🎬 Episode 30 - SAG Always, Unless...

🎬 Episode 30 - SAG Always, Unless...
Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and this is Make Your Film.
If you’re making a film or TV show for the U.S. market, you should use SAG actors—unless you have a specific reason not to.
Why SAG?
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a unique union. At any given time, only about 5% of its members are working, and while their rules are strict, they represent the best actors in the business. To attract great talent, you need SAG status.
Understanding SAG Contracts & Rates
SAG offers multiple levels of production agreements, each with different rates based on your film’s budget:
🎭 Theatrical (Over $2M) – $1,088/day
🎭 Low Budget (Under $2M) – $703/day
🎭 Moderate Low Budget ($700K or less) – $379/day
🎭 Ultra Low Budget ($300K or less) – $216/day
🎭 New Media ($50K–$250K budget) – $125/day
For independent filmmakers, New Media is a game-changer. It allows indie productions to:
✅ Hire SAG actors at a low rate ($125/day minimum)
✅ Ensure actors get residuals if the project takes off
✅ Attract top talent even on a tight budget
The Exception? Ensemble Films.
If you're making a small-budget, ensemble-driven film with a tight cast of non-union actors—and they’re the exact people you want—you don’t have to go SAG just for the sake of it.
However, most productions are SAG signatory while also employing some non-union talent, which is standard in the industry. The larger the budget, the more unions get involved—that’s just how it works.

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