Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475555
sagaftra.org | Summer 2022 | SAG-AFTRA 13 News, Information and Benefits What the New Network Television Code Means for You M embers recently ratified the new Network TV Code, and although it offers increased rates across the board, it delivers many other notable gains as well. Dancers, for instance, will have some- thing to dance about, as those who perform on primetime variety shows and awards shows will see substantial increases in the extra rehearsal rate and overtime rates, including a new $70 overtime rate for hours in excess of 12 in a day. Singers will now receive doubling pay at 50% of the applicable dancer program fee when required to learn complex choreography on variety programs. And, where there are more than two weeks of rehearsal for an awards show or primetime entertainment special, rehearsal pay is due biweekly instead of after show day. Those who make promotional announcements for new media will be paid at a rate that's the same as traditional media scale, with an additional 15% due for use beyond 13 weeks. Background actors and stand-ins required to work in artificially generated rain or smoke, excluding herbal cigarettes, are now due an automatic $14 additional compensation when not able to wear appropriate swim, surf or snow gear. And, stand-in minimum calls are significantly increased. Additionally, it expands protections for those performing nude or in intimate scenes, which advances the union's mission of preventing harassment on set and ensuring a safer workplace. Depending on your role under the contract, there are numerous other gains, and you can read all the details of the Network TV Code and other contracts at sagaftra.org/productioncenter. CLIFF LIPSON/CBS Jon Batiste performs at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on April 3. Singers and dancers are enjoying gains under the new Network TV Code agreement. Continues on page 64 A t its videoconference meeting on July 23, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously approved a resolution to create a path to SAG-AFTRA membership for intimacy coordinators. "The role of intimacy coordinators greatly improves safety and well-being on sets and in productions requiring intimate scenes," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. "Their value is immeasurable and the National Board is committed to bringing intimacy coordinators into the SAG-AFTRA family and ensuring they have the kind of benefits and protections other members already enjoy." Intimacy coordinators are professionals who function as an advocate and liaison between performers and productions, facilitating communications and helping with movement and choreography when nudity and intimate scenes are being filmed. It is as much to the benefit of the production as it is for the performers. In June, SAG-AFTRA announced the publication of an intimacy coordinator registry and pre-registry. The lists are provided as a resource to help producers identify qualified and experienced intimacy coordinators (see page 16). Also at the meeting, the Board reviewed administrative, finance, governance and legal matters and received reports. During her president's report, Drescher spoke about voting rights and women's rights, defended the democratic process, and saying, "Everyone has the right to have their concerns raised and considered. In a democracy, you may not like the outcome of a particular vote, but as Americans it is your duty to protect and defend the process by which outcomes are determined." National Board Approves Membership Path for Intimacy Coordinators