SAG AFTRA Paperwork Guide

Introduction to SAG AFTRA Paperwork

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG AFTRA) is a labor union that represents over 160,000 film and television actors, journalists, radio personalities, recording artists, singers, and other media professionals. As a member of SAG AFTRA, understanding the various types of paperwork and documentation required for different projects and situations is crucial. This guide will walk you through the different types of SAG AFTRA paperwork, their purposes, and how to navigate the process.

Types of SAG AFTRA Paperwork

There are several types of paperwork that SAG AFTRA members may encounter, including:

• Contract Forms: These forms outline the terms and conditions of a performer’s employment, including salary, working conditions, and benefits.
• Taft-Hartley Reports: These reports are required for non-union performers working on union projects and must be filed with SAG AFTRA before the performer begins work.
• Permission Forms: These forms are required for performers who are minors or have disabilities and must be completed by a parent or guardian before the performer can begin work.
• Waiver Forms: These forms are used to waive certain rights or benefits, such as the right to residual payments or the requirement for a union contract.

Contract Forms

Contract forms are an essential part of the SAG AFTRA paperwork process. These forms outline the terms and conditions of a performer’s employment and must be completed and signed by both the performer and the producer before the performer begins work. Some common contract forms include:

• Standard Contract Form: This is the most common type of contract form and is used for most film and television projects.
• Low-Budget Contract Form: This form is used for projects with a budget of less than $2.5 million and offers reduced rates and benefits.
• Student Film Contract Form: This form is used for student films and offers reduced rates and benefits.

Taft-Hartley Reports

Taft-Hartley reports are required for non-union performers working on union projects. These reports must be filed with SAG AFTRA before the performer begins work and must include information about the performer, the project, and the producer. The report must also include a statement indicating that the performer is not a member of SAG AFTRA and is working on a union project.

Permission Forms

Permission forms are required for performers who are minors or have disabilities. These forms must be completed by a parent or guardian before the performer can begin work and must include information about the performer, the project, and the producer. The form must also include a statement indicating that the parent or guardian has given permission for the performer to work on the project.

Waiver Forms

Waiver forms are used to waive certain rights or benefits, such as the right to residual payments or the requirement for a union contract. These forms must be completed and signed by the performer before they can begin work on a project. It’s essential to carefully review and understand the terms of a waiver form before signing, as it can have significant implications for a performer’s career and finances.

Navigating the Paperwork Process

Navigating the SAG AFTRA paperwork process can be complex and time-consuming. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother:

• Read and understand the paperwork: Before signing any paperwork, make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to.
• Ask questions: If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask.
• Keep records: Keep a copy of all paperwork and correspondence related to a project.
• Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure about something, consider seeking advice from a lawyer or other professional.

📝 Note: It's essential to keep accurate records of all paperwork and correspondence related to a project, as this can help resolve any disputes or issues that may arise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when dealing with SAG AFTRA paperwork:

• Failing to read and understand the paperwork: This can lead to unexpected consequences and disputes.
• Not keeping accurate records: This can make it difficult to resolve disputes or issues that may arise.
• Not seeking professional advice: This can lead to making uninformed decisions that can have significant implications for a performer’s career and finances.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In conclusion, understanding and navigating the SAG AFTRA paperwork process is crucial for performers, producers, and other industry professionals. By taking the time to read and understand the paperwork, asking questions, keeping records, and seeking professional advice, you can ensure a smooth and successful project. Remember to always prioritize your career and finances by being informed and proactive when it comes to SAG AFTRA paperwork.