What changes for a production
Signing with SAG-AFTRA touches almost every piece of cast paperwork. Before the shoot, the producer applies through the union's online Production Center, submits documents about the project, and gets assigned to an agreement based on budget and distribution. Casting checks each performer's status through Station 12. Non-members who get hired are reported on a Taft-Hartley form.
During the shoot, the 2nd AD tracks every performer's in and out times, meals, and travel on Exhibit G, the union's production time report. Meal periods are due within six hours of first call, with penalties of $25, $35, and then $50 for each late half hour on theatrical agreements. After wrap, payroll sends pension and health contributions on top of wages, and residuals come due later if the project is exhibited beyond its initial market.
Which agreement fits
SAG-AFTRA runs separate contract families for theatrical and television, commercials, new media, interactive media, and more. For independent film, the most used are the low-budget theatrical agreements, which step rates and rules by total budget. The low-budget agreements guide covers the tiers, and the signatory guide walks through the application.
Who's covered on a typical set
On a feature, SAG-AFTRA covers the principal cast, day performers, stunt coordinators and stunt performers, singers, puppeteers, and background actors (in zones where background is covered). It doesn't cover the director, ADs, or crew. Those people fall under the DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, or other unions, as the union overview explains.
Mistakes producers make
The most expensive one is applying late. Members can't work until the production is signatory, and the union asks for documents like the budget, schedule, and chain of title before it approves, so a late application can push rehearsals or the first shoot day.
The second is sloppy Exhibit G. Missing out-times and unrecorded meal periods become claims months later, and the production has nothing to dispute them with.
The third is assuming a friend who "isn't really in SAG anymore" is fine to cast on a non-union short. If they're a member, Global Rule One puts them at risk, and a Station 12 check will tell you their status before you make an offer.