Much like the issue of talent agents, the decision about joining a union is very individual (although less so in the larger markets…where you’ll miss out on the opportunity to work for larger clients unless you belong).
Unions provide some protection for the talent by giving you a set of predefined rates for work performed. Also, you are protected for work that ends up being used long-term by tracking residuals…allowing you to continue to get paid for work done long ago…which can be very nice. Finally, the union has a very nice health and retirement plan, which can be very expensive for a talent to come up with on their own.
The downside? In most markets, union workers work less than non-union workers. Your flexibility to work within a client’s existing budget is very limited (which results in some union VO artists working “under the table” to get more work).
It’s definitely a trade-off either way. You’ll want to talk to other VO talent in your market, and to talk to the AFTRA chapter near you. |
