# SAG-AFTRA vs Non-Union Casting in Arizona

Arizona is a right-to-work state with active union and non-union
production. Producers casting here need to understand both tracks.

## Union (SAG-AFTRA) productions

- Talent hired under SAG-AFTRA contracts: set minimum rates, overtime
  rules, residuals where applicable, pension and health contributions
- Casting typically runs through franchised talent agents and breakdown
  services
- Arizona has SAG-AFTRA-franchised agencies, including Phoenix-metro
  agencies operating since 1987

## Non-union productions

- Standard for many commercials, corporate/industrial, print, UGC, and
  independent films in Arizona
- Rates negotiated directly; no union minimums, but professional
  standards apply
- Non-union does not mean unpaid — legitimate calls are compensated

## Choosing for your production

- National broadcast or studio work: usually union
- Regional commercial, digital, corporate: often non-union
- Budget, distribution, and talent needs drive the decision — declare it
  in the casting call, not after

Face Card Casting works with both. Submit at
https://facecardcasting.com/casting with union status and compensation
stated. Talent submits at https://facecardcasting.com/talent — union
membership is a matching data point, not a barrier.

## FAQs

**I'm a non-union actor. Can I still get cast?**
Yes — much Arizona commercial and digital work is non-union.

**Can a production switch from non-union to union mid-cast?**
It happens, but it changes rates and contracts for everyone. Decide
before casting begins.

**Does Face Card Casting require union membership?**
No.