Joining a Film Union · SAG-AFTRA
Background performer: how to join SAG-AFTRA
Background performers, or extras, fill the world around the principal cast: the diners in the restaurant, the pedestrians on the street, the crowd in the stands. It's the most common on-camera entry point, and three covered background days is one of the routes to SAG-AFTRA eligibility.
Good to know
The classic way in is three SAG-AFTRA-covered background vouchers, which make you eligible to join. Covered background spots are capped per shooting day, so vouchers are competitive, which is why most people start on non-union background and angle for a union voucher when a covered slot opens.
Roles in this craft
The jobs that make up this craft, each with its own page on pay, the day-to-day, and how to break in.
How to join, step by step
Know your union
- On-camera background on signatory shows is SAG-AFTRA.
- Background is the most common on-camera entry point and one of the routes to eligibility.
Start on non-union background
- Register with background casting services and work non-union days to learn set etiquette.
- Reliability and a professional look get you booked back, which is what leads to a union day.
Chase the SAG vouchers
- Three SAG-AFTRA-covered background vouchers make you eligible to join.
- Covered spots are capped per shooting day, so vouchers are competitive: be early, ready, and easy to work with.
Join when eligible
- Once you have your vouchers, or a covered principal booking, you can join.
- Keep the vouchers and pay stubs: the union verifies them before it takes you.
What you’ll need
- Proof of a principal day OR three covered background days (vouchers, contracts, pay stubs)
- Government ID and work eligibility documents
- Initiation funds: currently $3,121 national (payment plans exist)
- First semiannual dues, due at joining
Find your local
SAG-AFTRA membership runs through a local for your market. Look up the one that covers where you work on the union’s site.