SAG-AFTRA Agreements: What You Need to Know

SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is a labor union that represents over 160,000 film and television performers, broadcasters, and other media professionals. One of the many benefits of being a member of SAG-AFTRA is access to various agreements that allow actors to work with producers under specific terms and conditions that ensure fair compensation and working conditions. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at SAG-AFTRA agreements and what you need to know as an actor.

What are SAG-AFTRA Agreements?

SAG-AFTRA agreements are contracts that establish the terms and conditions under which actors and performers work with producers in film, television, commercials, and new media. They cover a wide range of topics, including compensation, working hours, safety, residuals, and more. There are several types of SAG-AFTRA agreements, each designed for specific types of productions and budgets, from low-budget independent films to big-budget studio productions.

Why are SAG-AFTRA Agreements Important?

SAG-AFTRA agreements are important because they protect actors and performers from being exploited or underpaid. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, these agreements ensure that performers receive fair compensation, adequate rest periods, and safe working conditions. They also provide a framework for resolving disputes that may arise between actors and producers, such as issues involving character portrayal, publicity, and credit.

Types of SAG-AFTRA Agreements

There are several types of SAG-AFTRA agreements, each with its own set of guidelines and requirements. Here are some of the most common ones:

- The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement: This is the most comprehensive agreement, covering film, television, and new media productions. It establishes minimum compensation rates, working hours, and safety standards for performers.

- The SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreement: This agreement is designed for productions with budgets under $2.5 million. It provides lower compensation rates and more flexible working conditions than the TV/Theatrical Agreement.

- The SAG-AFTRA Modified Low Budget Agreement: This agreement is for productions with budgets between $2.5 and $5 million. It offers slightly higher compensation rates than the Low Budget Agreement and some additional benefits.

- The SAG-AFTRA Short Film Agreement: This agreement covers productions with budgets under $50,000 and run times of 35 minutes or less. It provides lower compensation rates and more flexibility than the other agreements.

- The SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement: This agreement is for productions created for the internet or other digital platforms. It provides compensation rates and working conditions that are specific to this type of production.

Additional Benefits of SAG-AFTRA Agreements

In addition to establishing clear guidelines and standards, SAG-AFTRA agreements offer several other benefits for actors and performers. For example, they provide for residuals, which are additional payments that actors receive when their work is reused or syndicated. They also offer health and pension benefits, which help ensure that performers have access to healthcare and retirement savings. Finally, they provide for ongoing education and training, which can help actors improve their skills and advance their careers.

Conclusion

SAG-AFTRA agreements are an essential tool for actors and performers who want to ensure fair compensation and safe working conditions. By understanding the types of agreements available and their requirements, actors can better protect themselves and their careers. If you`re a SAG-AFTRA member, make sure you familiarize yourself with these agreements and use them to your advantage. And if you`re not yet a member, consider joining SAG-AFTRA to gain access to these valuable resources.