 

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