Pre-Production

Step 1

These are the steps you must take prior to your first day of travel, rehearsal/table read, or principal photography, whichever comes first (we recommend giving yourself at least three weeks).

Start by completing the Signatory Application for Ultra Low Budget Project Agreements.*

Please submit your application no less than 4-6 weeks before your first date of work, including travel, rehearsal, and principal photography. Failure to submit a Preliminary Information Form or Signatory Application in a timely manner may result in delays and/or your project not being granted clearance by SAG-AFTRA.

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you within a few days and send you a packet of information and documents.

Step 2

Required Documents

Complete and return the following requested documents:

1. Signatory Producer’s Company Formation Documents
   1. If you are producing as an individual, please send us a copy of your government issued identification.
2. Company Authorization Form, if applicable
3. SAG-AFTRA Agreement for Independent Producers of Non-Episodic Projects*
4. SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan Adherence Letter*
5. Television/Theatrical Production Checklist*
6. Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement*
7. Complete Pre-Production Cast List
8. A copy of the shooting script
9. Day Out of Days
10. Line Item Budget

*These items may be sent by your Business Representative via DocuSign to the authorized signer.  Contact your Business Representative if you have any questions.

Step 3

Required Documents (cont.)

Also complete and submit documentation that indicates who is employing the performers:

• Corporation – Provide your Articles of Incorporation and executed Bylaws.
• Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) – Provide your Articles of Organization and executed Operating Agreement.
• DBA - Fictitious Business Name Statement with Clerk’s stamp

NOTE: It’s very important that the information you provide in this step is consistent with the information previously submitted.

Step 4

Once we’ve received and reviewed all of the applicable documents, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and let you know the amount of the security deposit, which you must deliver to the union as follows:

1. Security Deposit (cashier’s check or wire transfer)
2. Security Deposit letter
3. W-9 or W-8BEN form

When all of these requirements are fulfilled, your Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” which will allow the performers you have cast to begin work.

Include Step No Sort Order 5 Contract Ultra Low Budget Project Ultra Low Budget Project (UPA)