SAG Daily Performer Rate

Receive contract for film. Am to be payed $504 per day, which is scale for a low budget film. Will be required for three days. Had always thought that Scale extremely bad and am pleaseantly surprised to find otherwise. In head, quickly pay off credit card bill, purchase dresser (pending the winning of an Ebay auction), buy new pair of shoes, and clothes (other pair of shoes, suit, have shirt made, find new sunglasses, fun socks, plus outfit for rehearsal dinner, which haven't thought about at all) required for Sigrid's wedding. When tally up purchases, realize that have spent $3,452 in a matter of seconds. Come to realization that must bring fantasy life to an end, admit to Hilary that have neither Agent nor Sag Card. Hilary answers phone with her charactaristic and demoralizing, Go Ahead. Tense conversation. What do you mean you aren't SAG? Am put on hold. When Hilary gets back on the phone, she becomes businesslike and determined not to acknowledge any awkwardness. Admire this ability as am very, very aware of awkwardness and find self talking in a high pitched voice, laughing at things that aren't funny, like when Hilary says (to her asistant presumably) Did I ask for a Snapple iced tea? No. I"m sorry, she says. Well, you know, you'll have to pay the initiation fee. More nervous laughter (mine). Squeak out, That's fine! How much is the initiation fee? Am told in brusque (if businesslike) tone, I don't know, you'll have to call SAG. Call SAG. Initiation fee is $1,356 plus the job fee of $100 plus %1.85 of the day rate. Hunt for calculator in desk. Discover very old Russian chocolate from Brighton Beach, a comb, and a glove, but no calculator. Look under desk. Accuse the Contessa of "borrowing" calculator. Thankfully, she is very involved in looking at the internet and doesn't get huffy. Tells me in languid tone to use the calculator on the computer. Use calculator on computer. Am shocked to discover that after paying SAG, will end up with $28 dollars. The Contessa pulls herself away from screen, looking dazed. When her eyes focus, she sees that I am feeling upset. Asks why. I explain. She says, at least you don't have to pay anything. She sees that this doesn't make me feel any better. Maybe this wil Lead to more Work, she says. Both of us know this is highly unlikely We change to topic to food. Both of us feel that if we don't get us some sushi this instant, we will die. Put note on door and go to very nice sushi place down street. Am cheered by the miso soup and the extremely fresh dead fish. Bill more than $28 but do not let this get me down.