What does Television Pilots Agreement mean?
Television Pilots Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract that covers actors, directors, and performers involved in the production of television pilots. A TV pilot is a standalone episode of a television series that serves as a prototype for future episodes. This agreement ensures fair pay, health and pension benefits, and residuals for actors appearing in pilots. If the pilot is picked up for a full season, actors may also receive additional compensation for future episodes.
Key Points of the Television Pilots Agreement:
- Fair Pay for Actors: Actors working on television pilots receive union-scale pay rates, with the potential for higher pay if the pilot is picked up.
- Residuals for Reruns and Streaming: Actors are entitled to residuals for reruns or streaming of the pilot episode.
- Health and Pension Benefits: Performers receive health and pension contributions based on their work in pilots.
Negotiation Tips:
- Higher Pay for Series Regulars: Actors cast as series regulars in a pilot may negotiate for higher pay and long-term contracts if the show is picked up.
- Profit Participation: For high-profile pilots, actors can negotiate for a share of future profits if the series becomes successful.
- Back-End Bonuses: If the pilot is picked up for syndication or streaming, actors may negotiate for additional bonuses or back-end payments.
Example:An actor in a TV pilot received residuals each time the episode was re-aired or streamed after the show was picked up by a network.
Example: A lead actor in a television pilot negotiated for higher pay due to their role as a series regular if the show was picked up for a full season.
Did You Know?
Actors in TV pilots receive residuals for reruns and streaming, and can negotiate for long-term contracts if the show is picked up!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Television Pilots Agreement page.
