SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA Rates Explained for 2026: A Filmmaker's Guide

Understanding union rates is essential for budgeting independent films. Whether you're deciding to go union or non-union, knowing the actual costs helps you make informed decisions about your production.

This guide provides an overview of 2026 rates for SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA. Important: This is general information, not legal advice. Always consult directly with unions and entertainment attorneys for your specific production.

Understanding the Union Landscape

Why Unions Exist

Entertainment unions protect workers by establishing:

• Minimum compensation standards
• Working condition requirements
• Health and pension benefits
• Residual payment structures
• Safety protocols

Union vs. Non-Union Productions

Union advantages:

• Access to professional talent
• Industry credibility
• Established working standards
• Insurance and benefit structures

Union considerations:

• Higher minimum costs
• Administrative requirements
• Pension and health contributions
• Residual obligations
• Paperwork and reporting

Many independent filmmakers balance these factors based on budget, talent needs, and distribution goals.

SAG-AFTRA Overview

SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) represents performers in film, television, and digital media.

Agreement Types by Budget

SAG-AFTRA offers tiered agreements based on production budget:

Ultra Low Budget Agreement

• Budget ceiling: $250,000
• Minimum rate: $125/day
• No consecutive employment requirement
• Limited residual obligations

Modified Low Budget Agreement

• Budget ceiling: $700,000
• Minimum rate: $630/day (8 hours)
• Weekly rate: $2,190/week
• Standard residuals apply

Low Budget Agreement

• Budget ceiling: $3,000,000
• Minimum rate: $672/day
• Weekly rate: $2,335/week
• Full residual obligations

Theatrical Agreement (Scale)

• No budget ceiling
• Minimum rate: $1,082/day
• Weekly rate: $3,756/week
• Full union protections

Note: Rates shown are approximate 2026 minimums. Actual rates may differ. Consult SAG-AFTRA directly.

Key SAG-AFTRA Considerations

Pension and Health (P&H):

• Additional percentage on top of salary
• Currently approximately 19% of gross compensation
• Required for all covered performers

Residuals:

• Ongoing payments based on distribution
• Triggered by specific media (theatrical, television, streaming)
• Calculated on revenue or subscriber formulas

Working conditions:

• Meal periods (6 hours maximum between meals)
• Rest periods (12-hour turnaround standard)
• Overtime after 8 hours daily
• Fitting and rehearsal pay
• Travel and accommodation requirements

Becoming a SAG-AFTRA Signatory

To hire SAG-AFTRA members:

1. Apply as signatory to appropriate agreement
2. Complete paperwork and bond requirements
3. Maintain production files per union requirements
4. Submit final cast list and documentation
5. Pay residuals as distribution occurs

Directors Guild of America (DGA)

The DGA represents directors, unit production managers, first assistant directors, second assistant directors, and other personnel.

DGA Agreement Tiers

Low Budget Agreement (Narrative)

• Budget range: Up to $9,250,000
• Sliding scale based on budget

Basic Agreement (Over $9.25M)

• Full DGA minimums
• Comprehensive protections

Approximate DGA Director Minimums (2026)

Rates are approximate and vary by specifics. Consult DGA directly.

DGA Key Terms

Preparation time: Pre-production weeks required before shooting

Cutting time: Post-production weeks where director has creative control

Director's Cut: Guaranteed period for director's assembly before studio/producer changes

Residuals: Similar structure to SAG-AFTRA, based on distribution

Unit Production Managers and ADs

DGA also covers below-the-line positions:

• Unit Production Manager (UPM)
• First Assistant Director (1st AD)
• Second Assistant Director (2nd AD)

These positions have separate rate structures often required even on lower-budget union films.

Writers Guild of America (WGA)

The WGA represents writers for film, television, and digital content.

WGA Minimum Compensation (2026 Estimates)

Original Screenplay:

• Low budget (under $5M): ~$45,000
• High budget (over $5M): ~$80,000+

Screenplay with Treatment:

• Low budget: ~$65,000
• High budget: ~$115,000+

Rewrite:

• Low budget: ~$25,000
• High budget: ~$40,000+

Polish:

• Low budget: ~$12,000
• High budget: ~$20,000+

Rates are approximate. Consult WGA for current minimums.

WGA Key Concepts

Separated rights: WGA members retain certain rights in their work:

• Sequel/remake rights under specific conditions
• Publication rights
• Theatrical stage rights

Credit arbitration: WGA determines final writing credits through arbitration process when disputes arise.

MBA (Minimum Basic Agreement): The comprehensive contract between WGA and studios/producers covering all terms.

Low Budget Theatrical Agreement

WGA offers modified terms for genuine independent films:

• Budget ceiling: $1,500,000
• Reduced minimums
• Modified separated rights
• Simplified reporting

Making Financial Decisions

Budget Impact Analysis

Consider total union costs, not just day rates:

Example: $500,000 Film

SAG-AFTRA (Ultra Low Budget):

• 5 principal actors × 10 days × $125 = $6,250
• P&H contribution (19%): $1,188
• Background actors: $1,500
• Total: ~$9,000

Going Low Budget Agreement instead:

• 5 principals × 10 days × $672 = $33,600
• P&H (19%): $6,384
• Total: ~$40,000+

The tier choice significantly impacts budget.

Hybrid Approaches

Some productions use:

• SAG-AFTRA performers with non-union crew
• WGA writer with non-DGA director
• Strategic union choices based on talent needs

Consult with entertainment attorneys about permissible structures.

Cost Optimization Strategies

1. Choose Appropriate Agreement Tier

Don't exceed budget ceilings that trigger higher minimums. Sometimes spending slightly less keeps you in a favorable tier.

2. Negotiate Above Minimum

For experienced talent, you'll pay above minimum regardless. Understanding minimums helps negotiate fairly.

3. Consider Total Cost

Day rates are just one component. Factor in:

• P&H contributions
• Overtime potential
• Travel and accommodation
• Fittings and rehearsals
• Post-production obligations
• Future residuals

4. Optimize Marketing Spend

While union costs are often fixed, marketing offers flexibility. Using tools like Filmcane to track performance helps optimize limited marketing budgets—putting more resources toward what works.

Non-Union Considerations

Many independent films shoot non-union. Considerations:

Legal requirements still apply:

• Overtime laws (state-specific)
• Meal and rest periods
• Safety regulations
• Workers' compensation

Talent access:

• Major talent typically SAG-AFTRA only
• Some performers risk fi-core status
• Emerging talent pool available

Distribution implications:

• Some distributors prefer union
• International sales unaffected
• Streaming platforms accept both

Working With Unions

Building Relationships

• Contact unions early in development
• Attend union-sponsored events
• Understand their perspective and mission
• Be transparent about budget constraints

Common Mistakes

1. Assuming non-union is always cheaper Total cost analysis often surprises

2. Ignoring residual obligations These extend years beyond production

3. Misclassifying budget tier Unions audit and enforce

4. Underestimating paperwork Administrative burden is significant

Resources for Filmmakers

SAG-AFTRA:

• sagaftra.org
• Low budget contracts information
• Signatory application process

DGA:

• dga.org
• Agreement information
• Creative rights resources

WGA:

• wga.org (WGAW) / wgaeast.org (WGAE)
• Schedule of minimums
• Registration services

Plan Your Budget Strategically

Understanding union economics helps you build realistic budgets and make informed decisions about your production approach.

Whatever path you choose, effective marketing maximizes your film's reach. Filmcane helps independent filmmakers track performance across platforms, optimize marketing spend, and understand where audiences engage—letting you make the most of every dollar in your distribution budget.

Your film's success depends on smart decisions at every stage. Start with understanding your costs—and finish with data-driven distribution.