Global Rule One

Rule One for all SAG-AFTRA members states that "No member shall work as a performer or make an agreement to work as a performer for any producer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union which is in full force and effect."

Originally, this rule was enforced only within the U.S. and its territories. However, since May 1, 2002, due to a rapidly changing global entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA has expanded Rule One to ensure that the protections of the union contracts follow its members wherever they work. As such, Global Rule One now extends Rule One of the union's membership rules beyond the U.S. borders to all shooting locations around the world.

Specifically, Global Rule One applies to all members who are engaged by a producer that is a foreign entity to work outside of the United States on a theatrical motion picture, TV production, or commercial/industrial film that is shot entirely in a foreign country. It states that in order for a member to be in compliance with Global Rule One, and thereby cleared by the union to perform services, such producer must become signatory to a SAG-AFTRA Global Rule One agreement, providing for minimum wages, working conditions and protections for each such member.

If you are such a producer, and desire to engage SAG-AFTRA members to perform outside the United States, please contact the appropriate contracts department below at least three weeks prior to commencement of principal photography to initiate and complete the signatory process, in order for the union to clear its members to travel and work aboard for your company.

For Theatrical motion pictures, call (323) 549-6828
For Television productions, call (323) 549-6835
For Commercials/Industrials, call (323) 549-6858