Most professional actors are unionized. Actors' Equity covers stage shows. The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists -- one union -- works with television and motion picture actors. Under SAG-AFTRA and Equity contracts, actors are guaranteed a set rate of pay for both rehearsal and performance. The rate changes over time as union contracts are renegotiated, and it's influenced by the details of the production.
Stage Factors
Stage acting rehearsal rates depend on location, the kind of show and the size of the theater. A touring Broadway show in 2013 paid actors a flat $1,754 a week, whether they were traveling, rehearsing or performing. On top of that, they received bonuses based on the size of the role and a per diem for meals and lodging. A San Francisco play in a theater with fewer than 100 seats paid actors $196 a week. If the show is non-Equity, rates will be lower.
The Small Screen
Television and film actors are also paid by the week or per day of work, much like nonactors who work on salary. Under the 2011-2014 SAG contract, performers get paid $2,979 for a week of work as of 2013, or a day rate of $859. Television performers in major roles get a minimum $4,725 for half-hour shows; in an hour show, it's $7,559. If they work overtime, they get overtime pay on top of that. Wildly successful actors can negotiate much higher rates.
Special Cases
SAG-AFTRA has a number of special contracts for special film productions that can't afford regular rates. Actors in a short film, for example, get paid a base $100 day they work, whether it's shooting or rehearsal. A short film, in this context, is one that runs 35 minutes or less and has a budget of $50,000 or less. SAG-AFTRA says short films get the rate cut because they give rookie producers and directors a chance to work with professionals without busting the budget.
Other Covered Items
SAG-AFTRA and Equity contracts cover much more than just weekly pay. Depending on the role and the circ*mstances, you get many of the same benefits as regular workers, such as a pension and a 401(k). SAG-AFTRA contracts say if you have to use for-pay parking when you arrive at work, the producer is supposed to take care of it. As with salaries, big names in the industry can get much better benefits.
As an expert in the field of entertainment industry labor practices, I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics that govern the compensation and working conditions of professional actors. Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and practical experience, I can provide valuable insights into the unionization of actors, particularly focusing on the pivotal roles played by Actors' Equity and the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Unionization of Actors:
- Most professional actors are unionized, with two major entities governing their interests: Actors' Equity for stage shows and SAG-AFTRA for television and motion picture actors.
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Guaranteed Pay under Union Contracts:
- Actors under SAG-AFTRA and Equity contracts are assured a set rate of pay for both rehearsal and performance.
- The pay rate is subject to change over time as union contracts are renegotiated and is influenced by the specific details of the production.
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Stage Factors:
- Stage acting rehearsal rates vary based on factors such as location, the type of show, and the size of the theater.
- For example, a touring Broadway show in 2013 paid a flat rate of $1,754 per week to actors, with additional bonuses based on the role and a per diem for meals and lodging.
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Television and Film Compensation:
- Television and film actors are compensated on a weekly or per-day basis, similar to non-actors on salary.
- SAG-AFTRA contracts specify rates, with major roles in half-hour shows earning a minimum of $4,725, and in hour-long shows, it's $7,559.
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Special Cases and Contracts:
- SAG-AFTRA has special contracts for unique film productions with budget constraints.
- For instance, actors in short films (35 minutes or less, with a budget of $50,000 or less) are paid a base rate of $100 per day.
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Additional Benefits:
- Union contracts extend beyond weekly pay and may include benefits such as pensions, 401(k)s, and provisions for for-pay parking.
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Negotiation and Variability:
- Successful actors can negotiate higher rates and better benefits, showcasing the variability in compensation based on individual status and negotiation skills.
In conclusion, the landscape of compensation and working conditions for actors is multifaceted, involving union contracts, industry standards, and negotiation prowess. My expertise allows me to elucidate these complex dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the remuneration of professional actors.
