Sag ultra low budget short film

This was a great relief to me when it came time to sign a recent contract. I am not wellversed in legalese and was finding the whole thing awkward and intimidating. All of our templates can be used whether or not you use sag talent in your film. Recently pundits were discussing the success of it as it related to its low bu. I have produced two low budget modified films, one ultra low budget film and currently have two additional ulb. Now i see that you have the ultra low budget agreement in place i likes. What you need to make a sagaftra film the back door to. Oct 19, 2017 sagaftra and the advertising industry have reached an agreement aimed at allowing union members to work on digital lowbudget commercial productions. Saturday, february 22, 2014 understanding sag residuals part 1 sag final cast list, time and salary units. The essential guide to sagaftra rates 2020 wrapbook. I was wondering if anyone could explain the pros and cons of involving myself with a sag ultra low budget agreement. What every independent film producer should know about sag. Ultra moderate low budget agreements preliminary information form.

Sag aftra low budget agreements were created with input from filmmakers and actors to make it even easier for you to hire professional performers. This form starts the sagsignatory process for ultra low, modified low and low budget film producers. At sagaftras first meeting of 2015, they unanimously voted to approve a 25% raise. Jul 19, 2018 now lets get realistic and prepare a realistic move budget for your very first feature film. Under the short film and ultra low budget agreements, the straight time rate when calculating double overtime must at least equal the. This preliminary information form begins the sag aftrasignatory process for short project producers. This signatory application begins the sag aftrasignatory process for ultra low budget project, moderate low budget project, low budget film producers and theatrical. April 15, 2015 by katherine imp there is this perception in the independent film community that working with sagaftra is either too expensive or there is too much paperwork. Using sag actors in a low budget film, or when your film has no budget, or even a shoestring budget, might seem like a luxury for many filmmakers with limited funds. If producer intends to employ one or more professional performers in a short film. The bonding company does not guarantee the financial success of your film, nor do they guarantee your film will be even watchable. The greater philadelphia film office gpfo is a film commission representing southeastern pennsylvania that officially serves the counties of bucks, chester, delaware, montgomery, and philadelphia. Musings and thought collections of a low budget, ultralow budget and no budget filmmaker independent film production in a new economy. To view the 2014 2017 rate cards bafltta divided by category and section, use the buttons on the right.

Many people listening will know what ulb stands for but since we have listeners literally around the globe let me explain that this ulb of which i speak is a low budget film contract offered to filmmakers by sag or screen actors guild. The think tank of the independent directors committee is asking big questions about how indie directors can reach an audience in the web 2. The ultimate guide to sagaftra theatrical rates 2020. The experience thing is huge and can help your short be much better. The short term production insurance program q uotations are usually sent within 10 minutes after receipt of application during business hours, the ability to split coverage days, access to your policy information, and the facility to issue certificates of insurance online. Ultramoderatelow budget agreements preliminary information form. Thomas we independent producers are the future of film and video entertainment. The following production types are classified as theatrical for purposes of reporting to the sag aftra health plan. Any decent agent can size up a lowbudget films potential by looking at certain key elements. Breakdown of costs for ultralow budget feature action films. Apr 15, 2015 what every independent film producer should know about sagaftra. Sag aftra is pleased to announce two new agreements for low budget projects in addition to some updates to existing agreements.

The pros of going sag are that you get to use generally more talented and more experienced actors. To view the 2014 2017 rate cards bafltta as a single document, please click the pdf link directly below. Let our experienced brokers find you the most competitively priced policies for your low budget one day shoot or for your high budget feature project. I have produced two low budget modified films, one ultra low budget film and currently have two additional ulb films in preproduction. Want to see a sample of what the agreements look like. Film emporium offers a myriad of insurance policies for professionals working in the industry or servicing filmmakers in films, movies, web and tv productions in the united states and worldwide. Begin the sag aftra signatory process by filling out a preliminary information form. The best time to contact the guild is before a screenplay is going to be purchased or when a. Oct 09, 2012 if you plan on making a sag aftra film, meaning you will be hiring members of the union, you will need to become a sag aftra signatory and conform to the requirements of sag aftra, including paying minimum amounts to its members in your film, executing various legal documents, putting the actors on payroll and submitting certain forms pre and. Im a sagaftra member and i want to produce my own film. Filing for an ultra low budget short with sag youtube. Sagaftra low budget agreements were created with input from filmmakers and actors to make it even easier for you to hire professional performers. Jun 30, 2016 the low budget performer rates effective as of july 1, 2016 are as follows. Generally, any film that can be produced on little to no money is considered a micro budget film, but what does that mean.

Jul, 2015 the cast salaries in this budget are nondeferred. Sags next level up, the ultra low budget agreement. What every independent film producer should know about sagaftra. How to produce as sag ultralow budget film youtube. We break new ground every time we go to work while the major studios turn out yet another spiderman or ironman with walltowall effects and no discernable story. Aug 12, 2014 how to produce as sag ultra low budget film. Make movies vlog day 85 how to cast sag actors in your independent film.

All they guarantee is that the film will be completed in a reasonable amount of time, within the approved budget, and loosely following the shooting script. Sagaftra is pleased to announce two new agreements for low budget projects in addition to some updates to existing agreements. Short project agreement spa i ultra low budget project agreement upa. Sagaftra 48 hour film project short film agreement rev. All they guarantee is that the film will be completed in a reasonable amount of time, within the approved budget, and loosely following the. Actors working on lowbudget films will be paid 25 percent more under new deals approved unanimously by the sagaftra national board of directors after an allday meeting saturday. Using sag actors in a low budget film, or when your film has no budget, or even a shoestring. Be smart, figure out how to do everything perfect, as taught in those 4year film schools and watch how you never get anything done. Sagaftra provides dues relief for members during coronavirus. Residuals are additional compensation paid to performers when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by the initial compensation. Sagaftra low budget agreements were created with input from filmmakers and actors to make it even. Our budget template can accommodate almost any budget and this is the template you would use to determine the type of sag category into which your budget falls. Be prepared to fill out a whole lot of paperwork to make your short film sag.

Sagaftra and the advertising industry have reached an agreement aimed at allowing union members to work on digital lowbudget commercial productions. New sagaftra low budget rates preparing for takeoff. The truth about the sag ultra low budget agreement. Apr 17, 20 be prepared to fill out a whole lot of paperwork to make your short film sag. Sep 25, 2017 generally, any film that can be produced on little to no money is considered a micro budget film, but what does that mean. The best time to contact the guild is before a screenplay is going to be purchased or when a writer will be hired to write a screenplay. The ultimate guide to sagaftra theatrical rates 2020 topsheet. The following production types are classified as theatrical for purposes of reporting to the sagaftra health plan. The main reason i am interested in the ultra low budget sag contract is not the deferrment but the ability to have sag and non sag actors.

New sagaftra low budget rates posted on june 30, 2015 by admin no comments v following the merger of the two film and tv actors unions into sagaftra, the leaders and members of the organization set about the arduous task of figuring out the next edition of their standard film, television, new media, and nonbroadcast. The sagaftra foundations new york short film showcase is a cinematic celebration of new projects by union members, designed to encourage performers to create their own short films and web series. Jun 30, 2015 new sagaftra low budget rates posted on june 30, 2015 by admin no comments v following the merger of the two film and tv actors unions into sagaftra, the leaders and members of the organization set about the arduous task of figuring out the next edition of their standard film, television, new media, and nonbroadcast. Sagaftra theatrical separated into basic theatrical, low budget, moderate low budget project, ultra low budget project, short project, student short film. Sag actors will soon cost 25% more for ultra low, modified. Dec 14, 2018 what are the other budget levels sag agreements offer. Sagaftras new media, special new media, ultra low budget, moderate low budget, and short project agreements cover original content for independent producers. On my first feature, most actors with speaking roles were paid the sag ultra. Student film agreement preliminary information form. Producers who sign with sagaftra have access to the worlds most talented and professional performers for their projects, but. We are a member of the association of film commissions international afci. Most small films are always short on time and cash, and end up having to bring actors back for pickups. I want to preface this by saying that paying our actors was a priority for us, and we ended up paying a rate comparable to sags ultra low budget.

We break new ground every time we go to work while the major studios turn out yet another spiderman or ironman with wallto. Sagaftra grants waiver on lowbudget digital commercials. This preliminary information form begins the sag aftrasignatory process for ultra low budget project, moderate low budget project and low budget film producers. But ultimately, no matter what you sign, the final sag ultra low budget actors agreement is the deal that is legally binding superseding anything else you sign. Sagaftra is the screen actors guild and the american federation of television and radio artists, which is a combined union dedicated to protecting media artists. I am currently working on my first short film postgraduation from film school.

Indie film game changers an idc westdga 75th anniversary event jay and mark duplass, kimberly peirce and steven soderbergh discuss the history and development of american independent film in a conversation moderated by james mangold. An investigative report from film industry analyst stephen follows and founder of the numbers bruce nash breakout indie hits may be some of the most romantic stories in the movie business. Your sagaftra business representative will send you your actual contract when its time to sign. Residuals for singers theatrical, tv and new media.

This preliminary information form begins the sagaftrasignatory process for ultra low budget project, moderate low. Low budget agreement writers guild of america award for. The lowbudget performer rates effective as of july 1, 2016 are as follows. Sagaftra theatrical separated into basic theatrical, low budget, moderate low budget project, ultra low budget project, short project, student short film sagaftra television sagaftra new media. Filmproposals film budget template questions ultra low, low. The first new agreement is the ultra low budget project agreement upa. Apr 20, 2011 sags independent arm has three levels. Jan 11, 2015 actors working on lowbudget films will be paid 25 percent more under new deals approved unanimously by the sagaftra national board of directors after an allday meeting saturday.