SAG-AFTRA members have given a resounding thumbs up to the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), voting 91.42% in favor of the deal.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The deal, which covers film and television production for the next three years, includes a 10.5% increase in minimum basic compensation for SAG-AFTRA members in certain tiers.
Additionally, the agreement establishes a new **1.25%** increase in the residual rate for streaming services, ensuring that actors earn a greater share of revenue from online platforms.
The contract also sets a **$500,000** cap on residual payments for writers and actors, although this cap will be adjusted for inflation over the life of the agreement.
What this means for actors
The approval of this deal means that SAG-AFTRA members can expect higher minimum pay rates for their work on film and television sets, as well as a greater share of the revenue generated by their performances on streaming platforms.
For many actors, this agreement will provide a welcome boost to their income, particularly those working in lower tiers who have long argued that their compensation was below market rate.
The deal also demonstrates the power of collective bargaining in the entertainment industry, where SAG-AFTRA’s representatives have secured vital gains for their members.
Next steps for the industry</hassistant
With the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement ratified, attention will now turn to implementing the deal’s provisions and ensuring that studios and producers adhere to the new compensation structures.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has committed to working closely with SAG-AFTRA to ensure a smooth transition to the new agreement, which will be a key factor in determining its success.
The ratification of this deal is likely to have a positive impact on the entertainment industry as a whole, with higher compensation rates and increased residual payments set to benefit not just SAG-AFTRA members but also the wider workforce.
As the industry continues to evolve in response to changing viewer habits and technological advancements, the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement will provide a vital framework for ensuring fair pay and working conditions for actors, writers, and other talent.
