What does Television Series Agreement mean?
Television Series Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract that covers actors, directors, and performers working on television series. This agreement ensures that actors in recurring roles or series regulars receive fair pay, health and pension benefits, and residuals for reruns and streaming of episodes. It applies to both network and cable TV shows, as well as series produced for streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Key Points of the Television Series Agreement:
- Fair Pay for Series Regulars: Actors in recurring roles or lead roles in television series are compensated at SAG-AFTRA union rates, with the potential for higher pay based on the show’s success.
- Residuals for Reruns and Streaming: Actors receive residuals when episodes of the series are re-aired or streamed, ensuring long-term compensation.
- Health and Pension Benefits: Actors are entitled to health and pension contributions for each episode they appear in.
Negotiation Tips:
- Higher Pay for Lead Actors: Lead actors in television series can negotiate for higher pay per episode, particularly for long-running shows or those with high viewership.
- Back-End Bonuses: Actors may negotiate for additional bonuses based on the show’s performance, including syndication or international distribution.
- Profit Participation: For high-profile shows, actors may negotiate for a share of the profits from merchandising or syndication deals.
Example:A lead actor in a popular TV series received residuals each time an episode was aired in reruns or streamed on a digital platform.
Example: A supporting actor in a television series negotiated for higher pay per episode as the show became more popular and continued for additional seasons.
Did You Know?
Actors in TV series receive residuals for reruns and streaming, ensuring long-term compensation beyond the initial episode airing!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Television Series Agreement page.
