The new provisions of the SAG-AFTRA 2016 TV and Audio (formerly Radio) Commercials Contracts were posted to the Union and the JPC websites on April 13.Our brief review of the new terms and conditions indicates that there have been several significant changes in Internet and New Media provisions including a revision of the definition of a commercial, creation of four week cycles for internet and a new waiver for commercials made for social media.

Experimental Waivers, which were first negotiated in 2013 for Live Events, Man-on-the-Street and Hidden Camera commercials, have been renewed and have been extended to commercials made for broadcast use, as well as to those made for use on the Internet.

Rates (including allowances, etc) have been increased by 7% across-the-board with a few exceptions. Stand-in’s session will increase by 10% in addition to the general increase. Class A use will increase by 2% in addition to the general increase. Cable use will increase by 6% in addition to the general increase. P&H/H&R contributions are now at 18%, up from 16.8%.

There are many other new and revised provisions to be reviewed. The JPC is, of course, planning Town Hall meetings to explain these negotiated changes in detail and to answer any questions that you might have. We’ll continue to keep you posted about as this information becomes available.

As usual, increases in payments and P&H contributions due for commercials made or integrated after April 1 will be retroactive to April 1. As soon as the membership ratifies the Contracts and the Union and JPC agree upon and publish new rate tables, Bonefide will begin to invoice for any retroactive upgrades.