What does Ultra Low Budget Agreement mean?
Ultra Low Budget Agreement is the SAG-AFTRA contract for films with budgets under $300,000. It provides a flexible framework for indie filmmakers and smaller productions to hire union talent while keeping costs low. The agreement offers reduced pay rates and more lenient working conditions compared to other SAG-AFTRA agreements, while still ensuring basic protections for actors. This contract is popular among independent filmmakers, particularly for projects aiming for festival entries or smaller theatrical releases.
Key Points of the Ultra Low Budget Agreement:
- Budget Limit: The total film budget must be under $300,000 to qualify for this agreement.
- Deferred Payments: Filmmakers may opt to defer payments to actors, meaning they get paid only if and when the film generates revenue.
- Basic Protections: Despite lower pay rates, actors are still entitled to pension, health benefits, and workplace safety protections.
Negotiation Tips:
- Deferred Pay Plus Bonuses: Actors can negotiate for deferred pay plus a bonus if the film performs well at festivals or secures distribution.
- Profit Sharing: If the project has potential for commercial success, actors may negotiate a small percentage of future profits in addition to deferred payments.
- Flexible Scheduling: Indie filmmakers often have more flexible schedules, and actors can negotiate for more control over their shooting days to fit other projects in their schedule.
Example:A filmmaker working with a $200,000 budget used the Ultra Low Budget Agreement to hire SAG-AFTRA talent, agreeing to deferred pay if the film sold at a festival.
Example: An actor secured a profit-sharing agreement for a festival-bound project, ensuring future payouts if the film was picked up for distribution.
Did You Know?
The Ultra Low Budget Agreement allows for deferred payments, which can help filmmakers manage tight budgets while still working with professional actors!
Learn More:
For more detailed information, visit the official SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement page.
