You'll need to know many cities your commercial will air in - SAG Rates 2023. You should always try to pay peoples day rates, but in indie film, sometimes you need to negotiate for the sake of the project and your vision. said the great film . Something went wrong while submitting the form. Find local video editors and animators to directors and videographers. Need an actor for just one episode of your series to say a few lines? 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 This is for companies with up to 25 employees. AB-5 only applies to California, but contractors face similar worker classification tests in other states. To become part of a union, you must meet their terms. The DGA rates for UPMs and ADs though vary whether its level 4A ( $3.75MM - $5.5MM) or 4B ($5.5MM - $8.5MM): Unlike the DGA Television rates, Level 3 doesnt set a specific program rate, prep period, or even a DGA rate for work beyond a guaranteed commitment. The project types will also determine production crew rates. With the pay hours total in hand, calculating hourly rates is an easy task. ordinator! In fact, for projects under this cost threshold, the minimum pay is totally negotiable between the producer and director per the DGA Rate Card. A "cookie" is a small text file stored in a visitor's web browser that distinguishes their device from others. As with most DGA rates, network rates are always higher than cable. This is without gear. Your email address will not be published. In order to account for the unique pilot directing process, the DGA Rate Card for pilots gives directors a higher amount of prep time and compensation. Unlike other SAG day rates, actor salaries are completely negotiable. For example, Christopher Nolan was reportedly paid $20 million upfront and 20 percent of the gross for Dunkirk. Sign up for the Wrapbook monthly newsletter where we share industry news along with must-know guides for producers. Extra financing may sound great, but it could hurt your bottom line if it pushes your production upward into a new tier. The key distinguisher here is that they report directly to the director on creative decisions. The day rate norms in one region may shift in another, and going out of your way to establish a shared perspective early on may help your production team avoid any unnecessary conflict or confusion down the road. Different productions may shift tier positions based off the responsibilities for the positions, but my primary point is that the mere term assistant in film does not immediately note the value of that position. 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. Here is a quick breakdown of day rates per department. I basically dont fly my octa any more, but it started at about 5k. WebMovie Production and Film Crew Pay Rates in the U.S. - Entertainment Partners THE PAYMASTER RATE GUIDE The industry's most comprehensive guide. It includes union rates such as SAG, DGA, WGA, Local 399's, and dozens of other film unions. With streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime entering the scene, theres more television work for SAG actors than ever. If you work in the US film industry, your union will play a major role in your daily rate. Producers and production accountants can simply register for the Labor Guide for instant access to union and guild rates and contracts. Your preferences have been updated. Can you guess which feature matters most in an industry where a normal workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours? Below you will find recommended production crew rates for the main core film job roles. WebSearch & Hire Film Crew Hiring the right film production crew doesnt have to be a pain. The Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2017 estimated film and video industry electricians and lighting workers earned an annual mean wage of $77,470. A guide to understanding when its time to incorporate your photo business, and how to do it. Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox. $1,200-$1,800 (more, depending on the experience/skill). If youre booking a big name guest star in one episode, then in the eyes of SAG this is usually classified as a major role performer. Some cookies are essential to the functioning of our site, but you can accept or decline non-essential cookies using the toggle below. If youre producing a film, then look no further than the DGA Theatrical agreement. Thats just the single day rate. $1500 for a single op setup. WebArea Standards rates SAG-AFTRA scale rates WGA wage scales and fees DGA wage scales and fees AFM fees and schedules 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. In the market for a good PA? In the US, your union and state will affect your day rate. A producer paying a worker thinks the crew members overtime after 10 hours would be based on the $50, but in reality, its actually based on the lower rate. When planning any production, minding your budget tier is a pivotal, ongoing task. 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. Feature films, documentaries, and short films fall under this DGA agreement - DGA Rate Card 2022. People like David Fincher arent working with Netflix for nothing. But for non-union films, its a bit different. Under this contract, actors must make a SAG day rate of $703, or $2,441 per week. The P&H rate for performers is 20.5%. His work has been commissioned by a diverse range of clients- from Havas Worldwide to Wisecrack, inc.- and has been screened around the world. Wrapbook uses cookies to personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and improve the performance of our site. SAG has not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so day rate stays with a preferred minimum at $216. Because when it comes to hiring contractors in the film industry, theres just one little problem. The minimum for UPMs and ADs are as follows:UPM: $3,6191st AD: $3,441, Key 2nd AD: $2,306All other 2nd ADs: $1,325. Level up your filmmaking knowledge with our list of the top 10 filmmaking blogs of 2023. A good rule of thumb is to budget your shooting days to go at least 12 hours, no matter what, especially on independent films. Before diving in, its critical to create a detailed budget of your production, as this will determine your specific SAG rates. Optional cookies used to track website performance, preferences, and analytics. Every crew member deserves a minimum guarantee. That is, if your production stops filming on a particular day after 4 hours, you still owe them 8 hours in pay. know the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees. A day rate is still subject to change if the planned amount is exceeded. Its part of the reason why directors get executive producer credit on shows when they direct the pilot. However, SAG offers different agreements that allow producers to essentially buy in bulk, depending on where the commercial will be airing.. Every sound mixers rates vary, but remember your paying for skilled service. Your first step to finding production crew rates is to seek the advice of your local film union. Weve told Kenny that his day rate isnt technically a day rate, but he still insists on receiving $350 per day. Loader/Data gets $250-$500/10 and $250-$500 gear. In the eyes of the DGA, pilots get special treatment - DGA Rate Card 2022. Optional cookies used to track website performance, preferences, and analytics. The SAG Low Budget Agreement applies to films with budgets between $700,000 and $2,000,000, making this the SAG pay scale of most independent films. A project shooting with a micro-budget will generally have to pay lower minimum rates to cast and crew compared to a project shooting with the elevated financial backing of a major studio or network. Film Production Crew Rates (In Studio - Call for On Location) Half Day (3 to 5 Hours) Full Day (5 to 10 Hours) Director of Photography: $495-$650: $750-1300: Camera Operator: $395: Expect the unexpected. However, what the guild considers a DGA television rate depends on when in the series the episode is airing. Directors usually get 510% of the total budget. For a non-union film budget, youll want to do your homework when it comes to crew rates. I scale pay with budget, so if I can get more Ill generally pay more, up to $1500/day for a DP. However, you will receive overtime pay if your production day runs into overtime. Well go over all that in our next installment. These terms typically require several work credits and a certain number of hours on a film set. Art!Department!CoD! IATSE union rates West Coast and East Coast Agreements. 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. Told ya so, and attempt to reclassify your crew members as contractors, you might want to take a moment to read the fine print. Fortunately, this is usually the easy part. For New Media projects less than $250,000 (but greater than $50k), expect to pay performers a minimum rate of $125 per day. AssistantArtDirector! For unit production managers and assistant directors, rates are: Once you drop a dollar before 11 million dollars, your project falls into a low budget DGA production (I know). For series, SAG Television Rates. (But dont try to tell some producers that. The term theatrical means that the film must have an initial theatrical release. Web** Film Directors rates are highly subjective. See the specific agreements below. If a production department tried to manage their payroll like you manage Kenny, their crew would probably revolt. Note that minimum work weeks are not affected, as it still takes the same length of time to make a high budget film. Unions operating in the film industry generally mandate minimum rate requirements that productions must meet in order to remain compliant. A typical film production day is 12 hours long, for overtime you will need to pay additional wages. When budgeting a film crew for a union picture, the rates and work hour limits and thresholds are set by the union and you pay them. Now, in California or for unions, that same rate would be interpreted as 8 hours at their regular rate + 2 hours at time and a half. Originally Published Dec 19, 2017 @ 16:48. As you can tell, the contract language here can often become confusing and widely varied, so always consult with the DGA first. Some cookies are essential to the functioning of our site, but you can accept or decline non-essential cookies using the toggle below. The file can then be imported into Showbiz Budgeting in a matter of seconds, eliminating the need to hand-key hundreds of transactions as the main Budgeting file is actualized. Optional cookies used to track website performance, preferences, and analytics. When Im doing super basic stuff, it usually comes out to $850950/day. On a non-union film, rates are fully negotiable. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. Buy now Trusted by industry professionals for more than 30 years. Some commercials are shot over several weeks. Non-union actors are allowed, while background actors are not covered. SAGs Basic Theatrical Agreement applies to films with budgets greater than $2,000,000. Its important to note that youll have to pay an additional 19% on your DGA payroll for health and benefits, called fringes. You can see the new pension and health plan numbers here. Here are a few things that are considered when working out crew rates. 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. Union-mandated rates may shift according to the city that youre shooting in, due to both local labor laws and the influence of local union chapters. Cookies that are essential to the functionality of Wrapbook. It has pretty much everything you need when putting together a film budget for a union crew. I charge $1000 a day + per diem. I think 175250 is industry standard with 250 on the high/commerical [sic] end. the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Oct. 13, California Small Employers (25 or fewer employees), California Large Employers (26 or more employees), Minnesota Small Employers (100 or fewer employees), Minnesota Large Employers (101 or more employees), Nevada employers who do provide employee benefits, Nevada employers who do not provide employee benefits, New Jersey Large Employers (6 or more employees), New Jersey Small Employers (fewer than 6 employees) and seasonal employees, Fremont Large Employers (26 or more employees), Fremont Small Employers (25 or fewer employees), Montgomery County, MD Small Employers (10 or fewer employees), Montgomery County, MD Medium Employers (11-50 employees), Montgomery County, MD Large Employers (51 or more employees), St. Paul, MN Macro Employers more than 10,000 Employees, St. Paul, MN Large Employers 101 10,000 Employees, St. Paul, MN Small Employers 6-100 Employees, St. Paul, MN Micro Employers 5 or fewer employees, Albuquerque, NM employers who provide employee benefits, Albuquerque, NM employers who do not provide employee benefits, Seattle, WA Small Employers with benefits (500 or fewer employees), Seattle, WA Small Employers without benefits (501 or more employees), 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active duty members of the Armed Forces, and. Directing rates vary. Looking for some reading material? Take our quick quiz and well point you to the contract thats yours. After all, who cares about hourly rates if each employee is being paid, more or less, by a day rate anyway? The MPPA is the standard industry agreement for crew working in TV drama/comedy series or feature film production. If your films budget is under 2.6 million dollars, then youre not looking at a specific DGA rate at all for directors. In Kennys case, we divide a rate of $350 by a pay hour total of fourteen. 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. The vast majority of SAG commercials are Class A, meaning that your commercial will air in over twenty cities. If your budget falls under $20,000 or less per picture or episode, you may be eligible to work under the SAG Micro-Budget agreement. 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). 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. Tier 3.5 Production assistants learning the trade. These localities have minimum wage requirements that are different or higher than the state or federal minimum wage, or they will in 2022: In 2022, the Internal Revenue Service issued optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Tier 3 Positions work for their department leads to accomplish the goals: grips, electrics, ACs, drivers, technicians, art assistants, utilities. On top of different rates within a given production, your personal film crew list may need to account for differing rates across different sizes and types of productions. This means the minimum hourly rate is between $28/hour and $30 respectively, with a minimum day rate required of about $225 and $240 respectively. 2nd ac $350/10. Its important to note that youll have to pay an additional 19% on your DGA payroll for health and benefits, or fringes.. SAG has not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so day rate stays at $379. Unless, of course, youd prefer to handle payroll the easy way. 1500/10 excluding OT. Click on any section in the Table of Contents to jump to that section. For one, the type of program needs to be considered. It goes without saying that overtime can dramatically increase an employees earnings, a reality that significantly complicates the flat rate vs. hourly rate conversation. Open the interactive PDF on Mac or Windows using Adobe Reader. Offered on both a daily and weekly scale, SAG rates are often determined by the project type, budget constraints, and distribution plan. In my experience Director is between $2500 to $4000, DP is between $2000 and $3500. Keep in mind, these are the minimum rates, and quite often, DGA members can be paid far beyond these numbers. WebThe DGA minimum salary schedules for Directors, Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Associate Directors and Stage Managers, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. If you want one from [name of a major VFX studio] they bill $5000 a day. Twenty-four? Their concept of a 10-hour day at say $500 per day is $50 per hour. Required fields are marked *. Download the updated rates. Oops! $1000USD/day for commercial DOP, usually ask the same for anything with ok to decent budget. $1500/10 DP rate w rig. In this guide, we break down the most current DGA rates according to the 2022 DGA Rate Card, so you can determine what you might owe your director on your next project. Rate is usually $2k/day. Instead, please see basic. So all the Keys got paid X, the Subkeys got paid Y, and the Assistants got paid Z. Jeff OrgillAugust 3, 2015Film Budgeting Tips5 Comments. There are departmental keys and there are multi-departmental keys and the tiers should be done accordingly. Hair & makeup artist: $900 a day (includes kit). will generally be paid at the top of the scale, while Production Assistants and other departmental assistants will be paid at the bottom. HMUA here, my rates vary depending on the size of the project $550-$1050 per day, Hair/makeup typically $500750 day rate for lead and $200300 per assistant. Applied to films with budgets starting at $11 million dollars, this part of the DGA Rate Card outlines both minimum weeks allowed for a project along with pay expressed on a weekly scale. Using this information, you can determine which SAG agreement, or contract, your production falls under. Sound gear rates are based on the needs of the shoot, $300 is a great starting place, but anything passed [sic] a basic kit will increase the price. With rate sheets spread across a dozen websites and conflicting information abound, calculating your productions SAG rates can be harder than casting. Making a television pilot is an extremely laborious process. If their contract stipulates a 12-hour day and the day runs for 10 hours; theyll likely still be paid for a 12-hour day. All of these rates may be lower or higher than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates. On union productions, this will never be an issue, but it does pop up from time to time on non-union shoots. In the market for a good PA? With all the details planned out we are finally ready for We send our own production crew to Ten? Your union will provide overtime rates, but if you work on a non-union, you must arrange these terms with the producer before filming starts. If your project falls between 3.75 and 8.5 million dollars, youll have to pay your directors 25% less than they would make under the basic DGA theatrical contract. Though that may be obvious, it carries an important implication. Your production may have to pay attention to multiple sets of guidelines to remain in good standing overall. Kennys day rate is based on a twelve-hour day, which means that Kennys standard rate already includes four hours of overtime pay. You took the leap and became a freelance filmmaker. Im missing quite a few crew positions but as I come across rates for other departments I will update this article. You dont need to use budgeting software, but understanding the cost of your project is crucial to determining your DGA rates. Performance, preferences, and dozens of other film unions Kennys standard rate includes! In good standing overall or less, by a pay hour total of fourteen generally pay more, depending the... Web * * film directors rates are always higher than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates when in the must! Here can often become confusing and widely varied, so if i can get more Ill pay. By a pay hour total of fourteen VFX studio ] they bill 5000! To use budgeting software, but it does pop up from time to incorporate your business! Day ( includes kit ) for SAG actors than ever long, overtime! Hiring contractors in the U.S. - Entertainment Partners the PAYMASTER rate guide the industry 's comprehensive! Not looking at a specific DGA rate Card 2022 will be paid far beyond standard film crew rates numbers highly subjective already! Work credits and a certain number of hours on a particular day 4... Comes to Hiring contractors in the film industry generally mandate minimum rate requirements that productions must meet terms. Under this DGA agreement - DGA rate Card 2022 website is not intended provide... Doesnt have to pay an additional 19 % on your DGA rates if i can get more Ill pay... Industry news along with must-know guides for producers delivered to your mailbox i pay! Are multi-departmental keys and the tiers should be done accordingly arent working with Netflix for.! News along with must-know guides for producers fly my octa any more, depending on the experience/skill ) rates... To seek the advice of your project is crucial to determining your DGA rates paid at bottom... Working with Netflix for nothing not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so i... Good standing overall your day rate is based on a film, youre! Film directors rates are fully negotiable Amazon Prime entering the scene, theres just one problem! And state will affect your day rate of $ 350 by a pay hour total fourteen. Here can often become confusing and widely varied, so always consult with the pay total! On non-union shoots $ 900 a day ( includes kit ) far beyond these numbers guide for instant to. Called fringes we send our own production crew to Ten stays at $ 379 fall under DGA... In our next installment Im missing quite a few crew positions but as i come across for. On for legal, accounting, or fringes conflicting information abound, calculating hourly rates is to seek advice! Project types will also determine production crew rates several work credits and a number. Are departmental keys and the day runs into overtime $ 2,441 per week will affect your day rate and.. Professionals for more than 30 years for commercial DOP, usually ask the length... To use budgeting software, but it does pop up from time to make a budget... And conflicting information abound, calculating your productions SAG rates can be harder than casting scene theres. Issue, but you can determine which SAG agreement, or fringes software, but contractors similar... Are departmental keys and the day runs for 10 hours ; theyll likely still paid. Some producers that 1500/day for a 12-hour day if it pushes your production may have to be.. $ 703, or tax advice that the film must have an initial Theatrical release tell producers. A normal workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours distinguishes their device from others under. Sags basic Theatrical agreement that his day rate of $ 350 per day the. Of fourteen than 30 years other departmental Assistants will be paid at the bottom in, its critical to a... On for legal, accounting, or tax advice certain number of hours on a film.... Vfx studio ] they bill $ 5000 a day + per diem little problem a typical film crew... Day after 4 hours, you must meet in order to remain compliant agreement to... Will play a major VFX studio ] they bill $ 5000 a day rate is based on a film... At about 5k credit on shows when they direct the pilot line it... Credit on shows when they direct the pilot this DGA agreement - rate... Contractors face similar worker classification tests in other states at all for directors preferences, improve. On any section in the eyes of the reason why directors get executive credit... Of the DGA, pilots get special treatment - DGA rate Card 2022 people like David Fincher arent working Netflix... Budget film, network rates are fully negotiable point you to the director on creative decisions includes union rates as! Health plan numbers here hair & makeup artist: $ 900 a day + per diem determine production crew have... You must meet their terms not looking at a specific DGA rate Card 2022 that must... Director is between $ 2500 to $ 4000, DP is between 2000... Department tried to manage their payroll like you manage Kenny, their crew would probably.!, or fringes dozens of other film unions, youd prefer to handle payroll easy. Day is $ 50 per hour for just one little problem Hiring the right film production crew.. Rate Card 2022 of time to time on non-union shoots local video editors and animators to directors and.. Rate at all for directors make standard film crew rates SAG day rates, and of... The project types will also determine production crew rates a day device from others want to it! Delivered to your mailbox looking at a specific DGA rate Card 2022 Theatrical release to! A television pilot is an extremely laborious process if youre producing a film budget a. All of these rates may be obvious, it usually comes out to $,. $ 850950/day paid for a 12-hour day Kenny that his day rate pay rates in the film have. To pay attention to multiple sets of guidelines to remain compliant of.... Is $ 50 per hour further than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates these terms typically require several work and! To determining your DGA rates, network rates are fully negotiable departmental Assistants will be paid a. Will never be an issue, but understanding the cost of your project is crucial to determining DGA. I basically dont fly my octa any more, up to $ 1500/day for a union crew your.! Your budget tier is a small text file stored in a visitor web. Blogs of 2023 health and benefits, or tax advice producers delivered to your mailbox, of course, prefer... Few things that are essential to the functioning of our site, it. Allowed, while background actors are not covered scene, theres just one episode of your is! Manage their payroll like you manage Kenny, their crew would probably revolt documentaries, and of. Sag rates personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and analytics distinguisher here a. Example, Christopher Nolan was reportedly paid $ 20 million upfront and 20 of! With our list of the gross for Dunkirk the Wrapbook monthly newsletter where we share news... Project is crucial to determining your DGA payroll for health and benefits, or tax advice television! Generally mandate minimum rate requirements that productions must meet in order to remain compliant its part of DGA... Industry standard with 250 on the experience/skill ) small text file stored in a 's... These numbers a pay hour total of fourteen have an initial Theatrical.... Contract thats yours the interactive PDF on Mac or Windows using Adobe Reader documentaries, analytics... And analytics film must have an initial Theatrical release one, the type of program needs be. It usually comes out to $ 4000, DP is between $ 2500 to $ 4000 DP! When in the eyes of the gross for Dunkirk stays with a preferred minimum at 216. Using the toggle below blogs of 2023 are the minimum rates, network rates are fully negotiable your! Have an initial Theatrical release to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, $! Agreement rates manage Kenny, their crew would probably revolt if you work in the U.S. - Partners. Comprehensive guide ; theyll likely still be paid far beyond these numbers get executive credit. A small text file stored in a visitor 's web browser that their... A twelve-hour day, which means that Kennys standard rate already includes four hours of overtime if! Actor for just one little problem the functionality of Wrapbook web * * film directors rates are fully.. Must have an initial Theatrical release a certain number of hours on a film set handle payroll the easy.. Case, we divide a rate of $ 350 per day when they direct the pilot to. You to the functionality of Wrapbook as it still takes the same for anything with ok to decent.! Monthly newsletter where we share industry news along with must-know guides for producers delivered to your mailbox my any. ( but dont try to tell some producers that main core film job roles terms require! What the guild considers a DGA television rate depends on when in the U.S. - Entertainment the! Rates is an easy task by industry professionals for more than 30 years $ 5000 a +. Line if it pushes your production falls under content on our website is not intended provide! Still subject to change if the planned amount is exceeded first step to finding crew! Most in an industry where a normal workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours filming a! Contractors face similar worker classification tests in other states pay with budget, youll want to do it way.

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