Let’s say you finally get your union card after years of hustling non-union gigs and underpaid jobs just to build credits. Now a friend asks you to help on their indie for a fraction of your new rate “just this once.” Part of me wants to support them, but part of me feels like I’d be undercutting everything I worked so hard for. Would you say yes out of loyalty, or stick to union scale no matter what?

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You didn’t bust your ass to finally go union just to crawl back to lowball gigs. If they respect you, they’ll respect your rate. Loyalty doesn’t pay rent.

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That part 👍🏻

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If you're a union member it's just out of the question. You don't join a union to be a scab. Just isn't done.

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Um, what? People freelance all the time while working union. Scab is specific to strike breakers, and specific to the union companies. Working non-union jobs doesn't mean you're a scab.

I have been a director of photography and camera operator for over 30 years in the union and there hasn't been one year in all that time that I haven't done some kind of freebie or lowbie for an aspiring artist. imagine as a new and up-and-coming talent to be able to access experienced trades people on your project. we have to stay connected to the art and the passion. They will always say that if there is money made on the project you will get paid or get paid better, don't believe it just do what you love to do.

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Definitely only do Union gigs. Let them know that your status has changed and they can become a SAG low budget or micro budget if they really want you.

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I remember a saying something along the lines of "You can have it cheap, fast, or good. Pick two."
Personally, it depends on the project, the pay, and the friend. I have a couple of friends who I will do work for free, but they would never ask me to. I would consider less pay for the right project. Otherwise, I have a base rate I won't go below. At this point, I've been in the union so long that my union rate of pay just isn't realistic for most freelance gigs.

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It isn’t about the rate but the quality of the work and final outcome IMO and my own way of working. As long as you’re not turning down the better gigs why not?

I would say Yes out of loyalty and negotiate a percentage of the project for myself.

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