What Is a SAG Feature Film Budget Template?
A SAG feature film budget template is a production budget designed for independent films produced under a SAG-AFTRA agreement. SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is the union representing professional performers in film, television, and other media. Producing under a SAG-AFTRA agreement gives you access to the union's member talent pool and establishes the minimum compensation, working conditions, and residuals structure for your cast.
SAG-AFTRA offers multiple contract tiers for independent films, ranging from the Ultra Low Budget Agreement (ULBA) for films budgeted under $250,000 to the Modified Low Budget Agreement, the Low Budget Agreement, and the Basic Agreement for larger productions. Each tier has different minimum day and weekly rates, residuals structures, and working condition requirements. Choosing the right SAG agreement for your budget level is a critical early production decision.
SAG-AFTRA Contract Tiers for Feature Films
Ultra Low Budget Agreement (ULBA) applies to films with total budgets at or below $250,000. The ULBA has the lowest minimum rates and simplified residuals obligations, making it the right choice for micro-budget features seeking professional cast. Minimum rates under the ULBA are substantially below standard SAG minimums.
Modified Low Budget Agreement covers films budgeted between $250,001 and $700,000. This tier offers lower-than-standard minimums while providing more flexibility for productions that have outgrown the ULBA but are not yet at the Low Budget Agreement threshold.
Low Budget Agreement (LBA) applies to films budgeted between $700,001 and $2.5 million. The LBA is the most commonly used SAG agreement for independent features seeking professional name talent at accessible rates. Day rates and weekly rates under the LBA are set by the current SAG-AFTRA contract and adjust with each negotiated agreement cycle.
Basic Agreement (also called the Theatrical Agreement) applies to films budgeted above $2.5 million and governs studio and larger independent productions. Standard SAG minimum rates apply under the Basic Agreement, along with the full suite of union working conditions and pension/health contributions.
Pension, health, and welfare (P&H) contributions are a mandatory budget line for all SAG productions. P&H is calculated as a percentage of total SAG payroll and must be included in your budget alongside the performer fees themselves.
SAG Feature Film Budget Ranges
Ultra Low Budget SAG features typically have total budgets of $100,000 to $250,000. Low Budget Agreement productions range from $700,000 to $2.5 million. Mid-range independent features under the Basic Agreement commonly run $2.5 million to $10 million. Understanding which SAG tier your budget falls into before you start budgeting saves significant time in the casting and contracting process.
Managing SAG Payroll on Independent Films
SAG payroll requires a payroll service company to handle union fringe payments, P&H contributions, and residuals tracking. Factor payroll service fees (typically 1 to 2 percent of covered payroll) into your SAG talent line items. Track your actual SAG cast spend against your SAG budget line in real time to avoid P&H surprises at wrap. Use Saturation to manage your production budget and track actuals across all above-the-line and below-the-line departments.
Ready to get started? Explore Saturation's film budgeting software to manage actuals alongside this template, or read our guide to creating a film budget for a step-by-step walkthrough. Saturation cardholders also unlock exclusive production perks on software and services used every day on set.
