Can You Be in Multiple Film Guilds?

As a member of the film industry, you’re likely considering whether or not to join various unions or guilds as part of your contract engagements. Whether you’re considering any of the top guilds in the film industry, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), or the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). It’s very common for members of the industry to get involved in one of these guilds. But can you be in multiple film guilds at the same time?

Can an Actor Join Two Guilds at the Same Time?

Firstly, can you be in multiple film guilds at the same time? Each union or guild has its own policies. As well as regulations set forth as to what members can and cannot do. Technically, you can join more than one union and many actors choose to be involved in multiple unions.

Basically, different unions have jurisdiction over different types of work. Each individual union will have rules and requirements as to whether you can or cannot join. Some make it difficult to get involved in other unions. Others are certainly easier to work around.

Each provides benefits and limitations depending on your unique situation. So it’s important to decide what’s best for you specifically. 

Guild Exclusivity Rules

As a general rule, many guilds require exclusivity. Which means that members of the guild may only work for companies that sign with guilds known as guild signatories. This exclusivity further states that guild signatories may only employ guild members.

What this rule does is essentially force film companies to become guild signatories. All in order to engage the member talent of the guild. Equally, it forces talent to become a guild member to work for a film company which is a signatory.

If your guild requires exclusivity as part of your contract, just be certain you’re familiar with the terms and you understand what that means as it could prevent you from being able to be involved in multiple film guilds, but not always.

Jurisdiction Over Contract Workers

So, can you be in multiple film guilds at the same time? Technically, if a guild requires exclusivity as part of your contract then you are not supposed to be involved in multiple film guilds at the same given time period.

Jurisdiction over guild agreements is governed though in different ways. Essentially, guild agreements apply to employees that are members of the guild, but not to independent contractors.

Thus, when a writer, director or actor that is a member of a guild wishes to furnish their services outside of the guild, they will perform services through “loan-out corporations.” 

Loan-Out Corporation

By becoming a “loan-out corporation” the workers may provide their services to the guild as independent contractors rather than as guild employees.

This provides the workers with more flexibility in contract rights. And limits the governing or jurisdiction that the guild has over them without limiting their ability to take on projects. 

So, can you be in multiple film guilds? Yes you can, as long as you do not have an exclusivity agreement in your contract which states otherwise.

Before you sign any contract agreements, make sure that you’re aware of what your contract means for you and that it provides suitable opportunities with enough flexibility for your needs.