Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

I am directing a longish short film (about 45 minutes) which is not for profit or distribution; it's merely intended to act as content for a showcase reel. (I'm a fledgling writer/director and just need samples of my capabilities.) Cast and crew are donating their time and effort in exchange for being able to use the work for their respective reels. The majority of the cast members are non-union; however three of them belong to SAG. It would seem that�given this is a work that will NOT be released and will NOT make any profit whatsoever�the SAG waiver/Ultra-Low Budget agreement would not be pertinent. Is this correct? I want to make sure the SAG members who are involved are not participating in anything that might be detrimental to their contracts.


Asked on 4/20/10, 6:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Marcia S Wertenberger Marcia S. Wertenberger, Esq.

FIRST: make sure you write down my contact information and please send me yours - you can also getmy basic contact info by putting my name in the Ca State Bar website attorney search. I say this becasue you are entering an area that is not for the faint of heart and will require legal advice at every turn - I have 47 years experience in muti-media - starting as an actress/model a1 year old - to woking with Disney and Warner Bros + the CA Film COmmission up to my last project as I has to take some time out for an injury - negotiating with the feds and executing all of the permitting and environmental documentation for Clint Eastwood's "Letter From Iwo Jima". It would not have been filmed without my goverment connections and environmental documentation and legal plus film industry knowledge with environmental thrown on top of the cake!! SO there you have it!

SO good for you! WORD OF CAUTION - DO NOT MESS WITH SAG - EVER. They are union for a reason and this is one of them. Donation of time is one thing but gaining credits for you as a marketing tool and the actors for thier parts is another - it is pure marketing. My initial take is that these actors would be violating the agreement because it is soemthing that will be relaesed to others to gain a monetary advantage or chance of one. This is very complicated and I need to tell you more but also need more info. AS youposted this as a free question you can't reply but you can contact me directly at msw1325@yahoo. Please send me more details and I will be happy to help to a limit - identify yourself in the regarding line as filmaker and I will get back to you ASAP - send me every bit of info youhave including any other advice youhave been given. Knowing too little will kill you - sont do that

Hope to hear from you - time for dinner

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Answered on 4/25/10, 7:57 pm


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