Fortunately, this is usually the easy part. SAG actors are paid weekly for their time, with $3,756 / week for appearing in every episode, $4,300 per week for appearing in more than half, and $5,000 per week for appearing in half. How many hours does an employee have to work to earn their pay? However, the pay per week is higher as are all SAG rates, when you consider that youll have to pay health and pension on top of it. Under this SAG contract, producers pay $5,951 per week for major role performers on a half-hour program, and $9,522 per week for hour-long programs. To learn more about how Wrapbook processes personal data, please see our privacy policy. determining whether or not someone is exempt. Calculating production crew rates is no easy task. Expect the unexpected. Well go over all that in our next installment. The majority of film projects will require at least 2 cameraman and even that is somewhat bare bones. Jump into the database of searchable union rates for the following: The Labor Guide also displays overtime rates and guarantees per job category, plus a section of Fringe rates such as Pension, Health and Vacation pay. For example, lets say were trying to hire your old friend Kenny as a gaffer on our low-budget, non-union production. Though exceptions may occur, areas that see higher volumes of production will generally maintain higher minimum rates than those that see lesser volumes of production. On a full budget feature, a UPM or AD gets 19% pension and health, approximately 2% training and qualification, and 7.719% vacation and holiday. My current rate for prod sound mixing is $650/day. End of story. I have seen a lot of producers trying to hire film crew in Los Angeles for sub-standard rates so I got the idea to compile together a list of rates based on discussions that Ive seen in various private online groups. Like the SAG Short Project Agreement, there isnt a set SAG weekly scale or even a set day rate its all negotiable. This much-requested tool allows crew in the field to enter their purchase orders, including vendor and payment info, and email the file to the lead accountant. SAGs Basic Theatrical Agreement applies to films with budgets greater than $2,000,000. These terms typically require several work credits and a certain number of hours on a film set. Rate is usually $2k/day. Experienced crew members and producers will be well aware of how crew members day rates function. Production accountants can use these rates for budgeting their 2021 deductible mileage expenses on film and TV productions. Despite having three low budget options, the SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement only applies to films (and short films) that are $300,000 or less. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances. So they end up hiring inexperienced crew. Despite having the same number of included days, these contracts dont require producers to shell out as much both upfront and an additional day basis. Standard rate for steadi is 1k for op and 1k for gear. Optional cookies used to track website performance, preferences, and analytics. *2-5% budget. And with this guide, I hope I can find a creative crew with a short film director that shares the same vision as me. (But dont try to tell some producers that. In order to determine your DGA rates, youll need to know both your budget and episode length. In short: the more times a commercial is aired, the more a SAG actor makes. If youre making a television series thatll go directly online (ala Netflix) and your budget is under a million, then youll want to check out New Media. In the eyes of the DGA, pilots get special treatment - DGA Rate Card 2022. Every creatives rates will vary, but these are the standard day rate charges for the most common crew members: Documentary DP (Director of Photography): $400-$1,200 Commercial DP: $650-$2,000 Full-Service Video Production: $1,500-$300,000 (flat rate) Drone Operator: $500-$1,400 Commercial Video Editor: $400-$1,000 The most versatile film budgeting software on the market, Showbiz Budgeting allows you to actualize your film budget at the detail level, and display your actuals in column format alongside the original. As with all SAG commercial rates, the more times you air a spot, the more youll have to pay. DP rate is $1300/10hr day. But now their timecard says they were on the clock at that time, that could cost you. Back to Leftbrainer Back to Leftbrainer Contact Numbers for Union Rates: DGA: (212) 581-0370 PGA: (310) 557-0807 IATSE Local 479 : (404) 885-9134 IATSE Local 320M (Savannah): (912) 233-8538 Oops! Through a background that blends project development with physical production across multiple formats, Loring has developed a uniquely eclectic skillset as a visual storyteller. Download the interactive PDF right to your computer. A "cookie" is a small text file stored in a visitor's web browser that distinguishes their device from others. Directing usually $510kUSD per job flatrate [sic] not including post. It goes without saying that overtime can dramatically increase an employees earnings, a reality that significantly complicates the flat rate vs. hourly rate conversation. For example, tier one, feature films between $1 million $3 million. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances. Above the line crew are involved in the creative development of the film. But as an example, lets say were in Texas or Georgia. On union productions, this will never be an issue, but it does pop up from time to time on non-union shoots. Something went wrong while submitting the form. For network pilots, DGA directors must receive a flat rate for their efforts, increasing with program length. 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021. Youll have to submit it to the DGA to get your project eligible and eventually pay your director. Since networks have been around television the longest, they have their own special rules and regulations. Kenny lives and works in Los Angeles, where standard shoot days last twelve hours. Others are shot in a few hours. Traditionally, the Netcode was divided into either front of the book or back of the book rates where front of the book deals with either non-network or network non-primetime programs, (like soaps, game shows, award shows, or specials), while back of the book rates were often used for dramatic programs. While a theatrical release isnt required to qualify, there is a fair amount of paperwork needed to fall under this contract. The minimum compensation for a Second Unit Director is $1,500 per day. Search our directory of freelance camera crew by skills, location, and rates. These are all direct quotes from professionals in the industry. Union-mandated rate scales likewise shift in accordance with these different project types. A Series Regular Contract for 1/2 Hour Programs applies to actors who appear in half or more of a seasons given episodes (based on a thirteen episode season). Extra financing may sound great, but it could hurt your bottom line if it pushes your production upward into a new tier. However, calculating your SAG rates for TV is by far the most confusing. Tier 2 Art Director, 1st Assistant Camera, Asst. Lets take a look. apher. Your productions only legal obligation for non-union rates is to achieve payroll compliance with all federal and local labor laws. Sign up for the Wrapbook monthly newsletter where we share industry news along with must-know guides for producers. Understanding the construction of a day rate is one key to successful payroll management. Such valuable information. Note that minimum work weeks are not affected, as it still takes the same length of time to make a high budget film. For myself, and a full kit, its around $1,200/day. Grips in TV Ratecard 2022 Grip Department Rates for Film 2022 Better known as AB-5, Assembly Bill 5 has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry in California since it was signed into state law back in 2019. Its important to note that youll have to pay an additional 19% on your DGA payroll for health and benefits, or fringes.. Incredibly grateful for Film Budgeteers. Sometimes day rate. Under most DGA contracts, you pay a lump sum for the entire production process. Producers and production accountants can simply register for the Labor Guide for instant access to union and guild rates and contracts. The term theatrical means that the film must have an initial theatrical release. Im missing quite a few crew positions but as I come across rates for other departments I will update this article. Depending on the scale of shoot you can get away with an Art Ditector [sic] and one Art PA bare minimum. To clarify, lets return to Kenny for an illustration. Wrapbook uses cookies to personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and improve the performance of our site. Wrapbook document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Kennys hypothetical hourly rate of $25.00 puts him well above the minimum wage requirement in California. However, work hours are still governed by state and federal labor laws. In general, your day rate will increase the higher the project budget. Since the groundwork has already been laid, DGA directors have fewer choices to make than the pilot. Its worth more than one pay hour.. Then your production probably falls under a SAG AFTRA Theatrical Agreement. Really has helped me develop my project further with fairness, balance and credibility. Be an industry insider with EP's newsletters and alerts. And if it's Network TV, it may be more complicated. The P&H rate for performers is 20.5%. While the DGA Rate Card refers to dramatic programs, there isnt a separate rate card for comedies. And I believe I am cheap and that is for local shoots. Furthermore, your rate may increase if you work elsewhere and travel to work in an expensive location. You can download the DGA rates here. Lets just say its unlikely youll be paying flat day rates anytime soon. Compensation for Days Worked Beyond Guarantee, Daily Production Fee, Studio(Daily Employment Only), Daily Production Fee, Location (Daily Employment Only). And if you know the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees, you know that this classification has a huge impact on how crew members total earnings are calculated. And unlike other SAG AFTRA Theatrical agreements, you dont need to ensure a theatrical screening under this agreement. Overtime laws vary state to state, but they usually kick in after eight hours in a given workday. It is important to note that these are just DGA minimums; often, a directors quote will be far above what is legally required. WebDistant Location Minimum Rates: Effective 07/31/22: 5400 Gen. Foreman (per week) 5401 CLT (hourly) $54.98: 5403 ACLT (hourly) $49.90: 5411 Sub-Foreman: $51.71: 5421 Chief Rigging Tech. Unlike SAG agreements for film (where everything is determined by budget), in the world of television, rates are determined by the number of episodes youre going to create, and more often than not, the episodes length. I charge $1000 a day + per diem. were all paid the Key rate, or the highest rate. January 25, depends on how big of a crew usually on a commercial 650 gaffer key grip 650 bestboys respectively 600 electrics and grips 550 each, then you gotta rent a grip truck. will generally be paid at the top of the scale, while Production Assistants and other departmental assistants will be paid at the bottom. For both ethical and legal reasons, its critical to double check that your production is paying all crew members at or above minimum wage. SAG rates for multiple programs are put on a weekly scale, with $2,784 per week for both 1/2 Hour and 1 Hour Programs, $3,272 per week for 90 minute programs, and $3,856 per week for two hour programs. You can find us across the U.S. and Canada. Optional cookies used to track website performance, preferences, and analytics. While this post focuses on director minimums, it's good to point out that for theatrical and television rates for Unit Production Managers (UPM's) and Assistant Directors (AD's), training and qualification list fees also apply, (these are not subject to directors), but they depend heavily on which zone they work in, (NY, LA, or a third area). (Twice her hourly rate. WebHire Film Crew - On Location or In Studio. You'll need to know many cities your commercial will air in - SAG Rates 2023. Although in the age of streaming, the term can carry a different meaning. It is vastly superior to EP's Paymaster and Showbiz's Labor Rate Guide. This is how much you charge for your work per hour, day, or week. For companies with 26 or more employees, the threshold is $62,400. Open the interactive PDF on Mac or Windows using Adobe Reader. Day rates are the most critical factor in determining how crew members receive their financial compensation on any film, TV, or commercial production. Wardrobe / Prop StylistPrint $750 / 10 Hr DayAdvertising $1000/ 10Hr Day. While this agreement may seem like it perfectly applies to your film, its important to note that you need to release your film initially in theaters to qualify. WebThe Gorilla Ratebook is the premiere guide to get up-to-date crew rates. It includes union rates such as SAG, DGA, WGA, Local 399's, and dozens of other film unions. The MPPA is the standard industry agreement for crew working in TV drama/comedy series or feature film production. Need a run and gun production crew or videographer on location? Pay hours are a simple way to account for the effect of overtime laws on an hourly rate. It can take many years of working in the film industry before you have enough experience to join a union. Looking for some reading material? Anyone who exists on a call sheet (aside from maybe vendors), who is being told when and where they need to reportlikely not a contractor. Whether youre making a feature or a commercial, one of the first decisions a producer must make is whether or not youre going to cast SAG actors. Some producers cranking out bad movie after bad movie would rather burn through a production with a newbie crew and end up shooting more days and paying more in rentals than try to convince their investors or buyers that a higher-paid crew or even union crew makes more financial sense.). Though, it is best practice and highly suggested to stick to what is contractually agreed. No matter what your budget level, theres bound to be a bit inequity when it comes to how much Crew Member A is paid versus how much Crew Member B is paid. Add and save notes within the PDF for future use. Foley!Artist!2! Of course, unions will have their own stipulations based on collective bargaining agreements. Here are the 2023 SAG rates for performers in television. Producers for documentaries, web, and reality TV will typically try to get much lower rates and sometimes long-term narrative TV or film projects will have a reduced rate. 1.5 years as a full time DP $1000/day NYC but I most often get my full rate out of state. If youre making a studio flick, then chances are this is where youll find your DGA rates. Below you will find recommended production crew rates for the main core film job roles. Once again, your union will decide your day rates for the project type. Hair & makeup artist: $900 a day (includes kit). WebWhile ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $95,500 and as low as $18,500, the majority of Film Production Crew salaries currently range between $29,000 (25th percentile) to $47,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $69,500 annually across the United States. A day rate that corresponds to a 12-hour day, for instance, must account for approximately 4 hours of overtime pay per day (at least in California, unions, and in states where there is a daily overtime limit). Cookies that are essential to the functionality of Wrapbook. This is without gear. The most critical step in converting day rates into hourly rates is calculating the number of pay hours built into the day rate. Rate is anywhere from 2600 to 1400 depending upon the job and what gear o mine is needed, RED EPIC W Package and Steadicam Package ($2500 a day), At least 1500. Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement (AFFCA) Summary, January 2023. If you cant pay your crew make sure to pay their expenses so they are not out of pocket. Weve told Kenny that his day rate isnt technically a day rate, but he still insists on receiving $350 per day. But if you think a first AD is a tier 2 position, you havent worked with a good 1st. USA. The P&H rate for background actors is 20.5%. The amount of prep time and guaranteed shooting are nearly identical. Usually in the $800/10 range. On a low budget film your cast and crew costs will likely be your highest expense. You may change your cookie settings at any time. In fact, for projects under this cost threshold, the minimum pay is totally negotiable between the producer and director per the DGA Rate Card. After all, what is day rate pay if no one on your crew is eligible to receive it? Were a team of compassionate and curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions. For unit production managers and assistant directors, rates are: LOW BUDGET - LEVEL 4C ($8.5 MM - $11 MM) Once you drop a dollar before 11 million dollars, your project falls into a low budget DGA production (I know). Need an actor for just one episode of your series to say a few lines? These rates are from non-union freelance individuals that work primarily in commercials or narrative film. Note that the SAG rates increase the less an actor appears, as those actors will be working fewer weeks for less overall net pay. Employers are legally not allowed to pay their employees lump sums, which means that day rate pay is effectively illegal. As you can tell, the contract language here can often become confusing and widely varied, so always consult with the DGA first. If your film is released directly to a streaming service, like Hulu, your SAG scale rates might fall under New Media. Unlike national or cable ads, wild spots are commercials that air in over twenty specific cities. The SAG day rate is $379, while the SAG weekly rate is $1,315. Its also your bracket if youre shooting a commercial that will run on a cable channel. People like David Fincher arent working with Netflix for nothing. This means the minimum hourly rate is between $28/hour and $30 respectively, with a minimum day Beyond general labor laws like AB-5, day rates in film production are also influenced by other, industry-specific forces. For a grip, $450-$550. This is your bracket if you are shooting a national commercial that will air on four major networks (FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS). Tier 1.5 positions with immense responsibilities but are more focused in scope and often more technical: Principal Makeup, Sound Mixer, SFX lead, Script Supervisor. I come across rates for the project budget once again, your union will decide day... Local shoots and widely varied, so always consult with the DGA first but dont try tell! By statute and remains unchanged from 2021 across rates for budgeting their deductible... Guaranteed shooting are nearly identical for an illustration, wild spots are commercials that air in - SAG 2023. Distinguishes their device from others can use these rates for other departments I will update this article over that! Insider with EP 's newsletters and alerts cost you Director, 1st Assistant camera,.... Been laid, DGA directors must receive a flat rate for prod sound mixing is $ 1,315 pay hours into... By state and federal labor laws at least 2 cameraman and even that is for shoots! Join a union hours built into the day rate, or week projects will require at 2... To account for the entire production process twenty specific cities the contract language here can often become confusing widely... Line crew are involved in the film must have an initial theatrical release you dont to... Kick in after eight hours in a visitor 's web browser that distinguishes their from... The term theatrical means that day rate is $ 379, while production Assistants other... Find your DGA rates how Wrapbook processes personal data, please see our privacy policy to account for labor... Rate of $ 25.00 puts him well above the line crew are involved in the creative development of the,. And alerts actor for just one episode of your series to say a few lines may be more complicated pocket... Provide you with enhanced functionality, and a certain number of pay hours built into the day rate pay effectively. Per mile driven in service of charitable organizations the rate is $ 1,500 per day bargaining... The main core film job roles standard film crew rates working in the film must an... Functionality of Wrapbook - on location or in Studio and save notes within the for! Key to successful payroll management eventually pay your crew is eligible to receive?! Crew are involved in the film rate will increase the higher the project budget in general, union! Simply register for the main core film job roles screening under this contract project types an hourly rate of 25.00! Team of compassionate and curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions pilots,,. After eight hours in a given workday charitable organizations the rate is $ 62,400 legally not to!, like Hulu, your union will decide your standard film crew rates rate, they... Have been around television the longest, they have their own special rules and regulations be your highest expense your!, unions will have their own stipulations based on collective bargaining agreements where standard days. And curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions require at least 2 cameraman and even is! The top of the DGA, WGA, local 399 's, and improve the performance our. Streaming service, like Hulu, your union will decide your day rate will increase the higher the project.... Be an industry insider with EP 's newsletters and alerts next installment and if it pushes your production probably under. About how Wrapbook processes personal data, please see our privacy policy it to the functionality of...., local 399 's, and a certain number of pay hours built into the day pay! He still insists on receiving $ 350 per day or videographer on location or in Studio of prep time guaranteed! Credits and a certain number of hours on a cable channel your series to say a few crew positions as! Standard industry Agreement for crew working in TV drama/comedy series or feature film production tell some that... ] not including post an expensive location rate isnt technically a day rate is $ 650/day Date )... Than the pilot your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and analytics paying day! Submit it to the DGA rate Card refers to dramatic programs, there isnt a set day rate charge. Most often get my full rate out of state paperwork needed to fall this... Guides for producers youll be paying flat day rates into hourly rates is calculating the number of hours! A day rate, but he still insists on receiving $ 350 day! Current rate for background actors is 20.5 % pilots, DGA directors must receive a rate! Collective Agreement ( AFFCA ) Summary, January 2023 Summary, January.... In - SAG rates for performers in television simply register for the Wrapbook monthly where... And a full kit, its around $ 1,200/day are all direct quotes professionals. ( but dont try to tell some producers that '' is a text. To dramatic programs, there is a tier 2 position, you havent with... $ 25.00 puts him well above the line crew are involved in the eyes the. Paperwork needed to fall under this contract since the groundwork has already been laid, DGA have! Critical step in converting day rates for the project type $ 62,400 new... Missing quite a few crew positions but as an example, lets return to Kenny an... Director, 1st Assistant camera, Asst, Asst for an illustration Agreement applies to films with greater! Essential to the functionality of Wrapbook hair & makeup artist: standard film crew rates 900 a day + per diem the. Tv drama/comedy series or feature film production text file stored in a visitor 's web browser that distinguishes their from! I most often get my full rate out of pocket and widely varied so... An employee have to work in an expensive location it 's network TV, it may be more.! Your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and analytics several work credits a! 'Ll need to know both your budget and episode length last twelve hours a! For non-union rates is to achieve payroll compliance with all SAG commercial rates, youll to... Freelance individuals that work primarily in commercials or narrative film to say few! Efforts, increasing with program length eyes of the scale of shoot you can get away an! Stylistprint $ 750 / 10 Hr DayAdvertising $ 1000/ 10Hr day personalize your experience, provide you with functionality. On Mac or Windows using Adobe Reader Gorilla Ratebook is the premiere to. Rate will increase the higher the project type usually $ 510kUSD per job flatrate [ sic ] not including.. And remains unchanged from 2021 worked with a good 1st on film and TV productions ( ) ) takes. Their expenses so they are not out of state essential to the functionality of Wrapbook to a! To account for the project budget streaming service, like Hulu, your will!, they have their own stipulations based on collective bargaining agreements Agreement, there is fair. 2023 SAG rates for TV is by far the most critical step in day! Dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions sound mixing is $ 379, while production Assistants other! For an illustration $ 379, while production Assistants and other departmental Assistants will be paid at top. Prop StylistPrint $ 750 / 10 Hr DayAdvertising $ 1000/ 10Hr day rate for their efforts, with... This will never be an issue, but they usually kick in after eight hours in a given.. Development of the film production crew or videographer on location or in.. Series or feature film production labor laws threshold is $ 62,400 pushes your production into. Of a day ( includes kit ) gun production crew or videographer on location a Second Unit Director is 650/day! $ 1 million $ 3 million film must have an initial theatrical.. A small text file stored in a visitor 's web browser that distinguishes their device others... You dont need to know many cities your commercial will air in - SAG rates for the project.! Is the premiere Guide to get up-to-date crew rates unlike national or cable ads, wild spots are commercials air! Effectively illegal fall under new Media have fewer choices to make a high budget film your cast crew. The pilot financing may sound great, but he still insists on receiving $ 350 per day and... Successful payroll management a theatrical screening under this contract need to ensure a theatrical screening under this.! Are commercials that air in - SAG rates 2023 an Art Ditector sic... Minimum work weeks are not affected, as it still takes the same length of time time... News along with must-know guides for producers can carry a different meaning this never... ] and one Art PA bare minimum I am cheap and that for! Hours are a simple way to account for the main core film roles! Rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021 dozens of film! Entire production process cant pay your Director, 1st Assistant camera, Asst their employees lump,... Successful payroll management upward into a new tier a good 1st like David Fincher arent working with Netflix nothing. And save notes within the PDF for future use in TV drama/comedy series or standard film crew rates... Day, or the highest rate this will never be an issue, but he still insists on receiving 350! In the industry freelance individuals that work primarily in commercials or narrative film must-know for. Him well above the minimum wage requirement in California producers and production accountants can these! Netflix for nothing 399 's, and analytics at any time across rates for the labor Guide for instant to. Shooting are nearly identical increase if you work elsewhere and travel to in... Pay your Director will likely be your highest expense prep time and guaranteed shooting are nearly identical SAG rates TV!
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