This waiver MUST be applied for and granted before the rates below can be used.

This is a waiver designed to cover non-air presentation/demonstration recordings of songs (i.e., songwriter demo recordings).  It is an “O.P.O. agreement” (One Production Only), meaning that a separate agreement must be signed by the songwriter/producer and the singer for each individual song demo recorded. The songwriter/producer does not need to be signatory to either the Sound Recording Code or the TV/Theatrical Code.

For your reference, the LA Songwriter Demo Agreement is linked here.

Minimum Singer Compensation

Minimum payment for the demo singer must be at least 50% of the current applicable minimum compensation from the Sound Recording Code (see Sound Recordings tab above).  Unlimited overdubbing and/or sweetening may be performed by the singer for no additional compensation.

Requirement for Assumption Agreement & Additional Payment

At the point where the original song demo recording is used in any other medium or for broadcast purposes, an assumption agreement must immediately be signed between the songwriter and the new user, and payment of 100% of the current basic applicable Solo/Duo rate from the Sound Recording Code, plus full payment for all overdubbing and/or sweetening, must be made at that time to the singer, including payment by the new user of the AFTRA Health & Retirement contribution on this new amount.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)549-6864. Kristina Gorbacsov, Music Dept. Kristina.Gorbacsov@sagaftra.org

*rates for 11/1/2023 – 6/30/2024

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $1,254
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $4,019
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $1,099
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $960
*Group Singers 9+ (3-hour waiver): $550 *NOTE: This wavier MUST be applied for and granted before this special rate can be used
**Mouthing 1-16: $919
**Mouthing 17+: $715

*NOTE: For Off-Camera groups of 9 or more, producer may obtain a 3-Hour Waiver, but must request this waiver in writing from the SAG-AFTRA Singers Dept.

**NOTE: Mouthing provisions apply only when performer is “mouthing” on camera to a pre-recorded track of his/her own voice.

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of total applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of  total applicable rate)

Step Outs

(1) If a solo or duo is called upon to step out of a group to sing up to fifteen (15) cumulative bars during a session, they shall be paid an adjustment of fifty percent (50%) of the solo/duo rate in addition to the appropriate group rate for that day.
(2) If a solo or duo is called upon to step out of a group to sing sixteen (16) or more cumulative bars, or remain more than one (1) hour after the group has been released, to perform a solo or duo of any length, he (they) shall be paid the full solo/duo rate in addition to the appropriate group rate for that day.
(3) Any member of a group who steps out to perform as part of a smaller group to sing over four (4) consecutive bars shall be paid at the smaller group fee for that day. Such re-classification shall not operate to reduce the size of the overall group with respect to fees payable to the remainder of the group. 

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the complete SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Agreement is linked here.

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ 323-765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

SAG-AFTRA offers two optional waivers available to record labels/producers for the release of a soundtrack album – a reduced fee waiver, and a limited release waiver. Both waivers below apply only in the following circumstances:
1. Applies to “underscore” produced specifically for a Theatrical Film or Television Program utilizing groups of nine (9) or more singers.
2. Waiver must be submitted to SAG-AFTRA by the signatory company/producer for each soundtrack at least two weeks prior to 
the soundtrack album release.

Use of the waiver requires all singers to be credited individually, along with inclusion of the SAG-AFTRA logo, in the liner 
notes of the physical release and digital booklet of the digital release. Unless otherwise stated in the waiver, all other terms of the AFTRA Sound Recordings Code apply, including applicable 
H&R/P&H contributions, Contingent Scale, and Digital Exploitation payments.

I. Soundtrack Album Limited Release Waiver (Sound Recordings or Theatrical)

Available to any signatory to the AFTRA Sound Recordings Code or the SAG Codified Basic Agreement.

Permits the manufacture/distribution of units at the following payment thresholds:

0 – 15,000 units = no payments due
15,001 – 50,000 units = 50% of full Sound Recordings rates due
50,001 – 100,000 units = Additional 50% of full Sound Recordings rates due
Over 100,001 units = Additional 20% of full Sound Recordings rates due

Unlimited multi-tracking/sweetening included in the above for an additional 50% of applicable fees at each threshold

Unit = one physical album or one digital track-equivalent album (12 individual digital tracks are the equivalent of one album)

II. Soundtrack Album Reduced Fee Waiver (Sound Recordings Only)

Available to any signatory to the AFTRA Sound Recordings Code
Rates are applied based upon the actual timing of the vocal cues only (rather than the entire length of the musical score); unlimited multi-tracking/sweetening included at no additional cost.
Payments due within 21 days of release; no other payments due unless the sales reach the first Contingent Scale plateau of 157,500 units.

To apply for these waivers, please contact Kristina Gorbacsov at (323) 634-8154 or kristina.gorbacsov@sagaftra.org.

These are special singer rates, available only when singing on films with total budgets between $700,000 and $2 million. Rates for daily and weekly principal performers are set at 65% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. All other terms apply from full-budget agreement.

*Current rates for 11/1/2023 – 6/30/2024

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $815
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $2,612
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $715
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $624
**Mouthing 1-16: $597
**Mouthing 17+: $464

**NOTE: Mouthing provisions apply only when performer is “mouthing” on camera to a pre-recorded track of his/her own voice.

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Low-Budget Theatrical Rate Sheet is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

These are special singer rates, available only when singing on films with total budgets between $300,000 and $700,000. Rates for daily and weekly principal performers are set at 35% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. All other terms apply from full-budget agreement.

*Rates for 11/9/2023 – 6/30/2024

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $439
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $1,407
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $385
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $336
Step-Out Rate (up to 15 cumulative bars during group session): $220
Step-Out Rate (16+ cumulative bars or, if solo/duo is kept after group is released to perform any amount of bars): $439
**Mouthing 1-16: $322
**Mouthing 17+: $250

**NOTE: Mouthing provisions apply only when performer is “mouthing” on camera to a pre-recorded track of his/her own voice.

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Modified Low-Budget Theatrical Rate Sheet is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special singer rate, available only when singing on films with total budgets below $300,000. Rates for day performers are set at 20% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. Overdubbing and/or sweetening is included at no extra charge.

*Rates for 11/9/2023 – 6/30/2024.

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $251
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $804
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $220
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $175
**Mouthing 1-16: $184
**Mouthing 17+: $143

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low-Budget Theatrical Agreement is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special singer rate, available only when singing on films with total budgets below $300,000. Rates for day performers are set at 20% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. Overdubbing and/or sweetening is included at no extra charge.

*updated 7/1/2020

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $229
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $733
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $200
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $175
**Mouthing 1-16: $168
**Mouthing 17+: $130

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor (for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more)

Group 3-8: (basic applicable rate + 50%)
Group 9+: (basic applicable rate + 100%)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20.5% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low-Budget Theatrical Agreement is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special singer rate, available only when singing on films with total budgets below $300,000. Rates for day performers are set at 20% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. Overdubbing and/or sweetening is included at no extra charge.

*updated 7/1/2020

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $229
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $733
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $200
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $175
**Mouthing 1-16: $168
**Mouthing 17+: $130

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor (for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more)

Group 3-8: (basic applicable rate + 50%)
Group 9+: (basic applicable rate + 100%)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20.5% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low-Budget Theatrical Agreement is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special singer rate, available only when singing on films with total budgets below $300,000. Rates for day performers are set at 20% of basic agreement scale, and will increase annually with scale. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. Overdubbing and/or sweetening is included at no extra charge.

*updated 7/1/2020

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $229
Solo/Duo (Weekly): $733
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $200
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $175
**Mouthing 1-16: $168
**Mouthing 17+: $130

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor (for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more)

Group 3-8: (basic applicable rate + 50%)
Group 9+: (basic applicable rate + 100%)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20.5% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low-Budget Theatrical Agreement is linked here

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special singer rate, available only when singing on student films with 35 minutes or less running time, and total budgets below $35,000.  The student you’re singing for must be attending an accredited school. The “3-hour waiver” rate is not available on these projects. Overdubbing and/or sweetening is included at no extra charge.

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo or Group Singers, any size group (8-hour day): Negotiable
(payment may also be deferred until film is exhibited/shown/distributed)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Student Film Agreement is linked here.

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This is a special rate, available only to projects with a total budget at or below $20,000.  Typically only for the type of projects that would sign a New Media Agreement, Short Project Agreement, or the Student Film Agreement. For more details on what projects qualify for this, the Micro-Budget info sheet is linked here.

On- or Off-Camera Singers

Rates and terms negotiated by producer and performer.

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Micro-Budget One-Sheet is linked here.

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact  SAG-AFTRA  @ (855) 724-2387. info@sagaftra.org

This waiver is available when requested by a composer or producer, and allows singers to record music for theatrical productions at the pre- production stage, where story line, character concept, and musical material is being developed and workshopped. This waiver must be requested in writing from the SAG-AFTRA Singers Dept. Once approved, it applies to all pre-production sessions recorded for the same title or project. If any of these recordings are used in the final production or score, all singers are then paid the full current Theatrical/Motion Picture rates, including overdubbing, sweetening, step-outs, etc.

*Rate for 11/9/22 – 6/30/23

Off-Camera Singers (Solo/Duo or Group of 3 or more)

(for 6-hour session, singers receive 50% of Solo/Duo scale) $627

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

(basic waiver rate + 50%) $940.50

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Overdubbing & Sweetening

Unlimited overdubbing and sweetening are allowed for this rate.

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

*rates for 11/9/23 – 6/30/24

On-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (8-hour day): $1,254
Group Singers 3-8 (8-hour day): $1,099
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $960
*Mouthing 1-16: $919
*Mouthing 17+: $715

Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (4-hour session): $1,254
Group Singers 3-8 (4-hour session): $663
Group Singers 9+ (4-hour session): $569
*NOTE: Mouthing provisions apply only when performer is “mouthing” on camera to a pre-recorded track of his/her own voice.

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of total applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of total applicable rate)

SAG Health & Retirement Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (21% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check)

Step Outs

(1) If a solo or duo is called upon to step out of a group to sing up to fifteen (15) cumulative bars during a session, they shall be paid an adjustment of fifty percent (50%) of the solo/duo rate in addition to the appropriate group rate for that day.
(2) If a solo or duo is called upon to step out of a group to sing sixteen (16) or more cumulative bars, or remain more than one (1) hour after the group has been released, to perform a solo or duo of any length, he (they) shall be paid the full solo/duo rate in addition to the appropriate group rate for that day.
(3) Any member of a group who steps out to perform as part of a smaller group to sing over four (4) consecutive bars shall be paid at the smaller group fee for that day. Such re-classification shall not operate to reduce the size of the overall group with respect to fees payable to the remainder of the group.

Signature Theme

This includes “bumper” music in and out of commercial breaks, etc.
The same Overdubbing and Sweetening rates as above apply to this base rate.

13-Episode Rate (allows producer to use the song for 13 episodes of the show)

Solo/Duo (4-hour session): $3,101
Group Singers 3-8 (4-hour session): $2,933
Group Singers 9+ (4-hour session): $2,704

Overtime Pay Rates:

On-Camera (8-hour day) – For each hour of overtime beyond the original 8 hours, payment hours are calculated by pro-rating (scale divided by 8), and charged at 150% of scale for the 9^th and 10^th hours, and 200% of scale for the 11^th and 12^th hours.
Off-Camera (4-hour session) – For each hour of overtime beyond the original 4 hours, payment hours are calculated by pro-rating (scale divided by 4), and charged at 100% of scale for the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th hours, 150% of scale for the 9^th and 10^th hours, and 200% of scale for the 11^th and 12^th hours.

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323)549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other rates note covered on this page, click here to see the full rate sheet. For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

*rates for 7/11/22 – 6/30/24

On-Camera Singers

Rates vary, according to length of show, ranging from 5-minute broadcast to a 4-hour broadcast or more; check with SAG-AFTRA TV staff for specific show rates; Pat Perez (323)549-6835; pat.perez@sagaftra.org ; Caroline Coderoni (323)549-6835; caroline.coderoni@sagaftra.org ; Billie Murphy (323)634-8178; billie.murphy@sagaftra.org

Off-Camera Singers

Solo/Duo (4-hour session): $859
Group Singers 3-8 (4-hour session): $502
Group Singers 9+ (4-hour session): $467

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-15: (basic applicable rate + 50%)
Group 16+: (basic applicable rate + 100%)

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (19.8% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Overdubbing

50% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For rates not listed on this page, click here for more information. Other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

When an audio demo recording of a song is needed for a signatory theatrical or television project, either to present it for approval purposes or to teach it to a performer on the project, singers may record this material for 50% of the current applicable Theatrical/Motion Picture or Television scale. If these recordings are used in the final production or score, all singers are then paid the full current Theatrical/Motion Picture or Television rates, including overdubbing, sweetening, step-outs, etc.

Off-Camera Singers (Solo/Duo or Group of 3 or more)

For 2-hour session, singers receive 50% of Solo/Duo scale

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

This wavier MUST be applied for and granted before the rates below can be used.

When an audio demo recording of a song is needed for a theatrical or television project, either to present it for approval purposes or to teach it to a performer on the project, singers may record this material for 25% of the current applicable Theatrical/Motion Picture or Television scale. If these recordings are used in the final production or score, all singers are then paid the full current Theatrical/Motion Picture or Television rates, including overdubbing, sweetening, step-outs, etc.

A Sample of this wavier can be found here.

Off-Camera Singers (Solo/Duo or Group of 3 or more)

For 2-hour session, singers receive 25% of Solo/Duo scale

Overdubbing and/or Sweetening are included at no extra charge with this waiver.

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements

1. Check with TV producer office or studio in advance of session to find out whether TV show for which you are working is either a SAG or an AFTRA contract show. This will determine exact singer rates.
2. Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323) 549-6792.
3. Provide Station 12 with:
   • the show name, start date, and location of the work
   • all singer first & last names, Social Security numbers

Singers will either be:

• • Cleared to work (“OK”)
  • Required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”)
  • Required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”)
  • Or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

SAG-AFTRA is now offering a waiver available to producers/composers of movie trailers. To request this waiver, production must contact SAG-AFTRA. Once applied for and granted, the terms of the waiver are as follows:

1. A two-hour session for the recording of cues for exclusive use in a Trailer for a Theatrical Motion Picture.  Unlimited EDITS/Versions of a Trailer may be made for the same Theatrical Motion Picture, using the cues, but use is limited to the one film, and the vocal cues may not be used for any other promotional purpose, or in any other products.
2. The waiver must be requested in advance of the session, and any Signatory Production House, Signatory Trailer Music Production House, or Theatrical Signatory Producer may make the request.
3. The terms of the waiver shall be as follows:
   A. One 2-hour session, (off camera singers) with the following rates:
   __Group Singers 9-24 – $200
   __Group Singers 25+ – $150

(For group 9-24, the same rates for Multi-Tracking (33 1/3% additional) and Sweetening (100% additional) shall apply.)

B. A group session of 25+ singers shall include unlimited Multi-tracking and Sweetening.

_4. The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health Contribution shall apply.

_5. Hourly 5- minute breaks shall apply.

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

Step Outs

There are no step outs included in this waiver.

For other specific questions regarding this waiver, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

*rates from 6/1/22 – 3/31/25

Television Commercials

On-Camera Singers

Solo/duo (8-hour day): $783.10
Group Singers 3-5 (8-hour day): $573.30
Group Singers 6-8 (8-hour day): $507.60
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $419.70

Off-Camera Singers

Solo/duo (2-hour session): $588.90
Group Singers 3-5 (2-hour session): $332.10
Group Singers 6-8 (2-hour session): $288.30
Group Singers 9+ (2-hour session):$235

Vocal Contractor (for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more)

Receives session rate according to group size, plus the following additional contracting fee:
Group 3-5: $83.03
Group 6-8: $72.08
Group 9+: $117.50

SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20.5% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Multi-Tracking

Solo/duo (50% of above applicable rate additional fee, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal part).
Group Singers 3 or more (50% of above applicable rate additional fee, which allows unlimited multi-tracking & sweetening of any vocal parts).

Sweetening

Solo/duo (add 100% of basic session fee PER TRACK, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (multi-tracking is included for this rate).
Group Singers 3 or more (50% of above applicable rate additional fee, which allows unlimited multi-tracking & sweetening of ANY vocal parts by singers (multi-tracking is included for this rate).

Non-Air Television Commercial Demos

Rates below are only for commercial demo sessions; the resulting commercials may not be broadcast without payment of full commercial rates; all multi-tracking and/or sweetening must be noted on the contract and/or member report.

Off-Camera Singers

Payment is for a 2-hour session, in which up to 4 commercials can be recorded for this single fee.
Solo/duo: $227.62
Group Singers 3 or more: $148.78

For each additional half-hour, or additional commercial, whichever is greater, the following fees apply:
Solo/duo: $56.90
Group Singers 3 or more: $37.20

On-Camera Singers

Solo/duo (8-hour day): $587.33
Group Singers 3-5 (8-hour day): $429.98
Group Singers 6-8 (8-hour day): $380.70
Group Singers 9+ (8-hour day): $314.78

Radio/Audio Commercials

Payment is for a 90-minute-long session.
Solo/duo: $347.60
Group Singers 3-5: $256.10
Group Singers 6-8: $226.60
Group Singers 9+: $201

Sessions including multi-tracking
Solo/duo: $521.40
Group Singers 3-5: $384.15
Group Singers 6-8: $339.90
Group Singers 9+: $301.50

Sessions including sweetening
Solo/duo: (add 100% of basic session fee PER TRACK)
Group Singers 3-5: $384.15
Group Singers 6-8: $339.90
Group Singers 9+: $301.50

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Receives session rate according to group size, plus the following additional contracting fee:
Group 3-5: $64.03
Group 6-8: $56.65
Group 9+: $100.50

SAG-AFTRA Pension & Health Contribution

20.5% (of total payment to singers, paid by separate check)

Non-Air Radio/Audio Commercial Demos

Rates below are only for commercial demo sessions; the resulting commercials may not be broadcast without payment of full commercial rates; all multi-tracking and/or sweetening must be noted on the contract and/or member report.

Payment is for a 2-hour session, in which up to 4 commercials can be recorded for this single fee.
Solo/duo: $241.72
Group Singers 3 or more: $158.01

For each additional half-hour, or additional commercial, whichever is greater, the following fees apply:
Solo/duo: $60.44
Group Singers 3 or more: $39.49

For all other specific questions regarding rates, residuals, and conditions, including information about made-for-internet, made-for-new media, Spanish language, foreign, single-market, and regional commercials, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Department, @(323)549-6858. Tracy Hyman, Commercials Dept. tracy.hyman@sagaftra.org

*rates from 11/16/2021- 11/07/2022

Off-Camera Singers (4-hour session)

Solo/Duo: $956.75
Group Singers 3-8: $506.75
Group Singers 9+: $440

Off-Camera Singers (Hourly)

Solo/Duo Hourly Rate: $478.50
Group Singers Hourly Rate: $283.75
Please note: Once a singer is engaged at an hourly rate, there is no conversion to a 4-hr session rate.

Overdubbing

33 1/3% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of same vocal parts by singers.

Sweetening

100% of above applicable rate, which allows unlimited multi-tracking of ANY vocal parts by singers (overdubbing is included for this rate).

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)
Group 9+      (100% of basic applicable rate)

AFTRA Health and Retirement Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (16.5% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

Special Vocal Contractor Requirements:

Clear all singers through Membership Cast Clearance (Station 12): (323)549-6792.  You will need to call in to this number, then provide: all singer first and last names, their Social Security numbers, start date of the work, location of the work, and the production name.  Singers will either be cleared to work (“OK”), required to file Taft-Hartley paperwork in order to work (“NR”), required to pay late dues in order to work (“Station 12”), or required to join SAG-AFTRA in order to work (“Must join”), meaning they’ve already filed Taft-Hartley paperwork for a previous job and now are required to join the union in order to work this job.

Please note that there are no residuals owed on video games. However, if the singers’ performance is later used in another video game, a sequel, or medium unrelated to the original video game franchise or its promotional materials, then the signatory who signs the assumption agreement must pay for the new use. For example, if the performance is used in a commercial for an unrelated product, the new signatory (the ad agency) must pay the singers the applicable commercial rate.

For your reference, the SAG-AFTRA Interactive (i.e. Videogame) Agreement is linked here.

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact Katie Sikkema in the SAG-AFTRA Voice Over Department which handles Interactive, (323)549-6815  interactive@sagaftra.org , or the Music Department, (323)765-2910.  Kristina Gorbacsov, Music Dept. kristina.gorbacsov@sagaftra.org

*updated 1/1/21   exp. 12/30/21
As of 1/1/23 the contract is still being negotiated. Until an agreement is reached, the rates below are still valid.

All listed rates below are per singer, per hour or per “side”, whichever is higher (each recorded track of up to 4 minutes 30 seconds is considered a “side”).  Minimum session call is 2 hours for 3 singers or more.

Solo/Duo: $257.50 (no 2-hour minimum)
Group Singers 3-8 : $117.25
Group Singers 9-16: $89.75
Group Singers 17-24: $78.25
Group Singers 25-35 (non-classical): $66.50
Group Singers 36+ (non-classical): $57.25

“Step Out” Solos

When a solo or duo singer sings up to 4 bars solo in what is otherwise a group vocal recording session, they then receive the following additional amount, on top of their group singing pay:

Group Singers 3-8 (if 1 singer steps out): $117.25 apiece
Group Singers 3-8 (if 2 singers step out): $78.50 apiece
Group Singers 3-8 (if 3+ singers step out): $58.75 apiece
Group Singers 9+ (any Solo/Duo step out): $117.25 apiece

Classical Recordings

Group Singers 25+ (w/orchestra): $147.75 (3-hour session)
Overtime: $49.50 (per hour)
Group Singers 25+ (a cappella): $49.50 (per hour)
Rehearsal: $20 (per hour)

Vocal Contractor (for vocal groups of 3 or more)

When a group of 3 or more singers is booked, one of those singers MUST be the contractor. Like all Sound Recording rates, the contractor rate is per hour or per side, whichever is greater. The following rates are an additional fee to be added to the contractors scale as one of the group singers:

Group 3-8: $57
Group 9-16: $66.50
Group 17-24: $80.75
Group 25-35: $97.75
Group 36+: $116.50

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution

13% (of total payment to singers, paid by separate check)

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Music Department @ (323)634-8154. Kristina Gorbacsov, Music Dept. Kristina.Gorbacsov@sagaftra.org

*rates from 1/11/2023 – 10/31/2025)

This type of work is primarily on programs designed to train, inform, promote products, or perform public relations functions. Category I programs are shown on a restricted (non-broadcast) basis.  Category II programs are intended for unrestricted showing to the general public.

On-Camera Singers

Category I

Solo/duo (8-hour day): $617
Group Singers 3 or more (8-hour day): $373
Step-Out Solos (group singers who, in addition to group singing, perform 8 bars or less of solo singing): $467

Category II

Solo/duo (8-hour day): $768
Group Singers 3 or more (8-hour day): $460
Step-Out Solos (group singers who, in addition to group singing, perform 8 bars or less of solo singing): $577

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3-8     (50% of basic applicable rate)

Off-Camera (or Audio Only) Singers

Category I

Solo/duo (per hour): $332
Group Singers 3 or more (per hour): $222
Step-Out Solos (group singers who, in addition to group singing, perform 8 bars or less of solo singing): $276

Category II

Solo/duo (per hour): $373
Group Singers 3 or more (per hour): $251
Step-Out Solos (group singers who, in addition to group singing, perform 8 bars or less of solo singing): $312

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution

18.75% (of total payment to singers, paid by separate check)

For your reference, the complete SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Agreement is linked here.
For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Corporate/Educational Department, (323)549-6858. Jennifer Mathews, jennifer.mathews@sagaftra.org

*rates from 11/1/2022 – 10/31/2025

This type of work is for pre-recorded audio material to be played back in venues such as theme parks, shopping malls, cruise ships, etc. for “live entertainment” shows.  There is a 1-Year Agreement, which entitles the producer to 12 months of consecutive usage of the material, and a 3-Year Agreement, which entitles the producer to 36 months of usage of the material within a 5-year period.

Singers

1-Year

Solo/duo (2-hour session): $428.96
Group Singers 3 or more (2-hour session): $214.84
Group Singers 3 or more (4-hour session): $448.19
Group Singers 3 or more (8-hour session): $715.71

Pickup Sessions (only for groups 3+): Where employment of the Daily Rate is impractical, e.g., the necessity of recording a single selection, necessary availability of singers involved, “last minute” changes, additions, altering of routines, and other related production problems), the singers may be paid per number or per hour, whichever is higher:
$107.42  (2hr minimum)

3-Year

Solo/duo (2-hour session): $639.74
Group Singers 3 or more (2-hour session): $323.38
Group Singers 3 or more (4-hour session): $656.95
Group Singers 3 or more (8-hour session): $1,074.21
If prorating is needed: $161.67 per number or hour

Pickup Sessions (only for groups 3+): Where employment of the Daily Rate is impractical, e.g. the necessity of recording a single selection, necessary availability of singers involved, “last minute” changes, additions, altering of routines, and other related production problems), singers may be paid per number or per hour: $161.67 (2hr minimum)

Special Conditions: When group singers are employed for 4-hour or 8-hour session, an unlimited number of musical selections may be recorded, and unlimited sweetening and overdubbing is included for this rate.

Vocal Contractor*

*Required for On- or Off-Camera vocal groups of 3 or more. Must be a member of the group unless gender or age exemptions are met as per the Codified Basic Agreement.

Group 3 or more     (100% of basic applicable rate)

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution

18.75% (of total payment to singers, paid by separate check)

For all other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact Tracy Hyman in the SAG-AFTRA Commercials & Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast Contracts Department, (323)549-6858.

This agreement is for work made for initial release on new media platforms, such as the internet, mobile phone, etc.  It is similar in many ways to the television agreements, but there is no set rate for this work, so payment for each job must be negotiated individually with the producer.

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution, OR SAG Pension & Health Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (20% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA New Media Contracts Dept., @(323)549-6446, newmedia@sagaftra.org , or the Music Department, @ (323)765-2903. Janée Lynch, Music Dept. janee.lynch@sagaftra.org

*updated 1/1/19

This agreement covers all radio or television station operational non-commercial jingles, otherwise known as “station IDs”.  Producer must first be signatory to the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract in order to do work under this agreement.

Singers

Solo/duo
1-hour minimum call, up to 4 jingles: $145
For each additional jingle, or quarter-hour: $35

Group Singers 3 or more
Per hour, 2-hour min.: $90
For each additional quarter-hour: $22.50

Step-Out Solos
Per solo or quarter-hour: $35

Overdubbing & Sweetening: Unlimited overdubbing and sweetening is allowed by group singers at no additional fee.

AFTRA Health & Retirement Contribution

The applicable Theatrical Pension and Health contribution shall apply (% of total payment to singers, paid by separate check).

For all other specific questions regarding rates and conditions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Department, (323)549-6858.  Tracy Hyman, Commercials Dept. tracy.hyman@sagaftra.org

View PDF Version of Chart

If you want to hire, for instance, 24 singers for a full 8-hour day for a film scoring session, your costs would be 23 X $815.00 ($18,745), + vocal contractor ($1,630.00), + 33 1/3% overdubbing fee for unlimited overdubs ($6,791,67) + pension & health contribution of 16.8% of the total talent cost ($4,564.00). Also, employers are required to pay a Social Security tax of 6.2% of gross income paid to employees (employees also pay 6.2% of their gross income in Social Security tax), and a Medicare tax of 1.45% (employees also pay 1.45% of their gross income in Medicare tax), so total payroll taxes paid by the employer are 7.65% of gross income paid to employees (matched by 7.65% payroll taxes paid by employees).

Payroll companies or employers are also required to withhold federal and state income tax from gross income paid to employees, although this money comes out of the employee’s earnings, and the amount withheld is requested by the employee, so it is NOT an additional payment by the employer.

The only exception to this is with singers who are incorporated.  In these cases, their corporations are paid the full amount of gross earnings, and then they themselves are responsible for periodically paying all withholding and payroll taxes.

So, assuming that roughly two-thirds of the singers are UNincorporated (the typical percentage), the employer-paid payroll taxes would come to around $1,385.48.  If a payroll service is utilized by the employer (very often the case), the payroll service fee typically runs somewhere around 3% of the gross amount paid to talent, or in this case, around $815. Total cost to employer = $33,931.15