New Media Ent. Contract FAQ
New Media Entertainment Contract FAQ
Can SAG members work New Media productions?
Yes, provided the production is signatory to the appropriate SAG contract.
What type of production falls within the SAG New Media Agreement?
Independently produced original, made for new media (MFNM) entertainment productions that will initially be exhibited via the Internet, mobile devices or any other platform known or which may be adopted but excluding motion pictures, commercials, and video games covered by the Basic Agreement, Television Agreement, the SAG Industrial/Educational Agreement, the SAG Infomercials Agreement, SAG Interactive Agreement or the SAG Commercials Contract.
How are Web Series covered?
Web series, or webisodes, are covered under the SAG New Media Agreement.
Will it Cost the producer anything to sign with SAG?
No, there is no SAG fee for signing the SAG New Media Agreement.
How do I become Signatory to the SAG New Media Agreement?
To begin the signatory process, complete and submit this preliminary information sheet. You may also contact SAG New Media at (323) 549-6804 or at newmedia@sag.org.
What is the performer Pay Scale for New Media productions?
Initial pay is negotiable under the SAG New Media Agreement. There are no minimums under this contract; however, state and federal minimum wage laws still apply.
Can a SAG New Media signatory do both union and non-union New Media productions?
SAG provides two options to give greater flexibility to new media producers. First, SAG offers a full Term New Media Agreement, which provides the producer the ability to use SAG members for all of the producer’s new media productions. Alternatively, SAG also offers a One Production Only (OPO) New Media Agreement that allows the producer the option of using SAG members for a specific production without the obligation of producing other new media productions under a union contract.
How long can my performance produced under the New Media Agreement be used in New Media?
Initial compensation to the performers covers unlimited use in New Media for original, made for new media (MFNM) productions.
Are there Residuals?
Residuals will be due for exhibition in New Media only if an original, made for new media (MFNM) program’s final total cost, as exhibited, is $25,000 or more per minute and it is exhibited on a consumer-pay platform beyond the 26th week after it is first exhibited on a consumer-pay platform.
What happens if my performance is used beyond New Media? (e.g., TV, cable, etc.)
The producer may distribute your performance beyond new media with neither your prior consent nor an upgrade payment; however, residuals will be paid for the use of MFNM productions in traditional media as a use under the existing SAG Television Agreement formulas.
I’m a SAG member. My other SAG friends and I want to produce a little project for New Media. Do we still have to become signatory?
Yes, you still must become signatory as you and your friends still must be covered under and protect by the provisions of a SAG agreement.
Can I use clips of my prior SAG performances (e.g., TV, movies, commercials, etc.) in New Media or on my personal website for career and casting purposes?
Clearing clips can be legally complex. Consult with the copyright owner of the production, the various Guilds, and your attorney.
