SAG INFO

IMPROPER HIRING TERMS

The Screen Actors Guild {SAG} has learned that certain production companies continue to use the term “Precision Driver”  as categories on employment contracts.  You should know that these terms do not appear in any of the current SAG-Producers Commercials, Television or Theatrical Contracts.  As these terms do not appear in any of our contracts, they are improper contract classifications that may not be used when hiring a professional driver.

The enforcement of a proper classification directly affects safety by defining the difference between “stunt driving” and “non-stunt driving.”  The enforcement of this difference between stunt and non-stunt driving ensures that a performer with the proper skill set and experience is hired.  Having the right driver behind the wheel reduces on-set accidents and increases the safety and comfort level for everyone during production.

Pursuant to the applicable SAG Contracts, a performer engaged to do “stunt driving” must be hired as a “Stunt Performer”  on all employment contracts.  You are entitled to residuals of your driving falls under the Stunt Driving Guidelines under Schedule A, Section EE.9 of the SAG Commercials Contract, and Section 28H. of the SAG-Producers TV and Theatrical Contract.

STUNT DRIVING GUIDELINES

When any of the following conditions occur, a vehicle driver shall qualify as a stunt performer:

(a) When any or all wheels leave the driving surface;

(b) When tire traction is broken, i.e., skids, slides, etc.;

(c) Impaired Vision — when the driver’s vision is substantially impaired by:

(i) Dust or smoke;
(ii) Spray (when driving through water, mud, etc.);
(iii) Blinding lights;
(iv) Restrictive covering of the windshield;
(v) Any other conditions restricting the driver’s normal vision;

(d) If the speed of the vehicle is greater than normally safe for the condition of the driving surface, or
when other conditions such as obstacles or difficulty of terrain exist or off-road driving other than
normal low-speed driving for which the vehicle was designed occurs;

(e) When any aircraft, fixed-wing or helicopter, is flown in close proximity to the vehicle creating
hazardous driving conditions;

(f) When an on-camera principal performer is doubled because the level of driving skill requires a
professional driver, the driver double shall qualify as a stunt performer. This would also apply to
doubling of passengers for the safety of the on-camera principal performer.

(g) Whenever high speed or close proximity of any vehicle creates conditions dangerous to the
driver, passengers, film crew, other people, or the vehicle;

(h) When working in close proximity to pyrotechnics or explosives;

(i) When driving in other than the driver’s seat or blind driving in any form.

CONTRACT TERMS

This is the proper language to be used in the provisions of the contract.

Performer is being engaged as a driver at the session rate set forth in the SAG contact. No use fees or holding fees will be paid, nor will any other terms or conditions of the SAG contract apply, except those pertaining to session and P&H, unless Performer’s services in the commercial as aired constitute an identifiable stunt in accordance with section 6-F of the SAG contract.