Information Regarding Screen Actors Guild Rule One

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, auditions were held in Las Vegas for a South Korean production titled, Swallow the Sun. Several Nevada SAG members reported to Branch Executive Director Steve Clinton that they had been contacted by a local casting director and told that it was okay to do this film because it would not be shown in the United States. Screen Actors Guild would like to take this opportunity to clarify this situation.

1. At present, the production Swallow the Sun is not a signatory production.
2. It is permissible to audition for a production regardless of signatory status. However, Rule One prohibits members from accepting a role unless the production becomes signatory. A production’s desire to use a SAG member can and should be used to guide the production into becoming signatory. Instruct the production that wants to employ you to contact the Branch Executive for aid in becoming signatory.
3. Rule One applies regardless of the foreign or domestic status of the production, or where the production intended to be exhibited.
4. If you have any questions about these rules, you must contact Screen Actors Guild prior to taking action.

Bottom line, no violation occurred by auditioning for Swallow the Sun; if as alleged, a local casting director told a SAG member it was okay to work a non-signatory production because the product would not be shown domestically then the casting director was mistaken. If a SAG member works in a non-signatory production they are in violation of Rule One and are subject to disciplinary action.