What does Co-Production Agreement mean?
Co-Production Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract used when two or more production entities, often from different countries, collaborate to produce a single film or TV project. This agreement helps ensure that all actors hired under the SAG-AFTRA banner receive fair pay, benefits, and protections regardless of which production company or country they are working under. Co-productions are often necessary when filming across international borders, enabling the pooling of resources, talent, and distribution channels.
Key Points of the Co-Production Agreement:
- International Collaboration: The agreement covers projects that are jointly produced by companies or entities from different countries.
- Standard Union Protections: Actors still receive health, pension, and residual benefits, ensuring fair treatment across the entire production.
- Shared Responsibility: Both production companies are responsible for adhering to SAG-AFTRA rules and ensuring that actors are compensated fairly.
Negotiation Tips:
- Currency and Payment Terms: Actors should clarify payment terms, especially when the production spans multiple countries, as exchange rates and payment timelines can affect their compensation.
- Travel and Accommodation: For international productions, actors can negotiate travel and lodging expenses, ensuring they are provided with appropriate accommodations.
- Profit Sharing: Actors can negotiate for profit-sharing across multiple markets if the co-production is expected to be distributed internationally.
Example:A film produced jointly by a U.S. and a Canadian company used the Co-Production Agreement to ensure SAG-AFTRA actors received union protections on both sides of the border.
Example: A TV series filmed across Europe and the U.S. used this agreement to hire actors under SAG-AFTRA contracts, ensuring they received health and pension benefits regardless of their filming location.
Did You Know?
Co-productions often allow filmmakers to access tax incentives from multiple countries, helping reduce production costs while ensuring fair treatment of actors.
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Co-Production Agreement page.
