When working as a “Distant Hire,” it’s essential to understand your rights and benefits as the employer has responsibilities for your salary, travel, meals, incidentals, and accommodations. Listed below are some of the parameters, including information on the Per Diem rate that became effective in December of 2025.
DEFINING “DISTANT HIRE”
A “Distant Location” is one where your employment requires you to remain away from your home and be lodged overnight. If you are working on a Distant Location, you are a “Distant Hire.”
Please Note: For information about “Distant Hire” provisions under the Commercial agreement contact Commercials@dga.org.
As productions become more complex, so do the production schedules and employment periods. Assignments are frequently longer, take place in multiple geographic locations and occasionally include hiatuses during the production schedule.
PER DIEM
The Basic Agreement states that travel, meals, and accommodation on location shall be first class or the best obtainable. Per diem is the most common means by which Employers handle meal obligations, which must be provided every day you are on distant location at the behest of the employer, including unworked weekends. Per diem is not owed if meals are provided or meal expenses are reimbursed.
Per diem shall be no less than the standard minimums afforded to other unionized crew in order to be considered “first class.” For purposes of per diem, the SAG-AFTRA per diem minimum as of December 14, 2025, is $75 per day.
- FLTTA amounts may vary based on region.
If you have issues or questions, contact your Field Rep or the Contracts Department at contracts@dga.org or (310) 289-2010.
Understanding the DGA contracts helps maintain the integrity of your creative process and ensures a collaborative, respectful production environment. Contract provisions are only effective when they are enforced, and we all play a key role in protecting our collective rights. The Guild and your fellow members need you to do your part by standing firm on the contract’s requirements and asserting your rights when necessary. If you have questions or concerns or want to learn more, please contact the DGA Contracts Department at 310-289-2010.
