Know the Rules for Costume Fittings and Wardrobes

The SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement held the TV/Theatrical Background Costume Fittings and Wardrobe Allowances livestream on Aug. 9. Joining SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair was SAG-AFTRA National Director, Background & New York Entertainment Contracts Stephanie Perry. 

Perry’s presentation gave an outline of the contract provisions surrounding costume fittings for television, theatrical and new media productions. In addition to learning what to expect when production schedules costume fittings, attendees learned about contract provisions that guarantee payments and different payment rates to background actors. 

In the Q&A session that followed, Perry answered inquiries about cancellation payments and steps members should take if and when they notice a payment discrepancy.

“If you're on set and something’s not properly reflected on your voucher, you can certainly speak with one of the assistant directors there,” said Perry, “but if [you notice something] after the fact and you've already received your pay stub, the Background Actors Department can help, and we would encourage you to email or give us a call.”

For more assistance, contact SAG-AFTRA’s Background Actors Department in Los Angeles at (323) 549-6811 or New York at (212) 827-1553 or email backgroundactorsinfo@sagaftra.org.

To watch our previous PTEOE session for background performers, Meals & NDBs for TV/Theatrical Background Performers, click here. For more interviews, panels and webinars, visit sagaftra.org/videos.