226 !!Chapter 13
tries. Become familiar with the organizations and unions in their coun-
tries.
Unions and Performing-Rights Societies
The following is a general overview of the main organizations and unions
that directly affect composers, singers, actors, and announcers (perform-
ers) when participating in television and radio commercials.
It can be difficult to determine which union governs a specific job.
There may be two unions involved with one job. For instance, a television
commercial and a radio commercial require separate contracts with differ-
ent unions. The scales and bylaws of the unions differ. When conditions
are questionable, call the unions for information.
SAG
The following information was taken from the SAG website at www
.sag.org. The SAG is a labor union affiliated with the AFL-CIO through the
Associated Actors and Artists of America. Singers in major markets must
join SAG in order to be eligible to perform on commercials. (SAG does not
represent composers or musicians.)
All singers and instrumentalists who act or appear on-screen in com-
mercials, films, music videos, television programs, industrial films, video
games, and all new media formats must be members of the SAG.
Union-scale payments are dissimilar for singers and musicians who
perform only on the recording and do not appear on-screen. (Musicians
are represented from the AFM.) The singers’ rates are based on perform-
ing as a soloist, a duo, or a group of singers of three or more. Doubling
parts increases the payments. They receive residual payment (extended
use) on a per-play basis, as compared with the AFM (musicians) reuse
fees, which are based on 13-week cycles.
Definitions (www.sag.org)
The Producers signatory hereto and the Union confirm their mutual
understanding and agreement that the term ‘‘commercials’’ as used herein
and in all prior agreements between the parties, means and includes, and
has always meant and included, motion pictures whether made on or by
film, tape or otherwise and whether produced by means of motion picture
cameras, electronic cameras or devices, tape devices or any combination
of the foregoing, or any other means, methods or devices now used or
which may hereafter be adopted. The foregoing provision shall be binding
upon advertising agencies signatory hereto or to Letters of Adherence
referred to in Section 56, Letters of Adherence, except only with respect to
commercials made by means of electronic tape or any other electronic