Global Rule One | Screen Actors Guild

Overview

We Stand Together

Rule One is one of the founding principles and strengths of our union: we stand together as actors and do not work without a Guild contract. Up until May 1, 2002, Rule One was enforced on productions shot in the United States.

Global Protection

Beginning on May 1, 2002, SAG expanded its protections globally to better serve the needs of members in this rapidly changing, global entertainment economy and to ensure that the protections of the Guild follow our performers wherever they may work.

More Information

For more information on Global Rule One, contact the SAG Contracts Department at (323) 549-6828.

Global Rule One FAQ

I’m a dual citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. How is Global Rule One applicable to me?

It is your responsibility to check with Screen Actors Guild if you perform in an English language production. If a performer is primarily residing in the United States and competing for work against performers in the United States, Global Rule One will apply wherever the work is performed.

Rule One is applicable to all work performed in the United States by all members of SAG.

Which SAG contracts is Global Rule One applicable to?

All of the contracts of Screen Actors Guild are covered by Global Rule One: including the Television, Theatrical, Commercial, and Industrial contracts.

Are there exceptions to Global Rule One?

The unique circumstances of certain productions may allow SAG members working on those projects to be eligible for a waiver of Global Rule One. Such waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis by SAG and only after careful analysis of a particular production.

How can I comply with Global Rule One?

Make sure that you have a SAG contract with a SAG signatory producer for all work performed, both international and domestic. Be sure that you have a SAG contract by calling SAG in Hollywood at (323) 549-6828 and select the option for either television productions or theatrical productions. Another special contact phone number will soon be available for New York members.

When did Global Rule One go into effect?

May 1, 2002.

Who made the decision to broaden Rule One (and when)?

At the October 13, 2001 Screen Actors Guild National Plenary, the Guild’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of the Global Rule One Task Force to pass this measure.

Why is additional Pension & Health Fund money important?

The Pension & Health system is based on contributions by signatory producers who pay 15.3% for TV/Theatrical contracts and 15.5% for commercial contracts separately of actors’ salaries to the Fund. As more producers avoid the SAG contract by hiring members abroad with non-union contracts, the Fund loses revenue. The Pension & Health Fund needs this revenue to be able to provide affordable, quality health care to SAG members.

Why was Rule One extended?

SAG members lose Pension & Health benefits, residuals payments, work safety, and other protections from SAG when they work without a SAG contract. SAG’s bottom line is that SAG must do whatever is necessary to protect the overall earnings and contract provisions that its members have earned.

Where can I report violations of Global Rule One?

Contact Screen Actors Guild at (323) 549-6828 and select the option for either television productions or theatrical productions.

Who should I call if I have further questions about Global Rule One?

You can call (323) 549-6828.

What can I do to make sure that I get a SAG contract abroad?

Ask specifically for a SAG contract. Ask who will be paying you your residuals. Obtain a proper SAG contract and verify the signatory status with the Guild before signing. Contact SAG for assistance.

What will happen to people who violate Global Rule One?

Screen Actors Guild’s purpose in enforcing Global Rule One is to educate members that a union contract is mandatory if SAG is to be able to continue to fully protect them into the future. Members who violate Rule One could be required to appear before a Trial Board conducted by a group of their peers. A Trial Board has the authority to Discipline to impose fines, suspend, or expel a member from the union.

I heard a rumor that Global Rule One is retroactive….is this true?

This is absolutely false. Global Rule One pertains only to work performed after May 1, 2002, and does not affect contracts for work that were signed before May 1, 2002.

Doesn’t Global Rule One only help "big name" actors make more money?

Global Rule One is aimed at helping all SAG actors. All actors benefit equally from the strengthening of the Pension & Health Funds, residuals payments, enhanced safety on location, and increased security that will be the product of this effort.

Does Global Rule One apply to SAG members who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. residents when the work is performed outside of the

SAG members who are foreign nationals, and are not resident in the U.S., may choose to accept employment under a union contract applicable to their country of residence where the production takes place completely outside the U.S. If the production is not signed to the union contract of the performer's country of residence then the performer must work under a SAG contract.

Why is Global Rule One important to me?

Members will be required to ensure that a producer is a SAG signatory and to get a SAG contract wherever they work in order to get the protections of SAG’s agreements, even when working outside of the United States.

What is Global Rule One?

“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 Guild which is in full force and effect.” - from the SAG Constitution

In plain language, that means that a SAG member must always work under a union contract, and must NEVER work non-union.