EXCLUSIVE: Excitement is building in Hollywood and beyond as indie producers and financiers eagerly await waivers from SAG-AFTRA. These waivers would allow them to continue with their projects despite the ongoing strike. While the official waivers are not yet ready, some producers have received confirmation letters outlining the terms of the interim agreement. This agreement includes an impressive 11% wage increase to the minimum rates from the 2020 Theatrical/Television Agreement. However, there are rumors that this increase may be lower for low-budget film agreements.
The process of obtaining waivers has been complex and unprecedented. The last SAG strike for theatrical and TV actors was in the 80s, so there is little recent precedent for a waiver template. The guild’s website promised waivers when the strike was authorized, but details regarding terms, process, and timing were not disclosed. Now, the flow of non-interference agreements and ultimately waivers/interim agreements is set to intensify in the coming weeks for projects without studio or streamer connections.
One upcoming indie film, “Bride Hard,” starring Rebel Wilson, has already received permission to move forward. Several other movies have also been granted waivers, primarily focusing on film projects as most U.S. series involve a studio. The number of waivers granted is expected to increase in the coming days.
However, there are still uncertainties surrounding the waiver process. Will actors be willing to participate in projects that receive waivers while others are unable or unwilling to work? This poses a risk for completion bond firms and may affect films even with waivers. Additionally, there is a risk of picketing by the WGA and refusal to cross the lines by Teamsters for SAG-AFTRA-waived projects in the U.S. Producers must decide whether to proceed despite these complications.
Qualifying for waiver consideration is a complicated process, especially for projects with pre-sale distribution deals signed with streamers or studios in certain territories. There is also the question of how waivers for big productions with A-list actors will impact the strike and the studios.
To assist members in navigating the complex landscape of struck and not-struck contracts, the guild has released electronic flyers outlining which contracts members can and cannot work under.
Overall, the waiver process is progressing, and the industry is eagerly awaiting further updates and confirmations from SAG-AFTRA.
