SAG-AFTRA implements new self-recording audition guidelines for low-budget projects

SAG-AFTRA has implemented new safeguards for self-recording auditions for low-budget productions. The move was made, the guild said, “to allay members’ concerns about this common but often challenging practice.” The new guidelines limit all low-budget projects to reading five pages of the script for an initial self-recorded audition, although additional pages can be requested for a callback or via zoom.

A newly-seated tape committee will coordinate the ongoing work of various union committees on tape, “with a view to additional security improvements for other entertainment contracts,” the guild said.

The SAG-AFTRA National Council gave the green light to the new low-budget adhesive guidelines, which were approved at the Guild’s 2021 Meeting and reviewed by their internal committees.

“These improvements are in response to a membership survey distributed by unions to assess the state of adhesive in the industry,” the guild said in a statement. “The results of this research and extensive research conducted after the completion of the original study were considered by leadership and shared with members in various online streaming productions.”

The 9,300 members who responded to the survey (approximately 5% of guild members) indicated that for 92% of the roles they auditioned for, they had to record and upload their own auditions; that they had to audition virtually via Zoom or another live platform for 15% of the roles they were considered for, and that they had to audition in person for less than 4% of future jobs.

According to the survey, 91% of respondents said they should provide their own recording device for self-recorded auditions; 82% said they were asked to audition over a weekend; 60% said they were asked to read excessive script pages and 34% said they went through long and grueling auditions without pay. Another 22% said they were asked to perform a physical action or stunt during a self-recorded audition; 8% said they were asked to perform a sexually charged act such as kissing or explicit intimate acts, while 6% said they were asked to come in suggestive clothing or no clothing at all.

Almost half of respondents said they had turned down an audition opportunity due to these difficult requirements, and 5% of respondents said they had difficulty or challenges submitting a self-recorded audition due to a disability.

Another 62% of respondents said they had expenses to audition themselves; 41% had “high” costs for a reader or professional recording session. Of these, 20% said they spent more than $100 of their own money on a single recording session. Another 3.5% of respondents indicated that they had received a self-admission request that made them feel unsafe.

Here’s a video SAG-AFTRA made about the research:

According to the Guild, “This data, combined with significant self-banding improvements captured in the 2022 recruitment contract, will drive continued improvements in the union’s other contracting areas. Provisions implemented in 2022 advertising deals include ban requests for unsafe activities, multiple make-up or styling changes, angle changes in a shot and the use of multiple locations. Additionally, no special equipment or paid services may be required for the audition, and the parties must be provided 24 hours in advance.

Film and television actors may be contractually entitled to collect half a day’s pay if they audition but are not hired, although very few ever receive a salary. Payments have been codified in every Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA contract since 1937, but payments are not automatic—actors must apply to receive them, though few do.

However, SAG-AFTRA announced in September that it would make demands for audition fees in certain circumstances.

“Until further notice,” the guild said in a post on its website, “members of the union can expect to make claims for audition money under the following circumstances, provided the artist does not have a position in the picture and the requirements not be presented for the audition. fee is complied with language within the schedule applicable to the role to be filled is otherwise complied with:
1. When the producer or cast specifically requests that the performer memorize their lines in advance.
2. When the artist participates in a network or studio “test,” as that term is commonly used in the entertainment industry. For context, “tests” are typically used to cast series regulars or lead actors, which usually include several performers who are expected to be “off the book,” can include makeup, haircuts, wardrobe, and networking themselves — or studio executives use it as a presence .
3. When an artist has a waiting period of more than one hour as provided in the applicable schedule.”