An interactive educational digital flip book on the editing provisions in the SAG-AFTRA's Commercials Contract. Last updated 10 February 2026
The 2025-2028 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract Editing
Updated 27 January 2026
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to SAG-AFTRA Contracts Department flip book format. Please bookmark this link for future reference. Welcome
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Table of Contents
Introductions……………………………………………… Editing Definitions......................................................... Payments…………………………………………………. Editing Examples......................................................... Shorter/Longer/Same Length Examples…………... Shorter/Longer/Same Length Payment Examples.. Permitted Changes Examples………………………. Permitted Changes Payment Examples…………… Paid Edit Examples...………………………………… Paid Edit Payment Examples..……………………… Addressable Edit Examples…………..…………….. Addressable Edit Payment Examples..…………….. 8 10 18 28 32 44 62 72 74 84 92 94
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Unpermitted Edit Examples..………………………….. Unpermitted Edit Payment Examples..………………. Extras and Integration Fees ………………………………. Condensed Rate Sheets ................................................. Contact Information………………………………………... Glossary of Terms ........................................................... How to use this book....................................................... 96 104 106 108 113 114 124
CLICK HERE Table of Contents will appear on the left side of your screen. From there, you can click a section and go directly to that page
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For the best experience, we highly recommend viewing our digital flip books on a desktop or laptop computer.
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Instructions on how to use this book on an ipad or mobile phone are located on page 124
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Editing
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While this book may not answer every editing question, we sincerely hope this book and the editing examples provided will help bring some clarity to this area of our contract.
Editing. One of the more nuanced parts of the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.
Thank you for your time.
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Editing Definitions
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Types of Edits
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Addressable
Unpermitted
Permitted Changes
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Shorter/Longer/Same Length Version
Definition:
Each shorter/longer/same length version can only use footage from the same production.The footage must relate to the same script or storyboard as the base spot.
This does not authorize the creation of "wild footage" as that term is understood in the Industry. Unlimited number of shorter/longer /same length edits are allowed with edit fees (see page 49 for table).
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Permitted Changes
Performers who work in connection with the following permitted changes are due a payment.
Legal/Network Clearance Change
Dealer Identification
Factual Information Tag
Special Offers and Promotions
Rearrangement of On-Camera Material
Intro and End Tag Change
Recall/retake
Foreign Language Voice Over
Off-Camera Message/Super/ Music
Product/Service Name Change
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Paid Edits
Definition: ● Paid edits are changes IN the body of the commercial versus a tag which is an appendage TO the body of the commercial
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Addressable Edits
Definition: ●
An addressable commercial is a commercial specifically produced to be shown in multiple variations and are dynamically inserted at the level of individual households.
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Unpermitted Edits
Definition: ● An unpermitted edit is everything else. If it is not outlined as Shorter/Longer/Same length, Permitted or Paid edit (or qualifies as an addressable commercial), then it is unpermitted and becomes a new commercial with a new, separate residual stream.
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Payments
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Session is payment on the number of days worked or the number of commercials shot, whichever is greater.*
Session Payments
Use /Residual Payments
Editing / Version Payments
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2
Session =
hours for On-Camera |
hours for Off-Camera
*For Example: 3 commercials shot on 1 day = 3 session payments. 1 commercial shot over 3 days = 3 session payments.
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On-Camera Principal Scale Session
Off-Camera Principal Scale Session
= $822.30
= $618.30
Please note: Rates are effective April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
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Use / Residual payments are compensation to the performer for Use of the commercial.
Session Payments
Use /Residual Payments
Editing / Version Payments
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Residuals can be tricky. The diagram on the next page demonstrates how different edits and versions are tied to the original spot (base spot) and the residual stream.
Considered “one commercial” for Use and residual payment purposes.
This means that any Use of the spot and its edits are one residual stream; performers are not paid for each individual spot/edit as a separate, new commercial.
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Original Spot
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes
ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
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An unpermitted edit is when an edit constitutes a NEW commercial. It triggers a new residual stream / Use payment.
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Original Spot
Unpermitted
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes
ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
ADDITIONAL PAYMENT
NEW RESIDUAL STREAM
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Edit / Version payments are payments to the performer for the creation of the edit/version.
Session Payments
Use /Residual Payments
Editing / Version Payments
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We have included video examples along with the definitions.
For the purpose of explaining the editing provisions, we are going to refer to the original or base commercial as “the base spot.” The following breakdown is crafted around example 5 on page 20-21 from the 2025-2028 Commercials MOA*.
* MOA = Memorandum of Agreement, which are the new provisions in the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract
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Editing Examples
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The concept / commercial message: “Perfect for family life” Example 5: Automobile
4 OCPs (On-Camera Principals)
1 VO (or Off-Camera Principal)
Original Spot = :60 spot for SUV
The video shows a family of 4 in the SUV driving through the woods, mountain biking together, swimming, and canoeing. Dad is driving. Script / Storyboard
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:60 second* base spot
*Not actually :60 seconds
Left page
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*PLEASE NOTE: The base spot is not actually 60 seconds because:
We did not want to bore you to tears
This is not an actual brand and we are not actual advertisers.
By sparing you an actual :60 second spot example, we hope you’ll appreciate our
efforts to provide comprehensive examples to the editing section of our contract.
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Shorter/Longer/Same Length Version Examples
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Key Elements
Length of Commercials The shorter, longer,
Material that can be used Only footage from the same production and related to the script/storyboard.
Editing fee Payments follow the performer and may not be credited / applied to any other payments due to the performer.
or same-length versions do not have any length limitations.
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1 version
Additional Footage A shorter spot with a scene NOT included in the base spot. This footage was part of the original production and script/storyboard, so it is allowed in a shorter/longer/same length version even though it wasn’t in the base spot. How Version 1 is paid is on page 50
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Shorter/Longer Versions: :30 showing the family in the car and swimming, and a scene from the shoot of them running into the water is added
Please note that our video examples are not the exact same lengths referenced in the contract .
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Example is not exactly :30 seconds
1 version
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2 version
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Shorter/Longer Versions: :30 that is a direct lift of the :60
Direct Lift Shorter length version from the base spot
How Version 2 is paid is on page 52
Please note that our video examples are not the exact same lengths referenced in the contract .
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Example is not exactly :30 seconds
2 version
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3 version
:15 second version, no mother A shorter spot with a scene NOT included in the base spot, and also there is no mother character. This footage was part of the original production and script/storyboard, so it is allowed in a shorter/longer/same length version even though it wasn’t in the base spot. How Version 3 is paid is on page 54
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Shorter/Longer Versions: :15 showing the family without the mother in the car and mountain biking
Please note that our video examples are not the exact same lengths referenced in the contract .
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Example is not exactly :15 seconds
3 version
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4 version
:15 second version, one kiddo
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Shorter/Longer Versions: :15 showing the family in the car and canoeing
How Version 4 is paid is on page 56
Please note that our video examples are not the exact same lengths referenced in the contract .
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Example is not exactly :15 seconds
4 version
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5 version
:10 second version
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Shorter/Longer Versions: :10 showing the family in the car and canoeing that is a shorter version of the :15
:10 spot showing the family in the car and canoeing. This version includes only one canoe scene.
How Version 5 is paid is on page 58
*Please note that our video examples are not the exact same lengths referenced in the contract .
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Example is not exactly :10 seconds
5 version
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Payment examples for Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions
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Key Payment Provisions for Shorter/Longer/Same Versions
Editing payments for principal performers is based on the number of versions they appear in. In other words, payment follows the performer, not the number of versions
Edit Fees cannot be credited/applied to any other payments due the performer.
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Remember:
Fees follow the performer NOT the commercial.
This means the editing payments are based on the number of shorter/longer/same versions a performer appears in NOT the total number of shorter/longer/same versions of the commercial.
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Original Spot
All 5 of these versions are considered one spot for Use / Residual payment purposes
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
Version 5
Version 4
ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
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Original Spot
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 7 Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions Payments 1st = No additional compensation 2nd = No additional compensation 3rd = 1x session fee 4th & each subsequent = 30% of session fee
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02
03
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VO
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 1
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1 version
The first and second versions do not require additional payment.
Additional Footage
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 7 Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions Payments 1st = No additional compensation 2nd = No additional compensation 3rd = 1x session fee 4th & each subsequent = 30% of session fee
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02
03
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VO
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 1
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 2
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2 Direct Lift from the original spot version
The first and second versions do not require additional payment.
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 7 Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions Payments 1st = No additional compensation 2nd = No additional compensation 3rd = 1x session fee 4th & each subsequent = 30% of session fee
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02
03
04
VO
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 1
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 2
Version 3
N/A
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
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3 version
Payments are due for all performers remaining in Version 3.
Since the mother character does not appear in this version, that performer is not owed an edit payment.
:15 second version, no mama
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 7 Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions Payments 1st = No additional compensation 2nd = No additional compensation 3rd = 1x session fee 4th & each subsequent = 30% of session fee
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02
03
04
VO
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 1
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 2
Version 3
N/A
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
30% of Session Fee
30% of Session Fee
30% of Session Fee
Version 4
Session Fee
N/A
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4 :15 second version only one kiddo version
Payments are due for all performers remaining in Version 4.
Since the mother was not in version 3, her payment is a session fee, whereas the performers who appeared in version 3 are paid 30% of session. In other words, payments follow the performer vs
the number of spots created.
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 7 Shorter/Longer/Same Length Versions Payments 1st = No additional compensation 2nd = No additional compensation 3rd = 1x session fee 4th & each subsequent = 30% of session fee
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02
03
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VO
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 1
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
No additional payment
Version 2
Version 3
N/A
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
Session Fee
30% of Session Fee 30% of Session Fee
30% of Session Fee 30% of Session Fee
30% of Session Fee 30% of Session Fee
Version 4
N/A
Session Fee
30% of Session Fee
Version 5
N/A
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5 version :10 second version
Payments are due for all performers remaining in version 5.
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Total performer earnings for “Dad”
Dad Character
$
$ 822.30 Original Spot session
$13,500.00 1-year National Cable Rate -$ 822.30 Session Fee Applied/Credited $12,677.70 1-year National Cable Payment
$
$0 $0
Version 1 Included
Version 2 Included $822.30 Version 3 Additional Session $246.69 Version 4 30% of Session $246.69 Version 5 30% of Session $2,137.98 Editing Payments
$ $ $
This symbol indicates a check performers will receive.
$
$15,637.98 Total Payment to Performer
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Another way to look at total performer earnings
$822.30 $12,677 V3 $822.30 $15,637.98 Use/Residual Session V5 30% of session V4 30% of session TOTAL= Editing/Version The dad character was in the original spot and all versions
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Permitted Changes
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Key Elements
A
*B
Permitted changes have
2
components:
Which allowable change is due a fee
What’s allowed
*B Only principal performers who do the work in connection with the permitted change are due a fee.
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Legal/Network Clearance Change
Dealer Identification
Factual Information Tag
Special Offers and Promotions
Rearrangement of On-Camera Material
Intro and End Tag Change
Recall/retake
Foreign Language Voice Over
Off-Camera Message/Super/ Music
Product/Service Name Change
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Original Spot
Key Payment Provisions for Permitted Changes Session and/or tag payments are due to performers who record the permitted changes. The commercial that contains the permitted change, is paid as one with the original. It doesn’t make it a new spot.
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
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Tag Change “Perfect for your family” vs the original “Perfect for family life” This is still the same commercial message therefore permitted.
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Permitted Changes: Changing tags, dates, factual information, supers, offers and legal.
Permitted Change 1
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1 permitted change
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Change of voiceover (VO) performer
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile
Permitted Change 2
Permitted Changes: Change in VO
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2 permitted change
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Different Language
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile
Permitted Change 3
Permitted Changes: Foreign Language Voiceover
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3 permitted change
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Payment examples for Permitted Changes
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Principal performers who do the work in connection with the permitted changes below are due a fee.
Legal/Network Clearance Change
Dealer Identification
Factual Information Tag
Special Offers and Promotions
Rearrangement of On-Camera Material
Intro and End Tag Change
Recall/retake
Foreign Language Voice Over
Off-Camera Message/Super/ Music
Product/Service Name Change
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Paid Edits
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Key Elements
The product is changed to another product in the same product line, or to a variant of the product (i.e. different color or size).
The edit changes the setting or adds an additional setting without requiring travel to a different location.
Performers shoot the same commercial with different wardrobe and props.
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Original Spot
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
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Key Payment Provisions for Paid Edits
All principals in the commercial as edited shall receive Paid Edit fee(s) based on the session fee they were paid in the base commercial (on-camera or off-camera).
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1 Paid Edit
Change of Setting
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile
Paid Edits: Change of or an
PLEASE NOTE: The performers change of wardrobe.
additional setting during the same production is added through CGI or green screen triggers a paid edit.
How Paid Edit 1 is paid is on page 86
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Original Spot
Paid Edit 1
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2 Paid Edit
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Paid Edits: :30 showing the mother driving instead of the father
:30 edit, mother driving
How Paid Edit 2 is paid is on page 88
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Base Spot
Paid Edit 2
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3 Paid Edit
Product change to a different model SUV
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Paid Edits: The product may be changed to another product in the same product line or to a different variant of the same product beyond the nature of a tag.
In the same class, so it is a paid edit.
How Paid Edit 3 is paid is on page 90
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Base Spot
Paid Edit 3
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Payment examples for Paid Edits
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Key Payment Provisions for Paid Edits Editing payments for principal performers are based on the number of versions they appear in. In other words, payment follows the performer, not the number of versions. There is one type of payment for the work done by the performer on the day.
Edit Fees cannot be credited/applied to any other payments due the performer.
There is a second type of payment for the Use of that edited spot. All performers in the final edit get paid Use.
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01
02
03
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VO
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 11 Paid Edit: 1st Edit = 1x session fee 2nd Edit = 75% of a session fee 3rd Edit = 50% of a session fee 4th Edit & all subsequent = 30% of session fee
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
Work on the day Paid Edit Fee
Session
N/A
Session
N/A
N/A
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
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1 Paid Edit
Paid Edit 1 Father and kiddo in rash guards instead of bathing suits
The father and kiddo changed outfits on the shoot day and were paid an additional session fee to reshoot the scene in the new outfit. When this version airs, all performers who remain in the edit get a paid edit payment in the amount of a session fee.
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01
02
03
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VO
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 11 Paid Edit: 1st Edit = 1x session fee 2nd Edit = 75% of a session fee 3rd Edit = 50% of a session fee 4th Edit & all subsequent = 30% of session fee
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
Work on the day Paid Edit Fee Work on the day Paid Edit Fee
Session
N/A
Session
N/A
N/A
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
75%
75% of Session 75% of Session 75% of Session 75% of Session
of Session
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2 The whole family gets paid an additional session fee for reshooting the scene with the mother driving instead of the father. Also, they all receive 75% of session when this version airs because they were all paid for the Use of the previous version in the Paid Edit 1 example. Paid Edit
Paid Edit 2 Mother driving instead of father
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01
02
03
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VO
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2025 MOA Page 11 Paid Edit: 1st Edit = 1x session fee 2nd Edit = 75% of a session fee 3rd Edit = 50% of a session fee 4th Edit & all subsequent = 30% of session fee
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
On-Camera Performer
Voice-Over Performer
Work on the day Paid Edit Fee Work on the day Paid Edit Fee Work on the day Paid Edit Fee
Session
N/A
Session
N/A
N/A
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
75%
75% of Session
75% of Session
75% of Session
75% of Session
of Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
50% of Session 50% of Session 50% of Session 50% of Session 50% of Session
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3 The vehicle is in the same SUV class, but a different model, so a paid edit is due. Also, they all receive 50% of session when this version airs because they were all paid for the Use of the previous versions in the Paid Edit 1 & 2 examples. Paid Edit
Paid Edit 3 Product change - a different model of SUV
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Addressable Edits
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Key Elements
Different settings (beach to rolling hills)
Same scene, different take
Addressable edits is a type of editing rule, but really it is its own category
Principals swapping roles
Different product, same product line
Different variant of the same product
Principal replaced by principal
Wardrobe or prop change
Extras replaced by extra
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Payment for Addressable Edits
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On-Camera Principals
Off-Camera Principals = 200% of session
Extras
= 200% of session
= 50% of session
+ 50% of each edit of required services
Unlimited Use
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right page
Unpermitted Edits
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Key Elements
A new on-camera principal
A new commercial message or concept
A new product
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Adding a new On-Camera Principal not in the original
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 20 EXAMPLE 5: Automobile Unpermitted Edit :30 is changed to show a female couple in the front seats of the car and canoeing with the children.
Unpermitted Edit 1
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Unpermitted Edit
Base spot
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 14 section G:2 Unpermitted edits shall include: The edit changes the commercials message, which refers to the specific message that the advertiser wants to convey to the consumer about the product or service being advertised in a manner that is not allowed as set forth herein.
Unpermitted Edit 2
Changing Commercial’s Message
The message changed from “Perfect for family life” to “Adventure is only a drive away.”
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Mom Solo
2 unpermitted edit
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COMMERCIALS CONTRACT Page 14 section G:2 Unpermitted edits shall include: The edit adds an additional product or brand in a manner that is not allowed under the editing provisions set forth herein.
Unpermitted Edit 3
New Product
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Sedan
3 unpermitted edit
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Payment for Unpermitted Edits
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Original Spot
Unpermitted Unpermitted Edits
Shorter/Longer/ Same Length Versions
Paid Edits
Permitted Changes
ONE RESIDUAL STREAM
ADDITIONAL PAYMENT
NEW RESIDUAL STREAM
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Extras and Integration Fee
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Definition: ●
An extra performer whose footage is lifted from one commercial and put into a new commercial (not an edit/version) shall be compensated one session fee as an integration fee. No additional payments are due.
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Condensed Rate Sheets
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On-Camera Principals:
Session Rate = $822.30 Use Length
Use Type
4-week
13-week
1-year
Traditional Digital + Unpaid YouTube Traditional Digital + Paid YouTube
$735 $784
$1,165.50 $1,243.20
$3,570 $3,808 $10,000
Streaming Platforms
$1,300
$3,000
Social Media Use- $123.35 (per 30-day cycles) YouTube Use - $123.35 (per 30-day cycles) Freely bargained for Use, Edits and Exclusivity
Social Media / YouTube Waiver
Gaming Platforms
Pay per use applying Class A table: $20k max per 13-week cycle.
Class A
Diginets and Ion
$30.80 per use or $5,250 per 13-week cycle
Spanish-Language Program Use
$1,050
$3,150 $2,100 $1,155 $4,100
$10,500 $7,560 $4,200 $13,500 $3,000 $6,000 $9,000 $6,510 $7,210.12
Wild Spot (ALL MARKETS)
$840 $840
Wild Spot (excluding LA, NY & Chicago)
National Cable
$1,500 $801.12
Local Cable: Single Network With Exceptions Local Cable (Subscribers): Up to 1mil Local Cable (Subscribers): 1mil - 2mil Local Cable (Subscribers): 2mil - 3mil
$2,189.74
$300 $600 $900 $735
$800
$1,600 $2,400 $1,680
Dealer
All Other North America (Class B, Class C, Unwired Network)
$341.25
$1,050
$3,675
Theatrical / Industrial
Up to 30 days use - $822.30 Addt’l use after 30th day up to 21-months = $493.38 Distribution on physical media = $2,631.36
Foreign Use (Multiple of Session)
U.K.: 3 | Japan : 1 | Europe: 2 | Rest of World: 1 | Asia/Pacific: 2 | Worldwide: 9
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Off-Camera Principals:
Session Rate = $618.30
Use Length
Use Type
4-week
13-week
1-year
Traditional Digital + unpaid YouTube Traditional Digital + paid YouTube
$551.25
$874.13 $932.40 $2,250
$2,677.50
$588 $975
$2,856 $7,500
Streaming Platforms
Social Media Use- $92.75 (per 30-day cycles) YouTube Use - $92.75 (per 30-day cycles) Freely bargained for Use, Edits and Exclusivity
Social Media / YouTube Waiver Gaming and Emerging Platforms
Pay per use applying Class A table: $20k max per 13-week cycle.
Class A
Diginets and Ion
$23.05 per use or $3,937.50 per 13-week cycle
Spanish-Language Program Use
$787.50
$2,362.50
$7,875 $5,670 $3,150 $10,125 $2,250 $4,500 $6,750 $5,407.59 $4,882.50
Wild Spot (ALL Markets)
$630 $630
$1,575 $866.25 $3,075
Wild Spot (Excluding LA, NY & Chicago)
National Cable
$1,125 $600.84
Local Cable: Single Network with exceptions Local Cable (Subscribers): Up to 1mil Local Cable (Subscribers): 1mil - 2mil Local Cable (Subscribers): 2mil - 3mil
$1,642.31
$225 $450 $675
$600
$1,200 $1,800 $1,260
Dealer
$551.25
All Other North America (Class B, Class C, Unwired Network)
$255.94
$787.50
$2,756.25
Theatrical / Industrial
Up to 30 days use - $618.30 Addt’l use after 30th day up to 21-months = $370.98 Distribution on physical media = $1,978.56
Foreign Use (Multiple of Session)
U.K.: 3 | Japan : 1 | Europe: 2 | Rest of World: 1 | Asia/Pacific: 2 | Worldwide: 9
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For the full rate sheet, including group rates, demo, tags, travel time and more, click HERE or visit sagaftra.org/CommercialRateSheet
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For more information check out the Commercials Department’s other flipbooks: ❏ Payment Structure ❏ Holding Fees and Maximum Period of Use (MPU)
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Questions?
Visit sagaftra.org/commercials for more information. Email the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Department at comm.coedinfo@sagaftra.org
L.A. Commercials Department 323.549.6858 N.Y. Commercials Department 212.827.1454
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Glossary of Terms
Addressable The advertiser’s ability to create multiple changes to a commercial to target specific individual households. Based on data being collected, advertisers will then have the ability to customize commercials which will then be dynamically inserted at the level of the individual household.
Applied Crediting of either the session or holding fee against the first use of the commercial in a cycle. For example, if the first use in the second 13-week cycle is Class A and the Use totals $1,712.00, the producer is allowed to deduct (apply) the holding fee of $822.30 toward the use and issue payment to the performer for the difference ($889.70). Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of SAG-AFTRA is the simulation of human intelligence in machines, specifically those programmed to learn and think like humans. AI is categorized into two types "digital replicas" and "generative AI".
Advertiser A business that sells or markets a product or service through advertising.
All Other North American Use A type of payment that covers use on ITN/Unwired Networks, Class B and Class C. Use is paid in 4-week/13-week/52-week cycles.
Ad-ID An industry standard for identifying commercials across all media platforms.
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Glossary of Terms
A-C
Authorizer The term for any member of the JPC (Joint Policy Committee)
B-Roll The secondary cameras that are rolling during commercial production, capturing Behind-the-Scenes footage. This type of work falls under the Corporate-Educational Contract and performers are entitled to a Category II session payment under the CoEd Contract which covers initial use for up to three years. Cable Similar to their broadcast cousins, cable networks can be national in scope. But rather than have local
Cable (continued) affiliates that broadcast their signal in major markets, cable networks form partnerships with satellite and cable providers to carry their network and pay for the privilege. Use is paid in 4-week/13-week/52-week cycles. CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) A collective bargaining agreement (CBA), also known as a union contract, is a written legal contract between an employer and a union representing employees. (cont.)
AVOD (Advertising Based Video On Demand)
A model viewers are “paying for” with their eyeballs – it includes free content funded by advertisements. Much like in broadcast television, the revenue comes 100% from selling ads on videos. Some examples of AVOD platforms are YouTube, Roku, Pluto TV, or Dailymotion.
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Glossary of Terms
C-D
Contribution Rate Producers contribute a percentage of all gross compensation paid on behalf of performers to the Pension & Health plans/Health & Retirements plans and IACF/AICF. For the 2022 Commercials Contract, the contribution rate is 19.95% for JPC authorizers and 23.5% for direct signatories. Connected Shoot Full-Budget and Low-Budget Digital Commercials that are shot during the same production but on separate work days.
CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) (continued) This agreement results from an extensive negotiation process covering essential topics such as
Digital Subchannel Any broadcast signal of a television station below its primary signal (secondary signal). Also referred to as Diginets. CourtTV/Cozi/Bounce are examples of Diginets. Cycle Consecutive weekly periods of use of a commercial. Diginet Use A type of use. Performers are paid in 13-week cycles of either $30.80 per use, or an upfront fee of $5,250.00 for OCP (On-Camera Performers) per cycle for unlimited Use on Diginet stations.
wages, work hours and employment conditions.
Class A Pay-per-use system, also referenced as a “national commercial” because it airs across the country during the same time slot and television show on broadcast television or in syndication. The maximum use in any 13-week cycle is $20,000.00 for on-camera performers and $15,000.00 for off-camera performers
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Glossary of Terms
D-F
Downgrade When a principal performer’s face does not appear in the final edit of the commercial. The performer is entitled
Extra A performer who appears in a commercial and whose performance does not meet the criteria under Section 6 as a principal performer.
Dealer A type of use paid in 4-week/13-week/52-week cycle. Generally commercials made and paid for by a national advertiser and distributed to their dealers. Principal performers are paid Dealer Use when the commercial is shipped out, regardless of use. Digital Replica Computer Program made in whole or in part using the voice, image and/or performance of Performer that can independently generate new performances not previously rendered by Performer.
to a downgrade fee, equal to a session fee, but will not be paid use fees.
Foreign Use A type of use that allows a producer to use a commercial in various geographic regions around the world outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Exclusivity Agreement by a principal performer to not appear in commercials for product(s) or service(s) that compete/conflict. Exclusivity is guaranteed by the payment of a holding fee.
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Glossary of Terms
G-M
Gaming Platforms/Virtual World/Augmented Reality/Emerging Platforms All use and editing fees may be freely bargained under this use type but performers are paid a session fee. Generative A.I. A subset of artificial intelligence that learns patterns from data and produces content based on those patterns. Hold Term used when a performer and/or their agent is asked to “hold” a specific date. The performer is definitely engaged and entitled to a session fee for the day(s) they are placed on hold.
Local Cable Commercials that are produced for broadcast on free television and which are subsequently transmitted on local cable systems, provided the service provider does not exceed 3,000,000 subscribers for basic service; is not delivered by satellite; and for the three major markets (NY/LA/CH), the commercial must run concurrent with a wild spot buy. MPU (Maximum Period of Use) The 24-month period of time a commercial may be used by producer/signatory without renegotiating.
Holding Fee An amount paid to a principal performer every 13 weeks in exchange for his/her exclusivity to the product/service being advertised.
Linear Use Includes the following: Class A Wild Spot (including Spanish) Cable (including Spanish) Local Cable Dealer ION Diginet Spanish Program All Other N. America (Class B, Class C, Unwired)
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Glossary of Terms
N-P
Off-Camera Performer A principal performer who does not appear on screen, but narrates the commercial. Also referred to as Voice-Over performers and/or Singers. OTT (Over-the-Top) / Streaming Media service offered directly to viewers via the Internet. OTT bypasses cable, broadcast, and satellite television platforms, the types of companies which
Outgrade When a principal performer’s
OCP (On-Camera Principal) A performer who meets the criteria defined under the collective bargaining agreement. Stunt performers, Clowns in proprietary make-up, Specialty Dancers, Puppeteers and Pilots are National A term used by casting directors and employers in describing anticipated use. This is not a term that appears in the Commercials Contract. It usually references a Class A spot..
photography or sound track is edited out of a commercial. Principals must be informed in writing of the outgrade and are released from exclusivity. They are no longer entitled to use payments, and are free to audition for competitive work.
PSA (Public Service Announcement)
traditionally act as controllers or distributors of such content. Netflix and Hulu are examples of OTT service providers.
PSA’s are commercials that generally contain a message that the public benefits from. If a PSA meets certain requirements, the producer may request a waiver of use fees from the union.
included in the term of principal performers.
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Glossary of Terms
S-T
Signatory A company that has signed the Commercials Contract (or any contract) binding it to the terms of the agreement. The term “producer” is
Social Media Technology that facilitates the creation and sharing of ideas and information via virtual communities. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are examples of social media.
Streaming Use A type of use payment for platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Peacock, Paramount Plus, YouTube TV and all digital (Traditional Digital, Gaming, Platforms/Virtual Worlds/Augmented Reality/Emerging Platforms) would fall under this use type. Synthetic Performer A digitally-created asset that 1) is intended to and does create, the clear impression that the asset is an identifiable, but not recognizable, human performer and 2) is not voiced by a human performer and 3) is not a Digital Replica.
also used interchangeably with “signator/signatory/authorizer.”
Social Media/YouTube Waiver The spot must be originally produced as a social media/YouTube spot. The Use is only available in 30-day cycles up to one year and there is no exclusivity.
Session Fee The amount paid to a performer for their day(s) of work on a commercial
Spanish Language Program A type of use for when spots run on Spanish language channels. Use is paid in 4-week/13-week/52-week cycles.
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Glossary of Terms
T-U
Tags A short announcement at the beginning, middle or end of a
Traditional Digital Principal Performers would be entitled to compensation if their commercial aired on Social Media sites, YouTube, brand websites, retailer websites, third-party websites, etc.
Unconnected Shoot A production where only a Low Budget Digital commercial is being shot.
commercial that advises the consumer where a product or service is available. (i.e. “Visit your Southern California Honda Dealer for details”, or “Estee Lauder. Now available at Macy's”)
Unwired Network Unwired Networks are established and managed by media companies for the purpose of distributing commercials on a broad geographic scale, usually nationwide, at a lower cost than the major broadcast networks. This is paid as a part of All Other North America use.
Traditional Digital + Paid YouTube
Theatrical / Industrial Under the Commercials Contract, Use of a commercial in taxicabs, jumbotrons, gas stations, to name a few. Commercial Use on videocassette, laser disc, DVD, CD or like formats that are given, sold or rented to the public also fall into this category. Use is worldwide.
Principal performers are compensated a higher rate when their commercial is used on Traditional Digital as well as in paid media on YouTube such as pre-roll and mid-roll.
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Glossary of Terms
U-Z
Use vs use We have capitalized “Use” when referring to the run of commercials. Lower case “use” is the traditional definition of the word.
Wild Spot A commercial used on non-interconnected stations, independent of a specific program. Use is paid in 4-week/13-week/ 52-week cycles.
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