Where you plan on distributing your film can have an impact on the type of agreement youll need to follow, so be sure to check out sags options at. And if you really just want to make a film for festivals or as a calling card, or an experimental art film, make a short. If they are shooting an ultralow budget film or if the actor is under 5 back ground, often the actors pay can be deferred. Now casting actor for a short film about healing from trauma. The sagaftra foundations new york short film showcase is a cinematic celebration of new projects by union members, designed to encourage performers to create their own short films and web series. If we dont have to pay our sag actor, what is the standard requirement or recommendation for deferred payment and what triggers it. Performer and producer are free to negotiate a higher deferred salary at the time of initial employment, in such event, a separate rider must be attached hereto and signed by both the performer and the producer. Whats the deal and how to actually join no, really. There is currently not an agreement that would allow deferred pay for feature length projects without obtaining a waiver directly from sag. Three sworn enemies come together to help a friend in danger. Initial compensation is not deferrable for any program signed to the independent 2017 special new media agreement or any new media agreement that includes full rates, terms and conditions of.
That is basically how brandi had spent the past 22 years. Now he booked another film and his resume is listed at sage. Within 10 days of release of the project, producer must pay all deferred compensation if any by check made payable to each individual performer or background actor and must make corresponding payments to the sagaftra health plan and sag pension plan collectively. The only sag level that allows for deferred payments is on their short and student contracts, which allows sag actors to work for free on films that only play at festivals, free awards consideration, or on public access stations including i surmise the internet. Which means you have to pay your folks before the film sees daylight on any. Also, the short film agreement allows you to do deferred pay, which is essentially no pay. The sag short film agreement requires that actors be paid, but allows the payment to be completely deferred until after the film is released and released does not refer to film festival screenings or release on the internet. Im producing a sag new media short and i just have a question about the deferred payment deal. Budgeting for sag actors on your film can make the difference between. Actor release for deferred pay independent filmmaker. I assumed that they would th him in since the project was sag. When budgeting a film crew for a union picture, the rates and work hour limits and thresholds are set by the union and you pay them.
Want to see a sample of what the agreements look like. Aug 03, 2015 when budgeting a film crew for a union picture, the rates and work hour limits and thresholds are set by the union and you pay them. About to film and turn in all the performance contracts and th forms. Ive worked on sag experimental agreements where you dont have to pay the actors unless your film gets picked up for distribution. If the union, in its sole discretion, approves the application submitted in connection with the short film, the producer will be so notified and required to execute the sag. I just wonder if i would still need an i9 form for set to certify the citizenship of the actors and that they can work on project. The deferment, however, only lasts until you release the film. So i already got approved for my new media project. Sep 18, 2007 deferral also is depended on the size and scope of the production and how the signatory production company has aligned the show with sag. If you choose to do a different take, upload separately.
Apr 15, 2015 sagaftra understands that you are broke, but so are some of its members. The sag site says short film pay is deferred, but i want to attract the best possible actors for my project. However, work hours are still governed by state and federal labor laws. Performer and producer are free to negotiate a higher deferred salary at the time of initial employment. Performer and producer are free to negotiate a higher deferred salary at. These minimum rates are current through july 2003 and should only be used as a guide. Oftentimes, deferrals can make up the largest portion of a films budget. Deferred payment in entertainment law refers to a payment that is made to the members of a crew of a movie like the writers, directors, actors and others at a subsequent date. Most small films are always short on time and cash, and end up having. Dec 05, 2015 both the sag short film agreement and the sag new media agreement are fairly openended when it comes to actor pay.
Both the sag short film agreement and the sag new media agreement are fairly openended when it comes to actor pay. Sag requires production insurance and workers comp. The first agreement is drafted for the actors freegratis grant of herhisacting skills in the producers project. Deferred payment entertainment law law and legal definition. This means that the pay can be 100% deferred exception. They also require that your actors be paid as employees, which means noton1099s. If it is a short, you frequently will only use it for festivals and reels so youll never have to pay them a salary. What every independent film producer should know about sag. Pay all professional performers employed on the short film not less. The essential guide to sagaftra rates 2020 wrapbook. The second form of the agreement is the independent actor for pay. Become a backstage member orlog into view additional details, including key audition andor submission. In order to provide an opportunity for both the independent film producer and the starving artist to simultaneously pay bills and go after their dreams, sagaftra created six 6 categories of union fees based on the films budget, length, andor student status.
The project may be a film, music video, stage play, documentary, animationcartoon voiceover etc. The other actors will become eligible to join the union. We listed 3 sag agreement pay rates which vary based on the film s total budget. Sagaftra 48 hour film project short film agreement rev. Any time you pay an actor, you pay an additional 18.
Deferred payment is generally a payment made in a future date of a current debt or dues. This means the performers do not get paid until the terms of deferral are met, which most commonly would be when the project is. Sag experimental film agreement in plain english at. Short film defined a primary purpose of the short film is a learning experience in which the producer has the opportunity to work with professional performers.
Easterseals disability film challenge sagaftra screen. Now he booked another film and his resume is listed at sag e. Sep 28, 2016 for nonunion actors on the deadline, we drew up a contract similar to the sag short film contract but without the deferred payment. We listed 3 sag agreement pay rates which vary based on the films total budget. I believe all sag contracts require you to pay mileage for the actors to get from home to the set. Easterseals disability film challenge sagaftra screen actors. Basic codified agreement sag agreement for a full budget feature film. Film named on the information sheet and to employ professional performers in the short film under this agreement. You can do deferred, as titanium said, but sag does not always issue the release agreements to let sag actors work on lowno budget productions. Your sagaftra business representative will send you your actual contract when its time to sign. For film, it could mean a percentage of the profit if the film gets a distribution deal whether it be for a release in theatres, on tv, or sales of dvds. Deferral also is depended on the size and scope of the production and how the signatory production company has aligned the show with sag. For short films, the process is pretty simple and the business rep will help you navigate the process.
Im a documentary filmmaker and want to use sagaftra actors for. Sagaftra understands that you are broke, but so are some of its members. These payments are compensation for the services provided by them which they agree to accept later in order to cut the production costs. The cons are that you have to deal with sag, which can sometimes be a pain. Dec 24, 2008 oftentimes, deferrals can make up the largest portion of a film s budget. Lift casting call koops films film auditions backstage. Also, vendors can bring extremely costly services, like equipment, catering, film developing, or color correction for deferred payment. Screen actors guild 2020 easterseals disability film challenge. The new ultralow budget agreement is a winwin for both actors and filmmakers. If you have specific questions about the short project agreement, call sag aftra at 323. This means the performers do not get paid until the terms of deferral are met, which most commonly would be when the project is sold or picked up for distribution. Sag doesnt really allow deferred payments, so its not really an issue. Contracts and resources for independent filmmakers sagindie. If youre working with some actors who arent in the.
For nonunion actors on the deadline, we drew up a contract similar to the sag short film contract but without the deferred payment. The sag aftra short film and new media signatory agreements allow you to defer payment to your performers, as long as they agree to the deferment terms. What every independent film producer should know about sagaftra. Detailed budget listing all deferred and current expenses necessary to. The experimental agreement has been replaced by the short film and ultra low budget agreement. As with anything related to sag, when in doubt, you should always defer to their. How to make a short film with sag actors and not kill yourself. Initial compensation is not deferrable for any program signed to the independent 2017 special new media agreement or any new media agreement that includes full rates, terms and conditions of the sagaftra television or basic agreement. This agreement allows for both film festival screenings and freetoconsumer new media platforms. I called sag and they stated that for him to be eligible, he has to get paid. Initial compensation is not deferrable for any program signed to the independent 2017 special new media agreement or any new media agreement that includes full rates, terms and conditions of the sag aftra television or basic agreement. How to make a short film with sag actors and not kill. Sometimes we are only given a short time to spend with the ones we love and a thousand hours to spend just thinking about them.
If you have specific questions about the short project agreement, call sagaftra at. Within 10 days of release of the project, producer must pay all deferred compensation if any by check made payable to each individual performer or background actor and must make corresponding payments to the sag aftra health plan and sag pension plan collectively. Find out current sagaftra scale and pay rates for 2019 and when to expect. If the union, in its sole discretion, approves the application submitted in connection with the short film, the producer will be so notified and required to execute the sag aftra short film letter agreement. Thinking everyday about the baby boy she gave up for adoption. The sagaftra short film and new media signatory agreements allow you to defer payment to your performers, as long as they agree to the deferment terms. Sagaftra low budget agreements were created with input from filmmakers and actors to make it even easier for you to hire professional performers. I asked sag new media and the guy i spoke to didnt seem to know. Im a sagaftra member and i want to produce my own film. Im making a short film, but i cant decide if ill take it to festivals or put it online.
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