Commercials

Beginning January 1, 2023, the NEW payment structure will be the only payment option available. Any renegotiations must use the new payment structure as well.
 

We have educational materials and resources available to help with this transition.
 

Documents

Top 5 Things Members Should Know

Get to Know The New Commercials Contract

Unpermitted Edits Examples

MPU & Holding Fee Examples

Videos

Payment Structure

MPU & Holding Fees

Editing Provisions

Commercials 101 - Four Provisions Members Should Know

Commercials 101 - Hair & Makeup 

Commercials 101 - Auditions and Casting

Podcast

Unpacking the 2022 Commercials Contract

JPC and SAG-AFTRA joint FAQs

Transition to the New Payment and Editing Structures & the Expiration of the Traditional Contract

July 18, 2022 FAQs

April 1, 2022 FAQs

The Regional Commercial Codes are contracts tailored for regional advertisers to easily hire SAG-AFTRA performers at competitive rates with flexible terms.

To find out more, click here: Ads Go Local

Commercial Calculator

This calculator can calculate payments due under the current commercials contract.

To use the Commercial Calculator, click here: Commercial Calculator

Audio Flex Commercials Calculator

This calculator can calculate payments due under the Audio Flex compensation structure in the Audio Commercials Contract.

To use the Audio Flex Calculator, click here: Audio Flex Calculator

lnfluencer Calculator

We’ve created a simple calculator to help you determine the Pension & Health contribution for your particular brand deal under the Influencer agreement.

To use the Influencer Calculator, click here: Influencer Calculator

Need a talent estimate for the Commercials Contract?
Email AdsGoUnion@sagaftra.org

Commercial Claims Portal

The Commercials Claims Portal helps members submit a claim if they believe a producer has violated the Commercials Contract, Audio Commercials Contract, Infomercial Agreement or Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast Contract.

To file a claim, click here: Commercial Claim Portal
 

Ads Go Union

The Ads Go Union Commercial Organizing Campaign is a member-driven initiative that protects and increases union commercial work.

To learn more, click here: Ads Go Union
 

Influencer Agreement

If you’re creating digital, branded content in front of a camera or behind a microphone, the new Influencer Agreement has you covered.

To learn more, click here: Influencer Agreement

Step 1

Prior to auditions, prior to casting, prior to production, to use a SAG-AFTRA member in a commercial, there must be a SAG-AFTRA signatory attached to the project. The signatory could be an advertising agency or an advertiser. If a signatory is not already attached and you would like your company to become a signatory, complete a Preliminary Information Form.

Step 2

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and provide you with a packet of forms. Complete and return the following documents from your packet:

1. Signatory Information Sheet
2. Corporate Resolution/Limited Liability Corporation/Limited Partnership Authorization
3. Credit Check

Step 3

Email the completed form to the Commercials Department.

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you within two business days to discuss your interest in becoming a signatory.

Step 4

Once your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative has reviewed your documents and you have signed the Letter of Adherence, you may begin the audition and hiring process. At auditions, an Exhibit E Sign-In Form must be made available and returned to the Commercials Department within 15 business days of the audition date.

Step 5

Upon hiring your cast, you must clear your cast with SAG-AFTRA to verify that the performers you have hired are in good standing. This is referred to as the Cast Clearance (or Station 12) process.

Step 6

On the actual shoot day(s), an on or off-camera principal performer is given an Exhibit 1 Principal Employment Contract and an extra is given an Exhibit 2 Extra Employment Contract. This contract contains information on hours of work, hours for fitting, pay rate, overtime, use type (seasonal, non-air demo, cable-only, etc.), and any special provisions that apply.

Working With Non-SAG-AFTRA Members

If any of the cast are not yet SAG-AFTRA members, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to Comm.CoEdInfo@sagaftra.org, along with a head shot and resume, to the Commercials Department within 15 days after their work date.

Payment must be made to the performer within 15 business days of the session. The Pension & Health payment is made directly to the SAG -Producers Pension Plan in Burbank, CA. Specific information regarding this payment can be found on the Pension & Health Reporting Form.

At any point, please feel free to contact the Commercials Department with questions. We are here to assist you in ensuring that your experience with producing under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract is a smooth and easy process.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA.