WHAT’S A SIGNATORY?

A signatory is an advertising agency, production company, or other company that agrees to exclusively employ union actors and actresses to perform broadcast and/or non-broadcast jobs.

HOW CAN MY COMPANY BECOME A SIGNATORY?

You can become a signatory by signing a collective bargaining agreement with the union; thus agreeing to work under the conditions of employment set down by the contract.

WHY SHOULD MY COMPANY BECOME A SIGNATORY?

AFTRA actors and actresses are at the top of their profession.

Professional actors deliver

On time…

Time is money and a professional won’t waste either. A professional will

• Arrive with lines memorized and special skills honed,
• Show up on time with the right selection of wardrobe,
• Can’t and won’t leave until the job is done.

On budget…

Hire a professional, and you save money

• In the studio and on location - you get consistent performances with fewer takes and shorter crew calls
• In post-production - no more piecemeal editing of an inexpert performance to salvage your message
• With free auditions guaranteed for up to an hour per actor

And on point…

A sharp script, funky camera work and high technical values aren’t enough. Delivered by a professional performer, your message will come alive.

HOW DO I HIRE A UNION ACTOR?

• Union actors can be contacted by calling a local AFTRA franchised talent agent. Call the St. Louis local for a current list of AFTRA franchised agents.
• Hire a professional on a single-project basis using simple, fill-in-the blank forms you can complete in less than ten minutes. Ask us about the AFTRA single production contract.
• An outside paymaster can handle payroll. They will pay talent on time, file all required federal, state and local paper work, and deal with year-end W-2 reporting. You just make a phone call to start the process. Ask for a list of specialists in performer payrolls.
• Book an actor today for tomorrow’s session or shoot. AFTRA professionals are always ready to respond.

THE LOCAL AFTRA OFFICE IS HERE FOR YOU

We will help you deliver the best quality productions possible.

Our staff will…

• Respond to your financial and production constraints
• Assist in budgeting, contracting and cost comparisons
• Explain various contracts and identify just the right agreement for your project: local broadcast; national television; national radio; non-broadcast; interactive; or sound recordings.
• Back your rights, as a producer. In the unusual event that a member causes a problem, or a misunderstanding arises, we have the means to resolve conflicts.

Contact our Freelance Department, and you’ll see how helpful we can be for your next project.

AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)
P.O. Box 32167
4000 Baltimore, 2nd Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-753-4557
Fax: 816-753-1234