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

On June 4, 2026, SAG-AFTRA members ratified the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the AMPTP, with 91.42% voting in favor. The new contract runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, with 3% compounded annual wage increases. The WGA signed its 2026 MBA on April 4, 2026, with a 1.5% increase effective May 2, 2026, followed by 3% increases in each subsequent year. The DGA's current rate card runs through June 30, 2026, with new rates expected for the 2026-2027 period.

If you are budgeting an independent film and trying to figure out whether you can afford to go union, these numbers matter. They determine your minimum costs for cast, director, and writer, plus pension and health contributions, residuals, and administrative obligations that extend years beyond production.

This guide breaks down the current 2026 rates for all three guilds, explains the low-budget agreement tiers that make union productions accessible to indie filmmakers, and walks through real cost calculations so you can make informed budgeting decisions.

Important: This is general information, not legal advice. Union rates change, and specific productions may qualify for different agreements. Always consult directly with the guilds and an entertainment attorney for your specific production.

Quick Answer

The three major entertainment unions each have tiered agreements that allow low-budget independent films to hire union talent at reduced rates. SAG-AFTRA's Ultra Low Budget Agreement covers films up to $250,000 with a daily minimum of $257 per performer (effective July 1, 2026). The DGA's Low Budget Agreement covers films up to $11 million, with director compensation ranging from 33% of scale at the lowest budget tier to 90% at the highest. The WGA's Low Budget Theatrical Agreement covers films under $5 million, with an original screenplay (including treatment) minimum of approximately $92,316 for the current contract year.

All three guilds require pension and health contributions on top of minimum compensation, and all have residual obligations that trigger when your film is distributed. The total cost of going union is typically 20 to 30% higher than just the day rate, once you factor in P&H, overtime, and administrative costs.

SAG-AFTRA: 2026 Rates and Agreements

SAG-AFTRA represents performers in film, television, and digital media. The 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement, ratified on June 4, 2026, introduces 3% compounded annual wage increases through June 30, 2030.

Agreement Types by Budget

SAG-AFTRA offers tiered agreements based on your production budget. The lower your budget, the lower the minimum rates you must pay.

Rates increase 3% annually on July 1. For example, the Ultra Low Budget daily rate rises to $264 on July 1, 2027, and $272 on July 1, 2028, according to SAGindie.

Key Changes in the 2026 Contract

Several changes beyond the wage increase affect indie productions:

Three-day performer threshold: The three-day performer salary threshold moves from $3,150 to $3,800 for three days, effective July 1, 2026.

Weekly performer threshold: The weekly salary threshold rises from $4,400 to $5,200, increasing further to $5,750 on July 1, 2028.

Stunt performers: The multiple picture weekly threshold moves to $5,300 per week, then $5,750 on July 1, 2027, and $6,200 on July 1, 2029.

High Budget SVOD background coverage: The theatrical background actor coverage cap (first 85 background actors per day) now applies to High Budget SVOD programs 85 minutes or longer with budgets of $30 million or more on platforms with 20 million+ domestic subscribers.

Attribution changes: Meta removed several view-through attribution windows in early 2026, making conversion reporting more conservative. This does not directly affect SAG-AFTRA rates but impacts how residual-generating performance is measured on ad-supported platforms.

Pension and Health Contributions

P&H contributions are required on top of all performer compensation. The current rate is approximately 19% of gross compensation. This is not optional. If you pay a performer $257 for a day on an Ultra Low Budget production, you also owe approximately $48.83 in P&H.

Residuals

Residuals are ongoing payments to performers when your film is distributed beyond its initial release. They are generally based on a percentage of the Distributor's Gross Receipts (DGR). The total percentage is divided among performers based on time worked and salary.

Residuals are triggered by theatrical release, television broadcast, home video, streaming (SVOD and AVOD), and international distribution. The specific formulas vary by medium and agreement tier. For low-budget agreements, residual obligations are typically reduced but not eliminated.

Becoming a SAG-AFTRA Signatory

To hire SAG-AFTRA members:

1. Apply as a signatory to the appropriate agreement through the SAG-AFTRA Production Center
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

The signatory process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Start early.

Directors Guild of America (DGA): 2025-2026 Rates

The DGA represents directors, unit production managers, assistant directors, and other production personnel. The current DGA Rate Card is effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

DGA Low Budget Agreement Tiers

The DGA's Low Budget Agreement covers films with budgets up to $11 million. Director compensation is calculated as a percentage of full scale, based on budget level:

Source: DGA Independent Committee FAQ

Full Scale Director Minimums (2025-2026)

For films with budgets of $11 million or more, the full Basic Agreement rates apply:

Source: DGA Rate Card 2025-2026 and Wrapbook

UPM and AD Rates

For Level 4C ($8.5M to $11M), UPM and AD weekly rates:

DGA Key Terms

Preparation period: Pre-production weeks the director must be paid for before shooting begins.

Cutting allowance: Post-production weeks where the director has guaranteed access to the editing room.

Director's Cut: The director has a guaranteed period to assemble their cut before the producer or studio can make changes.

Vacation and holiday pay: At Level 4C and above, 20% vacation pay and holiday pay apply. Below Level 4C, these may not apply.

DGA Initiation Fee

Directors joining on low-budget (under $11 million) narrative and documentary features pay a $5,000 initiation fee, with 40% payable up front and the remainder over a year. The regular initiation fee is $15,320 (updated annually on July 1).

Writers Guild of America (WGA): 2026 MBA Rates

The WGA's 2026 Minimum Basic Agreement was signed on April 4, 2026. Most minimums increase by 1.5% effective May 2, 2026, with additional 3% increases on May 2, 2027, May 2, 2028, and May 2, 2029.

WGA Theatrical Compensation Minimums

The WGA divides theatrical compensation into High Budget ($5 million or more) and Low Budget (under $5 million).

Source: WGA Schedule of Minimums and 2026 WGA MBA FAQ

The 1.5% increase for the first year of the 2026 MBA is smaller than the 3% increases in subsequent years. This was a negotiated compromise.

New in the 2026 MBA: Page-One Rewrites

The 2026 MBA introduces a new compensation category for page-one rewrites, where a writer is hired to replace all or substantially all of an existing screenplay. The minimum is $57,500 for high-budget features and $31,500 for low-budget features in the first year, increasing with general wage adjustments.

Guaranteed Second Step Expansion

The 2026 MBA expands the mandatory second step protection. When a writer is hired for a first draft screenplay at 225% or less of the applicable minimum (up from 200% in the 2023 MBA), the company must employ the writer for a rewrite at no less than minimum. This means if you hire a writer at or below $207,603 for a low-budget original screenplay including treatment, a guaranteed rewrite is required.

Source: WGA Guaranteed Second Step

WGA Low Budget Theatrical Agreement

The WGA offers modified terms for genuine independent films with budgets under $1,500,000. This agreement provides reduced minimums, modified separated rights, and simplified reporting. Contact the WGA Contracts Department directly for current rates and eligibility.

WGA Key Concepts

Separated rights: WGA members retain certain rights in their work, including sequel/remake rights under specific conditions, publication rights, and theatrical stage rights.

Credit arbitration: The WGA determines final writing credits through an arbitration process when disputes arise between writers.

MBA (Minimum Basic Agreement): The comprehensive collective bargaining agreement between the WGA and studios/producers covering all terms of employment.

Real Cost Calculations for Indie Films

Example 1: $250,000 Film (SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget)

5 principal actors, 12 shooting days:

• Principal compensation: 5 actors x 12 days x $257 = $15,420
• P&H contribution (19%): $2,930
• Background actors (3 days, 5 actors): 15 actor-days x $231 = $3,465
• Background P&H (19%): $658
• Total SAG-AFTRA cost: ~$22,473

That is roughly 9% of your $250,000 budget. Significant but manageable.

Example 2: $700,000 Film (SAG-AFTRA Moderate Low Budget)

5 principal actors, 18 shooting days:

• Principal compensation: 5 actors x 18 days x $449 = $40,410
• P&H contribution (19%): $7,678
• Background actors (18 days, 5 actors): 90 actor-days x $231 = $20,790
• Background P&H (19%): $3,950
• Total SAG-AFTRA cost: ~$72,828

That is roughly 10.4% of your $700,000 budget. The jump from Ultra Low Budget to Moderate Low Budget is steep. Consider whether you can keep your budget at or below $250,000 to access the Ultra Low Budget tier.

Example 3: WGA Writer on a $3 Million Film (Low Budget)

Original screenplay including treatment:

• Minimum compensation: ~$92,269 (2026 MBA first year)
• P&H contribution (approximately 12.5% for WGA): ~$11,534
• Total WGA cost: ~$103,803

Plus, if you are paying at or below 225% of minimum ($207,603), you must guarantee a second step (rewrite) at minimum: ~$30,273 plus P&H.

Example 4: DGA Director on a $1.1 Million Film (Level 1b)

At Level 1b ($500,000 to $1,100,000), the director earns 33% of scale.

• Full scale weekly salary: $24,599
• 33% of scale: $8,118/week
• Guaranteed employment: 10 weeks minimum
• Preparation: 2 weeks
• Cutting allowance: 1 week
• Total weeks: 13
• Director compensation: 13 weeks x $8,118 = $105,534
• Total DGA director cost: ~$105,534+

Note: At Level 1b, vacation and holiday pay may not apply. Confirm with the DGA.

Cost Optimization Strategies

1. Choose the Right Agreement Tier

Budget ceilings are strict. If your film costs $251,000, you cannot use the Ultra Low Budget Agreement. You must use the Moderate Low Budget Agreement, which nearly doubles your day rate. Sometimes spending $1,000 less on production keeps you in a more favorable tier and saves $20,000+ in cast costs.

2. Factor in Total Cost, Not Just Day Rates

Day rates are one component. Your total union cost includes:

• Pension and health contributions (19% for SAG-AFTRA, approximately 12.5% for WGA)
• Overtime potential (after 8 hours daily for SAG-AFTRA)
• Travel and accommodation requirements
• Fittings and rehearsal pay
• Residual obligations (triggered on distribution)
• Administrative costs (signatory paperwork, reporting, payroll services)

Budget 20 to 30% above day rates to cover these additional costs.

3. Consider Hybrid Approaches

Some productions use SAG-AFTRA performers with non-union crew. Others use a WGA writer with a non-DGA director. These hybrid approaches are legal but require careful structuring. Consult with an entertainment attorney about permissible configurations.

4. Negotiate Above Minimum Strategically

For experienced talent, you will pay above minimum regardless. Understanding minimums helps you negotiate fairly and budget accurately. Do not assume you can get quality performers at minimum on higher-tier productions.

Non-Union vs. Union: The Real Trade-Off

When Non-Union Makes Sense

• Your budget is under $50,000 and SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget is still too expensive
• Your film is experimental and does not require professional performers
• You have access to a strong non-union talent pool in your area
• You do not plan to pursue traditional distribution

When Union Makes Sense

• You need recognizable or professional talent for distribution appeal
• Your distribution strategy requires union credentials
• You want to attract above-the-line talent (directors, writers) who are guild members
• You are budgeting above $250,000 and the incremental cost is manageable

Legal Requirements Apply Regardless

Even on non-union productions, you must comply with:

• State overtime laws
• Meal and rest period requirements
• Safety regulations
• Workers' compensation insurance

For more on production budgeting, see our guide on how much it costs to make a movie.

What Filmmakers Should Do Next

1. Determine which guild agreements apply to your budget. Identify your budget tier for each guild and calculate the minimum costs.
2. Contact the guilds early. Start the signatory process during pre-production, not when you are ready to hire.
3. Budget for total cost, not just day rates. Add 20 to 30% for P&H, overtime, and administrative costs.
4. Consult an entertainment attorney. Union agreements are complex legal documents. Get professional advice.
5. Download the official schedules of minimums. Get the current rate cards directly from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA.
6. Model multiple scenarios. Calculate costs for both union and non-union approaches before deciding.
7. Plan for residuals. These obligations extend years beyond production. Understand what you will owe when your film is distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement daily rate for 2026?

Effective July 1, 2026, the Ultra Low Budget daily rate is $257 per performer. This applies to films with budgets of $250,000 or less. The rate increases to $264 on July 1, 2027.

How much are SAG-AFTRA pension and health contributions?

P&H contributions are approximately 19% of gross compensation, required on top of all performer pay. If you pay a performer $257 for a day, you also owe approximately $48.83 in P&H.

What is the WGA minimum for an original screenplay in 2026?

For the 2026 MBA first year (effective May 2, 2026), the low-budget minimum for an original screenplay including treatment is approximately $92,269. The high-budget minimum is approximately $173,215. These reflect a 1.5% increase over the previous year.

What is the DGA Low Budget Agreement?

The DGA Low Budget Agreement covers films with budgets up to $11 million. Director compensation is calculated as a percentage of full scale, ranging from 33% for films under $1.1 million to 90% for films between $8.5 million and $11 million.

Can I use SAG-AFTRA actors on a non-union film?

No. To hire SAG-AFTRA members, you must become a signatory to a SAG-AFTRA agreement. However, the Ultra Low Budget Agreement makes this accessible for films with budgets up to $250,000.

Do I have to pay residuals on low-budget union films?

Yes, but residual obligations are typically reduced for low-budget agreements. The specific formulas vary by agreement tier and distribution medium. Consult the guild directly for your specific obligations.

How do the 2026 SAG-AFTRA contract changes affect indie filmmakers?

The main change is a 3% annual wage increase effective July 1, 2026. Additionally, the three-day performer threshold increased to $3,800, the weekly performer threshold increased to $5,200, and high-budget SVOD programs now face the same background actor coverage cap as theatrical films.

Can I mix union and non-union cast and crew?

Yes, in certain configurations. You can use SAG-AFTRA performers with non-union crew, or a WGA writer with a non-DGA director. However, the specific rules vary by guild and agreement. Consult an entertainment attorney to ensure your structure is compliant.

Conclusion

Union rates are not just about paying minimums. They are about understanding the full cost structure of a professional production. The 2026 contract updates from SAG-AFTRA and WGA bring modest but real increases that affect your budgeting. The DGA's current rate card runs through June 30, 2026, with new rates expected shortly.

The key takeaway for independent filmmakers: the tiered agreement system makes union productions accessible even at low budget levels. SAG-AFTRA's Ultra Low Budget Agreement at $257 per day is within reach for many micro-budget films. The DGA's 33% of scale at Level 1a makes a DGA director possible on films under $500,000. The WGA's low-budget minimums provide a framework for compensating writers fairly without breaking your budget.

But the day rate is just the beginning. Factor in P&H, residuals, overtime, and administrative costs. Model your total union cost before deciding. And once your film is made, tools like Filmcane can help you track distribution performance, optimize marketing spend, and make sure every dollar in your distribution budget is working as hard as it can.

Your film's success depends on smart decisions at every stage. Start with understanding your costs, and finish with data-driven distribution. For more on the financial side of filmmaking, see our guide on independent film financing in 2026.