SAG-AFTRA Strike: Waivers Granted to Independent Productions Amidst Union Negotiations

While SAG-AFTRA is on strike, not everyone will be barred from working. The union has been working on granting some waivers to independent productions.'

SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "We put the application process up on the first day of the strike. And we've already got hundreds of applications … we will be responding to all of them".

He added, "We will give as many interim agreements as we can, so long as they are truly independent. Our staff has to read each and every one to make sure that they are truly independent …we're working through that as fast as we can."

Provisions within the union regulations allow independent productions, distinct from AMPTP, the opportunity to film under SAG-AFTRA's previously expired TV/Theatrical Agreements and associated contracts. These productions may qualify for an interim agreement, enabling them to continue filming. If granted an interim agreement, the applicants will be obligated to adhere to the eventual contract terms established with the studios and streamers once a new agreement is reached, regardless of the timeframe involved.

Productions operating under certain budget agreements, such as the Short Project Agreement, Micro Budget Agreement, Student Film Agreement, and Independent New Media Agreement, do not require an interim agreement or waiver. The reason for this exemption is that these agreements are not being affected or suspended.