SAG actors : pay / cost ?

[Randall_Oelerich]

Perhaps thinking too far ahead, but if I wanted to hire SAG actors for a 30-40 minute short film I am currently writing, what would I have to pay them as a minimum per day? (no/low budget short film) Would I have to become a signatory in order to hire SAG actors?

[GaryinCalifornia]

go to

www.sagindie.org

or download the pdf on contracts on short films...

http://www.sagindie.org/resources/contracts/

on going signatory...

http://www.sagindie.org/resources/contract-downloads/

In an effort to further streamline the signatory process for Student and Short Filmmakers, just fax in the completed form and any required documents and SAG will send you the final paperwork. For these contracts, there is no longer any need to speak to a representative. Everything can be done through mail and facsimile. However, if you still have any questions, check here or call the Theatrical Contracts Department at SAG.

[Randall_Oelerich]

But is it necessary to be a signatory to hire SAG actors?

[Randall_Oelerich]

Nice blog essay on this issue I found:
http://indiefeatures06.blogspot.com/2006/02/sag-follow-up.html

[Michele Seidman]

But is it necessary to be a signatory to hire SAG actors?


Yes and no depending on the state.

Federal Law states that no union or guild may over ride 'right to work status'. However, many SAG actors will not work on non signatory films no matter what. Others will use a false name to avoid being pressured by the union.

The good thing with SAG is, they have several ways for you to become a signatory for your project and at least one costs nothing or next to nothing after they review your budget. Make sure you have all your break down on costs ready to go and apply anyway.

Even if you don't end up using it, this will get you familiar with their system when you are doing bigger projects with larger budgets.

Oh yeah...if you are a college student...they have a set up for that too. Use the links the other person posting provided and you can get details. The good part about being a signatory is the quality of actor you can get verses the non-union talent. Don't get me wrong...plenty of top notch talent not in the union, especially in right to work states...and plenty of bad actors in the union, but odds are better that you will get talent who know how to hit their mark and won't hold up the shooting day!

Michele

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

If you're using SAG actors doing a no budget short all you have to do is go here and fill this out and fax it in 3 WEEKS before your shoot date. Just did this myself today for a shoot in NY.

http://www.sagindie.org/resources/contract-downloads/

Under the contract you don't have to pay anything at time of shooting - it's $100 a day differed until you make money off of it or distribute it outside of a festival run. Read the contract for details like contributing to the SAG pension fund if you do make money.

But that's all you need, you become the signatore at that point. You don't even have to talk to SAG anymore, for the SAG INDIE low budget short contract, shot without intention of distribution it can all be done over fax and mail.

That's it. Easy peasy.

[Randall_Oelerich]

Thanks, looks nice. Easy peasy =)


If you're using SAG actors doing a no budget short all you have to do is go here and fill this out and fax it in 3 WEEKS before your shoot date. Just did this myself today for a shoot in NY.

http://www.sagindie.org/resources/contract-downloads/

Under the contract you don't have to pay anything at time of shooting - it's $100 a day differed until you make money off of it or distribute it outside of a festival run. Read the contract for details like contributing to the SAG pension fund if you do make money.

But that's all you need, you become the signatore at that point. You don't even have to talk to SAG anymore, for the SAG INDIE low budget short contract, shot without intention of distribution it can all be done over fax and mail.

That's it. Easy peasy.