What are SAG Residuals / DGA Residuals / WGA Residuals?
Residual payments are compensation due to employees in addition to their initial payment for
the continued use of the work performed under a union contract. Residual payments may be
due once a production is sold or licensed for distribution, depending on the original use of the
production and the Reuse Markets involved.
Who receives SAG residuals?
Only principle performers who are included in the final product are owed residuals, when
residuals are due. Background performers, extras, or performers whose performance was
excluded in the final edit are not owed residuals.
Who Pays SAG residuals?
The signatory entity is primarily responsible for paying out residuals, although in rare instances
the distributor may take on this obligation. Payments are typically processed through the SAG
payroll house to be properly calculated and paid out.
What do Made-for Market and Reuse Market mean?
The union signatory agreement will list the Made-for Market, such as Theatrical, New Media, or
Television, which is based on the intended first use/exhibition. The Reuse Market refers to all
markets the production is made available to for distribution after the Made-for-Market use.
For Theatrical projects, there are no residuals due if the Reuse Market is also Theatrical, even if
the production is being made available in different theatrical markets (such as being licensed
for overseas theatrical use).
Here’s a brief list of Made-for Markets and Reuse Markets for SAG residuals:
