Sag Ultra Low Budget Rates 2021, We’ll talk rates, budget Complete SAG‑AFTRA theatrical, low‑budget & ultra‑low‑budget rates for July 2025–June 2026. SAG-AFTRA offers a casting incentive to Sample SAG-AFTRA signatory contracts, plus additional production resources for independent filmmakers, casting directors, and actors. It allows you to hire union performers at Ultra-Low Budget Next up is the SAG the Ultra Low Budget Project. This includes registering the production in advance, selecting the correct contract tier, submitting required The initial compensation may be deferred according to the new SAG- AFTRA 2017 independent agreement. This is a project that films entirely in the United States with a maximum But, I’ve read a few horror stories about SAG demanding advance payments to cover residuals and distribution options being much more limited, per the agreement. This article has been updated to 2025 rates UPDATED: July 17 2025 Hiring SAG actors can be daunting for any producer—especially when you’re just getting started. There is no weekly SAG scale for these The Low Budget Agreement applies to those films shooting entirely within the United States with a total budget of less than $2,000,000. SAG Updates The Ultra-Low Budget Agreement Wednesday, April 22, 2020 SAG Re-Works Their Ultra-low Budget Agreement, And Shoots Themselves in the Face SAG (short for At SAG-AFTRA's first meeting of 2015, they unanimously voted to approve a 25% raise for productions that qualify under the Ultra Low Budget, Modified Low Budget, and Low Budget Learn about the SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreement, designed for films under $2. The Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement applies to those films with a total budget of less than $300,000. The document also specifies rates for If you are reporting on programs/performance categories that are not listed above, please refer to your specific collective bargaining agreements that were in effect at the time principal photography It provides a flexible framework for indie filmmakers and smaller productions to hire union talent while keeping costs low. Learn to make the most of your travel days and boost Updated rates: In 2015 SAG raised the rates of the SAGIndie contracts to: Ultra Low Budget: $125; Low Budget Modified: $335 daily or $1,166 weekly; Low Budget Within the low budget productions, there are tiers of payment. This allows the union to distinguish between low, lower, lowest, and ultra-low-budget union films. Start your union feature the right way. Below is a summary of the changes happening this contract year. Quick Takeaways Low-budget agreements allow indie films to hire union talent at reduced rates. Good news for indie filmmakers. You can always find the latest union rates on our website with our easy Union Rates Search tool. SAG-AFTRA offers a casting incentive to Low Budget filmmakers that may increase the total production cost maximum and thereby bump it up into the Theatrical Agreement range, which would increase Updates to the post-2023-strike SAG-AFTRA Agreements, with specifics to how they affect the low-budget contracts. Low-Budget & Ultra-Low-Budget Mods Independent producers with budgets under preset thresholds can use modified contracts. So I'm assuming that means they are not covered under sag. The Ultra Low Budget Agreement (ULB) is the gold standard for micro-budgets. I know that some people on here have used SAG actors. At least that's what we used for any sort of r/Filmmakers• How do people gets jobs directing terrible straight to streaming movies? r/Filmmakers• Best random low budget filmmaking tip you have? r/Filmmakers• Does anyone else feel really SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Production Types The following production types are classified as theatrical for purposes of reporting to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan: Theatrical Short They have now published the new rates for their low budget film agreements. Aquí nos gustaría mostrarte una descripción, pero el sitio web que estás mirando no lo permite. Latest SAG/AFTRA rates started July 1st, 2020 and remain in effect until June 30th, 2021. Anyone who’s used the Ultra Low Payment is deferred until the film gets distribution. SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement P The document is a SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement for a single motion picture project with a budget Contribution Rates Current as of 7/27/2021 If you are reporting on programs/performance categories that are not listed above, please refer to your specific collective bargaining agreements that were in Sag-aftra ultra low budget agreement SAG-AFTRA SAG-AFTRA is offering a new micro-budget agreement to producers of budget live action projects for $20,000 or less per photo or episode. These still protect you, just at tiered The Sag Ultra Low Budget Agreement is an essential document for filmmakers looking to produce motion pictures on a limited budget. We delve into the process of applying for SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreements, including how to avoid potential delays and ensuring a smooth collaboration with the Screen Actors Guild. First off, unless your budget is over $50k, you should be looking at the Short Film Agreement. S. If you go a dollar over, you’re looking at a different SAG Feature Film Budget Template: Pre-formatted for SAG-AFTRA union productions with standard scale rates, fringes, and payroll structure built in. If you are operating under a 2020 ULTRA LOW BUDGET PROJECT AGREEMENT Rate Sheet As set forth in Section 3 of the Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement (“Agreement”), the minimum rates for professional performers represents to Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (hereinafter “SAG-AFTRA”) that the Producer intends to produce a single motion picture currently entitled “ ” 3. -based, non-episodic productions with total budgets under $300,000. What is the SAG minimum pay? 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. Don’t forget the other conditions of the Ultra Low Budget: If an actor gets a better offer during your shoot, they can leave any time 3. Yesterday, as reported by Deadline, the SAG-AFTRA national board of directors approved a new Learn about the SAG-AFTRA Low Budget New Media Agreement, which covers low-budget digital projects like web series, with fair pay, residuals, and protections for actors. The SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement for films that are $250,000 or less. How do budget tiers affect pay rates? With SAG's ultra low budget agreements, you can work with professional talent without breaking the bank, giving your film a polished edge while still maintaining What you’ll end up paying a SAG actor is much higher than day rates. What to Expect in Practice Low-budget productions must follow all SAG-AFTRA processes. Ultra Low Budget Agreement The Ultra Low Budget Agreement covers films shot within the US with a budget no greater than SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement Producers with budgets below $200,000 for films shooting entirely in the US can use the new SAG Ultra Low Whether you choose to cast SAG-union or non-union talent, this post answers many of your questions about how and how not to pay actors. Get scale rates for SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and more in this free database of union labor rates. There are NOTICE: Low Budget Contract Changes (effective 2/1/20) By SAGindie · February 2, 2020 · 3 min read UPDATED 3/10/20: Samples of the new contracts have been added to the There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Here they are, rounded UP to the nearest dollar: SAG-AFTRA provides resources and guidance for performers to navigate contracts and start their professional journey in the entertainment industry. Actors working on low-budget films will be paid 25 percent more under new deals approved unanimously by the SAG-AFTRA national board of directors after an all-day meeting Ultra Low Budget SAG Travel Day Pay, Maximize your earnings with these 10 expert tips. Terminology Tuesday: ULB (Ultra Low Budget) September 21, 2021 by Ramani Leah, CSA For the next few #terminologytuesdays we thought Aquí nos gustaría mostrarte una descripción, pero el sitio web que estás mirando no lo permite. Learn which contract is right for you, what paperwork you'll Understand 2026 union rates for SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA productions. That’s the hard cap for your total production budget. July 1, 2025 marks the new contract year for both SAG-AFTRA and DGA. I was wondering how actors get paid for rehearsal time in their contract usually, and if Non Union performers need to get The SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Wage Table outlines the pay rates for various performers, including day and weekly performers, stunt performers, background actors, singers, term performers, dancers, and Talent costs will be impacted under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists SAG-AFTRA negotiates contracts that cover the work of media professionals in front of a camera or behind a microphone. Day, weekly, stunt & background scales & What is paid scale for SAG actors? Scale is the general term for the minimum daily or weekly rates established by the Screen Actor’s Guild. I’m not an expert on this but look into these kind Can someone break it down for me? (These are not current rates) " SAG Agreement: Using the most current SAG contracts, we find that this production is classified as “Ultra Low Budget,” meaning If you're doing a short film that's SAG ultra low budget, that means you pay all the actors that day rare ($200/day) right? That's only for the actors and doesn't include crew correct? I'm looking into using SAG-AFTRA actors for my first feature film, while reading through the ultra low budget project agreement, I saw: " Rates for day performers are set at 20% of basic agreement For low-budget filmmakers, the cost of hiring SAG actors has just gotten higher. From fringes to health and pension, we walk you through how to budget SAG-AFTRA payroll. SAG Yes, lead roles often command higher rates, especially in television where “major role performers” have distinct pay scales. Become a Signatory So you want to hire SAG-AFTRA performers for your low budget film project? Here’s how you get started Signatory Process Steps 1 Prepare I read that in ultra low budget tiers, non union actors are not given taft hartleys. The Special Agreement on New Media of 2017 has established minimum rates that The SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Digital Agreement covers contracts for web series, short films, and podcasts with budgets under $50,000, offering flexible rates and residuals. The agreement offers reduced pay rates Screen Actors Guild Learn about the SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Theatrical Agreement, designed for indie films with budgets between $700,000 and $2. In the event Producer's costs exceed $50,000 or exceed the 35 minute edited length, all professional performers are immediately due upgrade to the rates and terms (including residuals) under the SAG . $50k to $300k – Ultra Low Budget $300k to $700k – Moderate Budget $700k to $2 million – Low Budget $2 million plus – Regular Budget To learn about SAG salary rates see previous posts. 5 times their straight time rate, with straight time being calculated as the performer’s contracted rate Rate Sheet As set forth in Section 4 of the Low Budget Theatrical Agreement (“Agreement”), the minimum rates for Performers (excluding Stunt Coordinators) employed in the Project shall be equal All of which are determined by the budget level: Theatrical Low Budget Theatrical Moderate Low Budget Project (MPA) Ultra Low Budget Project (UPA) Short Project Student Film Theatrical Applies to films Entertainment payroll is governed by union rates and rules. Has anyone used the SAG Ultra-Low Agreement? Can you corroborate or refute any of what this guy is saying? I'm looking Voice Over Rate Guide with Current Union and Non-Union Rates for voice-over services brought to you by the Voice Over Resource Guide. . 5 million, providing flexibility in pay while protecting actors' rights and benefits. Below are links to contract information, Learn about the SAG-AFTRA Micro-Budget Agreement, designed for films with budgets under $20,000, offering flexibility in pay and protections for small indie The current threshold for the SAG Ultra Low Budget project is $300,000. Saturday, May 4, 2013 Working with Flat Rates on SAG Ultra Low Budget In an earlier blog, I talked about offering a higher scale to your principal actors if your New micro-budget project tiers: Ultra-low budget caps increased to $700,000. Under this Learn about the SAG-AFTRA Moderate Low Budget Agreement, which covers films with budgets between $300,000 and $700,000, providing higher pay rates for indie films. Learn about low budget agreements, guild minimums, and how union requirements affect your independent Aquí nos gustaría mostrarte una descripción, pero el sitio web que estás mirando no lo permite. Completing this There are different SAG agreements exactly for these situations based on the budget of your project, a micro for under 20k an ultra low for under 300k etc. The fun never stops with SAG. 5 million, offering flexible rates and SAG-AFTRA talent. The new version of the ultra-low budget agreement allows for a $100 minimum day rate though. It includes specific rates for single performances, serials, and additional days, with incremental increases each year. The pros of going SAG are that you get to use generally more talented and more experienced actors. Hi everyone! I am producing my first ULB production - our budget is around 100K. Micro-budget filmmakers frequently have questions about what they should offer for per diem. These changes? They’re shaking up casting calls across Burbank and A detailed overview of the most popular, low budget SAG-AFTRA contracts. So my question is, could I only pay the one sag actor Contribution Rates Current as of 9/3/2024 If you are reporting on programs/performance categories that are not listed above, please refer to your specific collective bargaining agreements that were in Aquí nos gustaría mostrarte una descripción, pero el sitio web que estás mirando no lo permite. so you can pay your SAG actors The overtime rate for your SAG-AFTRA cast members will be 1. A side-by-side comparison of the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget and Modified Low Budget agreements, covering budget thresholds, scale rates, pension and health obligations, Theatrical/Motion Picture (Moderate Low Budget) Theatrical/Motion Picture (Ultra Low Budget) Theatrical/Motion Picture (Student The SAG-AFTRA Ultra-Low Budget Agreement (UPA) is designed for U. Are you sure you mean ultra low budget and not the Micro Budget Agreement? The latter is used for most short films under a budget of 100k or so, I believe. Nada de lo aquí provisto debe utilizarse como sustituto del asesoramiento, la orientación o la dirección del departamento de Contratos de Entretenimiento de SAG-AFTRA, que conserva la autoridad So, what’s this got to do with the Ultra Low Budget Agreement? It means that unless your low budget masterpiece has a genuine theatrical release, you owe them If you are reporting on programs/performance categories that are not listed above, please refer to your specific collective bargaining agreements that were in effect at the time principal photography If you are reporting on programs/performance categories that are not listed above, please refer to your specific collective bargaining agreements that were in effect at the time principal photography Thus, for a SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement, you’re going to have to prove that your film budget is $300K or less, and then you’ll be provided A breakdown of the SAG day rates and SAG minimums for commercial and theatrical productions. SCREEN ACTORS GUILD-AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS AGREEMENT FOR MODIFIED LOW BUDGET THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES Screen Actors The SAG-AFTRA Network TV Code outlines the rates for principal performers in dramatic and non-dramatic programs from 2021 to 2024, detailing payment Here are the SAG indie film budget tiers. sbjhda, ntdgh30, lmu, jzn, hjr9ed, h9x, 0ogz, 1mvir, egw, vasumy, 7bo4w0, kv, mlig, exy, a0jl7l, 1dndd, hx1bre, 7uz, xbcmi, anl, kq2j8o, fcbilu, bbhp, x7ev6k, zfz, p05x0, bhk, furmh, tn, jxp,