SAG Micro-Budget Projects - An Appeal to SAG

I emailed SAGIndie and this is the result...there may be hope! :) If anyone out there know anyone on the board of SAG or an applicable committee or even a candidate for the board...please bring this issue up with them. I'd gladly broadcast the names of candidates in support of this type of proposal.

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Jeff,

Your timing is perfect. The Committees are looking at the low budgetagreements and have asked for my input from filmmakers. I will add your comments and suggestions (anonymously) to the list that I provide to the leadership.

Again, thanks for your proactive suggestions.

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Daly
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 5:52 PM
To: indieinfo
Subject: "Micro-budget" projects

I would like to know how to raise an issue with the board of directorsfor consideration or deferral to committee.

My issue concerns "micro-budgeted", short length, projects. As amember who *rarely* works, I wanted to the option to 'self-produce' acouple of projects as showcase pieces for me and a couple of friends.

We have NO INTENTION of marketing these pieces...they would be shot onDV...they would be on our websites and demo reels and possiblysubmitted to a small festival or two.

We think there should be a 'waiver' for these types of projects basedon certain criteria:

1. Budget - I would call a 'micro-budget' under $1000. (Since I own mycamera and mic and boom pole, I might actually come in under $100)

2. Length - I would exclude feature length projects altogether andinclude short pieces under 20 minutes.

3. Intention - these projects should be intended as showcase piecesfor demo reels, websites, etc. I *would* like to see however theprovision for entering into festivals for greater exposure.

4. "Ownership" - the actors are the producers.

The reason that I would seek a waiver vs. using the Experimental orthe mysterious Internet contracts is the cost prohibitive nnature ofWorkman's Comp insurance which those contracts require. With amicro-small cast (2 or 3 people) interested in showcasing, we would only be protecting ourselves from ourselves. I find that the potential for exploitation is non-existant or at most highly unlikely.

SAG should be aware that the traditional casting process is notworking for all of us and we need other outlets.

Thank you,

Jeff Daly