SAG-AFTRA has inactivated Encompass Talent, LLC’s franchise in the union’s Los Angeles Local, effective at the close of business on October 19, 2026. The union says members may no longer use or deal through the agency.
The change affects more than future representation. SAG-AFTRA says existing agency contracts with Encompass Talent are terminated, subject to the agency’s right to collect commissions earned before the inactivation.
Why it matters
Performers represented by the agency may need to review how they receive residuals and how they handle representation going forward. The union’s notice separates television and theatrical residual authorizations—which it says are automatically terminated—from commercial residual authorizations, which members must terminate directly with the employer or paymaster.
What SAG-AFTRA members should know
- Members may not enter into a new SAG-AFTRA agency contract with Encompass Talent.
- The agency may collect commissions on money earned before the inactivation date.
- The union says commissions are not owed on money earned after the agency contract ended.
- Television and theatrical residual-check authorizations are automatically terminated.
- Commercial residual-check authorizations require action by the performer with the relevant employer or paymaster.
Performers should rely on the union’s notice for the controlling details and contact SAG-AFTRA’s Professional Representatives Department with questions about their individual situation. This report is general information, not legal advice.
The larger context
A SAG-AFTRA franchise allows an agency to represent union performers under the union’s agency regulations. Inactivation means the agency no longer operates as a franchised representative for affected SAG-AFTRA members. For performers, the immediate priority is making sure current representation and payment instructions are clear.
Primary source
Read SAG-AFTRA’s official inactivation notice.
Image: SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles. Photo by ishmael daro via Wikimedia Commons, used under CC BY 2.0. The image is illustrative and does not depict or imply a connection with Encompass Talent.
Update note: Published October 24, 2026, using SAG-AFTRA’s October 19 notice. Spotlight Drive will update this story if the union issues additional public guidance.