What is a "Guild Signatory?"

Although the particulars of wages and working conditions vary, producers in all arenas who seek to hire professional, union talent, must agree to the terms in the contracts negotiated by these unions on behalf of their members. Producers who sign a contract or letter of agreement with the union in their jurisdiction are called "signatories."

Although membership in a union cannot guarantee a performer work, through careful monitoring of signatory productions, the entertainment unions can guarantee fair pay, treatment and protections for their members.

How long can I work on a Guild Signatory production before joining SAG?

The SAG collective bargaining agreements provide that membership in SAG is required, in most cases, either (a) 30 days after the first principal employment or (b) 30 days after a background actor has received his or her third voucher.