SCREEN ACTORS GUILD (SAG) What is SAG-AFTRA?
SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is a union that represents “approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voice-over artists and other media professionals.”
BE ADVISED!! LMU is not a signatory to the Screen Actors Guild contract – nor are you required to sign a SAG contract to make your student films with union actors. A SAG agreement can obligate you to pay your actors at scale (current scale) and royalties if the film is ever released commercially.
LMU encourages students to make informed decisions when it comes to contracts. As a producer, if a SAG actor requests an agreement, you may choose to proceed if you fully understand and are prepared to meet its requirements.
Nonetheless, as aspiring filmmakers you should treat your actors with respect and professional courtesy.
If you do decide to work with SAG actors, here is some information:
Your project will need to operate either under a Student Film Agreement or a Micro-Budget Agreement.
If your project is a course-required film with a budget under $35,000 and a running time under 35 minutes, you can use the Student Film Agreement. However, this agreement is required if your film includes stunts or intimacy. The Student Agreement requires much more lead time. Be sure to choose the agreement that best fits your project needs and consult Sean Worsley if you have any questions.
Should you need any further guidance about SAG, please note that both our students and faculty have previously worked with Sean Worsley, a SAG-AFTRA representative, who is available to answer questions and can be reached at sean.worsley@sagaftra.org.
Sean Worsley often advises that if your project qualifies for the Micro-Budget Agreement and you do not have distribution in place, this is usually the most efficient option. It’s fast, automatic, does not require involvement from a SAG representative, and can be completed in a few days. The Micro-Budget Agreement is designed for independent projects with total budgets of $20,000 or less.
*For other questions, check out this link or contact the Student Production Office.