How much is mileage for SAG Aftra?
Mileage reimbursement is a critical component of the compensation structure for members of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). It ensures that performers are fairly compensated for travel expenses incurred when reporting to work locations, especially those outside standard studio zones. Understanding the specifics of these reimbursements is essential for both performers and producers to maintain compliance with union agreements and to uphold equitable practices within the entertainment industry.servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+5Backstage+5servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+5
Standard Mileage Reimbursement Rate
As per SAG-AFTRA guidelines, performers are entitled to a mileage reimbursement rate of $0.30 per mile when required to report to locations within or outside the established studio zones. This rate is designed to offset the costs associated with the use of a personal vehicle for work-related travel. SAG-AFTRA+4Topsheet+4SAG-AFTRA+4SAG-AFTRA
Studio Zones and Applicable Exceptions
Studio zones are predefined geographic areas that determine the applicability of mileage reimbursements:servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4SAG-AFTRA+4Backstage+4
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Hollywood and San Francisco: A 30-mile radius from a central point defines these studio zones.greenroomtax+6Topsheet+6SAG-AFTRA+6
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New York: An eight-mile radius from Columbus Circle establishes this studio zone.greenroomtax+7Backstage+7SAG-AFTRA+7
Within these zones, certain exceptions affect mileage reimbursement:
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Designated Point Exception: For theatrical productions, new one-hour series, half-hour, and one-hour pilots, producers may designate a point within the 30-mile Los Angeles zone. No mileage is payable for travel within a 10-mile radius of this designated point once per season. Producers must notify their SAG-AFTRA business representative of this designated point before principal photography begins. Topsheet+4SAG-AFTRA+4servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4SAG-AFTRA+3SAG-AFTRA+3Topsheet+3
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Producer-Provided Transportation: If the producer provides transportation to a location outside of the studio zone, performers are not eligible for mileage reimbursement for that segment of travel. servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+2Topsheet+2SAG-AFTRA+2
Travel to Overnight Locations
When performers are required to travel to an overnight location without rendering services on the day of departure, compensation varies by contract:SAG-AFTRA+6servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+6SAG-AFTRA+6
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Day Performers: Entitled to a full day’s pay for travel days without rendered services.Topsheet+2SAG-AFTRA+2servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+2
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Weekly Performers: Specific provisions apply, and performers should consult with a SAG-AFTRA business representative for detailed information. servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+5Topsheet+5SAG-AFTRA+5
Flight Insurance Requirements
For air travel necessitated by the producer:Backstage+6SAG-AFTRA+6servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+6
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Commercial Airlines: The producer must provide flight insurance coverage of at least $100,000.servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4SAG-AFTRA+4SAG-AFTRA+4
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Helicopter Travel: Coverage must be at least $250,000.SAG-AFTRA+1SAG-AFTRA+1
If the producer cannot provide such coverage, they are required to reimburse the performer for the full purchase price of equivalent insurance upon proof of purchase. SAG-AFTRA+4servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4
Per Diem and Accommodations for Overnight Locations
In addition to lodging, producers must provide a per diem meal allowance for overnight locations where meals are not supplied:SAG-AFTRA
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Breakfast: $12.00SAG-AFTRA
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Lunch: $18.00Entertainment Partners+1servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+1
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Dinner: $30.00servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+6SAG-AFTRA+6SAG-AFTRA+6
These allowances should be paid before the workweek or workday commences. If the per diem is issued by check during engagements of two weeks or more, producers must ensure that performers have access to check-cashing facilities. SAG-AFTRA+1Backstage+1
Transportation Provisions for Air Travel
When air travel is required:
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Class of Service: All flights should be business class when available; if not, first class is acceptable. However, coach class air travel is permissible under specific conditions, such as non-stop domestic flights under 1,000 air miles or when six or more performers travel together on the same flight.Backstage+2Topsheet+2SAG-AFTRA+2
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Elevated Coach Class: When coach class is used, producers must provide elevated coach class (e.g., Economy Plus) when available. Performers are to be reimbursed for baggage fees and in-flight meal costs upon submission of receipts within 30 days. Backstage+2Topsheet+2SAG-AFTRA+2SAG-AFTRA+1Topsheet+1
Practical Examples of Mileage Reimbursement Scenarios
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Travel Within Studio Zone with Designated Point Exception:
Scenario: An actor is working on a new one-hour series in Los Angeles. The producer has designated a point within the 30-mile studio zone, and the actor’s reporting location falls within a 10-mile radius of this point.Topsheet+4SAG-AFTRA+4servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4
Reimbursement: The actor is not eligible for mileage reimbursement for travel within this 10-mile radius as per the designated point exception.Topsheet+2servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+2SAG-AFTRA+2
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Travel Outside Studio Zone Without Producer-Provided Transportation:
Scenario: A performer is required to report to a filming location 40 miles from the studio, outside the Hollywood studio zone. The producer does not provide transportation.Topsheet+3servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+3Backstage+3
Reimbursement: The performer is entitled to mileage reimbursement at $0.30 per mile for the distance traveled beyond the studio zone.servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+3servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+3SAG-AFTRA+3
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Overnight Location Travel Without Services Rendered:
Scenario: A day performer travels to an overnight location on Monday, with no services rendered that day, and begins work on Tuesday.servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4servicesagaftra.custhelp.com+4SAG-AFTRA+4
Reimbursement: The performer receives a full day’s pay for Monday, the travel day without services rendered.
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Air Travel with Coach Class Conditions:
Scenario: A group of six performers is required to fly to a filming location on a non-stop domestic flight under 1,000 air miles.
Reimbursement: The producer may book coach class for the group but must provide elevated coach class seating when available and reimburse for baggage fees and in-flight meals upon receipt submission.
Conclusion
Navigating the intricacies of mileage reimbursement within SAG-AFTRA agreements requires a thorough understanding of established rates, studio zones, exceptions, and additional travel-related provisions.