MEAA

MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance) is Australia's largest union for people working in media, entertainment, sports, and the arts. Its Equity section represents actors, dancers, singers, comedians, stunt performers, and other entertainers across film, television, and theater.

Membership is open to anyone working or seeking work in the Australian entertainment industry. MEAA Equity negotiates minimum rates and conditions for performers on Australian productions, including major studio films shot in Australia.

With Australia's growing film industry attracting international productions, MEAA plays an increasingly important role in setting standards for working conditions. The union advocates for Australian content requirements and performer protections in the digital age.

Dues are based on your income level, with reduced rates for lower-earning members. Contact MEAA directly for current membership pricing and joining requirements specific to performers.

MEAA membership is essential for actors working in Australia. As the Australian film industry continues to grow as a global production hub, understanding MEAA's role helps performers navigate the local industry landscape. Australia has become one of the world's premier production destinations, with studios in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast hosting major international productions including Marvel films, major streaming series, and blockbuster franchises that have chosen Australia for its skilled crews, diverse locations, and competitive production incentives. MEAA Equity's role in this growing market ensures that Australian performers benefit from the industry's expansion rather than being displaced by international imports. The union also advocates for Australian content quotas on streaming platforms and television networks, ensuring that locally produced content featuring Australian performers remains a significant part of the national media landscape.

MEAA membership dues are structured on an income-based sliding scale designed to ensure accessibility for performers at all earning levels. As of 2025, the full annual membership fee is approximately AUD $580 for members earning over AUD $40,000 from entertainment work, with reduced rates available for lower-income earners — members earning under AUD $20,000 pay approximately AUD $290, and student members pay approximately AUD $145. There is a joining fee of approximately AUD $50 for new members. MEAA Equity negotiates minimum rates across different production types — daily minimum rates for principal performers on feature films are approximately AUD $1,100, with television rates varying by network, production budget, and episode length. The union also negotiates residual payments, penalty rates for overtime and weekend work, and provisions for travel, accommodation, and wardrobe when performers work on location.

Any performer working professionally in the Australian entertainment industry should join MEAA Equity, as the union's negotiated minimum rates, residual payments, and member benefits provide essential protections and financial value that non-union work cannot match. International actors planning to work in Australia should research MEAA's requirements and any reciprocal agreements with their home country's performer union before arriving, as this preparation ensures you can work legally and receive appropriate protections. If you are an American actor considering relocating to or working regularly in Australia, understand that MEAA and SAG-AFTRA maintain a reciprocal relationship that can facilitate cross-border work, but consult with both unions to clarify how your membership and benefits interact. For emerging Australian performers who are not yet earning significant income from performing work, the reduced-rate membership tiers make MEAA accessible, and joining early establishes your union affiliation and gives you access to professional development resources that support your career growth.

Engage with your local MEAA branch by attending meetings, networking events, and professional development workshops, as the Australian performing community is relatively small and personal relationships with fellow performers and industry professionals are particularly important for career development. Stay informed about changes to Australian production incentives and content quotas, as these government policies directly affect the volume and types of productions filming in Australia and the opportunities available to local performers. If you work across both screen and stage, understand that MEAA Equity covers performers in both mediums, but the terms, rates, and conditions differ significantly between film/television agreements and live performance agreements. Build relationships with Australian casting directors and agents, as the local industry is more accessible than its American counterpart and CDs are often willing to meet emerging performers who demonstrate professionalism and dedication. Take advantage of the growing number of international productions filming in Australia by ensuring your skills — including accent range, self-tape quality, and familiarity with different production styles — meet the standards expected by international producers working in the Australian market.