What does Low Budget New Media Agreement mean?
Low Budget New Media Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract that applies to low-budget new media productions, such as web series, podcasts, and digital-only films, with budgets under $500,000. This agreement ensures that actors in low-budget new media content receive fair pay, residuals for streaming, and health benefits while allowing producers flexibility in pay scales to accommodate smaller budgets.
Key Points of the Low Budget New Media Agreement:
- Budget Limit: The total production budget must not exceed $500,000.
- Flexible Pay Rates: Pay scales are flexible to accommodate the low-budget nature of many web series and digital productions.
- Residuals for Streaming: Actors receive residuals based on streaming success on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
Negotiation Tips:
- Deferred Payment: Actors may negotiate for deferred payments, especially if the project has the potential to gain wider distribution later.
- Profit Participation: For web series or podcasts expected to perform well, actors may negotiate for a share of future profits.
- Back-End Bonuses: For successful low-budget digital projects, actors can negotiate for bonuses based on the number of streams or views.
Example:A web series produced under the Low Budget New Media Agreement paid actors at union rates while allowing for flexible pay due to the project’s limited budget.
Example: A voice actor in a podcast received residuals based on the number of streams the show accumulated on major podcast platforms.
Did You Know?
Actors in low-budget new media projects like web series and podcasts can receive residuals based on streaming success!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Low Budget New Media Agreement page.
