Agency Corner

Franchise: Currently, Hawaii has only two SAG-franchised agents. Although the two unions have merged, agency regulations continue to be administered separately until such time as SAG-AFTRA renegotiates a sole contract covering all agents working within its jurisdiction.

Commissions: The following applies to both SAG and AFTRA franchised agents.
No commissions shall be payable on the following, no matter where you live:

• Travel expenses, living expenses or per diems
• Reimbursement for travel, mileage, wardrobe, special hairdressing, etc.
• Penalty payment, i.e., late pay, meal period violation, forced call. Rest period violations, etc.
• Extra (background actor) work, unless negotiated at scale plus 10 or greater.

If you are employed through any union agency, your compensation shall be net, except for deductions or withholdings that may be required by law or by the union contract. The producer, not you, is to pay the agency fee for securing your employment, and you cannot be required by the producer to pay the agency fee directly or indirectly.

Please be advised that if you work under a SAG or AFTRA-approved special agreement, contact your local union office to determine rules of “commissionability.” You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the printed union guides that provide details or check online.

This item was originally featured in the October 2012 local newsletter.