Dr. Diane Howard

Working on a SAG Low Budget Contract is EASY!
from Mona Lee, BriteLites Studio

Actors,
As you know I really support our Independent Film industry. I send out
just about every audition notice I receive. I have made a few exceptions
when it looked like companies who could afford to pay salaries were
trying to exploit actors. Been there done that.

My company, BriteLites Studios Inc. is moving forward in low budget film
development so I understand needing to do a production as cheaply as
possible, but I want to bring to your attention that in the rush to get
roles,  actors are putting themselves at financial risk by not insisting on working
under a SAG Low Budget Contract. You don't have to be a
Screen Actors  Guild member to have this protection.

A stage actor's performance has a unique, ephemeral value. Once it's
done, it's gone, but when that performance is captured on film or tape
it can be used for many other purposes and needs to be protected.
When films are sold into distribution, the performances on the screen
have a  LOT to do with the film's value to distribution companies. If the film
you work on for nothing today gets sold later on, will you be paid for
your performance? If you're working under a SAG Low Budget Contract you
will. In our eagerness to get that role, it's easy to overlook the need
for this protection. And, when one actor takes a shortcut, it's harder
for everyone else to take a firm stand and insist on that protection.

What's prompting this letter is a production I recently posted refusing
to even pay for food or gas for traveling actors, but the crew is being
paid. Can you trust such a producer to share revenues with you? The low
budget SAG contract is so easy to work with, yet this producer rejected
it. Probably because he has no intention of ever paying the cast.

Be sure to ask filmmakers to work under a SAG contract.
If the answer is no, what does that tell you about how much the
filmmaker values your performance and is willing to help you protect it?
Many local filmmakers are still overlooking the potential of the SAG Low
Budget Film Contracts. These contracts have been especially developed
to allow the low budget, or even the no budget filmmaker to make a
quality product. Working with the SAG Low Budget Film Contracts is
easier than most filmmakers think. If there are residuals, it's a good
thing; because it means their film was successful, got sold and made
some money. More information is available by calling the SAG office in
Dallas (214)-363-8300 or Houston (713) 972-1806.


Mona Lee, SAG/AFTRA - Biz Publishing, BriteLites Acting Studio
e-mail: mona@thebizonline.com
(512) 323-2090 - FAX (512) 323-3090
http://www.thebizonline.com/
Talent + Skills + Marketing + Contacts = Success!

Contact Dr. Howard     

Professional Resume | Professional Vitae | Performance Resume | Publications/Presentations |Performance/Communication Curricula | Perf. St. Syllabi
Professional Network| Public Speaking/Presenting | Professional Projects | Professional Communication Guidelines | Performances of Autobio. & Lit. | Home