What Is the Per Diem Rate for SAG? A Comprehensive Guide
In the entertainment industry, actors often work long hours, travel to various locations, and spend significant time away from home while filming. To help cover the costs of meals, lodging, and other incidentals during production, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has established per diem rates for its members. Per diem is a daily allowance provided to actors to cover these expenses, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their time spent working on set.
In this article, we will explore what per diem is, how SAG determines per diem rates, and provide examples to give you a comprehensive understanding of how per diem works for SAG actors.
What Is Per Diem?
Per diem is a daily allowance given to employees, contractors, or workers to cover their expenses during a business trip or while working away from their usual place of residence. In the case of SAG-AFTRA actors, per diem is provided when they are working away from home on a film or television production. This allowance is meant to cover meals, transportation, and other daily expenses that actors may incur while on location.
It’s important to note that per diem is not a wage or salary. Instead, it’s a separate payment that helps actors cover the costs associated with being away from home and performing their job duties. While the specifics of per diem can vary, the general idea is to ensure that actors have enough funds to cover their living expenses while they are on set.
How Is Per Diem Determined?
SAG-AFTRA negotiates the terms of per diem payments during contract talks with studios and production companies. Per diem rates can vary based on several factors, including the type of production, the location of filming, and the actor’s role. Here are the main factors that affect per diem rates:
1. Union Contracts
SAG-AFTRA negotiates per diem rates as part of its collective bargaining agreements with various production companies. These agreements typically cover a set of standardized rates that apply to most actors working on union productions. The rates can differ between TV, film, and commercial productions and can also vary based on whether the production is unionized or non-union.
2. Location of Filming
One of the key factors that determine per diem rates is the location where the production is taking place. Actors working on location in major metropolitan areas may receive a different per diem rate compared to those working in more remote or international locations. Locations with a higher cost of living typically lead to higher per diem rates.
For example:
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A production shooting in a major city like Los Angeles or New York may offer a lower per diem rate, given that the cost of living in those cities is already accounted for in the production budget.
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Conversely, if a film is being shot in a remote area or a foreign country where actors are required to travel, the per diem rate may be adjusted to account for higher travel, food, and lodging costs.
3. Type of Production
The nature of the production also plays a role in determining per diem rates. Feature films, television series, and commercials often have different budgets and logistical requirements, which can affect how much per diem is offered. For example, a big-budget film may have a larger per diem allowance compared to a low-budget independent film, even if both productions are on location for several weeks.
4. Length of the Shoot
The duration of the production schedule can also impact per diem rates. In general, the longer an actor is required to work away from home, the more per diem they are likely to receive. This helps ensure that actors are compensated for the extended time they spend away from home and their families.
5. Travel and Lodging
Per diem is often calculated to account for not only meals but also lodging and travel expenses. For example, if a production covers the cost of an actor’s hotel or transportation, their per diem may be lower since these expenses are already being covered. On the other hand, if an actor has to arrange and pay for their own accommodation and travel, they may receive a higher per diem to help offset those costs.
Typical Per Diem Rates for SAG-AFTRA Members
The per diem rate for SAG-AFTRA actors can vary depending on the type of production, location, and duration of the shoot. The following examples provide a general idea of what actors might expect in terms of per diem payments.
Example 1: Feature Film Production (Domestic)
Let’s say an actor is working on a feature film that is being shot in a major city like Los Angeles, where the cost of living is relatively high. In this case, the per diem rate might range from $60 to $100 per day, depending on the actor’s role and the budget of the film.
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For a film that shoots for a period of four weeks, the actor could receive $2,400 to $4,000 in total per diem (assuming 24 workdays).
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If the film is being shot in a location with a lower cost of living, such as a smaller city or town, the per diem rate could be lower, perhaps $50 to $75 per day.
Example 2: Television Series (Domestic)
For a television series, the per diem rate can be similar but may vary based on the specific production. A TV series shot in a location like New York City could offer a per diem of around $100 per day, due to the high cost of living in the area.
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If the TV show is shooting for a two-week period (10 workdays), the actor could receive $1,000 in total per diem.
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A production based in a lower-cost city might offer $50 to $75 per day in per diem, so an actor working for the same duration could earn between $500 and $750.
Example 3: Commercial Production (Domestic)
For commercial shoots, per diem rates are generally lower than for feature films or TV series. This is due to the shorter duration of most commercial shoots, as they typically last only a few days. A commercial shoot in a major city could offer a per diem of around $50 to $75 per day.
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If an actor is working on a commercial shoot for three days, they might receive $150 to $225 in total per diem.
Example 4: International Shoot (Remote Location)
When a production is shooting in a foreign country or a remote location, per diem rates are often higher to account for the additional costs of travel, lodging, and food. For example, an actor working on a film in a remote location in Africa or South America might receive a per diem rate of $100 to $200 per day, depending on the country and the production’s budget.
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If the actor works for four weeks (20 days), their total per diem could range from $2,000 to $4,000.
Per Diem and SAG-AFTRA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement
SAG-AFTRA’s collective bargaining agreements set minimum per diem rates for different types of productions, though studios and production companies may offer higher rates if the production budget allows. The union ensures that these rates are fair and reflect the cost of living in various locations, providing actors with adequate compensation for their time away from home.
The SAG-AFTRA contracts also define specific rules regarding when per diem is paid. For example:
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Per diem is typically paid starting on the first day of travel or work, depending on the production schedule.
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If a production provides meals or lodging directly, the per diem amount may be reduced accordingly.
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In some cases, per diem payments are made directly to the actor at the beginning of the production or distributed weekly.
The Benefits of Per Diem for Actors
Per diem is a vital component of an actor’s compensation package, especially for those who are required to travel frequently for work. It helps cover the additional expenses associated with working away from home, ensuring that actors are not financially burdened by the costs of food, lodging, and other incidentals. Here are some of the main benefits of per diem:
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Financial Security: Per diem provides financial security to actors, allowing them to focus on their work without having to worry about how to pay for meals, lodging, or other daily expenses.
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Flexibility: Since per diem is intended to cover daily expenses, actors have the flexibility to spend it as they see fit. They are not required to submit receipts for each purchase, which makes it easier for actors to manage their own finances while working.
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Attractive Compensation for Long Shoots: For productions that require actors to work in remote or international locations for extended periods of time, per diem can significantly increase the actor’s total earnings, helping to make long-term assignments more financially appealing.
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Ease of Travel: Per diem helps ease the burden of travel, especially for actors who are constantly on the move. By covering the daily expenses of working in different locations, per diem ensures that actors can focus on their work without worrying about budgeting for each location they visit.
Conclusion
SAG-AFTRA’s per diem rates are an essential component of an actor’s compensation, helping them cover the costs associated with traveling for work and working away from home. The amount of per diem an actor receives depends on various factors, including the location of the shoot, the type of production, and the duration of the project. Whether working on a feature film, TV show, or commercial, per diem ensures that actors are compensated fairly for their time and expenses while on set.
For actors, understanding how per diem works is essential to managing their finances and ensuring they are properly compensated for their work. By negotiating fair per diem rates and ensuring that these payments are in line with industry standards, SAG-AFTRA helps protect its members and ensures that they are able to focus on their craft while on set.
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