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United Scenic Artists

The Representative Voice
of Designers and Scenic Artists

How to File a Union Project Agreement (UPA)

UPAs provide coversheets and, in the case of the Standard Design Agreement, contract terms, language and rates for Employers or jobs not otherwise covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Requirements for filing a Union Project Agreement:

  1. The contract must be for work in the entertainment industry, which may include themed entertainment, hotel and restaurant venues, trade show, industrials and expositions.

  2. The contract must be with a legitimate business entity that has a Federal Employer Identification Number that appears on all coversheets and benefit reports.

  3. Checks must be business or corporate checks with the name and address of the employer imprinted. No other forms of payment will be accepted.

  4. The contract must be submitted on a Union form contract (Cover Sheet), which is available for download.

  5. The printed Cover Sheet form may not be altered in any way; to do so renders the contract void.

  6. Riders with additional terms may be attached to the Cover Sheet, so long as they do not contradict any of the terms on the Cover Sheet.

  7. Two separate checks for the Pension and Welfare funds, in the aggregate amount of 22% of the gross compensation, must be attached to the contract when submitted to the appropriate regional union office based on the employer's location. Ten percent (10%) pension should be made out to the United Scenic Artists Pension Fund and twelve percent (12%) welfare to the IATSE National Health and Welfare Fund. Contributions are not acceptable on personal checks, and participants may not make contributions on their own behalf even when working for their own company. Employers or members with any questions should call the appropriate Union Business Representative.

  8. New Employers must submit a completed Company Data Sheet when filing their first UPA.

 

Project Only Agreement

This interactive document contains the minimum promulgated language the Union will accept for work done by Designers and Artists in the entertainment industry, where no term agreement (or Collective Bargaining Agreement) is in place.

 

Standard Design Agreement

 

Member Resources

Members may access the Suggested Contract Language & Terms page where they will find:

  • A Checklist of important terms to include in your contract
  • Suggested Language for your Designer contracts
  • A sample Rider for a Project Only Agreement
  • A Language Guide for Audio Drama + Digital Media

 

A note about academic institutions

Some academic institutions have difficulty signing union contracts due to state regulations or other reasons. In such cases, an agreement may be filed through the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). U/RTA provides services as Employer of Record to academic institutions on behalf of USA 829 members. Contact a Business Representative for details of this program.

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