Attorney-drafted non-union performer agreement for independent film productions.
This Non-Union Performer Agreement is a professional actor contract designed for independent filmmakers who need clear ownership, usage rights, and clean chain of title — without relying on generic templates or union paperwork.
What Is a Non-Union Performer Agreement?
A Non-Union Performer Agreement is a written contract between a producer and an actor that governs the performer’s services, compensation, credit, and—most importantly—the transfer of rights in the performance.
Even when working outside SAG-AFTRA, producers must secure:
- ownership of the performance
- permission to use the actor’s name and likeness
- festival, marketing, and distribution rights
Without a properly drafted performer agreement, an actor may retain legal rights in their performance — creating serious issues during distribution or delivery.
Why Independent Films Need a Proper Performer Agreement
Why Independent Films Need a Proper Performer Agreement
Independent productions often rely on informal deals or release forms early on.
That works — until it doesn’t.
Distributors, insurers, and platforms require clear chain of title, which includes:
- a written performer agreement
- express work-for-hire language
- assignment of rights
- publicity and likeness permissions
This agreement is drafted to meet those expectations from day one, so your film is protected if it grows.
Why This Performer Agreement Is Different
This is not a stock actor release or fill-in-the-blank form.
This agreement:
- Is attorney-drafted, not auto-generated
- Uses clear, professional language
- Covers modern production realities
- Scales with success, festivals, and distribution
- Is suitable for shorts, features, and digital productions
Common Mistakes Filmmakers Make With Performer Agreements
- Assuming “non-union” means no contract is needed
Even non-union performers retain rights unless transferred in writing. - Using releases instead of performer agreements
Releases don’t cover compensation, services, or exclusivity. - Forgetting name and likeness permissions
Marketing, festivals, and streamers require express publicity rights. - Ignoring future success
Viral films often expose weak paperwork years later.
Want to Learn More?
👉 Don’t Just Get a Release Form – Protect Your Film with a Real Performer Agreement
FAQ
A Non-Union Performer Agreement is a contract between an independent producer and an actor working outside SAG-AFTRA or other unions. It defines the performer’s services, compensation, credit, and rights.
Yes. Stock agreements only cover union performers. Any additional non-union talent should still be contracted to ensure clear rights and obligations.
Yes. It secures usage rights and confirms that the producer owns the performance for all media, while the performer retains no independent distribution rights.
Yes. Budget does not determine whether a contract is legally required. This agreement is designed to work at any production scale.
This agreement is drafted to support clean chain of title, which is what distributors, insurers, and platforms review during delivery.
