SAG-AFTRA TV and Theatrical Residuals Quick Guide

What is a residual?

Residuals are additional compensation paid to performers when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by the initial compensation. For example, for a theatrical film, residuals would be triggered once it is released anywhere other than theaters, such as on DVD, TV and new media. Residuals are bargained as part of SAG-AFTRA’s collective bargaining agreements.

Note that for theatrical, television and new media, residuals are sent to SAG-AFTRA first and then distributed to the performer. 

When are residuals owed?

Residuals are only due when a production is released beyond the original market for which it was intended, or reruns are shown beyond the original broadcast date or initial exhibition window. 

Here are some examples:

• If a production was made for theatrical exhibition, residuals would be owed if it was later distributed on DVD, via on-demand or pay-per-view, on TV or new media (which includes streaming, subscription on-demand and download-to-own).     
• If a production was made for network television or basic cable exhibition, residuals would be triggered, starting with the second broadcast of the program in the United States or Canada (some exceptions apply), or any other exhibition, such as a move over to a different channel or on new media.
• If a production was made for new media, residuals could kick in after extended exhibitions in new media, depending on the budget and terms of the agreement, or any move over to traditional media, such as TV or DVD.

Who receives residuals? 

To be eligible, a principal performer must be employed under a SAG-AFTRA contract and some portion of the individual’s performance, such as image or voice, must remain in the final version being released. Both on-camera and off-camera singers may be eligible to receive residuals subject to the criteria above being met.

When are residuals due?

For theatrical, television and new media productions, residuals are first delivered to SAG-AFTRA and then distributed to performers. The timeline of when residuals are due to SAG-AFTRA vary depending on the market the original production was produced for:

Made for television released to:

• Network primetime - 30 days after each re-air date. Please note, network TV is defined as only ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.
• Non-primetime network - 30 days after each re-air date.
• Syndication - Four months after each re-air date.
• Foreign free TV - Due within six months of first foreign telecast. 
• Basic cable - Quarterly when the producer receives revenue, or if the production is made for basic cable, then four months after each re-air date.
• Other media markets, including pay television, streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) services, digital download - Four months after initial exhibition, then quarterly when the producer receives revenue.

Made for theatrical released to:

• Network primetime - 30 days after initial broadcast, then quarterly when the producer receives revenue thereafter.
• Free TV, non-network (syndication, basic cable) - Four months after initial broadcast, then quarterly when the producer receives revenue.
• Other media markets, including pay television, home video, streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) services, digital download - Four months after initial exhibition, then quarterly when the producer receives revenue.

Except as noted above, most residuals are due 60 days following the end of each calendar quarter, as follows:

•    First quarter: Jan. 1 – March 31, residuals due by May 31.
•    Second quarter: April 1 – June 30, residuals due by August 30.
•    Third quarter: July 1 – Sept. 30, residuals due by Nov. 30.
•    Fourth quarter: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, residuals due by March 1.

Once SAG-AFTRA receives the residuals payments, they are then distributed to performers within 30–60 days. 

When will I receive residuals payments?

For theatrical, television, and new media, it generally takes 30–60 days from the time SAG-AFTRA receives residuals payments from the production company to process and mail out payments. 

To track your residuals payments, log into your SAG-AFTRA account at sagaftra.org and select “Residuals Portal.”

What is a residuals claim?

A claim is an allegation that the signatory employer and, in some cases, the distributors related to the production’s exhibition on a SAG-AFTRA, AFTRA or SAG production violated the collective bargaining agreement by not paying residuals where owed.

Do I need to file a residuals claim?

For general residuals questions related to specific productions and whether a claim is needed, please complete and submit the form linked below or reach us by phone. Please call our main line at (323) 549-6505 for assistance. To make a residuals claim, call the Residuals Department at (323) 549-6507 or email [email protected]. 

Once a claim inquiry has been filed with SAG-AFTRA, it is investigated by members of the Contracts team, who will review if it is valid with respect to the apparent facts and relevant contract provisions, and then determine how best to proceed.

•    For other claims questions, review this FAQ.
•    Claim inquiry forms: Click here.

To make a residuals claim easier:

• Always keep records, including pay stubs, contracts and contractor reports.
• Pay attention to when your production is released and contact SAG-AFTRA if you do not receive your residuals payment within six months. 
• Watch the production when it is released and note details on the scene in which you appeared or can be heard. 

How long will it take to process my claim?

•    We handle inquiries for claims in the order they are received. Once we have completed the necessary research for your inquiry, if there is sufficient evidence to support a claim, your claim is assigned to a business representative for filing. Some claims may take longer to research than others.

When will my claim be resolved? 

• The life of a claim can vary from several weeks to several months or longer. Your claim’s status will be updated as the claim progresses by your assigned business representative and via the SAG-AFTRA claims tracker app.
•    Visit sagaftra.org/my-claims to create a login using your sagaftra.org login credentials. If you do not have a login, please visit sagaftra.org/create-account to create an account first then access the claims tracker app.

The preceding information applies to TV and theatrical residuals only and does not include commercials.