So you want to hire SAG-AFTRA performers for your low budget film project? Here’s how you get started…
Signatory Process Steps
Prepare
First off, you should try to start the process 4-6 weeks before your cast starts traveling, rehearsing, or filming. It can take a while to get all your paperwork in order.
(Unless you’re using the Micro-Budget Project Agreement, which is a much more streamlined process.)
Budget
Have a completed budget. The budget determines which SAG-AFTRA contract applies to your project, so you’ll need to know your production (including post) costs.
Script
Have a completed script. SAG-AFTRA will need to know details like how many characters/speaking roles there are.
Location
Are you filming entirely in the United States? Perfect! SAG-AFTRA low budget productions must shoot entirely in U.S. states and territories.
(If you’re shooting a film outside the U.S., you’ll likely fall under the Basic Theatrical Agreement.)
Determine Appropriate Agreement
Figure out which low budget agreement your film will fall under:
| Micro-Budget Project Agreement | Student Film Agreement | Short Project Agreement (SPA) | Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement (UPA) | Moderate Low Budget Project Agreement (MPA) | Low Budget Theatrical Agreement (LBA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. budget: $20k (per picture or per episode) | Max. budget: $35k | Max. budget: $50k | Max. budget: $300k | Max. budget: $700k | Max. budget: $2MM |
 | 35 minutes or less | 40 minutes or less | | | |
| Terms and salaries are fully negotiable | Actor salaries are deferred | Actor salaries are negotiable | Minimum day rate: $2411 | Minimum day rate: $4212 Minimum weekly rate: $14632 | Minimum day rate: $7833 Minimum weekly rate: $27173 |
| No consecutive employment (except on overnight locations) | No consecutive employment (except on overnight locations) | No consecutive employment (except on overnight locations) | No consecutive employment (except on overnight locations) | No consecutive employment (except on overnight locations) |
| No premiums | | No premiums | No premiums | No premiums |
| Reduced overtime rate | Reduced overtime rate | Reduced overtime rate | Reduced overtime rate | Reduced overtime rate |
| All principal performers covered | Covers ONLY the professional performers; background actors not covered | All principal performers covered; first 10 background actors covered (in Background Zones)4 | Covers ONLY the professional performers; background actors not covered | All principal performers covered; Taft-Hartley allowed; background actors not covered (unless using Background Performer Incentive) | All principal performers covered; Taft-Hartley allowed; first 30 background actors covered (in Background Zones)4 |
| Producer must not have received any compensation in exchange for distribution or exhibition rights No hazardous stunts or sex/nude scenes allowed | Producer must be enrolled at an accredited college or university | | | | |
| Allows for exhibition at film festivals, free-to-consumer new media platforms, screenings for Academy Awards consideration, demo purposes, public access TV, and classrooms | Allows for exhibition in classrooms for a grade, film festivals, film reels, and screenings for Academy Awards consideration | Allows for exhibition at film festivals, free-to-consumer new media platforms, screenings for Academy Awards consideration, demo purposes, and public access TV | Allows for exhibition at film festivals, new media platforms, and theatrical release | Allows for exhibition at film festivals, new media platforms, and theatrical release | Requires initial theatrical release |
| Micro-Budget Project Sample Agreement [PDF] Video Explainer [YouTube] | Student Film Sample Agreement [PDF] | SPA Rate Sheet [PDF] SPA Sample Agreement [PDF] Video Explainer [YouTube] | UPA Rate Sheet [PDF] UPA Sample Agreement [PDF] | MPA Rate Sheet [PDF] MPA Sample Agreement [PDF] | LBA Rate Sheet [PDF] LBA Sample Agreement [PDF] |
1 UPA minimum rate for principal performers is set at 20% of Basic Agreement scale and will increase annually; Pension & Health contribution is also owed; current rate in effect through 6/30/25
2 MPA minimum rate for principal performers is set at 35% of Basic Agreement scale and will increase annually; Pension & Health contribution is also owed; current rates in effect through 6/30/25
3 LBA minimum rates for principal performers is set at 65% of Basic Agreement scale and will increase annually; Pension & Health contribution is also owed; current rates in effect through 6/30/25
4 Background actor rate of $216 (through 6/30/25)
Incentives
Do you qualify for any incentives?
Diversity-in-Casting Incentive
- ONLY applies to Low Budget Theatrical and Moderate Low Budget Project Agreements.
- Do you have a minimum of 50% of your total speaking roles and 50% of the total days of employment cast with Performers from protected groups (Women; Senior performers over 60; Performers with disabilities; People of Color)?
- Do you have a minimum of 20% of total days of employment cast with performers who are People of Color?
- If yes to all of the above, you can increase your total production cost:
- Moderate Low Budget Project: from $700k to $950k maximum
- Low Budget Theatrical: from $2MM to $3MM maximum
Background Performer Incentive
- ONLY applies to Moderate Low Budget Project Agreements.
- Are you employing a minimum average of 3 SAG-AFTRA Background Performers for each day of principal photography?
- If yes, you may be allowed an additional $112k to your production cost.
Apply
Now you know which agreement your film falls under and whether you might qualify for an incentive. Great, you’re on your way! Fill out a Signatory Application.
Have any questions while you’re filling it out?
Check our FAQ page or contact us.
Now What?
Once your Signatory Application is submitted, you’ll be assigned a SAG-AFTRA Business Representative and they’ll be your main contact for the rest of your paperwork and production. Your rep should reach out to you in about 3 business days. If you don’t hear from them, place a call to SAG-AFTRA’s Entertainment Contracts Department at 323.549.6828 to make sure they received your application.
And don’t worry, you can stay connected with SAGindie too at 323.549.6064 (just remember, SAGindie doesn’t process ANY paperwork. But we’re available for pep talks and neighborhood gossip if needed). Keep in touch!