What does Non-Deductible Break (NDB) mean?
Non-Deductible Break (NDB) is a rest period provided to cast or crew during a production day that does not count against the working hours that trigger overtime pay or meal penalty calculations. Under SAG-AFTRA and other union agreements, certain breaks — such as a short comfort break — can be designated as non-deductible, meaning the clock continues to run for overtime and turnaround purposes during these breaks. This distinction is important because it affects both the total compensation owed and the required rest period between shooting days.
Example:The assistant director called a ten-minute non-deductible break for the cast, reminding the production coordinator that the turnaround clock was still running and the company needed to wrap on time to avoid costly overtime.
Example: A parent whose child was working on a SAG-AFTRA production asked the set teacher to clarify whether the afternoon snack break was deductible or non-deductible, as it affected when the child would officially complete their permitted work hours for the day.
Did you know?
The distinction between deductible and non-deductible breaks is one of the more technical aspects of union production management — and one that productions sometimes get wrong. A misclassified break can result in retroactive overtime or meal penalty payments, which is why experienced production coordinators and ADs track break classifications carefully throughout the day.
You can also find “Non-Deductible Break (NDB)” and related terms in this category: Contracts and Agreements.
