The times of scouring your electronic mail for union paperwork or heading to FedEx are over. SAG-AFTRA has lastly launched an internet portal to make it simpler for producers making an attempt to navigate the signatory course of for registering union performers and streamlining the quantity of paperwork essential to get your movie accepted, get your bond returned, and transfer on to the subsequent venture.
In a partnership with PGA, SAG-AFTRA’s Producer Portal is reside now in second-stage beta, and a supply tells IndieWire that anybody who’s now seeking to signal with the union is being directed to make use of the portal and create an internet profile.
Right here’s basically what producers can now do with the portal: they will add and obtain paperwork and simply entry templates for issues like solid lists, sign-in sheets, W-9s, and extra. They’ll get standing updates on paperwork which can be required by the union, together with checklists of each doc that’s nonetheless excellent with a view to get a bond return. Producers can delegate and management entry ranges to paperwork for numerous workforce members (perhaps you don’t need your PA seeing all of the monetary particulars). It is going to inform producers precisely whom your signatory or claims rep is and can routinely and instantly replace that information if that particular person modifications. And it even has an in depth archive of all communications on a movie so that you just’re not crawling your electronic mail or threat forgetting to CC somebody on necessary supplies. The portal may also be up to date with new options over time primarily based on suggestions.
The portal to deliver the union into the digital age is one thing that’s been within the works for the final 5 years at SAG-AFTRA, slowed by the same old culprits of the pandemic and the 2023 strike. But it surely launched in its first beta late final 12 months and was out there to simply choose producers engaged on Extremely Low Finances initiatives. Now although the Producer Portal is obtainable for Theatrical (Primary or CBA), Low Finances Settlement (LBA), Extremely Low Finances Undertaking Settlement (UPA), and the Average Low Finances Undertaking Settlement (MPA).
To this point, the signatory course of for SAG-AFTRA has been somewhat like making use of for a mortgage. Particularly for larger initiatives, packages for signatories typically attain 100 pages, and submitting all the pieces that’s wanted has been a handbook course of, with filling out paperwork by hand, and even faxing or FedEx-ing these paperwork to the mandatory reps.
For larger productions, particularly for producers who may need a number of movies going at a single time with totally different union reps for every, this might present numerous reduction and eradicate among the complexity. For the smaller, indie initiatives with fewer paperwork, it ideally makes issues simpler, faster, and extra environment friendly. Should you rely on getting your bond returned with a view to fund the subsequent stage of manufacturing, the portal is designed to offer extra transparency and pace in that course of.
“Signing with SAG-AFTRA has by no means been simpler,” mentioned SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “The Producer Portal offers creatives the instruments to spend much less time on paperwork and extra time realizing their creative imaginative and prescient.”
“Filmmakers have informed us they wished a smoother course of for signing skilled union expertise on their productions, and we’re excited to ship on that,” mentioned SAG-AFTRA Nationwide Govt Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Eire. “With all the pieces in a single place on the Producer Portal, there’s not a necessity to trace paperwork in a number of electronic mail chains — and the data is obtainable 24/7.”
“The Producer Portal is a significant resolution for unbiased producers, simplifying the signatory course of and saving helpful time,” mentioned Producers Guild of America Chief Govt Officer Susan Sprung. “We’re proud to collaborate with SAG-AFTRA on a software that not solely streamlines the method but in addition empowers producers as they carry their inventive visions to life. Our due to the complete SAG-AFTRA workforce, the PGA Impartial Movie Producers Job Pressure and IFTA for his or her laborious work and dedication to this necessary venture.”
“The Producer Portal is a serious step ahead for unbiased producers navigating the SAG-AFTRA processes,” mentioned Impartial Movie & Tv Alliance President & CEO Jean Prewitt. “This platform affords a clear and accessible system for producers to trace compliance amid the inherent challenges of manufacturing — from shifting schedules and altering personnel to uncertainties round necessities. The portal lets producers spend much less time on paperwork and extra time on creating. SAG-AFTRA’s dedication to this initiative strengthens its relationship with the unbiased sector and fosters better confidence within the course of. We commend SAG-AFTRA for its yearslong dedication to this venture and thank the Producers Guild of America and IFTA’s members for his or her assist.”
Entry to the Producer Portal is granted as a part of the signatory utility course of for producers engaged on initiatives beneath these contracts. Get solutions to different FAQs right here.