What is AFTRA?
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists—affiliated with the AFL-CIO—is a diverse national union representing over 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists in 32 Locals throughout the country. AFTRA members work as actors, broadcast journalists, dancers, singers, announcers, hosts, comedians, and disc jockeys in all aspects of the media industries including television and radio, sound recordings, commercials, industrial/non-broadcast, interactive games, and the Internet. For more information, visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.
Does AFTRA have rules regarding for whom its members may work?
AFTRA members may only work for producers who are signatory to AFTRA agreements.
What does it mean to be a “signatory” to an AFTRA agreement?
A signatory is an employer who has agreed to produce under the terms of an AFTRA contract and who has signed and returned the New Employer Information Sheet (located on this disc) and copies of the one-page AFTRA Interactive Media Letter of Adherence (contact the nearest AFTRA Local for a copy of the Letter of Adherence.)
Is there a fee to become a signatory to AFTRA?
No
Am I obligated to hire only performers who are AFTRA members?
No, but producers are required to provide AFTRA with a list of performers in the form of a “cast clearance” prior to the work date. If any of the performers hired are not members of AFTRA, the producer is required to share that information to the union.
What will it cost me to hire AFTRA performers?
Click here to view a complete list of the current minimum rates.
Are there any other costs associated with becoming signatory to an AFTRA agreement?
In addition to the minimum rates, there is a separate payment due to the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds—a sum equal to 14.30% of the gross compensation due each performer. This is how working union members gain health and retirement benefits.
When is payment due to performers?
Performers need to be paid not later than 12 business days after services have been rendered. All checks issued to the performers are delivered to the AFTRA Local in the city in which the production occurs, unless the producer and the relevant AFTRA Local agree to a different method of distributing payments.
Do I need to give a performer cast credits?
Yes. You must list the names of the performers in the credits.
Are there rules for rest periods?
Yes, a voice-over performer must receive at least a five-minute rest period for each hour of recording.
How can I contact AFTRA?
Click here to see a complete list of AFTRA Locals.
Do I need to provide the performers with an employment contract?
Yes. You have the option of utilizing AFTRA Member Reports (a form of employment contract), a similar contract form (called a “Standard Engagement Contract”), or individual contracts approved by AFTRA. Contact AFTRA for more information and to receive a copy of either the Member Report or the Standard Engagement Contract.
Are there additional fees for work on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. On-camera performers are paid double time for the sixth and seventh day of work in a single work week. Voice-over performers are paid double time for Saturday and Sunday work, regardless of the length of the work week.
What if I need to call back a performer to make adjustments to the original performance?
A performer can be recalled to make corrections or adjustments for additional fees.
Can I distribute my product via the Internet?
Yes. The producer can pay the performer for “Remote Delivery” rights so that your program may be accessed by consumers from remote location, such as the Internet.
What if I use material from my original game in a sequel—are there restrictions on re-use?
There are several requirements governing re-ruse, including payment, or in some cases, the obligation to bargain with a performer in advance of the re-use. Please call the AFTRA Local in your area for more information.
What if I upgrade my project for a new platform but do not change the content of the program? Are additional fees due the performer?
No. The reconfiguration or re-formulation of material for a single interactive program for the computer software code to adapt the interactive program to a different platform is not considered re-use, which would require the payment of additional fees.
What if I make a trailer and/or a promotional program for the purpose of advertising and promoting my game?
A performer’s service in a trailer or promotional program 12 minutes in length or less does not require additional compensation (other than compensation for original services) if the recording of the trailer or promotional program occurs during the performer’s term of employment. Please call the AFTRA Local in your area for more information.
