Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1157135
S AG-AFTRA's Commercials Contracts have received a major overhaul, with new provisions that reflect how business is being done in today's quickly evolving media landscape. The agreements are expected to cover more than $1 billion in annual earnings for professional performers and were ratified by 97% of voting members on May 8, after being overwhelmingly approved by the National Board in April. "While the fight continues, together with strategy and solidarity, nothing is impossible," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, who chaired the Commercials Negotiating Committee. With the growth and proliferation of social media and streaming platforms has come the rising need for brands to exhibit commercial content in a multitude of ways and the emergence of new companies competing to meet those needs, particularly in the digital space. The innovative new terms of these contracts are a well-timed response to these significant changes. COMMERCIALS CONTRACTS FOR A NEW ERA Upfront Use Packages: A New Way to Get Paid Contracts Deliver Significant Gains T he negotiating team achieved across-the- board wage increases of 6% for all performer categories; an estimated $22.2 million in increased funding to the pension and health plans; coverage for stunt coordinators; and new gains for group dancers and vital protections against sexual harassment. In addition, the contracts allow for a new renegotiation process, which benefits both members and talent agents. Employers now bear the responsibility for contacting a performer or their agent to negotiate for consent to use their performance beyond the maximum period of use. 36 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2019 | sagaftra.org The SAG-AFTRA podcast spotlights the new Commercials Contracts. Listen at sagaftra.org/podcast or on your favorite podcast platform.