Entertainment Lawyer Raleigh NC: SAG-AFTRA New Media Contracts

Klish and Eldreth, PLLC are Entertainment Lawyers Raleigh NC that may be able to help you with SAG-Aftra New Media Contracts. Should you have any questions regarding the new methods that became effective in 2012, call Klish and Eldreth PLLC, today. Be sure to read on to find out if any of the 2012 change may have effected you.

SAG-AFTRA contracts have always covered traditional types of media, such as film and TV. To keep up with the ever-changing technology and new methods of distribution, in 2012 SAG-AFTRA revised the New Media Agreement, which governs many new forms of entertainment law in North Carolina. To qualify for a SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement your project must be original, independent, and you must intend for your project to first be screened on the Internet, mobile devices or any other new platform. This excludes, among other forms of media, all motion pictures, video games, commercials, and infomercials.

SAG-AFTRA actors are allowed to participate in New Media projects. The good news for smaller production companies is that, like many other SAG-AFTRA agreements, the New Media Agreement allows producers to defer payment to SAG-AFTRA performers, so long as your performers agree to the deferral. However, there are a couple of situations that trigger residual payments to SAG-AFTRA performers. For one, residuals will be due when you new media program’s final total cost is $25,000 or more per minute and it is exhibited on a consumer-pay-platform beyond 26 weeks. Second, if you choose to distribute your new media production beyond new media agreement (after the initial new media release), you will be required to pay residuals from the use in traditional media based on the appropriate existing SAG, AFTRA Agreement formulas.