The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) is the union that represents actors, background performers, and other performers on set. Understanding their rules and regulations is critical for any producer or assistant director working on a professional film or television project.
The Exhibit G: Tracking Cast Time
One of the most critical documents for any SAG-AFTRA signatory production is the Exhibit G. This daily time report tracks every hour an actor spends on set, including when they arrive, when they are given their meal breaks, and when they are dismissed for the day.
The Exhibit G must be signed by the actor at the end of their work day to verify that the recorded times are accurate. This document is archived and is used frequently in cases of disputes about payroll, for insurance reasons, and even for lawsuits.
Mandatory Abbreviations on an Exhibit G
Every Exhibit G uses standard abbreviations to communicate an actor's status:
- SW (Start Work): The first day an actor is on the project.
- W (Work): A standard day of filming.
- H (Hold): A day when an actor is under contract but not scheduled to work.
- WF (Work Finish): The actor's final day on the production.
- S (Started): The first day.
- R (Rehearsal): A scheduled rehearsal day.
- T (Test): A fitting or test day.
- TR (Travel): A day when an actor is traveling to or from a distant location.
- FT (Fitting): A day when an actor is being fitted for costumes.
SAG-AFTRA Compliance and Overtime
Ensuring that actors are paid correctly and within the rules of their union or guild is critical to a production’s financial health. If an actor is not given their required meal breaks or is worked beyond their contracted hours, the production will be liable for penalties and overtime.
The Exhibit G is the primary source of truth for the production office when processing cast payroll and ensuring that all SAG-AFTRA rules are followed.