tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post5769273238020846955..comments2023-03-12T06:07:40.218-04:00Comments on Living in My Oblivion - A Life in Low Budget Films: Priorities - CastingJB Brunohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04258303283672775536noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-26305867634198497772013-04-09T08:39:52.351-04:002013-04-09T08:39:52.351-04:00Hey, a question--I went ahead and downloaded the n...Hey, a question--I went ahead and downloaded the new documents/package from SAG since it's been a few years. Don't know if they changed it since the merger with AFTRA, but the Ultra Low Budget contract does say it includes a bond. Think it's new, or something you can negotiate out of on an ultra-low?Kangashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05306092145547452231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-33715047164905699142013-04-06T03:52:55.523-04:002013-04-06T03:52:55.523-04:00Cool, will do thanks! Cool, will do thanks! Kangashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05306092145547452231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-61865089547196993492013-04-05T11:33:01.349-04:002013-04-05T11:33:01.349-04:00Kangas, good points. The bond starts at the Modifi...Kangas, good points. The bond starts at the Modified Low - on the Ultra Low. there is no bond. <br /><br />I can't speak to potential other problems in the contract. I hear what you're saying. I think any other sorts of assurances and explanations would have to come from a SAG rep - though I know a guy on the Board (who is also a producer) who can probably answer them as well. Email me if you get to that pointJB Brunohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04258303283672775536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-84082185002329766912013-04-05T07:36:46.190-04:002013-04-05T07:36:46.190-04:00I haven't really had any problems with casting...I haven't really had any problems with casting so far, but have looked into the SAG thing in the past. As a guy who never signs any contract that contains even a single clause I'm not willing to live with, that SAG contract is crazy.<br /><br />It's my understanding that yeah, SAG doesn't typically enforce them all, but my problem is that I haven't been willing to take the chance.<br /><br />Also, with the tiny budgets we've typically shot at there hasn't been room to pay a salary to actors PLUS a bond equal to the total salary of all actors. Is that still a stipulation?<br /><br />We're on hold right now because we have one investor with some money but I'd like to get enough we can actually go with minor name actors. I don't really want to shoot another micro-indy with no names, as distribution has all but disappeared for those. (well, distribution that PAYS at least)Kangashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05306092145547452231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-12134348420739732382013-04-01T08:45:35.775-04:002013-04-01T08:45:35.775-04:00Thanks for the comment and the added points you ma...Thanks for the comment and the added points you made. <br /><br />As for flight and travel days (and even per diems, I usually pay that out up front, and even with projects that got sold, I never had a problem with owing more later.<br /><br />I have had to pay out with films that got sold later, and it wasn't all that daunting, and not a killer for the film.<br /><br />The Ultra Low Contract specifically mentions no step-up fees specifically written in, so you don't usually owe more, other than the accounting issue you mentioned.<br /><br />On the MODIFIED LOW, it can get tricky. The reality of the current distributor-friendly market means the profit margin for films without theatrical is slim, and, as you accurately point out, the actors are in first position. I did have one film where that became an issue - where we were not making our money back and still had to pay upgrades to actors. <br /><br />However, have not had that problem on the Ultra Low.<br /><br />Would love to hear your take and experience with casting, and what works and doesn't work for you int the process. <br /><br />Thanks as always for the feedback.JB Brunohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04258303283672775536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522305918133904836.post-29755782326158175362013-04-01T00:53:54.113-04:002013-04-01T00:53:54.113-04:00Excellent post! But I have to take small issue wit...Excellent post! But I have to take small issue with the SAG recommendation. While I am looking at doing a SAG shoot, in the past it's not been the money that is the primary issue but the contracts and what we promise.<br /><br />While they say you just sign this 2 page modified agreement, one clause of any of the agreements is that by signing you are agreeing to the LONG FORM contract except where the 2 pages modifies it.<br /><br />So you're giving a first-position security interest in your film, along with all the other extensive rules in the book.<br /><br />Which means you're going to be hiring someone to keep the payroll, pay medicare/workman's comp, pay extra money for travel expenses(not just flight but the salary for travel days).<br /><br />I'm just saying that it's not as easy as simply cutting a check for $100 per day to a SAG actor, because if that was the case it would be a done deal. But when you're making features in the sub $25-40K range it may still be out of reach.<br /><br />(but I definitely have some questions I may hit you with about Casting Directors, as we would definitely like to up our game on the next)Kangashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05306092145547452231noreply@blogger.com