Most remember their own 'firsts'. First love, first kiss, first pet, first car and so on. For an actor pursuing a career, it is that first voucher. It means one is only two more away from becoming eligible to join the actor's union, SAG/AFTRA. As those of you following this blog have known, that is one of the reasons I chose to come to Los Angeles lo them two short years ago. Finally, it has happened, I received my first voucher!
For those of you who don't know, vouchers are what non-union actors (in this case, me) receive when they work on union films (in my case, "Hail, Caesar"). When an actor has three vouchers, they become eligible to join the union. Please take note of that word "eligible". An actor doesn't have to join the union. In fact, it is a decision one should take very carefully. Each situation is different and an actor should take stock of what it means to remain non-union or to join the union. Perhaps remaining non-union is right for an actor because they need more experience and/or more credits. Think of joining the union as going from the minor leagues in baseball to the major leagues. The actor will be auditioning for roles with fellow professionals and the competition level has increased. Joining the union is also a commitment. Think of the words spoken to Indiana Jones and "choose wisely".
In my case, I have been submitting for anywhere from six to perhaps fifteen auditions daily since I've been here in Los Angeles. I have been able to find quite a variety of work although it has never been steady (the nature of the beast as they say), nor easy. So, I was quite pleased that after several attempts, I secured a job as a background extra on the Coen Brothers' new movie, "Hail, Caesar". In fact, I was so happy about it, I actually forgot that I'd wind up getting a voucher for it. Here is a good time to mention that if you work three days on one union project, you get three vouchers. Also, a good time to mention that they asked me to shave my beard for the part. Beards grow back, you know.
Will I join the union once I become eligible? Ahhhhhh! See above paragraphs, my friends. If the situation calls for it, yes I will. I will also be certainly letting you know the progress toward that level of commitment. For now, I will be remembering that first one.
For those of you who don't know, vouchers are what non-union actors (in this case, me) receive when they work on union films (in my case, "Hail, Caesar"). When an actor has three vouchers, they become eligible to join the union. Please take note of that word "eligible". An actor doesn't have to join the union. In fact, it is a decision one should take very carefully. Each situation is different and an actor should take stock of what it means to remain non-union or to join the union. Perhaps remaining non-union is right for an actor because they need more experience and/or more credits. Think of joining the union as going from the minor leagues in baseball to the major leagues. The actor will be auditioning for roles with fellow professionals and the competition level has increased. Joining the union is also a commitment. Think of the words spoken to Indiana Jones and "choose wisely".
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| (Hanging out at the location for "Hail Caesar" awaiting my turn before the camera.) |
Will I join the union once I become eligible? Ahhhhhh! See above paragraphs, my friends. If the situation calls for it, yes I will. I will also be certainly letting you know the progress toward that level of commitment. For now, I will be remembering that first one.
