Skimping out in casting is the number one issue that most micro budget films suffer from. Actra is committed to supporting emerging filmmakers so we have created several possibilities for smaller budget. Basic codified agreement sag agreement for a full budget feature film. And that was for a relatively smooth shoot and post process. This preliminary information form begins the sagaftrasignatory process for ultra low budget project, moderate low budget project and low budget film. This makes paul particularly wellqualified to provide readers and producers with the information and insights necessary to produce a low budget film. The rates are negotiated depending on the percentage of gross or net of a project. Any indie film is going to be a risk for everybody involved. Want to see a sample of what the agreements look like. Feature film, crime, lowbudgetfilm sorted by popularity. Equitypact cinema film agreement 2016 a digest of minimum terms and conditions 4th january 2016 5th april 2016 nb. Personally, i really enjoy working with the indies, but ive also been fortunate to have worked with some very good people. Breakdown of costs for ultralow budget feature action films. Feature films mow facilities music videos direct to videos commercial tv seriesepisodic new media.
According to screen actors guild, a million dollars is low budget. Of course there is no easy answer to either of these questions, as every production has different requirements both creatively and logistically. A low budget feature film might only have a handful of crew members, but this will lower the quality of the film and could make the shooting days go slower. Film crew rates need to be considered when budgeting a film, as well as their hours andor workday. Low budget theatrical agreement 20172019 iatse 411. The ultimate guide to sagaftra theatrical rates 2020 topsheet. Residuals for singers theatrical, tv and new media. Patrizia, you only use sagaftra contracts for the actors who are. Keep in mind that when it comes to film how much you are getting paid depends almost entirely on the production budget. Ive worked for this director before on a bigger budget feature, but only as an ac.
A film being produced under a modified or ultra low budget agreement cannot afford certain basics, like a decent dressing room. The ultimate film budgeting guide free film budget template. Budgeting a film crew rates and work hours film budgeteers august 3, 2015 film budgeting tips 5 comments when budgeting a film crew for a union picture, the rates and work hour limits and thresholds are set by the union and you pay them. This guide is here to show you the important elements that you need to consider when estimating your film s budget. Day rate survey film and video production directories. Sagaftra low budget agreements were created with input from filmmakers and actors to make it even easier for you to hire professional performers. Building the perfect 5 person microbudget feature film crew.
Even so, few low and micro budget films stick to them. How much to charge as a freelance filmmaker amy clarke films. One of the biggest concerns we hear is the problem of trying to produce union on small budgets. The dgas low budget sideletter covers films intended for theatrical or home. These minimum rates are current through july 2003 and should only be used as a guide. Residuals are additional compensation paid to performers when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by the initial compensation. Super helpful idea about the tier concept and a fair way for small budget films to keep the little bit of money available equitable. To view the 2018 2019 rate cards bafltta divided by category and section, use the buttons on the right. Under the short film and ultra low budget agreements, the straight time rate when calculating double overtime must at least equal the modified low budget. It was a film that helped begin a new trend of film making. Your sagaftra business representative will send you your actual contract when its time to sign. While the 2017 sideletter is substantively almost identical to the 2014 sideletter, it has been reorganized for ease of use.
The following is not a comprehensive list of all possible sag rates, but will help you budget for the current sag minimums. The sag low budget agreement applies to films with budgets between. We listed 3 sag agreement pay rates which vary based on the film s total budget. A botched card game in london triggers four friends, thugs, weedgrowers, hard gangsters, loan sharks and debt collectors to collide with each other in a series of unexpected events, all for the sake of weed, cash and two antique shotguns. Ill be working on the film no matter the rate, becau. Actors working on low budget films will be paid 25 percent more under new deals approved unanimously by the sagaftra national board of directors after an allday meeting saturday. But hey, you should ask equity to see if the film is part of its low budget film scheme. Paul battista not only works as an entertainment attorney in support of independent filmmakers and producers, he also writes, directs and produces his own feature films. Simple film budget breakdown free template amy clarke.
Lowbudget or ultralowbudget filmmaking heres the assumption. You just get the thing done and hope for the best that nothing bad happens. Who are the most essential crew members to have on my micro budget production. Broad categories of no budget, low budget, medium budget, and high budget each set in motion assumptions about the film. The popularity of the twin bill required the production of relatively short, inexpensive movies. Low budget or ultra lowbudget filmmaking heres the assumption. In fact, if you put a pencil to it, sags regular television agreement is a better deal for even the low budget independent producer. New sagaftra low budget rates posted on june 30, 2015 by admin no comments v following the merger of the two film and tv actors unions into sagaftra, the leaders and members of the organization set about the arduous task of figuring out the next edition of their standard film, television, new media, and nonbroadcast. On several of our features we made for brooklyn reptyle films, we. Sagaftra theatrical separated into basic theatrical, low budget, moderate low budget project, ultra low budget project, short project, student short film. Its a template for a low budget feature film crew and exactly who you will need at various budget bumps. In general, you must follow all the other rules and regulations of the basic agreement except those specifically excluded or modified by the ultra low budget agreement. Again, if you have any questions about how this may affect your film.
Short indie film productions generally arent going to be fully insured. My understanding is that the rates paid on this film are on the high side for a low budget uk feature film. When dealing with a low budget, its tempting to call up your actor friends and ask them to give you a freebie, but this is generally a bad idea. Learn how to produce your ultra low budget feature film or documentary swiftly, safely, and profitably. To view the 2018 2019 rate cards bafltta as a single document, please click the pdf link directly below. I was told that theyre around 90% of the recommended tv rates, although ive not calculated that myself. Musings and thought collections of a low budget, ultra low budget and no budget filmmaker independent film production in a new economy. No budget films, such as kevin smiths clerks create a certain rough ambiance about them. Contracts and resources for independent filmmakers sagindie. The sag aftra theatrical rates of 2020 if youre producing a feature then youre in the right spot sag rates 2020. Rates may be tiered depending on the budgets of the projects or type of tv show cable vs network etc. The essential guide to sagaftra rates 2020 wrapbook.
How big of a crew should i have on my feature film. One of the most common questions i get relating to producing micro budget films is. This agreement shall be applicable to all low budget theatrical productions as. The first thing you have to do is decide what is low budget its a vague term. How to create a lowbudget film that feels like a blockbuster. New sagaftra low budget rates preparing for takeoff. What kind of insurance do i need for a short indie film. Of course every film is different and this is just a guide for instance if you and your mates are after effects experts, vfx would be part of the microbudget crew. Working with flat rates on sag ultra low budget in an earlier blog, i talked about offering a higher scale to your principal actors if your shooting ultra low budget. One of the creepiest films i have seen in some time, the effectsscares in this low budget horror film really deliver and will have you feeling very uncomfortable. On top of that 12 hours you budget for, factor in about 10%. That is, if your production stops filming on a particular day after 4 hours. Food it is expected on film sets to feed your cast and crew. Low budget incentives low budget doesnt have to mean nonunion.