In this extended episode, host Ben Hauck narrates his saga of trying to learn from SAG-AFTRA the rate for stand-ins when they photo double in New York.
In the process of researching that rate, Ben reveals how he uncovered not just SAG-AFTRA’s misrepresentation of the increases photo doubles would make under the 2017 Television/Theatrical Agreement, but also SAG-AFTRA’s illogical interpretation of just how much stand-ins in New York should be paid when they photo doubled.
Ben also adds that a key person at SAG-AFTRA, responsible for interpreting the rates for stand-ins who photo double, has not replied with the interpretation.
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☞ Links
Ben references a number of SAG-AFTRA documents and links.
Parties to the Television/Theatrical Agreement
- SAG-AFTRA – Website for the labor union representing background actors, stand-ins, and photo doubles under its Television/Theatrical Agreement
- AMPTP – Website for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the representative body for producers who are signatory to the Television/Theatrical Agreement.
SAG-AFTRA’s “2017 TV/Theatrical Contract Referendum” Microsite
- Main Page – Includes a section of Frequently Asked Questions and another section on informational meetings about the proposed contract.
- “Just the Facts” Page – Includes information that “speculation and misinformation” about the proposed contract exists.
Contracts and Memoranda of Agreement
- 2005 Basic Agreement (Theatrical Version) – The source of most contract language for the Television/Theatrical Agreement. It contains Schedule X, Part 1 (Los Angeles Zone), and Schedule X, Part 2 (New York Zone). These sections of the Television/Theatrical Agreement cover background actors, stand-ins, and photo doubles. Note that various memoranda of agreement have been negotiated since 2005, meaning some of the language and many of the rates contained in the 2005 have been updated.
- Summary of the 2017 Television and Theatrical Tentative Agreement – Otherwise known as the “summary agreement,” this is what was given to SAG-AFTRA members before their ratification vote on the proposed 2017 Television/Theatrical Agreement. This was the only document voters could use to glean the contract terms with the AMPTP.
- Memorandum of Agreement for the 2017 Television/Theatrical Agreement – Dated September 29, 2017, this was not available to SAG-AFTRA members before their ratification vote. This document was announced as online on December 11, 2017.
- Memorandum of Agreement for the 2016 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract – This was available to members before they voted on May 9, 2016.
Rate Sheets
- General Rate Sheet (Wage Sheet) (Television Only) – Released in August 2017, before the released of the 2017 memorandum of agreement.
- More Explicit Rate Sheet (Rate Breakdowns) – Discovered January 2018.
SAG-AFTRA News Releases
- SAG-AFTRA’s Announcement of an Agreement with the AMPTP – Dated July 4, 2017.
- SAG-AFTRA’s Announcement of Member Ratification of the 2017 Television/Theatrical Agreement – Dated August 7, 2017.
Additional Coverage
Stand-In Central has been following this story for some time. Here are links to prior entries on Stand-In Central’s blog:
- What the Tentative 2017 Theatrical Agreement Means for SAG-AFTRA Stand-Ins — And Considerations When Voting on It – Blog entry from July 19, 2017.
- Have SAG-AFTRA Stand-Ins in New York Been Underpaid When Photo-Doubling? (We Think So.) – Blog post from August 2, 2017.
- With the Release of the 2017 MOA, Are SAG-AFTRA Stand-Ins in New York Being Underpaid When Photo-Doubling? (We STILL Think So.) – Blog post from January 17, 2018.
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