[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-sag-aftra-releases-vertical-series-agreement-for-microdrama-productions":3},{"id":4,"authorTitle":5,"authorName":6,"tags":7,"authorProfile":11,"isPublished":12,"relatedPersonIds":13,"authorId":14,"coverImage":15,"body":16,"authorAvatar":17,"publishDate":18,"slug":19,"coverImageAlt":20,"headline":20,"relatedPersons":21,"modifiedDate":22},"ArZdZb8YhOIjGyhW72n7","Staff Writer","Margaret James",[8,9,10],"SAG","actors","microdramas","/news/author/margaretjames",true,[],"jTZYIlTECymjvLBgrNgS","https://cdn.thevertibase.com/news/SAG.png?alt=media","\u003Cp data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"1122\">\u003Cstrong data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"1122\">The union’s newly released Vertical Programs Agreement introduces budget caps, minimum day rates, pension and health contributions, and rules for reuse of performances. The changes expand protections for performers in mobile native entertainment, while increasing costs that producers must plan for.\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1502\">SAG AFTRA has published a dedicated agreement for entertainment programs made for \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1234\">vertical 9:16 exhibition\u003C/strong> in mobile first installments under \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1297\">120 seconds per chapter\u003C/strong>. The contract is designed specifically for microdramas and short chapter based storytelling that has grown rapidly on mobile platforms including TikTok and ReelShort.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1714\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.sagaftra.org/turning-industry-its-side-sag-aftra-goes-vertical-new-agreement?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The agreement\u003C/a> covers productions \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1575\">entirely shot in the United States\u003C/strong> with a budget \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1625\">no greater than 300,000 dollars\u003C/strong> and \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1675\">no more than 30 consecutive shooting days\u003C/strong>. \u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1744\">Real wages for real work\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1841\">For the first time in this vertical specific category, \u003Cstrong data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1822\">minimum day rates\u003C/strong> are now mandatory:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"2002\">\n\u003Cli data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1887\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1887\">\u003Cstrong data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1865\">Lead Performers:\u003C/strong> 250 dollars per day\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli data-start=\"1888\" data-end=\"1933\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1933\">\u003Cstrong data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1911\">Other Performers:\u003C/strong> 164 dollars per day\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"2002\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"2002\">\u003Cstrong data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1980\">Background Actors (when incentive used):\u003C/strong> 144 dollars per day\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2141\">These wages apply to all chapters as a single longform runtime for overtime and break calculations. \u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2188\">Pension and Health contributions included\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2364\">Producers must pay \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2209\" data-end=\"2245\">pension and health contributions\u003C/strong> based on the performer’s \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2293\">gross compensation\u003C/strong>, including any residuals if due. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2485\">This gives microdrama performers access to career supporting benefits that were often missing in the mobile only space.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2527\">Incentives to hire Background Actors\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2529\" data-end=\"2712\">If producers average \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2600\">two covered Background Actors per shooting day\u003C/strong>, the maximum allowable production budget \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"2673\">increases by 50,000 dollars\u003C/strong>. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2779\">This rewards productions that create additional union employment.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"2781\" data-end=\"2821\">Residuals rules tied to distribution\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2823\" data-end=\"2915\">Residual obligations in new media depend on budget level and where the content is exhibited:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3136\">\n\u003Cli data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3004\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"3004\">Programs \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2963\">below 25,000 dollars per minute\u003C/strong> incur \u003Cstrong data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"2986\">no residuals\u003C/strong> for new media use\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3136\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3136\">Any other circumstances require \u003Cstrong data-start=\"3039\" data-end=\"3063\">negotiated residuals\u003C/strong> with SAG AFTRA before distribution \u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3138\" data-end=\"3237\">While modest, this introduces a pipeline for ongoing performer compensation when productions scale.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"3239\" data-end=\"3292\">Clarifying responsibility and administrative load\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3350\">The agreement comes with strict compliance expectations:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3630\">\n\u003Cli data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3438\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3438\">Producers must file \u003Cstrong data-start=\"3374\" data-end=\"3410\">contracts, time reports, payroll\u003C/strong>, and cast lists on schedule\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli data-start=\"3439\" data-end=\"3505\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3441\" data-end=\"3505\">SAG AFTRA reserves the right to \u003Cstrong data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3504\">monitor production and sets\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3630\">\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3630\">Producers must provide \u003Cstrong data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3555\">financial assurances\u003C/strong> (bond or cash escrow) if requested\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3744\">This ensures performers are paid properly, but increases paperwork and budgeting complexity for smaller studios.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3 data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3779\">A stronger professional floor\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3980\">Supporters argue the agreement pushes vertical content \u003Cstrong data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3881\">toward parity with traditional production\u003C/strong>. Performers receive predictable wages, real benefits, and increasing pathways to career stability.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"3982\" data-end=\"4265\">Producers note that mandatory minimum rates and contributions could challenge business models that rely on low budgets and extreme output volume. Still, with more platforms investing in professional microdramas, incorporating labor standards now may prevent larger disruptions later.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp data-start=\"4267\" data-end=\"4396\">The Vertical Programs Agreement is effective through \u003Cstrong data-start=\"4320\" data-end=\"4337\">June 30, 2026\u003C/strong> and may be extended.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv>\u003C/iframe>\u003C/div>","https://cdn.thevertibase.com/author/Margaret.jpg?alt=media","2026-02-23T05:01:40.900Z","sag-aftra-releases-vertical-series-agreement-for-microdrama-productions","SAG AFTRA Releases Vertical Series Agreement for Microdrama Productions",{},"2026-04-07T18:32:48.456Z"]