Key Costs When Hiring SAG-AFTRA Talent

Inside Indies

Jul 10, 2025•1 min•Ep. 7

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Episode description

Hiring SAG-AFTRA talent can boost your film’s profile, but the costs can add up fast if you’re not prepared.

In this episode, host John Cooke breaks down the essential expenses you’ll face when working with union actors, from scale pay to performance bonds. He offers clear, practical advice to help independent filmmakers plan wisely, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected budget surprises.

Key insights from this episode:

Understanding fringe benefits and agency fees
Why performance bonds and meal / rest breaks matter
How to choose the right SAG-AFTRA agreement for your project

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Read our blog on budgeting for SAG talent: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/sag-aftra-explained-budgeting-for-union-talent/

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