Anunder-five,[1]also known as anunder-5or aU/5,[2]is a television or filmactorwhose character has fewer than five lines ofdialogue.[3]The term is used inSAG-AFTRAcontracts and has been used when referring to performers in a daytimesoap opera.
SAG-AFTRA rules
editAn under-five role falls between anextra(a nonspeaking role) and aday player(a full part). Per SAG-AFTRA, for an under-five the total number of words in the five lines or less must be below 50. Exceeding this reclassifies the role as a full part, which constitutes a substantial rise in pay. An extra may be upgraded to under-five status if they interact with principals or are given direction in a way that furthers the plot.[4][5]
Prior to the 2012 merger of theScreen Actors Guild (SAG)and theAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA),actors performing as under-fives as members of AFTRA became eligible for SAG membership after one year.[4][6]Post merger, actors performing with an under-five contract operate as members of the consolidated union.
Through November 16, 2016, the minimum pay rate for an under-five actor on a soap opera is $451 for a one-hour show, and $369 for a1⁄2-hour show. By comparison, the minimum pay rate for a principal on a soap opera is $1,038 for a one-hour show, and $778 for a1⁄2-hour show. The pay rate for a background actor on a soap opera is $150 for a 1-hour show, and $115 for a1⁄2-hour show.[7]
Under-five work
editAn under-five role can be a stepping stone to bigger roles.[4][8]However, with the general decline of American soap operas, the number of under-fives, extras, and even day players employed has declined, due to reductions of production budgets.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Cummings, Betsy (July 25, 2004)."HOME FRONT; Bit Parts on Screen, and a Salary to Match".The New York Times.Retrieved2012-01-04.
- ^Allen, Robert Clyde (April 30, 1985).Speaking of Soap Operas.UNC Press Books. p.53.Retrieved2012-01-04.
under-5 soap opera.
- ^"Resume Billing Double 19 Productions".Double 19 Productions. May 19, 2009.Retrieved2012-01-04.
- ^abcLenhart, Jennifer."As The World TurnsInterview: Patrick Stephenson ".Soap Opera Digest.Archived fromthe originalon January 30, 2009.RetrievedApril 30,2016.
- ^abCiaccia, Maria (January 30, 2009)."On the Scene atGeneral Hospital".Generalhospital.about.com.RetrievedApril 30,2016.
- ^"When An Actor Should Join A Union".Actorschecklist.com. December 1, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2015.RetrievedApril 30,2016.
- ^"SAG-AFTRA Network TV Code"(PDF).SAG-AFTRA.RetrievedApril 30,2016.
- ^Kanner, Bernice (August 16, 1993)."SOAP STAR FOR A DAY".New York.RetrievedApril 30,2016.