SAG-AFTRA addresses micro-drama trend with new vertical agreement
While the WGA recently told members that work on vertical or small-scale dramas — the latest trend providing a lifeline to budding actors and novice writers — is covered by the Minimum Basic Agreement, SAG-AFTRA today announced a new vertical agreement.
The guild described the deal as “an announced new media contract created specifically to meet the unique needs of small-scale dramas designed for mobile screens.” The full agreement is expected to be unveiled later this month.
Microdramas are bite-sized episodes intended for vertical viewing on mobile. The company started in China during the pandemic but has expanded to the US, where revenue reached $819 million in 2024 and is expected to rise to $3.8 billion by 2030.
Although non-union, small dramas offer decent pay and the ability to work in Los Angeles. And in most cases, it seems to be the only game in town that is routinely hiring: On any given day, the majority of casting calls on Breakdown Services are for short-form dramas that consumers can access via free apps (until subscription time).
Verticals also provide full-time opportunities for writers fresh out of college who want to break into the industry. But observers warn that these are not parties that require high-quality drama.
According to SAG_AFTRA, “The Verticals Agreement covers productions with budgets under $300,000 and is designed to address the fast pace and limited budgets of vertical storytelling, while maintaining strong protections for SAG-AFTRA members.”
“Our members are always looking for good business opportunities. As technology evolves and our industry looks for innovative ways to engage audiences, new formats emerge. SAG-AFTRA sees the emergence of so-called ‘segments’ as an exciting new space. This rapidly evolving format captures our attention and we are here to support our performers as they pursue their craft and participate in this new business model. By offering a contract tailored to meet the unique needs of these Projects, our union meets the moment. “As businesses in verticals experience significant growth, so will our relationship with producers,” said Sean Astin, President of SAG-AFTRA.
“We are pleased to deliver an agreement that reflects the way audiences today consume content while ensuring that performers are protected and supported. This agreement works for the realities of these productions – their pace, budgets and creative ambitions, while maintaining the union’s core standards of protecting performers,” said lead negotiator and national executive Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “Verticals are more than just a new format, they are “It opens up more opportunities to tell new stories and reach new audiences every day.”
Today’s announcement represents a shift from a guild spokesperson’s letter to members at the end of September that stated, “Vertical content producers are definitely SAG-AFTRA covered work and should always be covered by the appropriate SAG-AFTRA agreement. Any vertical content producer who wishes to engage SAG-AFTRA members is encouraged to contact the guild for assistance with coverage for their project.”
Today’s announcement of a more specific agreement should not come as a huge surprise. Astin and Crabtree-Ireland has been proactive recently in addressing newly emerging challenges. Last week, the duo issued a strongly worded statement regarding AI, Sora 2, and “Authorship.”