SAG CONSERVATORY
A lulu of a bargain. Join and you may participate in a host of free Conservatory programs held at the American Film Institute, put together by fellow union members. A sampler:
- Monday/Wednesday workshops: Free feedback on your audition technique. Monday evening you and about ten other members (separately) will videotape a spokesman commercial. Your performance will be critiqued by an experienced SAG volunteer. Wednesday evening, you'd repeat the process doing a typical theatrical interview and cold reading. Not a substitute for a good commercial or cold reading workshop (you only get to do this once), but a great way to stay fresh if you know what you're doing, and a revelation if you don't.
- Tuesday seminars: Guest speakers range from casting directors to agents, even financial planners. Conservatory members make a reservation, show up and learn.
- Summer seminars: Happens once a year over a weekend. Two daylong series of interviews, lectures and "Q&A" sessions with industry people. Besides the information, there's a wonderful feeling of camaraderie, warmth and excitement as you bustle from one session to the next. Bring your lunch and enjoy.
Well, both AFTRA and SAG offer showcases too, but with one slight difference: they're free to paid-up members. The rules for doing these vary slightly between each union, but both hold prepared scene showcases, most often for casting directors. And don't ahead of you. We were told by a union volunteer that it was surprising how few actors take advantage of this. It's the "dateless beautiful blonde syndrome": All the guys figure she's already got a date. Contact the respective union and ask her out.
AFTRA/SAG FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
"The actor's savings and loan." You must be a member of SAG or AFTRA to open an account. Benefits include a slightly higher rate of interest on savings; lower interest on loans; interest checking, etc., all federally insured by NCUA. Best thing is that it's run by and for SAG/AFTRA members. That means they'll be a little more understanding if you get into trouble, and they'll even consider a part of your unemployment compensation as income when you apply for a loan. Try and get that from Louie the Loan-Shark.
SAG FILM SOCIETY
It's open only to paid-up SAG members and sells out fast. (Don't wait when you see the ad for it in the SAG newsletter.) For your membership, you and a guest get to see a first-run movie every other Friday or Saturday. Figure about 52 admissions to 26 new movies. That comes to about a buck a ticket. Last time you saw a bargain like this was when Eisenhower fretted over his golf score. Two drawbacks, one minor, the other major. Minor: you don't get to select the movies. Major: no popcorn.
GAME SHOWS
Brainless. Oh, not the shows - the financially-strapped actor who refuses to do them. In one month we met three actors whose winnings, added together, were over $100,000. Each was then able to pursue his career on a full-time basis for at least a year, without having to live on peanut butter. Actress Jan Hoag, who won $38,000 (her winnings are separate from the above-mentioned figure), says, "You still have to peel me off the ceiling. It certainly takes a weight off my shoulders for a while."
Aha, now you're interested. Okay, how do you get on a game show? Just pick up a phone. They really do need contestants and union members may play. AFTRA's news magazine Diallog includes a listing of game shows and their phone numbers. There are also a couple of books out on the subject. And, of course, a phone number is usually announced during the shows themselves.
But before you pick up that receiver, study the shows. Decide which show is best for you. Do they pay ten big ones to people who know the difference between a femur and a lemur? Do you? Do their contestants get apoplectic at the drop of a toaster? Can you? If you're slow hitting buzzers, pass on "Buzzing For Bucks!" You're limited to three game-show appearances so don't waste one.
Also, skip the shows that give more prizes than money. A new coffee table might be nice, but you're looking to support yourself - go for the gold.
What they'll be looking for, naturally, depends on the program. But they all want happy, warm, full-of-beans types with, above all, perk. It may be quiet perk, medium perk, or THE SCREAMING PERK FROM HELL - but perk.
Finally, once you know you're going to "COME ON DOWN!", practice. Rehearse like you're opening on Broadway. After all, if you're a "hit" it'll probably pay a helluva lot more.
AFTRA-SAG YOUNG PERFORMERS HANDBOOK
If Baby June is making goo-goos about getting into the Biz, she and her parents can benefit from this absolutely super booklet put together jointly by members of SAG and AFTRA. 'Includes parental do's and don'ts, child labor laws, info on unemployment insurance (yep, kids can quality), etc.
Pick one up at either union, or simply write them for a copy. It's free.
THE NATIONAL BLACK TALENT DIRECTORY
Being listed in Academy Players Directory and the New York Players Guide is usually sufficient. Here's a possible exception.
This brand-new talent guide is for black artists - both on and behind the camera. A one-year listing costs the same as the APD, and to be included all you need is the fee and a photo.
"FREE" PHOTOS
If you're broke but need new pictures (modeling or standard headshots), try swapping posing services for cash at places such as the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. You'll "donate" some hours of posing (no nudity) for student photographers, in return for which they'll give you a headshot session and some free prints.
SEMINARS
College extension courses, open to the general public, can be a great way to fill gaps in your knowledge. So can classes offered by Contemporary Concepts, The Learning Tree The Learning Annex, etc. You can learn anything from low-budget film production to belly dancing. Ask to be placed on their mailing lists. Periodically, The Beverly Hills Bar Association presents an all-day seminar for the actor. Watch for their ads.
ACADEMY (OF MOTION PICTURES ARTS AND SCIENCES) FOUNDATION
Besides handing out the little gold statuettes you may have heard of, and publishing The Academy Players Directory, the Academy has a research library on the film industry and the Academy Foundation which holds seminars, interviews, retrospectives, etc., many open to the public. For a small fee you can be put on their mailing list.
WOMEN IN FILM
An "old girl network" for career women in film and TV. Membership includes newsletters, guest speakers, workshops and the like. To get in, you'll need three years' pro experience in the industry and two WIF sponsors.
HOTLINES
For hot tips on what's doing, perhaps a lead on free theatre tickets, or even an audition, all three unions offer hotlines for union members.
