Movie Extra Casting: Union and Non-Union, Plain Terms

Some film roles mention union or non-union, and the words can be confusing when you are new. This guide explains the terms in plain language and how they usually apply to background extras in the places MyCastingFile covers. It does not give exact union rules or numbers, because each union sets its own and they can change. For current rules, check with the union itself.

What a union is

A union is an organization that represents workers in a trade. SAG-AFTRA is the union that covers many performers in film and TV. Unions are separate from MyCastingFile, and each one decides its own rules for membership. To find out if you qualify, or what joining would involve, the union is the only place that can tell you.

What non-union means

Non-union means a role is not covered by a union agreement. The role can still be paid, and the Open Call shows the pay rate. Most background roles in the places MyCastingFile covers are non-union.

Where union rules for background apply

A union's film contract may cover background extras only in certain areas, called zones. In other areas, background on a union film is non-union.

That has two practical results. A union film shot in those areas can still have non-union background. And union members may also work background there. If you are a union member, it is worth asking the union how its current rules apply to a given job, since they can change.

Commercials are different. A commercial contract may cover a set number of extras. If you see a commercial role, read the Open Call for details, and ask the union or casting if you are not sure.

Which roles you may see

Some Open Calls say whether a role is union or non-union. Others may not mention it. The Open Call is the best guide to what applies, so read it all before you reply. If it does not say, ask casting or the production.

Do not assume a role works one way or the other because of the production's size or the kind of show. Each role has its own terms.

Why the Open Call matters more than the label

You may hear the words union and non-union on set, in videos, or from other extras. The terms often get mixed up, and people sometimes repeat things they heard secondhand. The posting you are reading is the one that counts for that role, so rely on it and on the booking details you receive.

If a question comes up on the day, ask an assistant director or the production. A calm, polite question is always welcome, and it is much better than guessing.

Where to ask

Ask casting or the production about the terms for a particular role. They know what applies on their own set. For a union's current rules, membership, and any fees, contact that union directly. Check SAG-AFTRA for its current rules instead of relying on an article like this one.

If a friend tells you how it works for them, listen politely, but check the details yourself. Rules differ between unions, between areas, and between productions, and what was true for one person may not be true for you.

You can start without joining anything

MyCastingFile is free to join, free to see Open Calls, free to reply, and free to get booked. You can create a Profile, add Photos, and answer Open Calls without joining a union. Nobody should ask you to pay to apply for a role on the site.

Start with roles that fit you, and read each Open Call carefully before you tap "Yes, I'm available."

If you want the first steps, read The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Background Extra. If you wonder whether this kind of day is right for you, read Is Working as an Extra Right for You?. To see how pay works, read Movie Extra Casting: Getting Paid and Keeping Records.

Open one role in Open Calls today and find the line about its terms.