SAG-AFTRA holding fees explained
A holding fee keeps the right to use a commercial with a principal performer for each 13-week fixed cycle, whether or not it airs. The session fee is...
- Senior team, personal service
- SAG-AFTRA commercials signatory
The short answer
A holding fee keeps the right to use a commercial with a principal performer for each 13-week fixed cycle, whether or not it airs. The session fee is generally credited against the first cycle, and holding fees typically equal the session fee rate. Stop paying and you generally must release the performer.
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Sources: 2025 Commercials Contract rate sheets, Year 2; JPC Year 2 bulletin; SAG-AFTRA Contracts Toolkit. General information, not legal advice.
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- Senior team, personal service
- SAG-AFTRA commercials signatory