Following the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike and a ratification vote, the new 2023 Theatrical/TV Agreement is finally in effect and new rate sheets have been released. We’ve highlighted some of the notable contract changes below, but for a fuller examination of everything SAG-AFTRA agreements, you can always check out the SAG-AFTRA Production Center website here.

If you have any questions about these contracts, contact us and we’ll be glad to help. Additionally, you can contact the SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts Department directly at 323.549.6828.

New Minimum Rates

Effective November 9, 2023, there is a 7% general wage increase:

  • Ultra Low Budget Daily Rate: $232
  • Moderate Low Budget Daily Rate: $405
  • Moderate Low Budget Weekly Rate: $1,407
  • Low Budget Daily Rate: $753
  • Low Budget Weekly Rate: $2,612

Effective July 1, 2024, there is another 4% increase:

  • Ultra Low Budget Daily Rate: $241
  • Moderate Low Budget Daily Rate: $421
  • Moderate Low Budget Weekly Rate: $1,463
  • Low Budget Daily Rate: $783
  • Low Budget Weekly Rate: $2,717

Effective July 1, 2025, another 3.5% increase:

  • Ultra Low Budget Daily Rate: $249
  • Moderate Low Budget Daily Rate: $436
  • Moderate Low Budget Weekly Rate: $1,514
  • Low Budget Daily Rate: $810
  • Low Budget Weekly Rate: $2,812

New Per Diem Rates

$70 per day, breaking down to:

  • Breakfast: $14
  • Lunch: $21
  • Dinner: $35

After two years, rate will go up to $75 — $16 for breakfast; $21 for lunch; $35 for dinner.

Sex Scenes/Nudity

Producers must use their best efforts to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for intimate scenes. Learn more at sagaftra.org/intimacycoordinator.

Hair/Makeup

Performers shall be offered the opportunity to consult regarding their hair/makeup needs (including product and tool preferences and styling techniques). If production is unable to provide qualified hair/makeup personnel, a performer can be reimbursed for pre-approved costs of separate hair/makeup services.

Studio Teachers

Teachers and welfare workers working with minors shall be subject to a background check as a condition of employment. (Get more information, plus a pre-approved list from IATSE Local #884 at thestudioteachers.com.)

Animals

Producer may use American Humane or any other animal monitoring service agreed upon between parties. Producer will notify SAG-AFTRA which animal monitoring service they will use.

Holidays

Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth have been added (joining New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas Day).

Self-Tape Auditions

Sides shall be provided to actors at least 48 hour prior to self-tape (72 hours for minors); 8 pages maximum for first self-tape, 12 pages for call-backs; actor cannot be required to memorize sides. No stunts or nudity; no use of specific software or equipment.

Artificial Intelligence

For a full explanation of AI protections and details, click here.

More Information

For a full explanation of all contract changes, see the summary of the final agreement here.

See a step-by-step guide on how to complete the SAG-AFTRA signatory process at sagindie.org/signatory and find sample contracts over on our Resources page.

——

If you’re interested in receiving announcements and updates about low-budget filmmaking, sign up for the SAGindie email newsletter.

Pin It on Pinterest