What Producers Need to Know About SAG-AFTRA’s "Global Rule One"

Being a producer is hard enough when you are filming in the United States trying to use and adhere to the complicated guild regulations. However, when shooting outside of the country, one is subject to a host of other labor laws and union limitations. So, as a producer, what is THE principle you should be most aware of prior to casting your project? It's the SAG-AFTRA's Global Rule One.

Knowing this rule could be the difference between a successful international shoot or a tough one that results in casting delays, union penalties or even losing your best talent.

What is Global Rule One?

At its core, Global Rule One is a strict mandate issued to all SAG-AFTRA members. The rule officially states:

No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect.

In plain terms, it means a SAG-AFTRA member may not work on any project, anywhere in the world, unless that project is covered by a valid SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement (often a one production only Letter of Agreement or “OPO”).

Its jurisdiction is not limited to the border of the United States. The union's standards are to be applied equally to any actor working on a studio feature in Atlanta, an indie feature in London or a web-based production in Tokyo.

The Impact on International Productions

If you are a producer planning to shoot SAG-AFTRA Talent outside the United States, or planning an international co-production, Global Rule One could alter your hiring plans in several ways:

• Mandatory Signatory: To be able to sign a SAG-AFTRA performer onto your international production, the production company-or whatever local entity you use as the employer-must make itself a signatory to a SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that applies to the project. Some third party “signatory companies” may stand in for you, if allowed by SAG-AFTRA.

• Agent Obligations: Talent agents are bound by union franchise agreements. An agent cannot legally negotiate or otherwise commit SAG-AFTRA talent to a non-union project. They are obligated to verify your signatory status before closing any deal.

• Protection of Health & Pension Benefits: The main objective behind the union extending Rule One worldwide in 2002 was the safeguard of long-term benefits for members. Implementation of the rule internationally guarantees SAG-AFTRA union members working on productions outside the U.S. Receive the customary health and pension safeguards, residual structures and important core contributions to their American health and pension plans.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

It's key to keep in mind, that Global Rule One is a rule requiring action against the SAG-AFTRA member talent, NOT directly against a non-signatory foreign producer. And to be clear, we know that some SAG-AFTRA members break this rule and work on a non-union production internationally. If a SAG-AFTRA member accepts a non-union role abroad, they can incur serious union disciplinary actions, including financial fines, formal reprimands and/or suspension or exclusion from the union altogether.

Because of these steep penalties, most high-profile talent will not risk their union standing for a non-signatory project. As a practical matter, the operational implications of this rule can hit the production itself in terms of time and treasure (wasted first class flight tickets are expensive!). And if your production fails to secure a SAG-AFTRA agreement, you might find yourself locked out of hiring SAG-AFTRA talent entirely.

Production.ink Pro-Tip: Plan Ahead

If your next project is shooting overseas and you plan on utilizing SAG-AFTRA talent, get ahead of the game-begin the paperwork prior to prep.

• Contact the Signatories Department Early: Reach out to the SAG-AFTRA Signatories Department at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to principal photography or before traveling with any performers.

• Budget for Fringes: Make sure your budget accounts for the mandatory health and pension contributions on top of the SAG-AFTRA Talent’s gross comp.

• Utilize Independent Agreements: If your overall budget is relative low, look into specialized contracts like the SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Theatrical or Independent Media Agreements, which offer modified terms for global shoots while keeping you fully compliant.

Want to make sure SAG-AFTRA talent for your international project is fully cleared? Check out Production.Ink's directories at www.production.ink/directories to find and connect with vetted entertainment labor lawyers and union representatives who can help streamline your global signatory workflow.

Note: This article was drafted with the help of AI but written, edited and reviewed by humans.