What SAG-AFTRA And Prospective SAG-AFTRA Members Can And Can't Work On During The Strike

TV & Film

Jul 21

Right now, both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are on strike. With this comes a confusing time for fans and those in the industry, particularly for actors. Let’s discuss what SAG-AFTRA actors and prospective non-union actors can and cannot work on during the strike

What They Can Work On

The strike only applies to work that would be covered under SAG-AFTRA’s TV/Theatrical Contract. This means that any work not covered by this contract is okay for members and prospective workers to work on. Most voice-over work is not covered by the TV/Theatrical contract. The National Association of Voice Actors posted a helpful infographic to explain this.

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Voice-over actors can still work on commercials, video games, dubbing of foreign properties into another language, Non-Broadcast Corporate Narration and Non-Broadcast Explainers, phone systems, in-show narration for cable shows, animation for TV and basic cable, new media animation, promos, podcasts, politcals, and podcasts. On screen actors can continue to work on non-dramatic programs such as variety shows, talk shows, game shows, reality/competion shows, special events, documentaries, award shows, and soap operas. They can also work commercials, radio and digiral media, student films, and independent films. Bascially, anything that is not under the TV/Theatrical contract is fair game.

What Members and Prospective Members Can’t Work On

What they can’t work on is just as extensive. Basically, this covers anything that would be under the TV/Theatrical agreement. This includes feature films and scripted live action television. Members and non-members are not to work on any productions covered under the TV/Theatrical contract. This also includes promoting these sorts of projects, including interviews, convention appearences related to struck productions, and social media promotion of these productions. Auditions for these productions is also prohibited as is background and stand-in work annd ADR and voice matching. These rules effect members and prospective members alike, as non-members who work on or audition for struck work will be barred from joining SAG-AFTRA later on in their career.

Promotion also extends to influencers and fans as well, particularly if they want to join or are already in SAG-AFTRA. The union includes paid and organic promotion as publicity for struck work. However, for influencers, they are still allowed to do paid promotions if they have agreements with the companies from before the strike. In regard to fans, this prohibition on cosplaying only applies to works that would be under the TV/Theatrical agreement and only applies to current and prospective SAG-AFTRA members.

This whole situation can be messy and confusing, so when in doubt, contact the union themselves! If you would like to help the cause, you can donate to the SAG-AFTRA foundation, or if you are near a picketing location, you can join the picket line yourself.

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