Surrender of BMG Talent Group, Inc.’s SAG Agency Franchise

Dear Member,

SAG-AFTRA is writing to inform you about a change in the agency representational landscape which may affect you. The union has recently learned that an agency with which you may be affiliated, BMG Talent Group, Inc., has joined the Association of Talent Agents (“ATA”). In short, this agency is now no longer franchised under legacy SAG’s agency regulations [16(g)], and remains franchised only under legacy AFTRA’s agency regulations, 12-C.

What does this change in status mean? Basically, SAG-AFTRA members may still be represented by ATA agents, such as BMG Talent Group, Inc., with the understanding that your agency relationships may not be fully protected under both sets of agency regulations, 12-C and 16(g). There is no change in this agency’s status under legacy AFTRA, 12-C. BMG Talent Group, Inc. must, however, remain legacy AFTRA-franchised in order to continue to represent you for SAG-AFTRA covered employment opportunities, and members remain largely protected by the legacy AFTRA’s agency agreement.

However, should BMG Talent Group, Inc. present you with a general services agreement or “GSA” (i.e., an agency-generated document created outside of SAG-AFTRA’s jurisdiction/oversight to represent performers for union-covered work), we strongly recommend that you take the time to become well versed on such document’s terms and conditions prior to signing, as in some cases these types of non-conforming contracts may attempt to circumvent many union protections that you enjoyed while this agency was fully franchised under SAG's 16(g) and AFTRA's 12-C. Fully understanding what you are signing onto is necessary to ensure that your interests are best protected.

Please note, SAG-AFTRA's position is that GSAs are not valid for any area covered by the 12-C agency regulations, but they may nonetheless attempt to alter your obligations to this agent if you choose to sign one.  Although the union cannot offer you individual reviews of GSAs, we would be happy to answer any general questions that you may have about the change in this agency's status, and point you toward online resources which may be able to assist you further. Should you choose to continue to be represented by BMG Talent Group, Inc. and potentially sign a GSA contract, the union also recommends that you secure the services of independent legal counsel prior to signing anything which is not a union-approved document. 

Should you have any questions related to the Chicago market, please contact Kathy Byrne, Senior Director of TV/TH Contracts, at (312) 867-5508 or via email at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org. Should you have any additional questions or require assistance for agency matters, please do not hesitate to contact the Professional Representatives Department at (323) 549-6745 or agency@sagaftra.org. Thank you.