Understanding the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement Application and How to Apply
Summary
A producer on over 25 independent features gives you a step-by-step guide to how you can get your independent feature film into production with SAG-AFTRA talent during the strike by applying for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application
PLUS! You'll receive a checklist of what you need in place before speaking with talent and investors during the strike.
It can feel like the current SAG-AFTRA strike against the AMPTP has ground the industry to a halt, making it close to impossible even for you independent producers out there to make your films. But that’s not the case. SAG-AFTRA is supporting independent filmmakers who are unaffiliated with the AMPTP and are granting many independent producers a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement that allows you to proceed with your productions while remaining in compliance with the union.
Stage 32 stands firmly with SAG-AFTRA and we are here to teach you the process to apply for a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement so you can try to get your movie shoot under way while properly supporting the union.
Independent movie productions such as the Sam Raimi produced DON’T MOVE starring Finn Whittrock, Ishana Night Shyamalan’s THE WATCHERS starring Dakota Fanning, David Lowery’s MOTHER MARY starring Anne Hathaway and independent TV series such as the faith based global hit THE CHOSEN have all been approved for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and will be in production during the strike.
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the multiple steps you need to go through to apply for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Waiver as well as the essential tools and materials you need to secure financing, cast union actors once approved for the waiver, and secure distribution channels for your film even in these times of industry unrest.
Navigating you through the process is Michelle Alexandria, PGA member and producer at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked as a producer, executive producer on numerous feature films. Michelle has lectured on the topic of raising film financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlinale, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Michelle currently has multiple independent feature films on the runway to production and applications pending with SAG-AFTRA to be able to use SAG-AFTRA talent in her films.
PLUS! You will receive exclusive handouts to help you make your film during the current strike. Downloads include:
- Checklist of what you need before speaking with talent and investors during the strike
Filmmakers, writers, producers, and actors are resilient. It is in these very challenging times that true creativity and innovation shine through if you know how to comply with the industry unions and work with them, not against them, to make your movie.
*This webinar is purely informational. SAG-AFTRA is not in any way associated with this webinar and participation in this webinar does not guarantee any particular outcome with SAG-AFTRA.
Praise For Michelle's Stage 32 Teaching
"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K
“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.
"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.
What You'll Learn
- What is the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application?
- Why it matters, and how you can use it
- How To Complete the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application
- Do we qualify to apply? Are we an Indie Film?
- When and where do we apply?
- What materials do we need when applying?
- How long does the application process take?
- While Your SAG-AFTRA Interim Application Is Pending, What Materials Can You Put Together While Waiting For Your Approval?
- Preparing the basics
- Artwork
- Loglines
- Synopsis
- Cast lists
- Production Schedule
- Production budget
- Development funds
- One Sheets alongside your presentation deck.
- While Your SAG-AFTRA Interim Application Is Pending, What Can You Do To Move Your Film Forward?
- What are the rules - do’s and don’ts in the current climate
- Negotiations
- Contracts
- Press
- Film Festivals
- Building your film’s team
- How To Approach And Talk To Investors During the Strike
- What materials to lead with
- How the strike can work to your advantage
- How to make your investor feel comfortable in a strike
- What materials do you need to present to your potential investors?
- Q&A with Michelle
Who Should Attend
Producers looking to understand the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application during the current strike.
Producers looking to apply for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application during the current strike.
Filmmakers looking to make their film during the current SAG-AFTRA strike in compliance with the union by applying for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application.
All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to get their film made during the current SAG-AFTRA strike by applying for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement.
Actors who want to take charge of their career by acting in a film during the current SAG-AFTRA strike by applying to the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application.
Executive
Michelle Alexandria is a Producer and Executive Producer at Light Year Pictures, having produced, financed, and distributed numerous feature films for over 20 years in global film markets. She has been Head of Int Sales and Acquisitions at reputable companies over the years selling feature films worldwide.
A member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), Michelle is an active presence at major international markets including Cannes, Berlin, AFM, MIP, and Ventana Sur, working directly with financiers, distributors, and global partners.
Michelle recently filmed in Rome on the high-profile feature Maserati: The Brothers, starring Al Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Alba, Andy Garcia, and Michele Morrone, directed by Academy Award® winner Bobby Moresco (CRASH – BEST PICTURE).
She is currently the lead producer, alongside partner Tane McClure, on the family true story feature Ethan Almighty – Ethan’s Law, starring Selma Blair (LEGALLY BLONDE, HELLBOY), Sean Patrick Flannery (THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, NEFARIOUS), and Trevor Donovan (REAGAN, DANCING WITH THE STARS).
Michelle also recently filmed in Tuscany, Italy on the character driven drama Before We Leave Tuscany, starring Lili Bordán (BOOK CLUB, THE NUN) which has since secured distribution.
Throughout her producing career, Michelle has worked with notable talent including Jaime King (HART OF DIXIE), Frank Whaley (PULP FICTION), Chase Coleman (THE CW’S THE ORIGINALS), Denise Richards (THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH), Jennifer Taylor & Kelly Stables (TWO AND A HALF MEN), and Priscilla Barnes (JANE THE VIRGIN, THREE’S COMPANY).
Internationally, Michelle works closely with producing and financing partners across Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Italy, maintaining strong cross border relationships that support global packaging and distribution strategy.
In addition to hands on producing, Michelle consults with independent filmmakers on talent packaging, navigating international film markets, financing structure, and positioning projects for successful distribution.
Michelle also serves on the advisory board of the Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF) and continues to champion emerging filmmakers through industry panels and market mentorship.
Testimonials
"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K
“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.
"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.
Credits
