The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Short Project Agreement is a contract designed for low-budget film and video productions. This agreement allows producers to work with SAG-AFTRA members for a shorter period of time and at lower pay rates compared to the industry-wide agreement.
Under this agreement, the maximum budget for a short project is $50,000 for fiction and documentary films, and $25,000 for new media productions. The maximum runtime for a short project is 40 minutes for fiction and documentary films, and 20 minutes for new media productions.
The agreement also includes specific pay rates for actors, crew, and other production staff. Actors are paid a daily rate of $125 for the lead role, $100 for principal performers, and $50 for background performers. The rates for crew and production staff are lower than those of the industry-wide agreement, but the agreement ensures that individuals are paid fairly for their work.
Filmmakers who want to use the SAG-AFTRA Short Project Agreement must apply for a waiver. This waiver allows them to use SAG-AFTRA members in their production without having to go through the full industry-wide negotiation process. The waiver application process takes about two weeks, and producers must provide a detailed budget, script, and production schedule.
Using the SAG-AFTRA Short Project Agreement can be a great option for filmmakers who want to work with professional actors and crew, but have a limited budget. By following the terms of the agreement, producers can ensure that their cast and crew are fairly compensated for their work, while also creating high-quality projects.
In conclusion, the SAG-AFTRA Short Project Agreement is a helpful tool for filmmakers who want to create short films and new media productions on a budget. The agreement provides specific pay rates for cast and crew, and allows producers to work with SAG-AFTRA members in a streamlined and cost-effective manner. By taking advantage of this agreement, filmmakers can create compelling content while also supporting the fair treatment of industry professionals.