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Filmmaker Questions
What does it mean to become a “signatory” production?
Becoming a SAG-AFTRA signatory production means you will be employing at least one SAG-AFTRA member, and will therefore follow the rules and regulations that SAG-AFTRA requires. There is no fee to become a signatory, but the production will have to abide by the minimum pay scales the union has set in place (rates will differ depending on what type of project you’re making). Signatory productions must be cleared by their SAG-AFTRA representative before they begin filming.
How long does the signatory process take? When should I start? Is there any way to expedite the process?
SAG-AFTRA generally recommends that you start the signatory process 4-6 weeks before you plan on using the services of SAG-AFTRA actors. You may be able to expedite the process if you’re willing to do some legwork (and the Micro-Budget Aggremeent requires way less lead time), but that all depends on the workload of your Representative and the specifics of your production.
How do I get started?
See a step-by-step guide on how to begin the SAG-AFTRA Signatory process here.
This all sounds great! Send me the contract right away! I can’t wait to get started!
We appreciate your enthusiasm, but SAGindie does NOT handle the paperwork. We’re an educational program, kinda like the Peace Corps: We teach you how to fish, but we won’t hold the rod for you. Now, don’t be confused by that convoluted metaphor. Just visit our Signatory page to learn the process of getting your paperwork, or check out the SAG-AFTRA Production Center and get things started there. Again, we don’t handle the paperwork!
I am starting to shoot tomorrow and need to get an agreement today.
If you’re producing under the Micro-Budget Agreement, that’s doable. If you’re using another contract, you’re gonna need to give yourself a few weeks to get the paperwork submitted before SAG-AFTRA clears you to start filming. Check here for more details on the signatory process.
I can’t get anyone in the theatrical department to call me back and I’m starting production this weekend…
Send us an email or call us at 323.549.6064 and we’ll try to help you out.
I’m a SAG-AFTRA Member and I want to produce my own film. If I’m the only SAG-AFTRA member out of the cast, do I have to get a signatory contract?
Yes.
I have a related question. Is it true that if I am a producer on the film I can act in it without signing a SAG-AFTRA contract?
No.
Can non-union actors and SAG-AFTRA members work in a production together?
Yes, it’s just a matter of who gets covered by a SAG-AFTRA contract. Under the Student Film and Ultra Low Budget Agreements, only the professional performers in the cast are covered (that includes SAG-AFTRA members, but also professional actors who have not yet joined the union).
The Micro-Budget, Short Project, Moderate Low, and Low Budget Agreements cover all principal performers (and under the Moderate Low and Low Budget Agreements the so-called Taft-Hartley rules apply).
What is Taft-Hartley?
The Taft-Hartley Act is a U.S. labor law that allows a signatory producer to hire a non-union performer if they possess a specific quality or skill that is essential to the role. Need a seven-foot-tall redhead who can play banjo and speak Portuguese? If you can’t find a union actor who fits that bill (but how hard are you really looking?) you can “Taft-Hartley” that perfect non-union person. For this, you’ll have to submit a Taft-Hartley report, which you’ll get from your Business Rep. And no, being blonde and pretty isn’t considered a “specific skill.”
Who’s considered a principal performer?
Any actor with a speaking role is a principal performer. Additionally, stunt performers, dancers, and singers are also principals.
Do I have to use union extras?
It depends on which contract you’re using and where you’re shooting. Background actors aren’t covered under the Student, Ultra Low Budget, and Moderate Low Budget Project Agreements (unless, under the Moderate Low Budget, you opt to use the Background Actor Incentive). Background Actors are covered under the Short Project and Low Budget Agreements if you are filming in a Background Zone.
What is a Background Zone?
The New York Zone is within 300 air miles from Columbus Circle, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The Western Zones include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. For more Background info, you can check out the Background Actors page on the SAG-AFTRA website.
What do I need to do if I have child actors in my movie?
You’ll definitely want to check in with your local labor department (which you can look up here) to find out about the specific child labor laws of where you’re filming. In California, for example, in addition to having a parent/guardian on set, you will also need to hire a licensed studio teacher/welfare worker (yes, even in the summer). Go to thestudioteachers.com for listings and a bunch of helpful info, and find additional resources at SAG-AFTRA’s Young Performers page here.
How about animal actors?
Animal monitoring services like the American Humane Association oversee animal welfare on film sets. You’ll have to register your production with an animal monitoring service if you plan to have animals in your film.
Do I need to take any extra precautions if I’m filming a nude scene with my actors?
You can learn all about nudity riders/clauses over on our indieBlog. It continues to be one of the most widely-read blog posts we’ve ever published. Not sure why…? Learn more guidance about filming nude scenes here. To be even more sure that everyone on set is safe and comfortable, consider employing an Intimacy Coordinator.
Be aware that nudity and sex scenes are not allowed under the Micro-Budget Agreement.
What do I do if I have stunts in my film?
Safety should be a top priority. Therefore, a Stunt Coordinator is required on films with hazardous stunts. While Stunt Performers are paid as principal performers, Stunt Coordinators receive Basic Agreement pay, even on low budget productions (no discounts for the safety advisor!). Stunt Coordinator minimum rates are currently $1204 daily or $4489 weekly (through 6/30/25). Be aware that stunts are not allowed under the Micro-Budget Agreement.
Unsure if you have a “hazardous stunt” in your script? Contact SAG-AFTRA’s Stunt & Safety Department at 323.549.6855 for guidance.
Can I ask my actors to submit self-tape auditions?
Self-taped auditions are increasingly common, but there are regulations in place, including a maximum of 8 pages of sides on the first audition (which must be given to the actor 48 hours in advance). Additionally, auditioning actors should not be required to purchase specialty equipment, do multiple styling, location, or angle changes, or perform any unsafe activities. (Read more about the regulations here.)
Does SAGindie still do free workshops?
Yes! (We do a lot of FREE workshops, but we assume you mean our low-budget contract workshop). It’s a FREE workshop that will walk you through the signatory process and answer all your questions about signing SAG-AFTRA contracts. You can sign up for the FREE workshops here. Did we mention they’re free?
If I use SAG-AFTRA actors without an agreement will anything really happen to me?
In addition to bad karma, you could be screwing up your chances of distribution. If a potential buyer nixes a distribution deal because you don’t have the correct contracts in place, you’re gonna wish you’d done it correctly from the beginning.
I already shot my film non-union with several SAG-AFTRA actors in it. Now I have a distribution deal and I don’t want the actors to get in trouble. Can I sign the film after the fact?
No. You can’t sign retroactively. You (or your actors) should’ve called us before filming and we could have helped you avoid all this trouble. Unlike the common saying, in these cases it’s actually better to ask for permission instead of forgiveness. Now go sit in the corner and think about what you’ve done.
I’m a documentary filmmaker and want to use SAG-AFTRA actors for narration or reenactments. Can I hire them under a low-budget contract?
The Micro-Budget Agreement covers both scripted and unscripted projects. Otherwise, most documentaries are covered under the Basic Theatrical Agreement. Contact the SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Department at 323.549.6828 for information and rates. If you’re just interviewing a SAG-AFTRA performer and they’re appearing in a doc unscripted “as themselves” (and not as a reenactment performer or narrator), you do not need to fill out a signatory contract.
I need to find an audition space/DP/caterer/editing equipment/payroll company/etc. Do you have a list of resources for filmmakers?
Sure do! We have a comprehensive listing of State-by-State Resources, or you could find additional general resources in our Helpful Links.
If I live outside of NY/LA, whom do I call to become a signatory?
You can find your local SAG-AFTRA office on our State-by-State Resources page or on SAG-AFTRA’s website.
What does “No Consecutive Employment” mean?
Under the Basic Agreement producers are required to pay consecutive employment. This means that if an actor works on Monday and Wednesday the producer not only has to pay them for these days, but also for the “consecutive” day of Tuesday. Under all of the low budget agreements, there is no consecutive employment, so if an actor only works Monday and Wednesday, the producer only has to pay them (or defer their pay) for Monday and Wednesday. However, if your performer is working on an overnight location, you DO have to pay them the consecutive day.
What’s considered an “overnight” location?
A location is considered “overnight” if the performer cannot reasonably drive (or be driven) home at the end of the day. Though there are exceptions, overnights are generally further than 30 miles outside Hollywood or San Francisco (known as the Thirty-Mile-Zone or “TMZ” – like the website, get it?) or 8 miles outside New York City. To find out the overnight rules in a specific city or state, contact the SAG-AFTRA local office where you’re filming.
Do I need to feed my actors?
Yes, even though many actors are skinny, you still have to feed them. If meals aren’t provided on-set by craft services/catering (or Mom’s cooking), the producer must pay covered actors a meal per diem rate of $70/day ($14 for breakfast, $21 for lunch, $35 for dinner).
I don’t have to pay overtime, right? Come on, be cool about it, this is an indie film!
Overtime rates are reduced under low budget contracts. After an 8-hour workday, hours 8-12 are paid at time-and-a-half; 12+ hours is double-time. However, under low budget contracts, producers do not have to pay premium overtime rates for an actor’s sixth consecutive day of employment (meaning a workweek can be six days instead of five without a penalty).
Can I pay my actors as self-employed freelancers with a 1099 tax form?
No. Union actors are not independent contractors; they are employees of the production. Therefore, producers are responsible for appropriate tax withholdings and contributions. You’ll hire a payroll company to tackle all this math for you, which will save you a huge headache and keep the IRS off your back. Look on our Resources page for helpful links regarding production services like payroll companies.
Do I need insurance?
In all likelihood, state law will require workers’ compensation and general liability insurance (contact your local Labor Department, which you can look up here). Check with your payroll company to see if they provide workers’ comp. You can also shop around for private carriers, and in some states you can get workers’ comp from the state fund. Depending on your production, public liability, equipment, and E&O insurance may be necessary. You can find a list of entertainment insurance providers at FilmLA’s website.
What does P&H mean and do I have to pay it?
Pension and Health, and yes. Signatory producers need to include this contribution (currently 21% for principal performers and 20.5% for background performers) to all covered performers’ pay. Remember, healthy actors = employable actors. Get more info about the SAG-AFTRA P&H plans at sagaftraplans.org.
I’m making a short film, but I can’t decide if I’ll take it to festivals or put it online. Do I have to make a choice?
Depending on your budget, probably not! If your short film is under $20k, you likely qualify for the Micro-Budget Project Agreement; a budget under $50k and under 40 minutes likely qualifies for the Short Project Agreement. These agreements allow for both film festival screenings and free-to-consumer new media platforms.
I want to shoot a commercial/industrial/PSA under a Low Budget contract. Can I?
The low budget contracts apply only to entertainment projects intended for theatrical or new media releases. Commercials, industrials, and PSAs all fall under the Commercial Contract. You can reach the friendly folks in the Commercial Department at 323.549.6858. They are very nice people and would love to talk to you. Tell them we said “Hi”.
I’m outraged by the lack of diversity in movies and want to change things! Can you help me with this noble effort?
Yes! If you’re using the Moderate Low Budget Project or Low Budget Theatrical Agreements, you could qualify for production incentives if at least 20% of production days are cast with People of Color (Black/African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander/South Asian, Latino/Hispanic, Middle Eastern/North African, and Native American); and at least half of your film’s speaking roles and days of employment are cast with members of these 4 protected groups: Women; Senior performers 60 years or older; Performers with Disabilities; People of Color. To see if you qualify for the Diversity in Casting incentive, email diversity@sagaftra.org.
I’m producing a NO budget movie. Really. I’m paying $20 for food. That’s it. I can’t afford to pay actors anything. Can’t I defer the pay? The cast is all my friends and they’re willing to do it for no money. Why is SAG-AFTRA ruining the chance for their members to get work?
You’re making a short, right? I mean, you wouldn’t try to make a feature for $20 – would you? Because if you’re making a short, the pay is negotiable. If you’re making a feature, I hope you have a Costco card to help you stretch that $20 into meals for an entire crew for the length of your shooting schedule. Grips get grumpy when they’re not fed.
But even the tiniest-budget features can still qualify for a SAG-AFTRA agreement – the Micro-Budget Project Agreement, where salaries and most terms are negotiable between the producer and performer. But you still have to follow all local and federal labor laws (which probably adds up to more than $20). Keep in mind, while the Short Project Agreement and Micro-Budget Project Agreement have negotiable rates, they also have specific exhibition platforms that are allowed (film festivals, free-to-consumer new media platforms, public access TV, private screenings, etc.) – if you screen outside of those platforms, you could be bumped over to a higher-threshold (and less forgiving) contract.
Don’t get us wrong, we salute your independent spirit, but we hope you’ll hear us out: At some point you have to ask yourself, “What kind of movie am I making? Something with zero production value and a slim chance of distribution, or something that Sundance is gonna screen at the Eccles Theater?” If it’s the latter, spending a couple of hundred bucks now is going to pay off in the end.
What is the bond thing I heard about? How much is it, and what if I can’t pay it because it will exceed my budget?
As is often the case in life, a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. Some unscrupulous/inept producers were not paying their actors, forcing SAG-AFTRA to take a bond (security deposit). There is a formula for this, which your SAG-AFTRA representative will explain to you. It is based on the performers’ salaries and work time. Unlike your apartment security deposit, this is returned to you at the completion of principal photography. If you’re still waiting on your bond return, the Producers Guild can assist you here. Learn more about SAG-AFTRA financial assurances and security deposits here.
Do actors get residuals for low budget films?
If your signatory film gets distributed beyond the theatrical market, residuals will be due to principal performers. SAG-AFTRA has an informative video on understanding residual payments here. SAG-AFTRA’s Entertainment Contracts Department works with producers and distributors on getting residuals paid via Financial Assurances (visit their website for details and options).
Actor Questions
How do I get into SAG-AFTRA?
You can learn all about becoming a SAG-AFTRA actor on the SAG-AFTRA membership website.
If a non-union actor does a SAG-AFTRA low budget film, are they eligible to join the union?
It depends on the contract. The Micro-Budget Project Agreement will not count toward a non-union actor’s eligibility. Under the Student Film Agreement, Short Project Agreement, and Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement, an actor can pursue membership via an employment verification request (they can contact the SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts Department at 323.549.6828). Under the Moderate Low Budget Project and Low Budget Theatrical Agreements, non-union actors can become eligible, though the production must file Taft-Hartley reports for any non-union actors hired.
I’m a member of SAG-AFTRA but I’ve been cast in a non-union film. How do I get a waiver?
You can’t. But there’s no reason to do a non-union film. Tell the producer to sign one of SAG-AFTRA’s low budget contracts and ask them to contact us.
I want to sign up for the actor’s workshop SAG-AFTRA offers to its members. Can I do that through you guys/is that the same thing as your workshops?
Our workshops are specifically geared to low budget filmmakers. SAG-AFTRA members are welcome to attend (and we encourage it), but they aren’t about developing your acting career. Contact your nearest SAG-AFTRA Local or the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to learn about events and programs for actors.
I really want to be an actor. How do I do that?
The first step is admitting you have a problem. But seriously, folks, visit the SAG-AFTRA website and read all about being a member. We also have some resources for actors over in our listing of Helpful Links.
What’s the deal with SAGindie’s casting breakdown service? Where did it go?
True, once upon a time we hosted a casting breakdown service on our website. But since there are plenty of professional casting services out there, we’ll leave that to the pros. Ask peers and colleagues for recommendations, try Googling, or check out the Helpful Links on our Resources page.
General Questions
I need to find so-and-so’s agent.
If you need to reach out to an actor for a professional casting reason, you can check out SAG-AFTRA’s website for casting professionals. IMDb Pro and WhoRepresents are also good resources for finding an actor’s representative. Just don’t be a stalker.
I want to sign up for Conversations/Casting Access/Business events.
These events are handled by our friends at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. They can be reached at 323.549.6708.
I like the cut of SAGindie’s jib. Can we hang out? Can I see you? Let’s be friends!
You’re coming on a little strong, but thanks. You can always follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube. You can also check out our indieBlog and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on where we are and what we’re doing (within reason). We also do a ton of traveling to film festivals and events, so we’re bound to cross paths with you one day. Don’t be scared to say hi!
Wait… so SAGindie’s NOT a department of SAG-AFTRA?
Nope. We work alongside SAG-AFTRA to educate filmmakers and explain the low-budget contracts and the opportunities that come with them. We are separately managed by the nonprofit Film-Raderie and are funded by a grant. We are (what’s the word?)… independent.