What does SAG ultra low budget mean?

Despite having three low budget options, the SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement only applies to films (and short films) that are $300,000 or less. While there is no weekly SAG scale for “ultra low budget” projects, the SAG day rate is $206.

Can a SAG actor work for free?

You can work for free…just do not work non-union, but movies made for fun on pennies can become signatory and use union talent! You can work on a non-union short being made for fun…but either you or the producer has to sign a SAG-AFTRA contract and abide by its rules.

What is a SAG micro-budget?

SAG-AFTRA is offering a new Micro-Budget contract to producers of live-action projects budgeted at $20,000 or less per picture or episode. Another benefit of the agreement, the union says, is the automation of the signatory process.

Can SAG actors do student films?

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. For non-union actors, there is no union eligibilty under the Micro-Budget, Student Film, or Ultra Low Budget Agreements.

Do you have to sign SAG ultra low budget contract?

This is the employment contract that the producer and each day player must sign for SAG-signatory ultra low budget theatrical productions.

When does SAG-AFTRA ultra low budget project agreement start?

The Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement applies to those films shooting entirely in the United States with a maximum budget of $300,000. SAG-AFTRA is pleased to announce two new agreements for low budget projects in addition to some updates to existing agreements. These changes will be effective February 1, 2020.

How much does SAG pay for low budget films?

The SAG Low Budget Agreement applies to films with budgets between $700,000 and $2,000,000, making this the SAG pay scale of most independent films. Under this contract, actors must make a SAG day rate of $670, or $2,324 per week. If you’re working with some actors who aren’t in the guild, don’t worry.

What’s the minimum wage for an actor in Sag?

While premium talent is usually paid far above the SAG minimum, this is the rate actors can expect to make on a low budget studio project or a moderate indie film. The SAG day rate is $1,030, and $3,575 for the week.