Background Artists Unite!

So check this out: I was just pointed to a website entitled "Background Unity" (thanks Susan!). Below is the deets and below that is my full disclosure.

To all Union Background Actors! (BGA)

The time to act is now! It is imperative that all union members VOTE NO (if necessary) on the new contract!

The guild has not adequately supported the background actors' financial needs.

The minor raises we have received have not kept up with the cost of living.

We need to stand united as one, for our voices to be heard. There is no reason why we should not be receiving a fair and decent wage.

Did you know that 20 years ago the required number of BGAs in TV was 75 and for Features was 125?

Currently the required number of BGAs in TV is 19+1 standin and 50 for Features.

Did you know that the BGA rate was 1/3rd of the principle day rate? Now it is closer to 1/6th.

Check out these stats at membershipfirst.com

We are stronger than you realize! There are 15,000 SAG BGAs in Hollywood alone! This gives us a powerful voice, but only if you vote…and VOTE “NO” (if necessary) on any contract that continues to use the BGA as a bargaining tool or leaves BGA out in the cold!

This is what we are requesting:

• 1) $200 daily rate
• 2) Raise the minimum count on TV to 50 and features to 100. (still less than 20 years ago)
• 3) Return featured and silent bit adjustments.
• 4) End the practice of looping BGA (automatic contract)
• 5) No double duty and/or reading of lines for stand-ins without automatic adjustments.

What we are not requesting:
Night pay premiums
Double-time pay starting after 10 hours.
Increasing the zone size.

These changes will immediately effect:

• 1) An increase in our earnings.
• 2) Ability to obtain work.
• 3) Help in qualify for medical (most BGA don't qualify).
• 4) Increase the amount of our pension.

To fellow voting members: We would appreciate your support. We honestly believe you are unaware of the struggles the average BGA has with meeting basic financial obligations.

Our time is now…
With the stroke of a pen we can change our financial future.

VOTE NO! (if necessary)

Latest Updates Click Here!
If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to
help to promote better representation of the BGA by SAG.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a working actor doing background work as a SAG member. I am not a participant/contributor of the above featured website although I agree with many of its points. Thanks to the 100+day WGA strike and the de facto strike, I am so unemployed it's not funny. What's worse: next month I will lose my health benefits because I was unable to meet the minimums to qualify.