SAG-AFTRA New Media Contract: What it Means for Content Creators

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, announcers, and other media professionals, recently updated their New Media Contract. This is an important development for content creators as it affects the terms and conditions for using union performers in digital productions.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the SAG-AFTRA New Media Contract:

1. What is the SAG-AFTRA New Media Contract?

The SAG-AFTRA New Media Contract is a collective bargaining agreement between the union and producers of new media content. It sets the terms and conditions for hiring union performers to work on digital productions.

2. Why is the New Media Contract important?

With the rise of digital media platforms, the New Media Contract is crucial for ensuring that union performers are fairly compensated for their work. It also establishes guidelines for how producers can use their work in the new media space. Producers who fail to adhere to these guidelines risk legal action and fines.

3. What’s new in the updated New Media Contract?

The updated New Media Contract includes several significant changes. One of the most notable is the addition of high-budget thresholds for certain types of productions. For instance, if a production has a budget of $50,000 or more per minute of content, it is now subject to different terms and conditions than lower-budget productions.

Other changes include updates to residual payment rates and increased protections for performers’ personal data.

4. How does the New Media Contract affect content creators?

Content creators who intend to use union performers in their digital productions should be aware of the terms and conditions set forth in the New Media Contract. This includes things like minimum compensation rates, residual payments, and performance guarantees.

It’s also worth noting that the New Media Contract applies only to productions that are intended for online distribution. If you plan to release your content on traditional television networks, different SAG-AFTRA contracts will apply.

5. How can you comply with the New Media Contract?

To comply with the New Media Contract, content creators should consult with their legal team and SAG-AFTRA representatives to ensure that they are meeting all the necessary requirements. This includes adhering to compensation and residual payment guidelines, as well as securing the necessary agreements with union performers.

By following the guidelines set forth in the updated SAG-AFTRA New Media Contract, content creators can ensure that they are providing fair compensation to union performers and avoiding potential legal issues down the line.