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SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement

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SAG AFTRA CONTRACT AGREEMENT

This SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of , (Effective Date), by and between Producer: (hereinafter "Producer"), and Performer: (hereinafter "Performer").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Producer is engaged in the production of the audiovisual work entitled "" (the Production); and

WHEREAS, Performer is a professional performer engaged to render services in connection with the Production under the terms of the applicable SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement and related union rules; and

WHEREAS, Producer desires to engage Performer to provide services on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and Performer agrees to provide such services.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT; SERVICES

1.1 Engagement. Producer hereby engages Performer, and Performer accepts such engagement, to render the services described in Section 1.2 for the Production on the terms of this Agreement.

1.2 Services. Performer shall render the following services:

2. TERM AND SCHEDULE

2.1 Engagement Period. Performer shall perform services during the period commencing on , and concluding on , unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.

2.2 Call Times and Rehearsals. Producer shall provide reasonable advance notice of call times and shall make commercially reasonable efforts to schedule rehearsals. Performer shall be available at the times mutually agreed by the parties.

3. COMPENSATION

3.1 Fee. Producer shall pay Performer a fee in the gross amount of $ , payable as follows:

3.2 Payment Terms. Payment shall be made within days after receipt of Performer’s properly submitted invoice, subject to Producer’s right to withhold amounts for taxes and authorized deductions.

3.3 Overtime, Meal Penalties, and Other Premiums. If services extend beyond scheduled hours, Producer shall pay overtime and meal penalty compensation in accordance with applicable SAG-AFTRA minimums and the parties’ agreed rates.

4. USAGE, RIGHTS AND CREDITS

4.1 Grant of Rights. Performer grants Producer the nonexclusive/exclusive (select applicable) right to record, reproduce, exhibit and license Performer’s performance in the Production in all media now known or hereafter devised, subject to the monetary compensation and usage terms agreed between the parties and applicable union rules.

4.2 Credit. Producer shall accord credit to Performer in a manner consistent with the parties’ agreement and applicable SAG-AFTRA credit provisions. Agreed credit:

5. EXPENSES AND TRAVEL

Producer shall reimburse Performer for pre-approved reasonable travel, lodging and per diem expenses incurred in the performance of services in accordance with Producer’s travel policy. Reimbursable expenses must be supported by receipts and submitted within days.

6. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

6.1 Performer represents and warrants that Performer has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant the rights granted herein, that Performer’s performance will not violate any agreement or obligation to any third party, and that Performer will comply with all laws and applicable union rules.

6.2 Producer represents and warrants that it will comply with the applicable terms and conditions of the SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement and will timely make any required contributions, payments or reports.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall keep confidential all non-public information concerning the Production and the other party’s business, except as required by law or as necessary to perform under this Agreement. Confidential information shall not include information that is or becomes generally known to the public other than by breach of this Agreement.

8. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION

8.1 Insurance. Producer shall procure and maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance as required by applicable law and union rules. Producer shall provide certificates of insurance upon reasonable request.

8.2 Indemnification. Each party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party from and against any third-party claims arising out of the indemnifying party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement, except to the extent caused by the indemnitee’s negligence or willful misconduct.

9. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure such breach within days after written notice. Termination shall not relieve Producer of obligations to pay for services already performed in accordance with this Agreement.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The parties agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve any dispute arising under this Agreement. If the parties cannot resolve a dispute within a reasonable time, they agree that the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration before a neutral arbitrator in accordance with the rules selected by the parties and in a forum mutually agreed upon, unless otherwise required by applicable union rules.

11. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by personal delivery, certified mail (return receipt requested), or reputable overnight courier to the addresses set forth below.

12. AMENDMENTS, WAIVER, COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

13. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

13.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to conflicts of law principles.

13.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any attached schedules or exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

13.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

14.1 Relationship of Parties. The parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, agency, joint venture or partnership relationship.

14.2 Union Membership. Performer represents that Performer is a member in good standing of SAG-AFTRA: Yes

14.3 Taxes. Performer is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes relating to fees paid under this Agreement, unless otherwise required by law; Producer may withhold amounts as required by law.

SIGNATURES

Producer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Performer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

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What the SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement Is and Why It Matters

The SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement is a written engagement between performers and producers that memorializes terms for film, television, streaming, or commercial work under the Screen Actors Guild‑American Federation of Television and Radio Artists framework. It records scope of work, compensation, credits, residuals, insurance and union-specific clauses required by collective bargaining. Properly completed agreements allocate rights and responsibilities, reduce payment and credit disputes, and create a record for payroll and tax reporting. Parties commonly execute these agreements electronically when state law and the parties’ procedures permit.

Why a Correctly Prepared SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement Protects Both Sides

A clear contract reduces legal and payment risk, documents union-required terms, and establishes who is responsible for taxes, insurance, and residual payments under the collective bargaining provisions. ESIGN and UETA permit valid electronic execution when the parties consent.

Why a Correctly Prepared SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement Protects Both Sides

Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Agreements

Keep a signed copy for payroll, tax reporting, union recordkeeping, and dispute resolution.

  • Producers and line producers who hire cast and manage payroll, insurance, and union reporting obligations during production.
  • Talent agents and managers who review contract terms and confirm performer eligibility for union benefits and coverage.
  • Performers or authorized signatories who accept scope, compensation, residual terms, and rights assignments on behalf of the artist.

Core Components to Include in a Professional SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement

A complete agreement organizes legal, financial, and production details so obligations are explicit and enforceable under union rules and applicable state law.

Parties

Identify each contracting party by full legal name, business entity type, and mailing address so the agreement clearly binds the correct legal entities.

Services

Describe duties, role name, number of shooting days, rehearsal obligations, and any exclusivity or re‑use requirements that define the performer’s deliverables.

Compensation

List base pay, overtime, travel reimbursements, residuals, bonuses, and the schedule for payment and payroll reporting.

Union Clauses

Include mandatory SAG AFTRA language: scale, residuals, pension and health deductions, work rules, and disciplinary or grievance procedures.

Rights & Credits

Specify copyright assignment or license terms, credit placement, promotional use, and any limits on exploitation or derivatives.

Termination & Remedies

State notice requirements, termination triggers, dispute resolution method, and remedies for breach including indemnities and liquidated damages if any.

Required Information and Essential Data Fields

Performer Name: Full legal name
Producer Entity: Corporate or individual name
SAG-AFTRA ID: Union membership ID
Service Dates: Start and end dates
Payment Terms: Amount and schedule
Signature Date: Signed MM/DD/YYYY

Step-by-Step: Completing a SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare, review, and finalize the agreement so it meets union rules and preserves enforceability.

  • 01
    Prepare Draft: Populate parties, services, and compensation fields accurately.
  • 02
    Insert Union Terms: Add required SAG AFTRA clauses and deduction instructions.
  • 03
    Review and Negotiate: Confirm insurance, travel, and credit terms with talent or agent.
  • 04
    Execute: Sign in authorized order and distribute finalized copies to payroll and union reps.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up a straightforward signing flow so parties complete the contract in the right order and receives copies for payroll and union filing.

Workflow Step | Recommended Setting Assign signer order | Sequential signing
Upload Document Use PDF or DOCX file formats
Assign Roles Producer, Performer, Payroll, Union Rep
Authentication Email + SMS code or stronger
Save Template Store for repeat productions

Where to Send Completed SAG AFTRA Contracts

After execution, route the contract to the stakeholders who need it for payroll, union reporting, and legal records.

  • Union Records: Provide signed copy to SAG AFTRA or designated union representative.
  • Producer Payroll: Send to payroll for deductions and payment processing.
  • Talent Representative: Deliver executed copy to agent or manager for performer records.
  • Legal File: Retain with production legal counsel and insurance documents.

Digital Signing and File Format Considerations

Choose a platform that supports PDF and DOCX, audit trails, and required authentication to meet legal and union needs.

  • File Types: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Authentication: Email + SMS or stronger
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, action log

Key Dates, Reporting Deadlines, and Timing Expectations

Track execution, performance, notice periods, and tax reporting dates to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

Contract Effective Date:

Date the agreement takes effect and obligations begin.

Performance Window:

Start and end dates for services and deliverables.

Notice to Terminate:

Contract-specific termination notice period if applicable.

1099 Reporting:

Independent contractor payments reported under Form 1099‑NEC by Jan 31 (IRS reporting calendar).

Payment Schedule:

Dates for payroll submission and performer payment.

Key Contract Milestones from Draft to Distribution

A sequential view of the contract lifecycle helps teams meet internal and external deadlines.

01

Draft Preparation

Collect party details, role description, and compensation terms.

02

Union Review

Confirm that mandatory SAG AFTRA clauses are present and correct.

03

Execution

All authorized signatories sign and date the agreement.

04

Distribution

Send signed copies to payroll, union, and legal files.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Using informal or abbreviated names that do not match government ID or payroll records, causing delays
  • Omitting mandatory union language or incorrect pension/health deduction instructions that trigger audits
  • Failing to specify precise service dates and deliverables, which leads to disputes over scope
  • Not routing signed copies to payroll and union reps promptly, risking late reporting or missed deductions

Penalties and Risks from Incomplete or Incorrect Agreements

Invalid Signature: May render agreement unenforceable
Union Violations: Fines or corrective payments
Tax Penalties: Failure to file or report can trigger IRS penalties
Backup Withholding: Missing TIN may require 24% withholding
Payroll Delays: Late payments harm relationships and compliance
Audit Exposure: Insufficient records increase audit risk

Comparing eSignature Vendors for SAG AFTRA Contract Execution

Platform selection affects cost, authentication options, and regulatory support; the table compares common plan criteria among leading vendors.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Practical Examples of Typical Agreement Uses

Two scenarios illustrate how the agreement is used and the value of electronic completion and accurate fields.

Independent Performer Use

An actor receives a contract via eSignature

  • signs remotely after agent review
  • the signed copy is automatically routed to payroll and the union for immediate processing, avoiding in‑person delays and ensuring timely deductions.

Producer Batch Execution

A production company prepares identical contracts for multiple background performers

  • uses a template and bulk send feature
  • signed agreements are stored centrally for payroll, year‑end reporting, and union audits, reducing administrative overhead.

Who Has Authority to Sign the Agreement

Producer — Executive Producer

The executive producer or an authorized officer of the production company signs on behalf of the production entity. Authority should be verified in corporate records to ensure the signature binds the entity for payroll and indemnity obligations.

Performer — Artist or Agent

The performer signs personally, or an agent with written authorization signs on their behalf. Agents should have express written authority to accept terms that affect compensation, credits, or rights.

Notarization and Witness Steps When Required

Some transactions may require notarization or witnesses; follow the sequence below where state law or parties request authentication.

01

Check Local Law

Confirm notarization and witness requirements before execution.

02

Arrange Notary

Schedule in-person or RON session if remote notarization is permitted.

03

Witness Presence

Ensure witness count and eligibility per state rules.

04

Record Journal

Notary retains a journal or video record where required.

05

Attach Acknowledgment

Include notary acknowledgment with the executed contract.

06

Retain Proof

Store notarization records with the signed contract.

07

RON Considerations

Follow identity proofing and recording obligations for RON sessions.

08

Verify Acceptance

Confirm recipient accepts electronic notarization for union filing.

Tips for Accurate, Efficient Completion

Practical checks help prevent delays, disputes, and additional costs during production and reporting.

Use Standardized Templates
Start from a union‑compliant template that already contains required SAG AFTRA language so you avoid omissions and reduce lawyer review time.
Verify Identifiers
Confirm performer names, SAG‑AFTRA IDs, and taxpayer identification numbers before signing to prevent payroll and tax withholding issues.
Choose Appropriate Authentication
Select signer authentication strength (email, SMS, or higher) based on risk and union expectations to support attribution and reduce repudiation risk.
Keep Execution Records
Retain signed PDFs and audit trails (IP, timestamps, action logs) to satisfy payroll audits and union inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SAG AFTRA Contract Agreement

Answers to typical questions about enforceability, eSigning, notarization, and recordkeeping to help resolve common issues quickly.


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