ELLA
Do I hop on the drop season opportunities or wait until I'm SAG-E?
SEAN
Ultimately, it depends how long you're willing to risk. Let me explain below, especially for those who aren't in the US market so they understand.
WHAT IS SAG?
SAG is the union that actors join which qualifies them as "professionals" in the entertainment industry in America.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME "SAG -E"?
In order to become SAG - E, one needs to be booked on a UNION project and be "Taft - Hartleyed". Another was is by collecting 3 background vouchers. Also being upgraded from a background actor to a Principal actor makes you SAG - E.
WHAT IS DROP SEASON?
This is a time of the year when it is common for representatives to drop talent from their books. Usually this falls right after pilot season and actors can be dropped for numerous reasons.
ANSWER
1. You can pursue the opportunities drop season presents because this time of year, you know that there are spots on the books of the agents and managers that you are targeting which is great! The downside to this is so does everybody else, therefore the competition will be fierce.
With you still being non union, this could still work out great for you if you are targeting the right tier for your experience of credits. However if you are targeting representation above you tier, you may find the fight much for tougher.
2. If you can afford to wait until your SAG - E, then you'll have a bit more of an edge over your competitors. This will also make you more valuable to reps because you can take jobs from both sides of the table - both UNION AND NON UNION. Talk about maximising your opportunities! However if you wait too long, you may not have as many open slots in books that you may want to target so your targeting better be spot on so you don't lose out!
At the end of the day, you need to ask yourself, how long am I willing to wait?
CHECKLIST:
Do I know which books have spots available?
Do I know which tier of agent I'm suited for?
Do I know how long their books are staying open for?
Do I have time to become SAG - E before approaching these reps?
You can find ELLA EDWARDS at http://www.imdb.me/ellaedwards & http://www.ellaedwards.com