SAG Basic Agreement 2020: What You Need to Know
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently announced the approval of its new Basic Agreement, which covers film and television productions in the United States. The agreement runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, and includes several important changes that will impact actors and production companies alike.
One of the key changes in the new agreement is the increase in compensation for actors. The minimum salary for actors has gone up by 2.5% in the first year, 3% in the second year, and 3% in the third year. Additionally, there is now a new category of “high-budget streaming productions,” which will have higher minimum salaries and additional benefits for actors.
Another significant change in the agreement is the expansion of the use of residuals. Residuals are payments made to actors for the reuse of their work, such as when a film or TV show is broadcast on television or released on home video. Under the new agreement, residuals will also be paid for content released on streaming platforms, which was previously not the case.
The agreement also includes provisions for improved health and safety standards for actors on set, including measures to prevent sexual harassment and abuse. The new agreement includes a “Sexual Harassment and Abuse Prevention” program that will provide education and training for actors and production crews.
In addition to these changes, the new SAG Basic Agreement also includes provisions for diversity and inclusion in hiring and casting practices. The agreement requires that producers make good faith efforts to consider actors from underrepresented groups for roles, and includes a provision for “inclusion riders” to be added to contracts.
Overall, the new SAG Basic Agreement represents a significant step forward for actors and the entertainment industry as a whole. The increased compensation, expanded use of residuals, improved health and safety standards, and diversity and inclusion provisions will all contribute to a more equitable and sustainable industry for everyone involved.