What does Podcast Agreement mean?
Podcast Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract that covers voice actors, hosts, and performers working in podcast productions. As podcasts have become a mainstream medium for storytelling, news, and entertainment, this agreement ensures that podcast creators can hire union talent while offering actors fair pay and protections. This agreement is particularly important for scripted podcasts and audio dramas, where professional actors provide voices for characters and narration.
Key Points of the Podcast Agreement:
- Fair Pay for Voice Actors: Podcast actors and hosts are compensated at SAG-AFTRA rates, with specific session fees for recording episodes.
- Health and Pension Benefits: Even for short-term podcast work, actors are entitled to health and pension benefits.
- Residuals for Streaming: If the podcast is distributed through streaming platforms, actors can receive residuals based on its popularity and number of streams.
Negotiation Tips:
- Profit Participation: For high-profile or commercial podcasts, actors may negotiate for a share of the profits from advertising or sponsorships.
- Additional Pay for Multiple Roles: Actors performing multiple voices or characters in a podcast may negotiate for additional compensation.
- Back-End Bonuses: If a podcast series becomes successful, actors may negotiate for bonuses based on the show’s reach or advertising revenue.
Example:A voice actor in a popular scripted podcast received residuals for each episode as it was streamed on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Example: An actor in an audio drama podcast negotiated for additional pay for performing multiple character voices under the SAG-AFTRA Podcast Agreement.
Did You Know?
Actors in podcasts can receive residuals for episodes that are streamed or downloaded on popular platforms, just like TV shows!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Podcast Agreement page.
