What does Experimental Project Agreement mean?
Experimental Project Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract designed for non-traditional projects that may not fit into the standard film, TV, or digital categories. This agreement covers performances in experimental productions, such as avant-garde films, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or other emerging technologies. It ensures that performers in these non-traditional formats still receive fair compensation and protections while participating in innovative projects.
Key Points of the Experimental Project Agreement:
- Creative Flexibility: The agreement allows for significant creative freedom while maintaining essential protections for actors.
- Negotiable Pay Rates: Since these projects often have unique production methods and budgets, pay rates can be negotiated based on the project’s scope and financial backing.
- Health and Safety Standards: Even in experimental formats, the agreement provides safeguards to ensure performers’ well-being.
Negotiation Tips:
- Profit Participation: Actors can negotiate a percentage of future profits if the experimental project is intended for commercial release or finds future distribution.
- Creative Control: For avant-garde or innovative works, performers may negotiate for more creative input or decision-making rights regarding their character or performance.
- Rights Retention: In emerging tech, such as VR or AR, actors may negotiate to retain rights over their digital likeness or performance data.
Example:A performer worked on an experimental virtual reality film, receiving compensation and maintaining control over their digital likeness under the Experimental Project Agreement.
Example: An avant-garde filmmaker hired SAG-AFTRA actors for a mixed-media project, negotiating flexible pay rates based on the project’s limited budget.
Did You Know?
The Experimental Project Agreement allows performers to work on cutting-edge projects, such as VR films and mixed media installations, while still receiving union protections!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Experimental Project Agreement page.
