Has anyone had experience with ultra low budget for Sag? As I understand it the maximum for production is $200,000 plus deferments for a total of $500000.My questions are: 1. Does this budget include post production? 2. Sag doesn't spell it out as to how long payment can be deferred. Elly

The 'exerimental' contracts were just recently revamped.. there is now the 'short' contract and as you say, the ultra-low budget contract. This is all fairly well detailed in the latest issue of Moviemaker (http://www.moviemaker.com/). I'll paraphrase it here:

Basically it breaks down like this...

The Short film agreement allows you to defer all payment to actors if your film is under 35 minutes, has a shooting schedule of 30 or less nonconsecutive days, and a maximum budget of $50,000. If either the runtime or shooting limit is exceeded however, then it will automatically convert to 'Modified Low Budget Agreement' rates. Also you're limited to the exploitation of the film.. festivals, academy consideration screenings, unpaid non-public (as in free invite only) "showcase" screenings, and up to a year run on public access TV, provided no compensation is provided for airing it.

The Ultra-Low Budget Agreement "is designed for feature films intended for initial theatrical release and not television. It excludes music videos, and has added animation projects to those ineligedble to use the deal."

Post production is part of the production budget (or, what it costs to make the movie) so, yes the $500K includes post. Payment is deferred until the film gets distribution. The new version of the ultra-low budget agreement allows for a $100 minimum day rate though.. so you can pay your SAG actors $100 x (num working days), and are then clear to have an unlimited general theatrical release, without the old jump in SAG rates.

You can always get all the details from the SAG office.. and don't forget about AFTRA, the 'other' actors union.. ;)

Thanks for the information. do I interpret what you say to mean that the salaries don't have to be paid until a distribution deal is received no matter how long that is. The main reason I am interested in the ultra low budget sag contract is not the deferrment but the ability to have sag and non sag actors. It is my understanding the the low budget agreement doesn't allow that. Thanks again. Elly

Thanks for the information. do I interpret what you say to mean that the salaries don't have to be paid until a distribution deal is received no matter how long that is.

My understanding is that you DO have to pay them the base rate. Also, you have to do your payroll through SAG.

We are actually in the process of dealing with the ultra-low-budget agreement for a shoot next month. I'll let you know if I learn anything different.

The main reason I am interested in the ultra low budget sag contract is not the deferrment but the ability to have sag and non sag actors. It is my understanding the the low budget agreement doesn't allow that. Thanks again. Elly

Yes, you can hire both non-SAG and SAG actors with the ultra low budget agreement.

Wow! i didn't know that. :P That reminds me, i gotta finish a short film script i'm working on before saturday. i want to send it off before the week is over.

Here are my notes from working under SAG ultra low:
1) The base rate is $100/day for the SAG actors but this is not for a 12 hr day. This is for an 8hr day and the SAG actors are entitled to overtime after that. If most of your actors are SAG and you want to work 12hr days then I recommend accounting for this in your budget. You might think you'll stick to 8hr days for the SAG actors.. but beware of wishful thinking.
2) You must go through a payroll service who will add a bunch of fringes and taxes. If you are shooting in NYC then will be paying more like $140 for your SAG actor for an 8hr day. Not to mention, someone on your production staff must spend time working with the payroll house and pay them a fee to cut checks. This brings the real cost of your SAG actor's 8hr day to more like $150/day.
3) You must post a bond to SAG. This bond is used to cover any penalties that you may incur. They will tell you how much when you finish your application.
4) If any of the above sounds offputting - just remind yourself that it's worth the hassle to get experienced actors!


My understanding is that you DO have to pay them the base rate. Also, you have to do your payroll through SAG.

We are actually in the process of dealing with the ultra-low-budget agreement for a shoot next month. I'll let you know if I learn anything different.



Yes, you can hire both non-SAG and SAG actors with the ultra low budget agreement.